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Traveling Along the Rhine River – What to See and Do In Rhine Valley

October 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the more interesting tours that you can take in Germany is one along the Rhine River Valley. There are many things to see in the valley and many of them are located in the 36 mile (58 km) long stretch between Bingen and Koblenz. Even though the distance is not a long one, it is still possible to see many of the villages that are scattered throughout this region.

You can choose to see the Rhine River in a variety of ways. Many people choose to drive the distance because they can do so at their own pace. If you are someone who would prefer not to have to do any driving there are also Rhine River cruises which may be more to your liking.

Driving In Rhine Valley

If you do not like the idea of being stuck on a cruise instead of being able to explore, you can drive through the area. Keep in mind, however, that the roads running alongside the river are narrow and winding. They line the roads on both sides of the river. Even though the stretch of valley between St. Goar and Bacharach is short there are many different castles to see in your travels.

When driving, you should know that they are car ferries that will take you to the left and right side of the river depending on the location that you’re on instead of going upriver or downriver. There are small towns and castles on both side of the river if you want to do some exploration.

Using the car ferries saves time because the other alternative of crossing the two sides is the long way through Koblenz to the North or Rudesheim to the south via the bridge crossing there. If you happen to be walking the ferries can also carry you across and it costs less. The following website at http://www.welterbe-mittelrheintal.de/index.php?id=53&L=3 has the schedules and locations for the car ferries in Rhine. Some of these ferry operators also offer boat cruises that you could check out by visiting the individual sites from the link above. The site is in German so if you absolutely need to know the time these ferries are in operation; you need to learn a word or two or just use http://translate.google.com/.

Taking A Rhine River Cruise

Rhine River Cruise, Germany J9040780 by nzboyinoz, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License  by nzboyinoz

If you do think that a cruise is the way to go, you have several different options to choose from. Even though you are on the river you can still see many of the Rhineland Castles that dot the region. You may not enjoy yourself if you are someone who wants to go into the castles and explore as much as possible so be sure to take a cruise that lets you get off at the various famous stops.

Rhine River Cruises You Should Definitely Check Out

KD Rhine Pass River Cruise From Koblenz to Rudesheim

You get a one day pass to travel on a leisurely cruise from Koblenz to Rudesheim. KD Rhine is one of the oldest companies operating in the Rhine valley. It started in 1827 and has a very modern and large fleet to take passengers through the Rhine River. This is a very long tour which lasts for 11 hours. This tour will take you to Rudensheim and back to Koblenz and you will be able to enjoy all the picturesque scenery of the Rhine Valley. There are food and drinks onboard so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.

More Information On KD Rhine River Cruise

KD Rhine Pass From Other Locations
A one day travel pass you can use to travel between Cologne and Mainz or between Koblenz and Cochen. Cruise at your own pace and set your own itinerary on where you want to visit. You can get off at a few locations along the Middle Rhine and take your time to visit the castles and towns in the area. This is a great way to go from one town to the other without using the train.

More Information On All The KD Rhine Passes From All Locations

Rhine Valley Cruise From Frankfurt

This is a great option for those staying in Frankfurt and don’t want to arrange their own transport as the tour include traveling from Frankfurt to the Rhine River and back by an air conditioned coach. There is opportunity to sample wines and eat lunch and dinner depending on whether you take the half day cruise or full day cruise. The tour Includes seeing the Lorelei Rock if you take the full day cruise.

More Information On This River Cruise From Frankfurt

Rhine River Dinner Cruise on The MS Stolzenfels

What better way to celebrate a romantic occasion for two than on this dinner cruise. Have an elegant and an unforgettable dinner cruise on board the MS Stolzenfels. The boat has tasteful furnishing and a relaxed atmosphere – all while treating you and your special someone with live entertainment onboard. The cruise includes a three course dinner meal while you enjoy the evening scenery of the Rhine.

More Information On This Dinner Cruise

The Castles And Cities In The Rhine Valley

The valley has so many castles because, in the past, they were used for protection while land owners collected the tolls charged on river traffic. Some have been restored and others have been allowed to crumble into ruins. Many were spruced up in the 19th century according to what was considered a romantic ideal. History buffs will love the fact that it is possible to stay in some of the castles and to explore others.

