Posts Tagged ‘France’

Taking A Trip To Some Of The Romantic Places In Paris

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Paris is a very popular choice for couples because it is considered to be the most romantic cities in the world. And if you have plans to visit Paris with your loved one then you might need some help regarding the best places to visit. What follows is a list of some of the most romantic places in Paris; this is only the tip of the ice-berg though and you will find a lot more such places if you explore.

 

Taking A Boat Trip Along The River Seine.

 

It is possible to enjoy a romantic meal while floating down the River Seine - could there be anything more romantic. This fantastic city will pass by as you float along. This is one of the most popular ways for people who want to propose to their loved ones; they can be almost guaranteed to get the response they want by doing it this way.

 

Visitng The Eiffel Tower At Night.

 

The Eiffel tower is the most famous landmark in Paris. It is a romantic place to visit during the day but for best effect this is a place you want to visit at night. When you visit this monument at night you will have to deal with fewer tourists. It really does create a stunning effect when it is all lit up at night.

 

A Stroll Around Parc Monceau.

 

This park is a beautiful place to visit in Paris. It really is a great place for you to take a stroll with your loved one. It can be found in the south of Paris and is the ideal place to choose if you want to escape the busy streets. This is a place where many couples will be walking hand in hand. You have to feel a little bit romantic while walking around Parc Monceau; it would be impossible not to.

 

Today, more and more families are taking the car and driving to their holiday destination abroad. Many people drive down and catch thedover to calais ferry. Doing this means you don’t have to worry about things like the disneyland paris tickets. At the end of the day there isn’t a better way of getting in some city breaks europe?

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Where Should You Stay When Going Abroad? (Part 2)

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Part two of the properties you should really think about staying in.

Cottage/Cabin

A place like this is lovely to visit in the winter as you can both sit in front of the fire and just cuddle up and enjoy the evenings with a glass of mulled wine. This one does tend to be the one most commonly used by two people simply because it is a nice romantic getaway. Going to a nice cottage has certainly got to be recommended to you near the Christmas time as this is the time where it tends to be the most romantic. The great thing about the cold weather is that you can get a bit closer with your partner.

Log cabins are another thing that people love to go to and these are usually found in mountains full of snow. This is certainly going to be romantic, certainly over Christmas. Jsut be warned that in these kinds of places, wildlife is nit unheard of so make sure you keep away from it.

Villas

I have saved this one till last simply because it is my personal choice. The main reason for this simply has to be to do with all of the privacy that can be had here. Of course if you are going to a hotter climate then the villa is likely to have its very own pool. They are great because if the weather turns a bit nasty you can run inside a play a bit of pool or darts without having to que or watch fat drunken men attempt to play.

Cooking is sometimes needed as villas are not cheap and going out all the time might not be affordable, you may also need to drive here. Of course you could do what we usually do and hit the local restaurants and try the foods from the culture.

of course you could always purchase a place just be aware that holiday home insurance is not cheap.

However you can of course get that unique insurance like French house insurance as this could save you a bit of money, but whatever insurance for second homes you get, make sure you choose the right one.

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6 French Holiday Attractions Not To Miss

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

France is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has a rich culture and a detailed history, as well, which is why it is no wonder many people come to visit. In fact, France is the most visited country in the world, with an estimated 80 million visitors a year. If you’re planning on visiting sometime soon, here is a list of France attractions you definitely should not miss out on.

Versailles

Versailles is not just one of the most popular France attractions. It is also one of the most important and luxurious palaces in the world, having served as the official residence for the royal family of France from 1682 to 1789, particularly the families of King Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI. With its historic atmosphere, magnificent chambers decorated with ornate furniture and its stunning gardens, Versailles is truly a feast for the senses and a sight you should definitely tour before you leave. It is easy to get to, as well, located only a short drive from Paris.

Louvre Museum

France boasts of some of the best art museums in the world, including the famous Louvre Museum. Aside from being one of the most popular France attractions in Paris, it is a national museum, housing hundreds of thousands of masterpieces from the Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. There are also plenty of excellent examples of Islamic and decorative art. The most popular collection, though, are the paintings, particularly the works of Leonardo da Vinci. Other notable French museums include the Georges Pompidou Centre and the Musee d’Orsay.

