Where to stay?

Where to stay in the south of France in the Var ?

Published on 2009 05 28 | 1 reaction

So many names come to mind when it comes to the Var department: Saint Raphael, Ramatuelle, le Lavandou, Sainte Maxime or the beautiful Saint-Tropez!  But which city to choose when it comes to spending the night?

 If you wish to sleep by the Mediterranean sea, more than one commune will meet your expectations. Let’s start with the nice Bormes les Mimosas, famous for its amazing medieval village. Creeks and white sand beaches will amaze your walks on the sea side. For water sports lovers, you’ll find everything you wish at Bormes les Mimosas! Make the most of your stay by visiting Saint-François de Paul’s Chapel, Saint Trophyme Church, and the castle of the Lords de Fos. Don’t worry about accomodation as you will have a large choice of hotels and rentals.

 Ramatuelle is also a must if you stay in the Var. The famous beach of Pampelonne will undoubtedly stun you! Vineyards, forests, and nice beaches indeed make this place a true delight. Don’t hesitate if you want to spend a few days, as hotels and rentals are already waiting for you!

 Saint Raphael is also an excellent choice. Plenty of hotels and rentals are bordering the sea side. Amateurs of hiking, rock-climbing, or chill out lovers, don’t think twice before you come to Saint Raphael! For sailing lovers, the city has 5 marinas to please you!

 Cavalaire-sur-Mer, Sainte Maxime, Fréjus and Hyères are not the worst alternatives. Between the beaches and heavenly landscapes of the Var sea side, no doubt your holidays will leave sweet souvenirs in your heart.

 Nevertheless, if you wish to stay away from the coast to discover the hidden villages of the Var, Pierrefeu du Var is what you’re looking for! Small and remote, Pierrefeu is famous for its vineyard and the natural beauty of its surroundings.

 Tourtour, at 635m altitude, is ranked amongst the most beautiful villages in France and is likely to make your head spin ! Spending a few days there will give you a chance to visit 12th and 17th Century Castles. With its stunning view over the Provence, Tourtour will surely give you unforgettable memories of the beauty of the region.

 All you have to do now is to pack up your stuff and make your way to the sunny south !

The most beautiful caves in France

Published on 2009 05 28 | no reaction

What are the most beautiful caves in France? Stalactites and stalagmites lovers, this post is for you !

 Let’s go straight down to the caves of Saint-Marcel in Ardèche ! There, you’ll have no time to get bored as 40 kilometers of galleries are waiting for you!

 The caves des Demoiselles in Hérault is just as impressive. After going down in the funicular, you’ll get to wander through different rooms such as “Manteau Royal” and “la Musique”. Guaranteed delight!

 You will surely not forget the underground walk in the caves of Cerdon in l’Ain as well.

 What about the surprising caves of Lacave in le Lot? If the names of the rooms are a first surprise (”Salle des éléphants” (elephants’ room), “du chaos”(of the chaos), “Colonne aux pattes d’araignées” (Spider leg Pillars), and “Cascade laiteuse” (milky waterfall)), your wonder when you get there will no doubt be even greater!

 Vercors’s Choranche caves are unique for their fistuleuses. These stalactites are amazing and surprising! Beauty and wonder will be the key words of your visit!

 Near Poitiers, in the caves de la Norée you will discover erosion pots, waterfalls, curtains of rock, stalagmites, and many more surprises! Your head will be full of new pictures!

 In the Vaucluse, the caves of Thouzon will patiently wait for you! Stalactites, stalagmites, curtains of rock, cave pearls, ponds, and many more wonders.

 The French underground is filled with wonderful caves. Don’t hesitate to visit them!

Where to stay in the french Alps ?

Published on 2009 05 28 | no reaction

You wish to spend your holidays skiing, hurtling down the slopes of the Alps, but you still don’t know on which resort to set your heart? Stop worrying, we’re here to help!

 You like altitude? Sleep in Tignes, it is one of the highest resorts in Europe! The slopes you didn’t even dream of are waiting for you! And after the effort, enjoy the comfort of the village nightlife: many restaurants and pubs will warm you up. You will easily find hotels and rentals.

 Val d’Isère is next door and will most likely seduce you enough to come back. A challenging ski resort, its slopes will keep their promises. Sleep there as there are many hotels and rentals.

 If you set your heart on the Trois Vallées, you may want to sleep in Val Thorens where you can choose between a large range of accomadation.You could also sleep in Courchevel, Meribel, or at the Ménuires, but everything will depend on your budget! One thing’s for sure: from the slopes to the dance floor, you just have to take off your skis!