The land around the valley is hilly. Some hills have castles on them and others have vineyards. Small villages grew up in the protective circles of the various castles and these are great places to just sit back and relax. While there, you may want to watch the river traffic much as villagers have been doing for hundreds of years.

You will find many places to stay in and eat in when travelling through this part of Germany. Some of the best accommodations can be found in Bacharach and St. Goar. Wine lovers will enjoy staying in either one of these towns because of the great wine they can offer to travelers.

A romantic and cozy two to three star hotel restaurant is in Liebenstein castle. This castle is situated on top of the highest peak of the middle Rhine. The location of this place is close to Kamp-Bornhofen. Marksburg and the Lorelei cliff are also nearby. The rooms are actually part of the castle itself and have views of the Rhine valley.

Don’t forget to stop by St Goarshausen, the famous Lorelei Rock is located here. The Lorelei Rock is a rock that is 120 metres tall above the water. This beautiful town is 30km south of Koblenz. The Katz castle is nearby but it’s not open to the public. The Maus Castle is also nearby, it got its name because of Katz castle being nearby. Novelty items not found anywhere in the world like the Steiff animal toys can also be found in St Goar.

From St Goar, you should not miss getting to Fortress Rheinfels. It is the biggest standing castle ruin in West Germany. There are independent vaults and miles and miles of underground tunnels. It was once the biggest castle on the Rhine, but now it is only a fraction of its original size albeit still being huge in its current state. The tunnels are about 600 feet long and can be explored but you have to be careful especially if you’re claustrophobic. You can never fully stand up while in there since it’s a small spaced area. There is a 4 star hotel here which is a part of the castle – they offer a rustic restaurant with a great view of the Rhine River. Spas, swimming pool and every typical amenity you could find at a luxury hotel are available here. Enjoy a comfortable modern stay while being surrounded by medieval surroundings.

IMG_4593 by dfb, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License  by dfb

To get to Fortress Rheinfels, you can take a miniature railway which leaves every 15 minutes near the town church in St Goarshausen. You can also see the world’s largest free hanging cuckoo clock on the return trip from Fortress Rheinfels.

If you are in Boppard, there is a fortress nearby which is called Kurtrierische Burg. The museum here showcases ancient coins and weapons. There is amazing scenery from Boppard to St Goar if you take a boat which lasts about one and a half hour. The boat is slow and steady so any photographer can take in the views and take splendid pictures along this part of the river.

Make sure Marksburg Castle Is on your list of places to visit as well. This castle has never been conquered and hence remains mostly the same today as it has for 700 years.

Other notable castles that you can visit are Castle Schonburg Castle Reichenstein. Both also have hotels that you can stay in. There are a lot more castles you can visit in the Rhine Valley. The following site has more choices for you to pick and choose your destinations in Rhine http://www.rhinecastles.com/

Die Lorelei by a.renate, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License  by a.renate

A place that is this old is bound to have its fair share of legends and one of them is in Lorelei. This is a point where the river narrows and becomes quite treacherous. A legend about mermaids sprang up about this region of the river. Sailors blamed them for any shipwrecks that took place. St. Goar is the town that they stayed in to give thanks once they were past the narrow point.

As you can see, the Rhine River valley is truly a magical place to visit.

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A Drive Through Normandy – Where the Past and Present Meet

July 9, 2011 By 6 Comments

When many people think of Normandy, the D-Day invasion which took place in the Second World War tends to come to mind quite quickly. There is much more to this beautiful area than wartime history however, and driving through the area can help you experience it in a way that television shows and movies could never do.

A drive through Normandy will often begin in Rouen. This large city has enough historical areas to make even the biggest history buff happy. You may want to keep them entertained by taking a walk through the Place du Vieux Marche. This is the old market square where Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) met her untimely end when she was burned at the stake in 1431. If you are driving yourself and are not part of a tour, you may want to take advantage of the car park that is located near this area.

There are other historical sites to see in Rouen. The Gros Horloge is, as its’ name suggests, a large clock. The tower that the clock sits in is so large that it actually straddles the street. You can pass through the tower and walk to the Cathedrale Notre Dame. Anyone who is familiar with the works of Claude Monet will recognize this cathedral as it was the subject of some of his paintings.

Once you have tired of Rouen (something which can take some time to do) you can leave and continue your tour through Normandy. The next stop on your tour should be in the town of Honfleur. This is a harbor town and the views are so beautiful that it is no wonder Impressionistic artists were drawn to the area. If you want to enjoy a meal and glass of wine here you may want to make your way to the Vieux Bassin or Old Dock. There are many fine places to stay while in Honfleur if you want to take a longer break from your tour.

