Here are some great articles relating to travel in France.
Alps
Le Dauphiné, a French Region With a History Both Ancient and Personal
Burgundy
Seduced by Beaune in Burgundy
Champagne, Lorraine & Alsace
The Legend and Lore of Notre-Dame de Reims
Corsica
Short break in Bonifacio
Corsica: Island of Legally-Protected, Exceptional Charcuterie
Dordogne, Aveyron & Ardeche
The perfect trip - Dordogne
A kayaking weekend in the Ardeche
Inside a Rustic Medieval Mansion in France
A road trip through provincial France
Aveyron Might Just Have the Cutest Villages in France
Food, drink & restaurants
The death of the baguette?
The drink that drove van Gogh mad
The end of the rude French waiter?
Wine tasting in the south of France
The Best Cheese Shops in Paris
Loire Valley
Cycling around the Loire Valley
Short break in Pays de la Loire
Go now - Loire Valley
A Mushroom Cave in France That'll Make You Feel Like You're Shrooming
Normandy
Your essential guide to the Landing Beaches of Normandy
Pourquoi je déteste la France et j’adore la France
Paris
Death of a Parisian tradition?
9 Travel questions answered
A sea of selfies in Paris
Welcome to Little Versailles
Where to go instead of the Louvre
Parisian cafes - now with cats?
Paris enchanted walkway
Classic sights in Paris
Village charm in the heart of Paris
10 Things to do for free in Paris
The secret to cycling in Paris
Beware the scams of Paris
World Heritage Guide to Versailles
City guide to Paris
Paris in black & white
Destination Paris
The Best Cheese Shops in Paris
T&L guide to Paris
10 New hotspots in Paris
The riches and revelations of Paris
36 Hours in Paris, right bank
Top 20 free things to do in Paris
Where to Go in Paris’s 11th Arrondissement
Provence & Cote d'Azur
Mini guide to the Cote d'Azur
Short break in Avignon
Wine tasting in the south of France
Short break in Marseille
Insider's guide to the south of France
Marseille's melting pot
Backroads of Provence
Searching for the perfect rose in Grasse
In Photos: The Significance of Street Art in Marseille, France
36 Hours in Provence
When You Dream of Provence, You Dream of This Town
Travel
The best of France
10 Books to Inspire Your Next Trip to France
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Showing posts with label france. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Monday, November 4, 2013
New cycling trips for 2014
In an earlier post I wrote about new walking and hiking trips all over the world. Here is our line-up of new cycling trips for 2014. For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.
Cycling France - Pedalling through Provence: dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields, Provence has been inhabited since ancient times and boasts some fabulous Roman architecture. The scenery is unsurpassed as we ride from village to village and soak in the landscapes of vineyards, poppy and lavender fields that captivated the artist Paul Cézanne. With time to discover typical Provencal market towns and sample the local food and wine, there is also plenty to enjoy when you're out of the saddle.
Cycling Spain - Rioja: Cycling & Wine: La Rioja is a broad valley of undulating vineyards and craggy hills, where walled hilltop towns reflect the turbulent times of earlier centuries. Our exploration on two wheels starts in the beautiful city of Burgos, the historic capital of Castile. Following the Via Verde cycle route, we continue into the heart of the Demanda mountain range and reach the fertile land of La Rioja. Surrounded by vineyards, we cycle across the gentle rolling countryside and taste the excellent wines produced in the region. We spend a night in the UNESCO-listed Yuso Monastery, now converted in a charming hotel.
Cycling Italy - Cycling in Sicily: Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. There is an incredibly diverse history, thanks to almost every civilisation leaving their mark, including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On our exciting cycle through the south-eastern part of the island, we enjoy varied scenery of high plateaux of lava and limestone, a number of impressive gorges and beautiful sandy beaches along the stunning coastline. Starting near Chiaramonte, we enjoy views of the wonderful Anapo Valley that includes all the flora and fauna typical of Sicily. We continue to historic Ragusa Ibla, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, with their Baroque architecture and Greek ruins, some of the best preserved in southern Italy. The trip ends in Siracusa, one of the most historic cities of the Mediterranean. Each hotel we visit offers a warm welcome, and we can savour delicious Sicilian cuisine and enjoy relaxing on the beach.
Cycling through Croatia & Slovenia: Croatia's Istrian peninsula offers the perfect setting for a cycling holiday, linking historic towns, beautiful coastline and pretty inland villages with trails through green hills and lush fields, vineyards and olive groves. Our route will stop in the town of Rovinj, known as the 'little Venice' of Croatia, and Porec, famed for the stunning Byzantine mosaics housed in the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica. Our trip ends in Slovenia with a ride around Postojna and the chance to visit the famous stalactite cave, before we head on to the vibrant capital of Ljubljana.
