Fascinating France Video

France is a country with a long and dramatic history. A country of unique flair and picturesque old towns, fortresses and castles and also a country of beautiful landscapes. Today, Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. First established by the Celts, it was next used strategically by the Romans and then was the domain of the Sun King. Paris is not a city but a feeling of joie de vivre! Avenue des Champs-Elysees is the French metropolis' magnificent avenue and surely one of the most beautiful in the world, with wide boulevards, shady corners and large volumes of traffic.

With its historic buildings, the eighty metre high granite mound of Le Mont-Saint-Michel is like something from a fairy tale. The Emerald Coast is a world of foaming white surf and dramatic cliffs. Saint Malo is the proud and solemn "Town Of Corsairs" as the yacht harbour of today once contained pirate ships. The historic centre of Nice, Vielle Ville, has maintained its charm and boasts the most well displayed fish market on the whole Cote D`Azur and a fruit and flower market that each day offers fresh produce and satisfies all the requirements of its most demanding customers. This is a journey to many corners of France - a fascinating journey not to be missed!

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Take a Video Tour of Calvi

Take a tour of Calvi Citadel in Calvi, France - part of the World's Greatest Attraction. The northwest of the French island of Corsica boasts the towering Citadel of Calvi. Perched atop an imposing headland, this monument affords fantastic views of the town and surrounding Mediterranean Sea. Though a walk to the top of the Citadel is an effort, the faded majesty of the structures found inside the citadel are a testament to its age and importance. This town within a town was originally a military outpost, built by the Genoese during the 13th century. The former house of the governor, the town hall, and the town college can all be found behind the walls of this magnificent structure. The Citadel holds historical, aesthetic, and sentimental value for locals and visitors alike.

Inspired to look at property on Corsica?

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French Property of the Week - Ancient Water Mill in the Lot, France

This property has to be viewed to appreciate this very special watermill - superb setting. Owner anxious to sell just reduced from 427,000 to just 267,000 euros.

An ancient watermill, renovated and set in idyllic gardens of 1.25 acres with swimming pool and stream near Montcuq, Lot. The current owner has gone to great lengths to create a beautiful, natural environment for this lovely old watermill. Harmoniously renovated accommodation with beams, exposed stone and tiled floors.

A bridge over the stream leads to gardens with swimming pool and guest cottage with living room and corner kitchen, bedroom and shower room, Sauna. Pretty pigeonnier.

Full details: Lot Ancient Mill

Video: Explore the Lot Valley by Canoe

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Top 12 Ski Resorts in France

The ski season is in full swing but perhaps you are planning a trip for Valentines Day or the forthcoming half-term break. Where to go? Here are the top 12 location favoured by the Brits.

1. Tignes: Sharing the Espace Killy with neighbouring Val d’Isere, you have access to a whopping 320km of trails. One of the highest in altitude, Tignes offers some of the best snow sure action in France. Tip: the Naturide area is halfway between piste and powder: the perfect place to start on your off-piste career. Try our award-winning Cham 87 powder skis float like a butterfly over the deep stuff.

2. Courchevel: Not just for the rich and wealthy, though this is a prime spot for celeb spotting, Courchevel boasts excellent groomed pistes and skiing for all levels and a fun area for kids. Tip: head to the Saulire which will take you to the highest point (2738m) and cruise down the sunny side to Meribel, or take a trickier red back to Courchevel.

3. La Plagne: Recently linked up with neighbouring Les Arcs to create the massive Paradiski area, La Plagne’s reputation has exploded. Its relatively flat typography makes it great for beginners and intermediates but it holds some epic off piste rides especially if you add in Les Arcs’ secret powder stashes. Tip: hire a guide and do the runs down to Champagny or head over to the trees of Paisey if the clouds descend: the pines will give you definition in a white-out.

4. La Tania
5. Les Arcs
6. Meribel
7. Val d’Isere
8. Val Thorens
9. Les Menuires
10. Avoriaz
11. Morzine
12. Les Gets

Full Article: Top 20 French Ski Resorts Loved by us Brits

Take a video tour of the La Plagne Ski Resort

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Visiting Champagne-Ardenne

Viator have an interesting article about the Champagne region - apart from just drinking Champagne (so who needs as excuse?)