Eiffel Tower

Towering at a height of roughly 324 metres, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris. More importantly, it is the most recorgnizable symbol of France. Therefore, there is no better proof of your visit to France than a picture of you against the base of this magnificent structure. Don’t stop there, though. Rather, climb to the first floor to shop for souvenirs or to the second floor to enjoy a great meal while being surrounded by spectacular views. The best views, though, are those seen from the top of the tower, especially at night when the City of Lights comes to life.

Notre Dame de Paris

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has a rich history. First constructed in 1163, it is the site of many historical events, including the coronation of King Henry VI, the wedding of Mary, Queen of Scotland, the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte and the canonization of Joan of Arc. What draws millions of visitors year after year, though, is its remarkable Gothic architecture and its collection of artistic religious pieces. Its rose windows are stunning to behold on sunny days, while the gargoyles and chimera perched around its tower are fascinating. You can also catch a glimpse of its bells, particularly the 13-ton Emmanuel Bell, which is sure to transport you into the pages of Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

Chateau de Chombard

Built in the 16th century, the Chateau de Chombard in the Loire Valley is a romantic and awe-inspiring structure. It is one of the most popular French castles and one of the finest examples of French renaissance architecture. It has 440 rooms and 84 staircases, with the centerpiece being its famous double-helix staircase which runs up three floors without meeting. It also has over 800 decorative columns and an eleborate roofline, all of which are mirrored in its moat. The Fontainebleau Castle is another castle worth visiting.

Loire Valley

Do you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle in Paris? If so, take a drive through the Loire Valley to get a taste of the relaxing and romantic French countryside. The Loire Valley is not just the site of many historic and cultural France attractions, but is, in fact, a captivating attraction in itself due to its incredible natural scenery, making it worthy of being called the Garden of France.

These are just some of the best historic, cultural and modern France attractions. There are endless others which are all worth visiting, including Disneyland Paris and the beaches on the French Riviera. No matter where you go, though, you surely won’t be disappointed, but rather, have some great memories to bring home with you along with your beautiful souvenirs.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including France, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout France, including, car hire Bordeaux. To book a car rental France, or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com

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A guide to French lighthouses

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Lighthouses in France stand as wonderful testaments to the country’s seafaring tradition. Although many are now sadly beginning to look shabby, their design and cultural importance make them a must-see for visitors to France. France’s lighthouses are little-known cultural treasures that hark back to a largely forgotten era of Gallic endeavour . All over the French coast, the lighthouses - or phare as they are called in France - have weathered the worst that the Channel and the Atlantic Ocean can throw at them for decades, and in some cases centuries. These striking structures punctuate the skyline around the coastline, forming a marvellous network of guiding lights originally designed to protect the lives of French seamen and ensure the integrity of the nation’s shipping lanes. Some of the most imposing lighthouses can be found in Brittany, and on the tiny Île D’Ouessant just off the mainland. A rocky, wind-battered tranche of land that’s only 5km by 8km long, the island is houses a number of truly breathtaking historical lighthouses, both onshore and off. Encircled by fierce currents and deceptive outcrops of hidden rocks, the island has claimed many lives over the centuries, making its lighthouses of essential practical importance for shipping navigation through this dangerous area. The lighthouses in Brittany are some of the most impressive to be found anywhere in France. From the small, square Phare de Kermorvan with its rugged stone balustrades to the simple yet robust sophistication of the Phare du Petit Minou, the Île D’Ouessant showcases some truly amazing feats of engineering and practical architecture. The lighthouses are even more magnificant when one considers that most were built in the early years of the nineteenth century, when design techniques were nowhere near as advanced as they are now. The fact that these structures are still standing in the face of such severe weather conditions is a credit to the skill and tenacity of the men who built them. Reaching the Île D’Ouessant is quick and easy - just catch a Zeebrugge channel ferry to France and travel to Brest in Brittany. There the twice a day ferry will take you over to the island for a very modest fee. Once there, you can explore the island on foot or by bike, taking in the unique sights of these commanding silent guards.