Cycling France - Pedalling through Provence: dominated by rugged mountains and lavender fields, Provence has been inhabited since ancient times and boasts some fabulous Roman architecture. The scenery is unsurpassed as we ride from village to village and soak in the landscapes of vineyards, poppy and lavender fields that captivated the artist Paul Cézanne. With time to discover typical Provencal market towns and sample the local food and wine, there is also plenty to enjoy when you're out of the saddle.
Cycling Spain - Rioja: Cycling & Wine: La Rioja is a broad valley of undulating vineyards and craggy hills, where walled hilltop towns reflect the turbulent times of earlier centuries. Our exploration on two wheels starts in the beautiful city of Burgos, the historic capital of Castile. Following the Via Verde cycle route, we continue into the heart of the Demanda mountain range and reach the fertile land of La Rioja. Surrounded by vineyards, we cycle across the gentle rolling countryside and taste the excellent wines produced in the region. We spend a night in the UNESCO-listed Yuso Monastery, now converted in a charming hotel.
Cycling Italy - Cycling in Sicily: Sicily has to be one of the most fascinating islands in Europe. There is an incredibly diverse history, thanks to almost every civilisation leaving their mark, including the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish. On our exciting cycle through the south-eastern part of the island, we enjoy varied scenery of high plateaux of lava and limestone, a number of impressive gorges and beautiful sandy beaches along the stunning coastline. Starting near Chiaramonte, we enjoy views of the wonderful Anapo Valley that includes all the flora and fauna typical of Sicily. We continue to historic Ragusa Ibla, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, with their Baroque architecture and Greek ruins, some of the best preserved in southern Italy. The trip ends in Siracusa, one of the most historic cities of the Mediterranean. Each hotel we visit offers a warm welcome, and we can savour delicious Sicilian cuisine and enjoy relaxing on the beach.
Cycling through Croatia & Slovenia: Croatia's Istrian peninsula offers the perfect setting for a cycling holiday, linking historic towns, beautiful coastline and pretty inland villages with trails through green hills and lush fields, vineyards and olive groves. Our route will stop in the town of Rovinj, known as the 'little Venice' of Croatia, and Porec, famed for the stunning Byzantine mosaics housed in the UNESCO Euphrasian Basilica. Our trip ends in Slovenia with a ride around Postojna and the chance to visit the famous stalactite cave, before we head on to the vibrant capital of Ljubljana.
Friday, November 1, 2013
New hiking and walking trips for 2014
With walking and hiking trips all over the world, we still manage to find some great new trips each year. Here is our line-up of new walking and hiking trips for 2014. For more new trips ideas, click on these blog posts: Cycling, Americas, Europe, Asia, Off-the-beaten-track.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls of the Swiss Alps: the Bernese Oberland is the ideal picturesque setting for scenic walks: glaciers, numerous stunning waterfalls and lush green valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing week. All walks are set at a gentle pace leaving plenty of time to admire the 'chocolate box' villages we pass through, or to stop and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm spring sunshine. Striking wild flowers flourish and carpet the meadows in colourful blankets. Our base for the week is a cosy, traditional Swiss hotel found in the charming village of Wilderswil and we use a mixture of local trains and buses to explore the natural beauty that this stunning region has to offer.
Provence: a stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a week of gentle daywalks. From our comfortable converted chateau, we explore the region with a mixture of walks from the door or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.
Lake Garda, Italy: the contrasting landscape of dramatic mountains, clear water and sandy coves make Lake Garda a wonderful place to visit. Close to the lake, the atmosphere is Mediterranean, with a mild climate supporting palms and lemon groves alongside the olives and vines. Away from the shore craggy mountains rise rapidly and the citrus groves give way to forest and alpine meadows. The multitude of lakeside villages have historically been linked by boat, which we use to explore the area along with a combination of buses and cable car.
Walking Dubrovnik and Montenegro: this walking trip is packed with highlights, combining gentle walks with the very best cultural attractions. We have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor; interspersed with walks in the rolling hills and mountains that surround these cities. Enjoying the azure coastline will also be a priority and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the tranquility of the quiet bays on the idylic island of Lopud. Dubrovnik is a must see for any visitor to this area and with four nights here you will have plenty of time to explore. With gentle walks, fascinating culture and coastal serenity, this trip is the perfect amble towards relaxation.
Walking Malta and Gozo: in the heart of the Mediterranean, lie the beautiful and always sun-kissed Maltese Islands. The bustling island of Malta is home to the oldest megalithic temples on Earth, the UNESCO Old City of Valletta and bucolic inland paths. Leaving Malta behind, the tranquil, verdant island of Gozo, dotted with delightful honey-coloured villages and dramatic coastline, is a paradise for walkers. The hotels used on this holiday have been carefully handpicked for their charming character and unique location, perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.