You can continue on to Bayeaux, home of the world famous Bayeaux tapestry. Far from being a simple piece of cloth, this tapestry describes the events of the Norman invasion of England. It is a massive piece of embroidered cloth that measures 20 inches in width and 230 feet in length. The cloth dates from 1066 and is a major historical artifact because of the wealth of information it gives regarding life at the time it was created. It is incredibly detailed and even shows the passage of Haley’s Comet in 1066.

The tapestry now resides in la Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeaux which has a presentation you can watch that talks about the tapestry and the story that it tells. The story is from the Norman point of view and the Normans were successful in conquering England. This is something that should be kept in mind when viewing the images on the tapestry.

While you are in the Bayeaux area, you may want to take a trip to the beaches of Normandy. You need to travel about 10 miles or 16 kms from the town of Bayeaux in order to do so. There are many museums that are dedicated to the Allied landing on D-Day. Walking on the beaches and reflecting about what happened is powerful and very moving, much as touring the cemeteries and reading the names of the fallen soldiers is.

Mont Saint Michel is a great place to end your tour of Normandy. The bay is home to a monastery which perches on a rock in the middle and is beautiful when viewed from a distance. Although the town may feel like a tourist trap when you first arrive it does not feel like this everywhere. You may want to consider the fact that the town has been attracting pilgrims (the original tourists) for hundreds of years and there have always been stalls and merchants on hand to offer the travelers items they need (or think they need).

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Driving Through Brittany, France – Enjoying The Sights And Unique Customs Of Brittany

July 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are traveling through France you may want to make sure to take a trip to Brittany. This region, which is also known as Bretagne, can offer some of the most spectacular scenery of anywhere in the whole of France. Many individuals travel to Brittany in order to see the megaliths at Carnac and, in the process, discover a wonderful place that they want to return to again and again.

The region is located in the northwest corner of France. It is surrounded by water on three sides. To the north is the English Channel. The Atlantic Ocean surrounds Brittany on the south and the west. The abundance of water and the amazing natural beaches attract individuals from across France and around the world to this region. While the water surrounds the area on three sides, the southern facing peninsula tends to be the best location if you want to find some wonderful beaches to relax on.

If you are flying into Paris and want to add a trip to Brittany to your itinerary, all you need to do is to head along the E50. This will take you through the cities of Le Mans, Rennes and Vannes. Rennes is actually the capital of the Brittany region. The city has an old town center. Visiting this area will be somewhat like taking a step back in time. There are still examples of the half-timbered houses visible to interested individuals. You can choose to either stop for lunch or to spend a longer time exploring the city.

Near Vannes is a medieval castle, the Chateau de Josselin. You can take a look at the kind of fortifications that were used in times past and spend a wonderful afternoon lunching on the Oust River. You can then continue on to another ancient site: the megalithic stones located at Carnac. These are located about six hours outside of Paris. If you want to learn more about Carnac or other points of historical interest you will want to stop at the Musee de Prehistoire while you are in the area.

Château de Josselin by Andy Hay, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by Andy Hay

One thing that many people notice about Brittany is that it seems different than the rest of France. The language is different as are many of the customs. There is an important reason for this. The area has had ties to the Cornish and Welsh people in England and these ties go back hundreds if not thousands of years. The Breton language, which is still spoken by about a quarter of the inhabitants of the region, is actually much closer to Welsh or Cornish than it is to French. Many of the customs and costumes are more closely related to the Cornish and Welsh as well.

The food in Brittany is wonderful as well. Some regional favorites include crepes and apple dishes including apple cider. Crepes are thin pancakes that can then be filled with a number of different ingredients. In Brittany, they can be made with normal flour or buckwheat flour. In that case, the crepe is called a gallette instead. Seafood is also a huge part of the Breton diet. This is not surprising since the region is bordered by water on three sides. Seafood in Brittany is fresh and delicious and prepared with great care.

If you want a true cultural experience you may want to spend some time in Quimper. This is a town that has held on to its roots and the inhabitants love to wear traditional costumes. The Breton language is also spoken here much of the time. Another great town is Concarneau. The town is ancient and has stood since the 14th century. There are still signs of the old city such as the walled town built on an island in the harbor and ancient buildings that are many hundreds of years old.