Why should you visit the Champagne Region?

It’s called Champagne for a reason – why wouldn’t you want to go to the source of the world’s favorite bubbly beverage?

Where’s a good base in the Champagne Region?

The largest city is Reims, which is worth visiting even if you don’t explore the region further. There’s plenty of history here, from Roman times through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and up to the 20th-century Foujita Chapel. Many of the region’s Champagne houses have offices, stores and tasting rooms in Reims.

Other choices include:

•     Châlons-en-Champagne, the capital of the region and home to the 12th-century Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Châlons as well as Notre-Dame-en-Vaux church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
•     Troyes, a pedestrian’s delight with half-timbered homes and the bizarrely asymmetrical Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Troyes
•     Épernay, where you can attend Champagne tastings from all the famous labels along the L’Avenue de Champagne before or after taking a tour of Champagne’s vineyards

Read full article at Visiting the Champagne Region from Paris

Video exploring Champagne-Ardenne (french commentary but lovely visuals)

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Invest in Perpignan

ANSAmed reports: Perpignan is brushing off its image as the friendly capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales and remodeling itself as a hotbed for investment and tourism. Its new trademark, which will also apply to the surrounding villages and towns who, along with Perpignan have extended into a community agglomerate, is "naturally competitive". Or in other words, a good place to do business. High speed train links are the first area to come under the marketing spotlight. Last month Spain inaugurated a new super-speed train-line between Barcelona and Figueres, a large town close to the French border, which has been connected to Perpignan via high speed train links (TGV) since 2010. As a result there are currently two trains a day to Perpignan, making it possible to hop from Gaudi to the Pyrénées in one 80 minute swoop. "The arrival of the TGV amounts to a leap in quality" - said Jean-Paul Auldy, President of the community agglomeration of Perpignan.
Read full article: France: Perpignan remodels itself as hotbed for investment

Around Perpignan, you will discover sandy beaches, Mount Canigou, skiing, Yellow Train, historic architecture and spectacular views. As well as the TGV there are excellent transport links via autoroutes and local airports. Perpignan is located close to the Mediterranean sea in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Enjoy a Video Tour of Perpignan:

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Free Attractions in Paris

Travel to Paris, accommodation, food & drink and places to visit can be quite expensive - so here are some suggestions to keep the costs in check! Enjoy Paris on the cheap with free attractions to visit.

City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise…Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a very cheap date.

Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by our top 20 must-sees.

They are all are completely gratuit, letting you save the euros for the really important stuff: wine, cheese and a flashing Eiffel Tower keyring you’ll regret the minute you return home.

1. Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Paris
Festooned with gargoyles and gothic touches, this imposing Parisian icon is essential for every visitor. Entering this grand medieval edifice is free but if you can’t bear the queue then stroll along the Seine nearby for an alternate view of its spiky apse and naturalist sculptures.

2. Le Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen
Window-shopping (or lécher les vitrines to the locals) is a great way to take an indulgent peek at objets d’art and wild curiosities you’d never actually buy. The flea market and antiques fair St-Ouen is the perfect place to let your imagination run riot. Marvel at bearskin rugs, antique tapestries and brass diving bells in this decadently eccentric marketplace. (But try to keep your eyebrow-raising in check when you look at the price tags.) Hop off the métro at Porte de Clignancourt and continue under the bridge until the souvenir stalls give way to side streets crammed with beautiful buys.
3. Le Champ de Mars
A lift to the peak of the Eiffel Tower can squeeze the budget at €13.40 per ticket, but luckily the views below are just as stunning. Le Champ de Mars has lawns and flowerbeds manicured with military precision (as you’d expect from a former army marching ground). Bring a blanket, wine and the best brie you can find to this expanse of greenery and wait for the light show at dusk to set La Tour Eiffel a-twinkle.