Namibia, Trekking & Tribes: caught between the Kalahari and the Atlantic Ocean is a country of extreme natural beauty where wildlife roam and some of the continent's most charismatic tribes still live a traditional lifestyle. As well as exploring some of Namibia's highlights such as Etosha N.P. and the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, we learn about the San Bushmen's hunter/gatherer traditions, visit a Himba village and go on game walks in some of the country's smaller parks.
Trails of Ladakh, India: sandwiched between the western Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or 'Little Tibet'. Time in the capital Leh gives us the perfect opportunity to acclimatise as well as exploring the town, Leh Palace and some of the most important monasteries in the area. This fairly gentle trek gives us the chance to enjoy the views and experience village life, in this most remote area of India with its rich culture, where the way of life hasn't changed for centuries.
Trekking in Burma: we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the cultural heart of the nation, and Bagan with its plain of 4000 temples. For our trekking we head to the Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the ethnic Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Women are adorned with tattooed faces and we will stay in monasteries and school houses, immersing ourselves amongst this welcoming culture. Passing forested hills, tea plantations and lush valleys we end the trek with an ascent of Mt Victoria (3063m) for magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Costa Rica - Volcano & Tropical Paradise Walk: follow handpicked walking trails in search of wildlife, waterfalls and outstanding views. From emerald rainforests, smouldering volcanoes and tropical savannah, to steam-fed springs and bubbling mud pools, vibrant Costa Rica is a destination that always delivers. Country tracks or forest trails lead us to a number of waterfalls, where mineral rich water provides the perfect refresher after a day's walking! A visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano is also included to soothe any aching muscles.
Walking Trails of Brazil: giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered between limestone escarpments. This scenery, risen from the ocean and carved by wind, water and time, greets visitors to Brazil's 'Diamond Plateau'. Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination and its own Lost World.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls of the Swiss Alps: the Bernese Oberland is the ideal picturesque setting for scenic walks: glaciers, numerous stunning waterfalls and lush green valleys provide a spectacular backdrop for a relaxing week. All walks are set at a gentle pace leaving plenty of time to admire the 'chocolate box' villages we pass through, or to stop and enjoy a refreshing drink in the warm spring sunshine. Striking wild flowers flourish and carpet the meadows in colourful blankets. Our base for the week is a cosy, traditional Swiss hotel found in the charming village of Wilderswil and we use a mixture of local trains and buses to explore the natural beauty that this stunning region has to offer.
Provence: a stunning part of Provence and relatively untouched by tourism, Greoux les Bains offers the perfect base for a week of gentle daywalks. From our comfortable converted chateau, we explore the region with a mixture of walks from the door or following a short private bus transfer. With the bustling market town of Forcalquier, the dramatic Verdon Gorge and depending on the season, fields of lavender or poppies just a short drive away, there is much to be explored.
Lake Garda, Italy: the contrasting landscape of dramatic mountains, clear water and sandy coves make Lake Garda a wonderful place to visit. Close to the lake, the atmosphere is Mediterranean, with a mild climate supporting palms and lemon groves alongside the olives and vines. Away from the shore craggy mountains rise rapidly and the citrus groves give way to forest and alpine meadows. The multitude of lakeside villages have historically been linked by boat, which we use to explore the area along with a combination of buses and cable car.
Walking Dubrovnik and Montenegro: this walking trip is packed with highlights, combining gentle walks with the very best cultural attractions. We have plenty of time to explore the UNESCO cities of Dubrovnik and Kotor; interspersed with walks in the rolling hills and mountains that surround these cities. Enjoying the azure coastline will also be a priority and we will have the opportunity to appreciate the tranquility of the quiet bays on the idylic island of Lopud. Dubrovnik is a must see for any visitor to this area and with four nights here you will have plenty of time to explore. With gentle walks, fascinating culture and coastal serenity, this trip is the perfect amble towards relaxation.
Walking Malta and Gozo: in the heart of the Mediterranean, lie the beautiful and always sun-kissed Maltese Islands. The bustling island of Malta is home to the oldest megalithic temples on Earth, the UNESCO Old City of Valletta and bucolic inland paths. Leaving Malta behind, the tranquil, verdant island of Gozo, dotted with delightful honey-coloured villages and dramatic coastline, is a paradise for walkers. The hotels used on this holiday have been carefully handpicked for their charming character and unique location, perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.