Other towns that you may want to visit include Dinan and Saint Malo. Both towns have a lot of flair to offer tourists and can make for a great vacation and some amazing photographs.

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Champagne Tours in France: In Wine There is Truth

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Aside from considering the best prices in flights to France, it is a great idea to consider what kind of vacation you want to experience. Those who are traveling with children or family members often choose ski family holidays especially when they are coming from a place with tropical or sunny weather. Others who are health and fitness enthusiasts choose bicycle tours with varying destinations and durations. Another recommended tour package is the champagne tours in France. champagne-region-day-trip-from-paris-by-minivan-in-paris

You will surely enjoy exploring the champagne region of the country and develop a new sense of appreciation for the culture and history that goes along with the industry of wine making and vineyard growing.

The map of Champagne region can easily be accessed online from many different tourism and geographic web sites. By going to these different web sites, you will also be able to see the reviews and ratings of the most famous champagne and wine brands in France, and in the whole world. The Champagne Region tour is basically comprised of a whole day experience in wine tasting and visiting various vineyards. Upon each visit, you will get to know the different stories and traditions behind the culture of wine making. To most, it is a family heritage that must be maintained and preserved for the years to come, while for others, it is a legacy built on generations of hard work and wise investments.

There are hundreds of French champagne houses that you can visit, depending on the tour package you have availed. Since there are limitations in the number of guests to be allowed inside the vineyards and other facilities, it is important to book your trips and tours at an earlier date. This way, you are guaranteed a slot in your sightseeing adventures and thrill seeking plans for each day in your vacation.

The Loire Valley wine tasting is one of the most popular activities and destinations when going on tour in France. The vineyards in this 66,000 hectare location are known to produce the best wines in the world. Here, you can visit the wine caves and chateaux where the grapes and wines are being processed and fermented. It is true that any champagne from France is guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Witnessing the stories behind these famous wines and other products is something that money cannot replace.

Reims is the capital of Champagne and is another popular destination for wine tasting. The tour includes a visit to the gothic cathedral and a guided visit to the champagne caves known as “Mumm”. For a vineyard tour, enjoy a semi private visit to the most popular vineyards in the region, while the guide brings you back to the past with the historical backgrounds of each area. Enjoy hot and cold drinks and a few croissants to pair with your wine tasting adventures.

If you choose a private tour which costs more than semi private and classic tours, you have the capability to choose the champagne houses as your destinations as well as the restaurants where you want to dine in. The best combination is to choose small, mid size, and large producers of wines as your destination so you will have an idea on how each works, and the differences they have among each other.

Another great way to enjoy your private tours is the wine tasting experience. Here, you will learn how experts can identify the quality of wine based on its color, smell, and taste. Even though there are thousands of wines to choose from, you will be delighted by the varied samples that you can drink from and see for yourself which wines are the best tasting of all.

Another excellent way to enjoy your wine tasting experience is to be in art museums and painting exhibitions. Famous paintings by Pierre Auguste Renoir can be seen and marveled at in the different museums in France. He is famous for his paintings of vibrant lights and saturation of colors which attracts the interest of many collectors from around the world. Other famous paintings by Renoir are also popular displays in huge events and celebrations in France. Another enticing way to enjoy your wine tasting experience in the Champagne Region is to be captivated by the paintings by Van Gough.

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Cheap France Holidays

July 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

France in Europe has always been a top tourist destination that many celebrities, visitors and tourists come to this famous spot every year. There are more to see in France, aside from the ever famous Eiffel Tower. From north to south, east to west, France is gifted with breathtaking views of picturesque scenic spots, both natural and made. Their rich heritage and old-century infrastructures are truly remarkable and amazing. This is what makes France a must-see city.

If you are planning your vacation and wondering which places to go in France are the most affordable, there are many guided tours that you can avail of. You can choose from many bus tours that cover many areas of France, or bike tours that allow you to explore the beauty and culture of the country on a whole new level. There are many cheap holiday packages that offer different itineraries such as trips to the Champagne Region and other sightseeing and dining packages.

There are hundreds of places to see and thousands of restaurants to find in France. Depending on your budget, you can have the best dining and shopping experience in France if you know which places are the best to go to.