4. Père Lachaise Cemetery
5. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
6. Marché d’Aligre
7. Basilique du Sacré Coeur
8. Musée Carnavalet
9. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
10. Montparnasse Cemetery
11. Parc Monceau
12. Canal St-Martin
13. Atelier Brancusi
14. Arènes de Lutèce
15. Rue Mouffetard
16. Belleville
17. La Promenade Plantée
18. Théâtre du Lucernaire
19. Le Marais
20. Jardin des Tuileries

Read more about the other 17 free attractions: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/paris/travel-tips-and-articles/76886?affil=twit#ixzz2Jvn9pm3e

Top Attractions in Paris - Video

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Video: Garden of Versailles

The Gardens of Versailles occupy part of what was once the Domaine royal de Versailles, the royal demesne of the château of Versailles. Situated to the west of the palace, the gardens cover some 800 hectares of land, much of which is landscaped in the classic French Garden style perfected here by Linnea. In addition to the meticulous manicured lawns, parterres of flowers, and sculptures are the fountains, which are located throughout the garden

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Where do you stand on Depardieu? Video Debate

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Marseille is European Capital of Culture in 2013!

Did you know that Marseille was European Capital of Culture in 2013? No it had escaped me too. But I guess the publicity machine will grind into action. Here is a report from The South of France Blog talking about this very fact .....

Marseille: City on the Verge of a Culture Buzz…

Things are changing fast in Marseille. The southern city, still sometimes called “the Naples of France” for its reputation as being messy and unruly, is undergoing a major facelift, and Zaha Hadid’s aquamarine high-rise overlooking the industrial port is but one sign of this rapid transformation.

In 2009, the contemporary art spaces’ network Marseille Expos began Le Printemps de l’art contemporain, a three-day event during which daily itineraries focus on the city’s key artsy neighborhoods. The initiative quickly found its audience: the first year it attracted 3,000 people, the second 5,000. More than 7,000 art enthusiasts were expected for the third edition, which ends this weekend.

Marseille’s forthcoming status as European Capital of Culture in 2013 doubtless contributes to the momentum: here is a not-to-be missed chance to upgrade the city’s cultural infrastructure, expand on its existing artistic landscape and dream of what it could become. “Among all the French cities that applied to be European Capital of Culture, Marseille was the one which needed it most,” said Bernard Latarjet, the former director of Marseille-Provence 2013 (the organization in charge of the event), who spearheaded the city’s application.

Read the full article and enjoy the lovely photos too: Marseille: European Capital of Culture in 2013

Explore Marseille Video:

Nestled between the sea and hills, Marseille is a surprising, seasonless and enthusiastic city. Founded 2600 years ago, the oldest city in France combines the richness of its unique heritage with a vibrant cultural life in one exceptional site.As France's second largest city, Marseille recalls the values of sharing that have shaped its territory for centuries, maintaining in its name "Marseille" the memory of the ancient Greek from Asia Minor that participated in its founding.

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Climate Change: "French Wine" Growing in S England?

What effect will Climate Change have on wine production in France? Why are the French buying land in the south of England? Champagne grapes gown in England? Sacre Bleu - whatever next?

From rising shorelines to devastating hurricanes, the visible effects scientists say climate change is wreaking on daily life no longer surprise many people around the world.

The French have their own take on just how radically life may change.

"In 20 years, the English will be making Grenache from Chateauneuf-du-Pape," says Herve Lethielleux, co-owner of L'Etiquette, a wine boutique in central Paris, about a wine variety from subtropical southeastern France.

That's because the changing climate is affecting the delicate balance of weather, soil and other factors that are central to the production one of their main commodities, something that's already had a visible effect elsewhere around the globe.

Read the full article from CNBC: Climate Change Threatens French Wine

Video: Oz & James Drink to Britain

Oz & James try English Sparkling Wines!

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Quick Guide to Cassis France

No we are not thinking the drink (but why not not) - lets explore the Port and lovely coves around the resort.

Cassis is a small fishing port about 15 miles east of Marseille. This seaside resort is right at the foot of a very tall cliff called Cap Canaille. There is a fine sandy beach just outside the port. The harbour is overlooked by the old Chateaux de la Maison des Baux.