 If you prefer the Portes du Soleil (Doors of the Sun), accomodation will be a matter of large choice! The three most famous resorts Avoriaz, les Gets, and Châtel, are waiting for you! The last two are more family oriented and offer a wider range of accomodation.

 Has Chamonix been calling you in your sleep? Next time you jump off your bed you’ll be able to pace down the 3000m descent. Hotel or rental? As you like!

 To end this post, I can only wish you a good ski trip!

Where to stay in the french "Pays Basque" ?

Published on 2009 05 28 | no reaction

Which side of the border between France and Spain is better to travel? From Bayonne to Getaria, with a stopover in San Sebastian before heading off to Bilbao, the Pays Basque is full of surprises!

 On the French side, Bayonne is The cultural city of the Pays Basque. Its rich historical background and medieval urbanism are keys to its beauty. Add to this the Adour and the Nive, the mountains and the sea, and you’ll get the recipe of a stopover you should by no means miss! Accomodations are not a problem to find here. Fiestas, corrida or rugby lovers, you’re most welcome to join!

 South of Bayonne, Saint-Jean de Luz, is also of main interest. Former corsair town, this magnificient city can be proud of the respect she has for her cultural identity, unlike some of her neighbours. You will be charmed by her beaches and “art de vivre”, as well as by the “Art Deco” heritage. Make a visit to the Pergola de Mallet-Stevens and the villa Leïhorra your top priority!

 On the Spanish side, San Sebastian is one of the most famous seaside resorts. But be aware, making a choice between the beach of Concha, Onderrata and Zurriola can be tricky! Not stopping here would be a sin so take your time to discover Spain as you wouldn’t expect it! On your way, you can stop at San Sebastan el Buen Pastor Cathedral, an architectural wonder from the 19th century.

 Of course, you have to stop in Bilbao! Famous for the Guggenheim museum and his particular architectural imprint, the city is full of curious art amateurs. World wide known for its innovative urbanisation projects, one should not miss the old town that’s also worth visiting! A living testimony of the architecture from the Middle Age and Renaissance, the old town is a delight!

 If you still have time after Bilbao, head to Zarautz! It features the longest beach in the Pays Basque at 2.8 km. You will tan in no time as you enjoy the beautiful walk. Chill out on the beach and then enjoy delicious Basque cuisine. The numerous restaurants on the seaside offer plenty of local specialties, such as fish, that will bring you great delight! There are many choices in accomodation to make your stay comfortable.

 Next door is Getaria! Getaria’s marina and old town are picturesque and are worth a stay! Take time to walk around the San Salvador Chrurch, National Historic Heritage, and the Almadar Palace, today Balenciaga’s museum. If you want to excite your tastes, get lost in one of the many local restaurants and try the fish, of course! You will love the chipirons!

 Now, only you can choose which side of the border you want to stay! Why not try both?!

A view on the Coliseum for breakfast

Published on 2009 05 28 | no reaction

 The Coliseum is undoubtedly the main attraction of the Italian capital city: Rome. By staying at the Royal House hotel, you will be stunned and delighted by its amazing view on the most famous building in Rome. Moreover, transports in the capital city are so organized that it will take you no time to get to the Trevi Fountain, Forum de Trajan, or the Capitole Square. Take time to walk around the streets of Rome to have another glance at the city! In a nutshell, you can’t make a bad step by coming here!

Where to stay atop the cliffs of Normandy

Published on 2009 05 28 | no reaction

Let’s start with Etretat. This famous seaside resort is well known for the beauty if its white, dizzy, and stunning cliffs. Golf players will surely never forget the wonderful course hanging over the Channel. You will have no problem finding hotels or rentals on the Côte d’Albâtre.

 The Côte de Nacre is also an incredible site. The beauty of the beaches and cliffs will undoubtedly leave you speechless. Many seaside resorts are already waiting to welcome you: Courseulles-sur-Mer, Bernières-sur-Mer or Langrune-sur-Mer are some of the most beautiful family oriented resorts. This is the place to look for the famous Norman beach booth! Inland, the verdant fields and the heritage of the land will surely add interest to your stay!

 The cliffs of Varengilles-sur-Mer are also a delight. The sceneries you’ll see during your walks are surprising and stunning. You’ll be able to stay in the nearby villages.

Where to stay to visit the Loire valley Castles ?