Before you book your flight to France, you may want to check out the different travel package deals that are offered in flight agencies and tourism web sites. Some promotions have all inclusive holiday deals complete with hotel accommodations and transportation services. There are many on-going promos for flights and accommodation when you book your flights in time for the holidays such as Christmas, Veterans Day in November, and Bastille Day in July.

It is always a good thing to check out for the best deals from different airlines and travel agencies because you can actually spend less without having to worry about other things such as hotel accommodations, car rentals, or transportation.

For Southern France holidays, the best time of the year to go on vacation there is from June to September. The mountain range on the Pyrenees Region is one of the best ski holiday destinations, if you prefer the cold weather. In the lowlands, the summer can be enjoyable with the warm weather and the attractions from the beaches and towns.

Other south west France holidays can also be enjoyed be it going on guided bus tours or bike tours. You can choose your destinations from vineyards and wine caves where you can even get to see how wines are made, and have a taste for yourself. You can also explore the fields and mountain ranges that are perfect for cycling enthusiasts and adventurers. Certain areas in France also allow visitors to camp out in the fields instead of checking in to hotels.

Most airline companies and travel agencies offer cheap flights and car rentals for a worry free vacation. You can drive out in the country or in other areas if you have already set a route of all the destinations that you want to visit. It is also a fun way to explore the country if you are the adventurous type.

For more information on France and all the popular and recommended tourist destinations, you can check out this page or other tourism web sites that have reviews and descriptions of various places and landmarks that are worth visiting. The more web sites that you can check out, the more choices you have in finding the best cheap France holiday packages and promos. Some offers are good for couples or pairs, while some deals are best for larger groups of friends and family.

There will never a dull moment on your trip to France. Yet, not only honeymooners and coupled can enjoy the place, since there are also popular tourists spots that will interest the kids. Thus, France trip is actually for everyone. When you are a group who want to take a France tour, there are cheap France holiday packages that will surely fit in your pocket. By booking for an early reservation on your desired package, you will enjoy a hassle-free stress-free holiday getaway. All you need is to pack your stuff, prepare your cash and credit cards and relax.

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What To Expect On Your Visit To Stonehenge

July 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the most popular tourist destinations in England is Stonehenge. People flock to the site each year to experience this site for themselves. Many people travel there after they have researched or heard some of the Stonehenge myths or facts that they have been reading about for years. Other people have seen pictures and want to see what all the fuss is about in person.

The circle of stones is located in Southern England in an area called the Salisbury Plain. There are many images of this site. Some show just the circle of standing stones while others show modern followers of the druidic faith holding ceremonies there at sunrise on the Summer Solstice.

There are many different theories and myths as to the origins of Stonehenge. Scientists have been able to determine that the site was not built in a single stage. Instead, the site was worked on over a period of time. The earliest construction happened in approximately 3000 BCE. Scientists are still studying the area and are making new discoveries on a regular basis. It is because of these continuing discoveries that the site remains popular as a tourist attraction and has managed to capture worldwide attention.

Traveling to the site is not difficult. It is located close enough to London that you are able get there, see the henge and then return to London in one day. There are actually one day tours to the site that you can book if you do not feel like driving yourself. You can travel the 80 minutes between London and Salisbury by train and then book passage on the Stonehenge Tour Bus. This travels from the train station to the site on a half-hourly basis. You will be taken directly to the entrance of the Stonehenge site. In addition to seeing the circle of standing stones you will also be able to stop at Old Sarum. This is an Iron Age hill fort and was actually the site of Old Salisbury.

If you prefer to drive from London to Stonehenge it will mean traveling about 90 miles (145 km) to the site. You will need to travel about 2 miles west of Amesbury. The town sits at the point where A303 and A344/A360 intersect. From there you travel to the site which is very hard to miss. Because it is out in the middle of an open plain, and because English weather can be unpredictable, it is worthwhile to take something warm to wear. That way you will not catch a chill from any breezes or winds you may encounter.

In order to see Stonehenge you will need to pay an entry fee. If you know that you will be visiting this site as well as others in England you may want to purchase a British Heritage Pass. This will allow you to see Stonehenge and several other monuments as well. When you pay your entrance fee you will be able to get an audio tour. This is available in multiple languages if your command of English is not perfect.

Many people are surprised that they cannot get right up to the stones. In order to do so you will need to book a special access pass. It is easy to get pictures, however as the stones are only surrounded by a chain link fence. You can simply stick your camera through the mesh and take as many pictures as you would like.

