Driving in France Update

Official Website for Tourism in France has published an excellent article about Driving in France

Some important changes for 2012 ...

Breathalysers

From 1 July 2012 drivers of all motor vehicles and motorcycles (excluding mopeds) must carry a breathalyser. The regulation will be enforced in March 2013. Anyone stopped who fails to produce a breathalyser when requested will receive an on the spot fine of €11.The official announcement states that one unused, certified breathalyser must be produced showing the French certification mark NF. Carrying two single-use breathalysers will ensure that if one is used or damaged, you will still have a spare to produce. The breathalyser produced has to be in date - single-use breathalysers normally have a validity of twelve months.

Satnav and speed camera alerts

Since 3 January 2012 French laws have prohibited drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras. This includes products or devices able to warn or inform of the location of speed cameras e.g. satnav or gps systems capable of showing speed camera sites as Points of Interest.
If you have a satnav capable of displaying French camera locations in France then you must at least disable camera alerts. Contact the manufacturer for advice too as a software or database update is likely to be available that will remove camera data for France from the device.If you have a satnav system built into your car then contact the vehicle manufacturer in the first instance.

Other topics covered:

• Documents to take
• GB sticker
• Use of the warning triangle and safety vest
• Speed limits
• Penalties
• Driving with children
• Headlights
• Eurotunnel
• Finding Your Way
• Times to avoid

Full article: Driving in France

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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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Why the Languedoc-Roussillon is SO Popular!

The Languedoc-Roussillon is my favorite area of France - so many different landscapes: mountains, sandy beaches, rugged hinterland, vineyards, sandy beaches, historic treasures plus magnificent climate. For places to visit explore the fabulous tourist board for Languedoc-Roussillon. Compared with Provence is a much cheaper area to buy a property especially in the villages away from the coast.

Here are some videos to give you a taste of the region. First an overview of the Languedoc-Roussillon region:

And some of the departments - 1st my favourite: Pyrenees-Orientales:

And then nearby Aude:

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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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France: Public Holidays 2013

This years Public Holidays in France.

Tuesday January 1st 2013     New Years Day    
Monday April 1st 2013     Easter Monday 
Wednesday May 1st 2013     Labour Day    
Wednesday May 8th 2013     V-E Day    
Thursday May 9th 2013     Ascension Day
Sunday May 19th and Monday May 20th 2013     Whit Sunday and Whit Monday
Sunday July 14th 2013     Bastille Day    
Thursday August 15th 2013     Assumption Day    
Friday November 1st 2013     All Saints Day    
Monday November 11th 2013     Armistice Day    
Wednesday December 25th 2013     Christmas Day

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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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Site Seeing around the Medieval City of Carcassonne

There are two sightseeing trips we liked, a small train takes you round the walls.

The other is a horse drawn carriage ride around the old buildings.You can also go on mini bus day trips at 27 B Rue frederic mistral 11570. Both take about 20 mins and have a audio in several languages to explain what you are seeing.The town has a good choice of restaurants in all price ranges

Carsassonne Walls
In the walled area there is a selection of shops where you can watch craftsmen working. The city has a Cathedral dating back to the 14th century some parts to the 11th century. The Museum of Chivalry, Arms and Archery has some interesting exhibits.The museum of the Middle Ages shows you how to defend or attack a medieval castle.

Carcassonne makes a good base to tour the area it is not to far from Spain. Or the South of France and the Mediterranean coast.

Most of the popular hotel chains have hotels in the area. There are campsites or you could stay in a Gite just outside the town as we did. That way you can enjoy the local fresh produce and a glass or two of wine. In your own garden or by the pool after a hard days sightseeing.

Read full article and enjoy more photos: The medieval city of Carcassonne France

Take a video tour of the medieval city of Carcassonne

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5 Spectacular Locations in SW France?

You may not have heard of these locations in France - but they are well worth a visit

1) Les Eyzies de Tayac-Sireuil
2) Lascaux II Caves
3) Sarlat-la-Canéda
4) Gouffre de Padirac
5) Bergerac

Here is the introduction to Sarlat ....

Sarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir, is situated in the heart of a forested area – to the east of the great region of the Aquitaine and close to the Dordogne valley.

The name Sarlat itself, evokes both gastronomic and cultural pleasures. Its worldwide reputation is linked with its rich history from the Middle Ages onwards. Its evolution over the centuries has left it with an exceptional heritage.

Sarlat was the first place in France to be safeguarded by being restored under the Malraux law of 1964. Its classification as Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Artistic and Historic Town), is testament to its high architectural quality. Its medieval lanes and its large, sunny squares, particularly lively on market days, create an agreeable atmosphere.

Since 1928, cinema producers have found the authentic surroundings a perfect backdrop for historic films. The guided visits to the town, given by the Tourist Office, offer an introduction into the history of Sarlat and the opportunity to discover the charm of this medieval city with its Occitan overtones.

Sarlat has been awarded the exceptional three star classification by the Michelin Guide, making it equal to Europe’s most beautiful cities.

To read about the other locations and photos: 5 spectacular places in France that you may never heard of before

Video: Take a Tour of Sarlat

Sarlat is the pedestrian-friendly main town of France's Dordogne River valley. It's just the right size: everything in town is within an easy meander along traffic-free, cobblestone lanes lined with foie gras shops, and tourists.