Published on 2009 05 28 | no reaction

Where to stay to discover Chenonceau’s Castle, Chambord, Amboise, or Blois and other famous Castles?

 If you want to visit Chenonceau’s Castle, you may want to stay in the town of the same name. You’ll have a chance to wander in the nice streets and see some beautiful old houses. Many hostels will make your stay comfortable. You can also choose to stay in the nearby Amboise: it’s up to you!

 In Blois, you’ll also have the choice between many hostels and have a chance to visit the castle, Saint-Louis cathedral and the old town.

 To visit Chambord and the other castles around you can chosse between different towns to stay: Huisseau-sur-Cosson, Montlivault or Ouchamps will all be nice places to start your wanders around the Loire river.

The most beautiful medieval town in France

Published on 2009 05 26 | no reaction

Medieval towns are part of the French historical and cultural heritage. Some of them are true wonders of worldwide standard. Let’s freshen up our memory with a small tour!

 One of the most beautiful medieval cities in France is undoubtedly Carcassonne. Its fortress is known worldwide. Its castle and the Basilica Saint-Nazaire are architectural jewels.

 Vaucluse’s village of Gordes is just as beautiful. Moreover, from there you’ll get an astonishing view over the Luberon River. You shall not miss the treasure of the village: its castle now holds Pol Mara Museum and the Town Hall.

 The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac has no equal and you’ll just love getting lost in its narrow and sloping streets, wandering from one place to another. The castle is also worth visiting.

 The picturesque village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and its abbey are the pride of the entire country! A UNESCO World Heritage site, its paved streets will charm you forever!

 The name of the next village says it all! Collongues-la-Rouge (Collongues the Red) is a wonder made of red sandstone, and is known for its towers and small castles.

 This village is simply a piece of art: Belcastel, in the Aveyron, is of rare beauty! Its six towered castled has been hanging over the village for more than 1000 years! This is a place you shall not miss if you stay in the Aveyron!

 Rocamandour is also an architectural piece of art. Its towers, houses, and limestone cliffs melt into one whole in a surprising and stunning effect. How can these buildings stand? It is amazing to witness a construction that defys the laws of gravity! History buffs and hike lovers should run to this village that is worth a nice detour.

 The very beautiful village of Luceram, only 20km of Nice, in the Haut Paillon, is famous for its historical and cultural heritage. You will surely enjoy your stay there, and the chapel, the church, and small streets will delight your sense of aesthetics!

 South-East of Paris, the medieval town of Provins can also be proud. UNESCO’s Humanity’s Heritage, this town is a living witness of 11th and 13th centuries architecture, and will make you travel through time! Don’t miss the narrow streets and the walls that were once used to protect the city!

Provence and Lavender: you can't go wrong!

Published on 2009 05 26 | no reaction

Where can you sleep with the fresh and perfumed smell of Lavender fields in Provence?

 At the foot of the Mont Ventoux, the city of Nyons is perfect for you. Famous for its black olives, Nyons has more than one secret to share. Its rich cultural heritage will make your stay as interesting as it is comfortable. Don’t miss the hiking, wandering, or swims!

 Vaison la Romaine, a few kilometers from the Lavender fields is an excellente choice for a stay. There are many rentals to stay. The visit of the archeological sites make this village so beautiful. The villages of Seguret and Sablet are just a few kilometers away, don’t miss them! The Provence is full of treasures and the cultural heritage will stun you!

 If you wish to stay on the Valensole’s plateau, opt  for the village of Gréoux les Bains: hikes and hot spring cures are like a Fountain of youth for your body and mind! The surrounding villages of Riez and Allemagne en Provence are also wonderful. Architecture buffs will be able to quench their thirst as there are so many remains from the Antiquity to modern times!

Seaside and beaches on the French Riviera

Published on 2009 05 26 | no reaction

Special post on sea side and beaches in France: The French Riviera.

Region by region, we introduce the French coast line, and give detailed profiles of the coast for each city. You want to know everything about the beaches and the sea side of your next holidays? To get a visual about a specific place or beach and/or to look for a hostel, rental, camping site nearby, click on the title of the  paragraph and dive into your holidays!

 The French Riviera is by far the premier tourist destination in France thanks to three unique qualities: the mountains, the sun, and the sea. The sea, at the origin of this extraordinary and wild beauty, has unfortunately been the victim of its success and has sometimes been spoiled by too many concrete constructions. Luckily, there are still many stunning places by the sea: creeks, beaches, coast paths that will amaze tourist of all ages! One should still know that mainly the beaches are made of stone and the creeks of rocks: only rare beaches are sand, often artificially made, and always crowded in the summer time.