These same people are also surprised to learn that Stonehenge is not the only piece of prehistory in the area. It can be fun to visit other historical sites such as the Neolithic burial mounds that are located nearby. One of the largest is the West Kennet long barrow. There is also the Avebury henge which is larger than Stonehenge. While you are in the area you may want to think about visiting Silbury Hill. This is the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. Scientists are also studying these areas in order to get an idea of the people who lived in the area when the sites were being constructed.

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Going on Bus Tours in France

July 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Before booking any promos for cheap flights and car rentals when going on a vacation to France, you may also want to check out the bus tours being offered in various web sites. There are guided tours in which you can fully appreciate the areas being visited because the tour operators will guarantee you that their personnel are well-equipped with historical facts that will entertain and educate you during your tour. This way, you can enjoy the many wonderful sights and breathtaking views in and around France with a whole new level of appreciation.

bus tour by zoetnet, on Flickr
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License  by zoetnet

Sightseeing bus tours should not be mistaken for holding guests and tourists captive to the limitations of the tour. The friendly and knowledgeable guides are sure to value your freedom in picking and choosing which destinations to go to along the route, and which ones they prefer to stay longer at. Compared to car rentals deals, which give you the freedom to roam around and choose any destination at any given time, paying for guided tour vacations is much cheaper and practical than having to spend a lot of money on European gas prices. It is also an ideal choice if you are traveling in large groups because cars can only accommodate up to 4 passengers only.

There are many French vacation packages that offer bus tours in France and you can even book your tours alongside when booking your flights. Booking for Europe bus tours works pretty much the same way as booking airline tickets online. In most cases, online transactions are even safer than having to swipe your credit cards physically in any ticketing agency office. You can check out travel guides online to know more about the many places that you can choose to visit, and which ones are included in the various tour packages that are being offered.

One of the most exciting places to visit is the Parisian museums. Whether you are traveling with a partner, with friends or with family and kids, there are many things to learn and discover in these museums. Your appreciation for history and culture will surely be strengthened after you visit the many museums in France.

The Louvre Museum is the biggest in the world, filled with paintings, sculptures, and drawings from the middle ages up to 1848, and antique artifacts from Oriental, Greek, Etruscan, and Egyptian civilizations. Other museums that are included in vacation bus tours are Rodin Museum, Maillol Museum, and the Advertising Museum.

At the Rodin Museum, marvel at the beauty of bronze and marble sculptures by Auguste Rodin, and make immortalize your memories in photographs by walking along the gardens displayed with many kinds of sculptures. For a unique experience in modern art, the Maillol Museum is an exhibition of 20th century art collections put together by Dina Vierny.

For your accommodations, the choices in Parisian hotels are endless. The Hotel Victor Hugo is one of the most popular hotels for budget conscious guests. Enjoy the facilities and services such as cable TV, bars, laundry services, and internet and WiFi connections, and feel safe and secure by depositing your valuables in their safety deposit boxes.

Another recommended establishment is the Hotel Moliere, with various room sizes and access to facilities and services. For the luxurious traveler, the Hotel Regyn’s Montmartre is one of the best five star hotels in France. From single beds to deluxe and presidential suites, pamper yourself after a long day of touring with their spa and sauna facilities, and enjoy room service massages and facial treatments.

For a great way to fill up your stomachs, choose from over thousands of Parisian restaurants that offer the best dining experience. With the most affordable and delectable cuisines, Guy Savoy is by far the most popular restaurant in Paris. Other restaurants favored by both locals and tourists are Au Petit Sud Ouest, Paul Chene, and Chez Toinette. You can search online for many restaurant reviews as there are are over 5 thousand restaurants in Paris. The popularity of these restaurants is based on price range and variety of cuisines being offered. Your bus tour package may even include a special trip to one of the finest restaurants in all of Paris. So, go do your research before choosing and booking your bus tours in France.