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Round of Golf in France?

Not a lot of great French Golfers on tour at the moment but that should not reflect on the qulaity of courses across France. So pack your bags and head to France ...

Once you get to France, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the Golf Pass system, which allows you to make savings when playing more than one course in a certain region. For example, head to Biarritz, Bordeaux, Médoc, Arcachon, Languedoc-Roussillon, Limousin or Provence – amongst many others – and you have the pick of the best courses around at a reduced rate.

Meanwhile, with the Golf Pass Paris North, you can enjoy a stay at the three-star Golf Hotel Mont Griffon and play three of the areas most striking and challenging courses: Golf de l’Isle d’Adam, Golf de Raray and Golf de Mont Griffon.

Many of the country’s leading courses are set in the grounds of lovely country house hotels and châteaux, so why not make a special stay out of it – for example, Château des Vigiers in the Dordogne is a hotel, golf club and spa all set in 450 acres of beautiful countryside. The offer a range of short break deals, such as five nights for the price of four, as well as a special gourmet package. Perhaps couples might enjoy this idea – he plays golf while she relaxes in the spa!

Further south at St Cyr Sur Mer, between Marseille and Toulon, is the lovely Dolce Frégate Provence resort that has two superb courses – one 18-hole, the other 9-hole – overlooking the Mediterranean. A more spectacular and comfortable golf holiday you could not find.

Full article: French Holiday Ideas | Golf Holidays in France

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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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Top 4 Spas in France

Looking for a special Christmas Gift or want to pamper your loved one - why not think about a winter break in France and treat yourself to a Spa Break.

France boasts a huge variety of landscapes along with numerous spas that range from exclusive resorts to the ever appealing tiny spa villages. All the luxurious spas in France have the best facilities, so people from all around the world often come here for a relaxing and refreshing holiday. So for those looking for a luxury spa break here are few of the best luxury spas in France.

1. Les Sources de Caudalie

The Les Sources de Caudalie spa is located in Bordeaux-Martillac, Bordeaux and blends the benefits of spring water, which is mineral rich (water that is drawn from 540 meters below the ground) with the grape extracts (the leftovers from wine making). The grape extract is very rich in Polyphenols and is very effective for anti-aging treatment. If you want to undergo the anti-aging treatment, then Les Sources de Causalie is the best place for you. You will be covered in honey and wine yeast and then rubbed with cabernet seeds that are crushed. You will then be cleansed with red-vine extract.

The other 3 Luxury Spas are
2. Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat
3. Les Granges D’en Haut
4. Les Thermes Marins

To read about them: The top 4 luxury spas in France
http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com/2012/12/13/the-top-4-luxury-spas-in-france/

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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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Mountain in France Closed on December Doomsday!

Of course, you will have heard that the end of the world is nigh ... again! The only place standing will be a mountain in France - so in case you are going to rush to this mountain retreat beware the French have closed the mountain. To find out more about this bizarre story ....

According to the Telegraph: A mountain in the French Pyrenees that doomsday cultists claim will be the only place still standing after the end of the world, slated December 21, is to be closed to visitors to avoid pandemonium on its peak.

Harbingers of doom base their apocalyptic prediction on an ancient Mayan calendar predicting the end of the world will happen on the night of December 21, 2012.

They believe the Pic de Bugarach is an "alien garage" and that extraterrestrials are quietly waiting in a massive cavity beneath the rock for the world to end, at which point they will leave, taking, it is hoped, a lucky few humans with them.

To avoid a sudden, massive influx of esoteric outsiders, the mayor has banned gatherings of any sort, and anyone landing in a light aircraft will be arrested.

But some from among the end-of-the-world crowd claim the real reason authorities are shutting down the area is that they are really there to investigate dozens of recent UFO sightings.

To read more about the goings-on: Doomsday French mountain to be closed 'on day the world ends'

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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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Sunny Climes Get Closer with EuroStar

As the chill of winter strikes home, let your mind wander to your 2013 holiday or weekend breaks in the Sun. Where better than Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur in the south of France?

Eurostar is launching a new direct service from London and Avignon to three popular holiday destinations in the South of France - Lyon, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

The new weekly spring service, which complements Eurostar’s existing Avignon services, is perfect for travellers looking to secure an early summer getaway.

The service will be offered for a trial period during May and June 2013 and tickets will go on sale on the December 11th 2012 alongside tickets for Eurostar’s existing weekly summer services to Avignon.

Passengers who choose the new Lyon - Provence service for travel from May 4th to the June 29th 2013 will enjoy a direct journey from London St Pancras International or Ashford International to Lyon, Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, travelling non-stop through the magnificent French countryside.

Full details: Eurostar launches new services to southern France

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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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Superb Value in Western France - French Property of the Week

Just  over £100K - this property with superb open views is great value. Immediate essential.

This house is situated in a quiet location with views across the vines, it is ready to move into has double glazing and a good roof.

Town: Montguyon
Department: Charente-Maritime
Region: Poitou - Charentes
Price:     €127,200

There is a garage, terrace with BBQ and water feature and shed. The garden is 2250m2.
This house really needs to be seen to be appreciated the location is lovely and quiet, yet only a 10 minute drive to the nearest Town.
I would recommend early viewing as this property is priced for a quick sale.

More details and Photos: Montguyon Property

Video: Discover Charente-Martime District

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