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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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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Love or Hate France Video?

France is an amazing country to visit. It is full of amazing chateaux and museums, great food and incredible atmosphere, but there are a few things that tourists should watch out for, like the service and trying to park your car. But all and all France is a country that everyone should visit.

But do your HATE or LOVE France?

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Where are the Brits Buying in France?

Little England is showing on UK TV at the moment highlighting the charms of Dordogne but don't forget the neighbouring departments around the Dordogne. They are very attractive in their own right. In fact, better value is offered so don't miss them without at visit. Here is an extract about a report on the SW France.

The study, carried out by INSEE, reveals that Brits are in the majority among “foreigners” in this part of the country. According to the research there are now 16,000 Britons in the Aquitaine region, and when expanded to include the neighbouring departments of Gers, Charente and Charente-Maritime the number could double.

Aquitaine is, of course, home to the perennially popular ‘Dordogneshire’, so this perhaps comes as no great surprise. In fact, according to the INSEE report, of all the Brits living in France, the majority (7,200) have made the Dordogne department their home. In certain areas, such as Eymet and Verteillac, Brits account for more than 8% of the population. In 2011, 78% of the 289,000 passengers who passed through Bergerac airport were British.

However, the study also revealed a marked change in the profile of those making the move. While traditionally the focus has been on retirees moving to France to enjoy their golden years, there is now a new breed of younger buyers leading the way.

Another area that is very popular: Lower Normandy

A separate study also revealed that Britons represent the largest “foreign” population in Lower Normandy, now home to 7,000 British residents. Between 1999 and 2009 the British contingent almost tripled as buyers were drawn to the region’s more rural areas. Yet in contrast to the new wave of younger buyers in the south-west, 45% of Britons in Lower Normandy are retired and more than half are aged 55 and over.

Complete article: Brits favour the south-west

More Help:
For a selection of property in the highlighted departments
Dordogne
Gers
Charente
Charente-Maritime
Lower Normandy

Video: River Dordogne
Six centuries ago, the Dordogne River separated warring England and France during the Hundred Year's War. Today, tourists float along the lazy Dordogne exploring riverside castles and villages.

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French Vintage Home Style for You

Reading Vicki Archer on vickiarcher.com today. She introduces a new shopping site to me: French Vintage Home. It is a very stylish site with some different but unique goods. Take a peak! Here is an extract from her introduction ...

Do you know French Vintage Home?  If you are mad for all things French, like me… you will love their site… Audrey Freidman and Laura McGuire share our passion for France and have created an online source for beautiful vintage wares that Audrey sources in France… I recently asked them to tell me how they started their business and what it means for them… I thought you might like to get to know them and their gorgeous French wares… With the holidays so close, French Vintage Home is a brilliant resource for those extra special and unique gifts… Their linens are nothing short of exquisite… and their kitchen wares so adorable… perfect for the friend you want to spoil or fellow Francophiles…

Read Full Post: French Vintage Home

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Skiing in Auvergne?

If you are going skiing in France, you would probably choose somewhere in the Alps or possibly the Pyrenees but would you have thought of the Auvergne? Yes, the Auvergne in central France has some ski resorts. Of course, it is cheaper and less busy than the main resorts. Less hustle and bustle and plenty of other activities available for the holiday maker.  YourFrenchHolidays have a feature on Skiing in the Auvergne - here is an extract ....

Massif du Sancy:
The diversity of Auvergne’s resorts and geography means there’s plenty of choice when it comes to selecting your station de ski for the week. In the Massif du Sancy the main resorts are Mont Dore and Super-Besse.

Le Mont Dore is one France’s best-kept skiing secrets. Sitting at the base of the Auvergne’s highest summit Le Puy du Sancy, it has maintained its traditional villagey feel while providing superb facilities and 85kms of trails linking it to Super Besse. Off-piste you can learn about traditional Auvergne activities such as cheesemaking, enjoy local produce in the many authentic restaurants and generally enjoy the nightime atmosphere in a safe and welcoming environment.

Super Besse, meanwhile, sits just above two lovely villages, Besse and St-Anastaise and in addition to great skiing for skiers of all abilities it has plenty of entertainment on hand too.

Also in Cantal is Le Lioran, the third of the Auvergne’s main resorts, which offers the opportunity to ski down a volcano, the imposing Puy Mary.

The resort is a great place for people who enjoy a wide range of winter sports. There are 42 pistes over 60kms for downhill skiing (spread out over 150 hectares), accessed by cable car, a detachable chair lift, 8 chairlifts and 13 ski tows. Here you can try your hand at a timed slalom course and it’s also perfect for cross-country skiing - there are 20 km of marked pistes from the Cirque de Font d’Alagnon and more than 75 km from the Col de Prat de Bouc.

Chartreix-Sancy
If you prefer a smaller resort, head to Chastreix-Sancy, Les Estables in Haute-Loire which offers good Nordic skiing as well as dog-sledding, Prabouré or La Montagne Bourbonnaise – both offer yet more off-the-beaten track tranquillity and ski opportunities.

Two of the Auvergne’s destinations, Mont Dore and Super-Besse, have received the prestigious Famille Plus label thanks to the effort they have put into the quality of the facilities devoted to children and their families. This means that they are committed to looking after children aged 3 and over, providing winter activities and events and reserving areas especially for them (baby-changing tables, games areas, etc.)

Read the full article: Skiing holidays in France: Discover the Auvergne

Video: Skiing in Auvergne

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Paris Freebies

Paris can be sooooooo expensive: hotels, parking, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and theatre to mention a few. So how to enjoy yourself in Paris without spending a fortune? Things to Do at Viator have a great post, here is an extract ....

Paris is not known to be a cheap city but some of its main attractions are free – just another reason we love this city so much.

The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay
One of the main attractions of the city is its museums and while many do have a ticket price, on the first Sunday of the month and on July 14 it is free to enter. It is also always free to those under 18, the disabled and their helpers, and to teachers of art, art history and the applied arts.

Pompidou Centre
One of the most startling pieces of modern architecture in Paris (all the pipes which run around the outside are color-coded according to their function), the Pompidou is also free for those under 18, the disabled and their helpers, the unemployed and on the first Sunday of each month it is free for all. Inside there is free wifi and a huge public library you can access to sit and use your computer.

Parks
Paris is famed for its architecture and its parks and squares and of course it is free to just wander the city and be impressed. Sit by the pond in the Tuileries Garden (the chairs are free), find the lovely hidden square Palais Royale and the black and white pillars at one end where kids love to run and play, or Place des Vosges the oldest planned square in Paris. Further out Parc des Buttes is a favorite treed green space of Parisians and has great views over the city. The Jardin du Luxembourg also has a free puppet theater, Theatre des Marionnettes.

Read full article: Free Things to Do in Paris

Enjoy this free video tour of Paris!

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