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Take Advantage of Those Cheap Flights

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

For quite a few years now a group of the airlines labelled “low-cost airlines in Europe have been taking part in a price war trying to offer the lowest air fares to a huge number of cities throughout Europe. It’s not unusual to see that one of the leading low cost airlines such as Easyjet or Ryanair has an offer of return flights from Britain to Germany, France or Spain for £1 (approx $1.45). There might be taxes and airport landing fees to be added to the fare, but it remains an absolute bargain if you’re looking to see a variety of European cities. The downside of these cheap flights is that they frequently make use of to the smaller municipal airports instead of the better known biginternational ones. This sometimes means that a flight that is supposed to be flying to a major European city actually lands up to 50 miles away. In fact there are a number of plus-points with this situation, the smaller airports often provide a much slicker turnround on check-in and luggage since they are servicing a much smaller number of flights. The downside is that transportation serving these airports can be scrappy at best and a very popular alternative is hiring a car from the airport. Here are some of the great cities that we have visited using cheap flights. We are sure that you would enjoy visiting any of these scenic, you can rest assured that they have a lot to offer to visitors to their country.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, once the butt of so many jokes about the slums of the Gorbals has undergone a Renaissance and has become a fascinating, architecturally diverse city attracting a huge number of tourists throughout the year. The trendy West part of Glasgow is home to the fourth oldest university in the U.K.. Situated on a hill amidst the Medieval region of Glasgow, its students contribute a great deal to the fun loving and vibrant atmosphere of that area. The low cost carriers use Prestwick Airport which is approximately 35 miles (51 km) to the north east of the city centre and you will find an excellent road between the airport and the city centre. This is a popular sightseeing area, so it is advisable to rent a car at Prestwick in advance of your trip. A congestion free 30 minute drive from the airport on the M77 motorway brings you to the centre of the city. Glasgow is a perfect starting point for an adventure in the Trossachs National Park. Just 20 km (13 mile) journey out of Glasgow and you could discover stunning countryside seated upon a pony, whilst a 50 km (30 mile) drive east using another excellent motorway will find you in Edinburgh , the city of festivals complete with Princes Street shopping, castle, palace and the seaside.

Florence, Italy

Undoubtedly one of the most hauntingly beautiful locations in Europe, Florence is served by Pisa Airport, which is 84 km (50 miles) west of Florence. Hire a car at Florence airport and you’ll be perfectly positioned to take in Pisa with its leaning tower, the wonders of historic Florence and a selection of some of the most picturesque countryside in the whole of Europe, that of the majestically beautiful Tuscany. It is therefore not surprising that Florence is high in the popularity stakes when looking at European cities. When you visit Florence you will discover that a large proportion of the centre is traffic free thus preserving its many ancient statues and architectural treasures from the pollution and vibrations caused by heavy traffic. The complete lack of traffic brings a feeling of peace and quiet as you walk from one fragment of history to the next. You do not need to walk too far before experiencing the ghastly, ear splitting roar from Florence’s legion of scooter riders. Apart from the Ponte Vecchio the remainder of the bridges leading to city centre are polluted, noisy places, thus giving us a further incentive to keep to the narrow alleyways and tranquil sanctuaries of Florence’s wonderful piazzas.

Tours, France

Tours, set amongst the famed Loire Valley chateaux with not a solitary chateau to its name! The ideal centre for exploring the Loire Valley famed for its serious selection of palatial residences, the city has quite a few of its own charms. Although the small airport is only a couple of miles from town, it’s pretty much essential that you hire a car in the Loire Valley to fully explore a selection of the most stunning towns and villages to be found throughout France. Along the banks of the River Loire between Chalonnes and Sully-sur-Loire, a host of cultural treasures are presented for the visitor to enjoy. The Loire valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers scenic countryside, lots of flamboyant castles plus a good scattering of historic villages. Formerly the “Retreat of Kings” back in the days of the Renaissance and the middle ages, the Loire Valley was a favourite location for the French monarchy. Built originally as working fortified castles, the buildings were converted into the palatial chaeaux that you will find today. The historic towns that line the river banks are a magnet to tourists from all over the world. Towns such as Tours, Blois and Chinon have so much to see and do whilst the most popular of all the chateaux is maybe that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the region you will find small, family owned vineyards offering a variety of tasty wines at budget prices. Look out for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and as long as ‘Le Patron’ is not in the middle of a long leisurely lunch you will be offered a warm welcome and he will be delighted to lead you through a tasting of his complete selection of wines. Naturally, it is strongly advised that you take a non-drinker as your chauffer, some of these tasting sessions can get very serious!.

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