Namibia, Trekking & Tribes: caught between the Kalahari and the Atlantic Ocean is a country of extreme natural beauty where wildlife roam and some of the continent's most charismatic tribes still live a traditional lifestyle. As well as exploring some of Namibia's highlights such as Etosha N.P. and the world's highest sand dunes at Sossusvlei, we learn about the San Bushmen's hunter/gatherer traditions, visit a Himba village and go on game walks in some of the country's smaller parks.
Trails of Ladakh, India: sandwiched between the western Himalaya, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or 'Little Tibet'. Time in the capital Leh gives us the perfect opportunity to acclimatise as well as exploring the town, Leh Palace and some of the most important monasteries in the area. This fairly gentle trek gives us the chance to enjoy the views and experience village life, in this most remote area of India with its rich culture, where the way of life hasn't changed for centuries.
Trekking in Burma: we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the cultural heart of the nation, and Bagan with its plain of 4000 temples. For our trekking we head to the Chin Hills of north west Burma. This area is home to the ethnic Chin people whose culture and traditions have changed little over the centuries. Women are adorned with tattooed faces and we will stay in monasteries and school houses, immersing ourselves amongst this welcoming culture. Passing forested hills, tea plantations and lush valleys we end the trek with an ascent of Mt Victoria (3063m) for magnificent views of the surrounding area.
Costa Rica - Volcano & Tropical Paradise Walk: follow handpicked walking trails in search of wildlife, waterfalls and outstanding views. From emerald rainforests, smouldering volcanoes and tropical savannah, to steam-fed springs and bubbling mud pools, vibrant Costa Rica is a destination that always delivers. Country tracks or forest trails lead us to a number of waterfalls, where mineral rich water provides the perfect refresher after a day's walking! A visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs near Arenal Volcano is also included to soothe any aching muscles.
Walking Trails of Brazil: giant flattop mountains rise above the grasslands whilst crystal-clear waterfalls, streams, underground rivers, unusual rock formations and caves are scattered between limestone escarpments. This scenery, risen from the ocean and carved by wind, water and time, greets visitors to Brazil's 'Diamond Plateau'. Chapada Diamantina, in the northeast of the country, inland from the colonial capital of Salvador, may be little known but is Brazil's premier trekking destination and its own Lost World.
Friday, September 27, 2013
My top ten of best experiences in Europe
Europe is a continent with many cultures, languages and religions. It is no wonder you can have so many different experiences. Here is my top ten of favourite experiences in Europe.- great food - the number one reason I love to be in Europe is the food. Be it a lovely salad in Greece, a good pasta in Italy, a simple leg of lamb in Andalucia or fish in Iceland, no matter where you go, the food always amazes me. Enjoy it on a terrace, a patio or in a lovely restaurant, perhaps next to a cozy fireplace.
- a good glass of wine - visit a winery in Tuscany, Rioja or Burgundy, find your favourite wine, and pair it with great food!
- walk - my favourite way to get around Europe is on foot. It allows you to stop where you please and literally smell the roses. Or the aromatic herbs flanking a hillside in Croatia for that matter. On one morning walk in Spain I walked through seven villages, each of them different and with it's own atmosphere.
- cycle - another great way to travel Europe is by bike. You get to cover slightly larger distances and feel the wind in your hair. It allows you to explore larger areas, like the towns along the Danube, the chateaux of the Loire Valley or the baroque cities of Central Europe.
- history - Everywhere you go in Europe, history awaits to be uncovered. My favourite? Each time I visit Siena in Italy I am blown away by the duomo - a fantastic cathedral in black and white, lined with frescoes and paintings.
- engage your spirit - with churches and cathedrals around every corner, it is not hard to find a quiet place to reflect. Be it a church in eternal Rome, a monastery set deep in the hills of Italy, or walking the Camino de Santiago, take time out from your trip to recharge your spirit.
- art - it flourishes in Europe. From paintings to sculptures to funky installations, it is everywhere. My favourite places include the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Louvre in Paris, France. But don't forget lesser known places such as Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- village life - I love the medieval towns and squares in Europe. Wander the streets of Tallinn in Estonia, or the hilltop villages of Provence and Umbria.
- the people - I have chatted with shopkeepers in Switzerland, gardeners in Russia and plenty of "ordinary" folk. Each of them had lived a lifetime and had so many stories to share. And I love just sitting down with a pint of beer and watch the people walk by (just as the carillon of the nearby cathedral starts playing a wonderful tune!).
- markets - part of everyday life, markets are the place to shop. Engage with the farmers or the artisans while you pick up locally grown fresh fruit, a handmade cheese and a bottle of wine. Then make a beeline for a shady spot to enjoy a picnic. Heaven!
What is your own European favourite? Is there a place on your bucket list? Email me!
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