The port still has some fishing boats as well as yachts and tourist boats. Which are for visiting the calanques a bit like the fjords in Norway well worth seeing. The trip takes about 40 mins each way. The port is full of cafes and restaurants. The town is a nice place to walk around with its old houses and the hotel de ville in the square.

Full article and more Photos: Cassis photos and guide

Explore Cassis Video

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Idyllic Property beside River in foothills of Pyrenees - French Property of the Week

This home will delight nature lovers and fishing. In the Pyrenees this charming late 18th century retreat will enthrall you.

No work is anticipated for this house with exposed wood, walls and frames where a period style has bee preserved.

A further studio of 15m ² located on the ground has a living room with kitchenette and bathroom. It offers 2-3 additional beds.

Town:     Sud De Tarbes
Department:     Hautes-Pyrenees
Region:     Midi-Pyrenees
Price:     €133,000

Further details and photos: Idyllic Retreat Pyrenees

Video: Explore Hautes-Pyrenees

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Reflections on Xmas in the South of France

Enjoy some reflections on Christmas in the South of France courtesy of francesouth.com ...

These are small colourful hand-made Christmas figures part of a typical French Nöel crèche (Christmas Nativity scene), made in the South of France. The idea was started by an artist in Marseille and quickly spread through Provence and Languedoc Roussillon.

The traditional nativity scene includes figures representing the characters from local village life such as the baker, the fisherman, the butcher, the blind man, the shepherd, the parish priest, the flower seller, the storyteller and the chestnut seller etc etc! Typical santon scenes include musicians and dancers who dance the farandole with joined hands.

There are two types of Provençal santons: santons d’argile (hand-painted clay figures) and santons habilles (figures dressed in real clothes and carrying real baskets, lavender, fishing nets etc).

Read complete article and enjoy the photos: Christmas in the South of France

Video: Enjoy some more Xmas Sights: Rick Steves' European Christmas Part 5: France
From Paris to Burgundy, Christmas is the stuff of dreams, where rich sounds of medieval carols abound, simple rituals are shared by families and friends, and where, when days are short and nights are long, it's customary to leave a light in the window.

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On Your Bike: France Touring

Cycling has always been popular in France but now the UK seems to be catching up fast after Wiggos success in the 2012 Tour and the UK's Olympic dominance in the Velodrome. So here is an interesting article from familyonbikes.org

1. Cycle Champagne country

France is famous for many things but its vineyards are one of its most notable features, from the Champagne region in the north to the Languedoc in the sunnier south. Situated in the north east of the country, Champagne region is near the country’s borders with Belgium and Luxembourg. Famous for producing around 250 million bottles of sparkling wine every year, the region also offers excellent cycling. Head towards Reims or Epernay to visit some of the finest vineyards, cellars and Champagne houses to learn more about the history and processes – indeed, Epernay boasts the wonderful Avenue de Champagne, a street lined by several of the biggest names in Champagne.

Situated where it is, Champagne is also handily positioned for the capital Paris so you could always start or finish your trip there. The excellent French railway system can have you from Paris to Champagne in around 45 minutes, with a direct train to Reims. If you’d rather not have the hassle of taking bikes on the train, it’s easy to hire them near the station in Reims.

2. Cycle Brittany

For a more family-friendly cycling break through beautiful rolling countryside or along stunning coast, the north-western region of France is perfect. Most of Brittany of very rural and this offers a network of quieter roads to cycle, with numerous small villages, hotels and restaurants to stop at along the way. Here you can find Parisien-quality food at a fraction of the price.

Brittany, as with most of France, is also blessed with numerous campsites so there’s always somewhere to pitch for the night, ideal if you’re traveling with children. The region also offers 840km of green routes, along old railway lines, through forests and such, which is again a great, safe way to cycle as a family. It’s also worth noting that there are companies that can plan child-friendly bike routes and accommodation for you if you’d rather let someone else do the organizing.

Read more and discover how to cycle a stage of Le Tour: Enjoy France By Bike: from Champagne to Le Tour

Video: Cycling around France

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France Tourism Videos

Animoto offer a great service for creating short videos of tourist places or even homes for sale. They have a free service that allows for creating a video about 30 seconds long.