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Taking a Bicycle Tour in France

June 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are planning to go biking across Europe, there are many reasons as to why it is the best biking vacation you will ever experience. Most adventurers who go on vacations in different countries and continents prefer to camp outdoors. Not only is it cheaper, but very practical as well. People can explore more of what nature has to offer, and marvel at its beauty. Going on bicycle adventures is an excellent way to make your vacation truly memorable. Nowadays, family cycling holidays are becoming more popular than other types of vacation packages like cruise ship vacations and safari vacations. tourdefrancebicycle

Not only are bicycle tours through France cheaper, but you can experience the rich culture of the country much better through cycling. It is definitely more satisfying than just riding in cars or buses, without having to worry about the expenses of European gas prices. Cycling is also a healthy way to go about on your vacation. Staying fit has never been so rewarding. Aside from this, you develop an adventurous spirit and that you can explore more areas in the country that other tour packages do not offer.

The Loire Valley Bicycle Tours is an excellent choice as part of your cycling route. It is famous for its enchanting vineyards, green hills and fields of flowers. It is a historical site where most poets and writers find solitude and inspiration. Among the famous highlights of this region is the Cathedral of Chartres, made world famous because of its medieval architecture. At the foot of the cathedral, you will find the Old Town, with its footbridges, medieval cobbled streets, and gabled houses. Other interesting places that you can enjoy cycling at are the Anet and Maintenon castles.

If you choose one among the many bicycle touring companies, make sure that Orleans is part of the package deal. It is the vinegar capital and the second largest city in France. Each year in May, the liberation of Orleans from the British is celebrated in commemoration of Joan of Arc. French cycling holidays such as these are perfect for planning your cycling vacations. The Chamerolles and Sully-sur-Loire castles can also be visited and explored when you avail of the self guided tours of France.

Another spectacle that awaits athletes and enthusiasts is the Tour de France 2011. It will be running on its 98th year this coming July 2 through July 24. The event will be comprised of 21 stages covering a total distance of 3,471 kilometers. The 21 stages will be made up of 10 flat stages, 6 mountain stages with 4 summit finishes, 3 medium mountain stages, 1 individual trial stage of 41 kilometers, and 1 team trial stage of 23 kilometers.

Availing trek bicycle tours is an excellent way of preparing for more athletic events such as the Tour de France. Whether you are simply adventurous, health conscious or a true enthusiast for cycling, you can never have more than enough of the many France bicycle tours that are being offered online.

Cycling in Normandy is also an exceptional package where you will be going through more than five destinations. In here, you can experience the historic cultures for each area. Among the many destinations in cycling in Normandy is Alsace. This region is situated between the borders of Germany and Switzerland and the Vosges mountain of France.

For a truly enchanting experience, the Route de Vin will mesmerize you with more than a hundred wine producing villages that you will be passing through. Cycling in Alsace will also bring you to one of the country’s finest gourmet cuisines. You can enjoy some of the best wines from the villages between Colmar and Strasbourg, to make your dining experience much more enjoyable.

The bicycle tour in Alsace is comprised of a 7-day itinerary that will satisfy you to your heart’s content. The bike tour is open from April through October, and you can start at any day you wish. Enjoy the spectacular views in the vineyards, and marvel at the beauty of traditional architecture. Your appreciation for nature will also grow stronger as you roam around the region and breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the best dining experience in world class restaurants.

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France Vacations with Your Kids

June 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

France, particularly the capital city of Paris, is known as a romantic vacation destination for couples. Only a few will know or realize that a perfect vacation in France is also possible even when you are travelling with kids. With just a little research, you will surely find great attractions in France that kids will surely enjoy. Most free travel guides will even give you an exhaustive list of where to go and which sights to see when planning a trip to France with your kids. francevacationswithkids

You can even snag yourself affordable tours in France that will not even include booking last minute flights. Though being able to get some last minute deals are sweet as well. You can even get packages and discounts on cruises in France or cruises to France. With a little ingenuity, you can surely plan and make a trip to France possible with kids and even if you are in a tight budget.

For starters, plan your trip that it will not coincide with holidays in France. It is common knowledge that holidays in a particular place are the most expensive times to be in there, even for locals. The best time to check out destinations in France is during springtime. Prices are so low because it is considered the off peak season of tourism in France.

Another technique to save money and to accommodate kids is to opt not to check in at hotels in France. Look for apartments to rent or better yet scout for fully furnished apartments for rent. This way, you do not have to always eat out. You can run to the local market for kitchen supplies and cook your own meals. You will not be risking dining in at French restaurants with menu options that you cannot even say nor once served you cannot even fathom what the food is made of. It would be a winning bet that your kids will not even take a bite out of cervelle de veau or tete de veau when they learn that these are made from cow brain.

But if you really want to sample the French cuisine to complete the perfect French vacation experience, then it would be best to have breakfast before seven in the morning since French restaurants are almost empty at this time. It would be better to check in first for restaurants that serve meals catered for kids and with a family friendly budget. There is no need to mention to steer clear from fine dining places.

For places to go in France, there are the amusement parks in Paris France. Who would dare ignore Disneyland when you are planning a trip to France with your kids? There too is the Parc Asterix that only opens during spring time, another of the amusement parks in Paris France that you will not see elsewhere. Then other than these, there are other Paris France attractions for kids as well. Take for example the Cite des Sciences et de l’Industrie in Parc de la Villette which showcases the expo on Star Wars. Surely, every kid will just be at awe with the exhibits there. Admission will surely beat the value of any Louvre Museum tickets, but the famed museum should not be missed as well.

Other museums or Paris France attractions for kids include the Museum of Modern Art which is the theoretically speaking, continuation from the Musee d’Orsay’s collection. Then there too is the so-called Picasso’s Picassos which is said to be the great artist’s personal collection which include more than one thousand five hundred of the artist’s personal works and collection from other great artists too.

For a more chic French vacation, your whole family can head off to the South of France. Here is where you can sample the best beaches in the World. You can take your kids kayaking, snorkeling, diving or ride the yachts in the clear blue waters that South of France is known for. You do not even have to spend like the big shot celebrities that frequent the region. You can have a really great French vacation in the South of France even if you are on a tight budget with your kids. You just need to do some research when planning a trip to France. Then you will soon realize that, even on a budget trip, you can experience the same level of fun and enjoyment as that of what first-class packages offer.

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Carnac and its Great Standing Stones – An Archaeological Marvel

June 26, 2011 By 9 Comments

Standing stone formations exist all around the world. Some, however, are more well-known than others. Many people would know what you were talking about if you mentioned Stonehenge but would have no idea what you were referring to if you mentioned the alignments at Carnac. This is a shame as the Carnac site is as impressive as Stonehenge if not more impressive.

Carnac is located in the area of Western France known as Brittany or Bretagne. The site is located about six hours southwest of Paris. This is great news for tourists as it means that they can travel there, see the standing stones and then return to the city for the evening without feeling like they have been travelling all day to reach their destination or to return back to their hotel.

Carnac has a number of standing stones that were placed in precise geometric patterns. Unlike the standing stones at Stonehenge that were placed in a circular pattern, Carnac’s stones have been positioned in eleven parallel rows of “alignments” as the patterns are called. At Le Menec, the alignments have been dated back about four thousand years. Over one thousand individual granite pieces have been arranged all over the site. The tallest of these pieces have been measured at 12 feet or 4 meters tall and the patterns run for more than one mile (2km).

While the site is old and appears to have weathered well, there has been some loss and damage that has taken place over time. Now, only 11 of the 12 original rows still stand. The 12th row was taken away by individuals and used as building materials or were knocked over and needed to be raised back into a standing position. Individuals who have studied the site feel that the stones once covered an area that stretched for approximately two and a half miles or four km.

The stones vary in height and the entire design is one that appears deliberate and well thought out. There are many theories as to why the stones are there. They are, like other sites, believed to have been set there as some kind of archaeological marking or measurement system but it is unknown how they were used to do so. Colorful legends say that the stones are placed so precisely because they are the petrified remains of a Roman legion that was turned to stone by Merlin.

The alignments are not the only site to see in the region. There are also many different tombs and megalithic monuments for history buffs to enjoy looking at. The area also contains many burial sites that date from the third and fourth century BCE. The megalithic monuments are known as “alles couverts”. As some can be difficult to find on your own, it is recommended that you obtain a map from a local tourist bureau in order to find what you are looking for in a reasonable amount of time.

If you are currently staying in Paris you can make the journey to Brittany on the TGV train. You would want to get off at the Auray stop, which is about three hours away from Paris. From there, it is easy to take a taxi or bus from Auray to the Carnac site. Some individuals will hire bikes or scooters to take them from alignment to alignment although renting a car is still possible as well.

The climate in Brittany is an interesting one. The weather in the area is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and this means that it can be cool and wet even at the height of summer. While in the area, you may want to try some of the local apple cider and enjoy the warmth and happiness of the area and the people who live there.

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