You can upload your own photos or videos to include in the new video. They have a selection of copyright free music to add as an accompaniment. The editing facilities are easy to use, and allow the choice of a professional template to enhance your video. The overall result is quite appealing. Here are a couple of examples that took just a few minutes to complete.

Both feature a short glimpse at two departments in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Aude Video

Pyrenees-Orientales Video

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Paris in Top 20 Locations for New Year's Eve

Are you making plans to celebrate New Years Eve. How about visiting gay Paris?

Paris lives up to its ‘city of lights’ nickname come New Year’s Eve, with fireworks dazzling the city streets and thousands of party-goers hitting the streets, bars and clubs to see in the Nouvelle Anné. In the heart of the city, the Eiffel Tower forms the centerpiece for a spectacular lightshow and fireworks display, and the surrounding Champs-Elysees area comes alive with a massive street party. Expect handfuls of popping papillotes (chocolates that set off like firecrackers when opened), lots of obligatory cheek kissing and gallons of France’s most popular export – Champagne.

For less-crowded celebrations, get a great view of the fireworks from the Montmartre artist district; take a romantic boat cruise along the Seine or tuck into a decadent New Year’s menu at the infamous Moulin Rouge.

For list of Top 20 Locations: 20 New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World

Video: New Years Eve Paris

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Video: Eiffel Tower At Night

Enjoy the spectacular Eiffel Tower in Paris, France at night!

At night, the Eiffel Tower is enlighted on the opposite bank of the river La Seine. Let's enjoy this romantic and lovely view. Feel the atmosphere of an old city full of history. French people are passing by, an ancient carousel glows in the night... Breathe and take your time, cause you're in Paris France. The Jardins du Trocadero (Trocadero's Garden) were created for the international exhibition of arts in 1937. They are a perfect exemple of the french gardens, with pool, fountains and geometrical shaped trees. If you want to access this beautiful place, you can use the metro station located near by "Trocadero" or "Pont de l'Alma" RER C Line.

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The Colours of Nice, France Video

Fun Travel Guide to Nice and it's culture, what to see, what to do in Nice, France. Enjoy the Azur blue - find about the colours of old Nice, and the "light" that attracted artists such as Matisse. This Video log will take you traveling around Nice to show you it's fine art and must see monuments and why you should visit Nice.

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Places to Visit in France for Xmas Events

ALuxuryTravelBlog have come up with a list of places to visit in the lead up to Xmas. So do you need an excuse for a holiday break to France?

In Alsace, head for Strasbourg‘s Christmas market, Christkindelsmarik, the oldest in Europe, from 26th November to 31st December, where there will be live concerts to add to the already buzzing streets.

In Auvergne, go to Clermont-Ferrand where you will find small chalets sell local arts and crafts, wines and regional foods. Alongside this is entertainment for children and even Father Christmas’s house!

In Burgundy, the market at Saint-Bris-le-Vineux brings together the best food producers in the region from 19th-24th December 2012, along with craftsmen and artists for a gastronomic event.

In Languedoc-Roussillon, there will be a Catalan market in Perpignan on 3rd December 2012 with a programme filled with family-friendly activities, as well as an ice rink.

In Midi-Pyrénées, visitors can admire the twinkly lights and its Henri IV courtyard garnished with fairy-like decorations in Toulouse from 30th November to 26th December 2012.

In Nord-Pas-de-Calais, from 21st November to 30th December 2012, the main square in Lille will be transformed with chalets, a Ferris wheel and an 18 metre-high Christmas tree.

In Provence, in the heart of Avignon, the Christmas market will host about fifty craftsmen and merchants in small chalets on the Place de l’Horloge from 24th November 2012 to 1st January 2013.

In Rhone-Alps, a magical market in Lyon will put on Christmas music and carol performances along with local food specialties, from 24th November to 30th December 2012.

Complete List: 10 places to be in France in the run-up to Christmas

Video: Xmas Markets in Provence

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