 

The seaside of Menton

 Menton has two marinas, the modern one, and the one by the old town. Between these two is a nice stone beach bordered by the ‘promenade’ (steet going along the seaside). On the other side of the old town starts the ‘promenade du soleil’, along which streches a few kilometers long beach to Cap Martin.

 Roquebrune to Cap Martin by the seaside

 Cap Martin is typical of the French Riviera’s wild sceneries: sharp rocks, hanging pine trees, and deep blue water. You can go all around following the ’sentiers des douaniers’ (path) that will eventually lead you all the way to Monte Carlo.The main beach is right beneath the village of Roquebrune Cap Martin; very nice, it is a wide but short stone beach that ends up as a few creeks isolated by rocks.

 The seaside of Monaco

 Although the coast line gets very steep after Monte Carlo, the city of Monaco has managed to set up a few small but comfortable beaches around Beausoleil. Then there are Monaco’s three harbours: Hercule, the first and biggest one, is separated from Fontvieille by the famous Rock of Monaco, atop which stands the Palace of the Prince and Sea Museum. The third one is right outside of town in the direction of Nice, and borders a small stone beach. If you continue west, you’ll find the ’sentier du littoral’, a beautiful path that will lead you all the steep way to Cap d’Ail.

 The Coastline of Cap d’Ail 

The coast line in Cap d’Ail is very steep, and the only beach, surrounded by cliffs, west of town, has a unique and fantastic beauty.

 The seaside of Eze

 Eze is more famous for its village that hangs above the sea line atop a most beautiful cliff than for its coastline. Nonetheless, there is one small and narrow stone beach in Eze Bord de Mer.

 The seaside of Beaulieu sur Mer

 The most beautiful beach in Beaulieu sur Mer is located east of the town and the main marina. There is also a small beach between the town and Cap Ferrat.

 The Coastline of Cap Ferrat

 Cape Ferrat, east of which peacefully stands the town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, is a pure beauty with typical sceneries of the French Riviera. One can only go around the Cape by foot, following a path atop cliffs tens of meters high. Only a few creeks are accessible to swimmers. It is one of the hot spots in the region for divers and snorkelers. Cape Ferrat only offers 3 beaches: the famous beach de la Fosse, south of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and two small beaches, one on each side of the beginning of the cape.

 The seaside of Villefranche sur Mer

 Villefranche’s harbour is known world wide, and it is not unusual to see giant cruising boats. There is a comfortable sand and stone beach in the middle of the small bay, The Cape Ferrat stands in the east, and the town of Villefranche sur Mer in the west. Villefranche sur mer has two small marinas and a cute beach nearby. After the coastline becomes very steep again all the way to Nice.

 The seaside of Nice

 The seaside of Nice can be divided into two. The first part is east of the castle’s hill and holds Nice’s harbour: it’s very charming with the old town, and the tiny beach at it’s end. The second part features a 6 km long stone beach, that stretches from the castle to the Airport, along which runs the famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’. This long beach hold both public and private beaches.

 The seaside of Saint-Laurent du Var

 West of the airport of Nice, the seaside along saint Laurent du Var is convenient and runs from the commercial center of Cap 3000 to the marina, a hot spot at night! You’ll find every kind of restaurant and bar along the stone beach and many water sport centers. Due to the nearby mouth of the Var river, the water is blurry and loses its mediterranean deep blue for a milky light one.

 The seaside of Cagnes sur Mer

 Cagnes sur mer stretches along a long stone beach where every one will find his place!

 The seaside of Villeneuve Loubet

 Villeneuve Loubet is where the famous Marina Baie des Anges Residence rises. There is a small and unknown beach east of the Marinas, one of the most pleasant around! After that, the stone beach continues to strech endlessly all the way to Antibes. Right in the middle you’ll find the great Siesta: Casino, restaurant and club right on the beach!

 The seaside of Antibes

 East of Antibes rises the Fort Carré. Built on rocks it is a good spot for snorkeling. Come next the marina and its famous Billionaires’ peer, and the old town of Antibes, beautifully surrounded by walls along the coast. On the other side is the modern Antibes and the Salice sand beach. It is one of the only sand beach around, and is located right in town, which explains why it is so crowded in the summer time.The Cape of Antibes, where so many of the worlds greatest fortunes live, is also a good spot for snorkeling. The small beach of la Garoupe, east of the cape, is very nice and worth going.

 The seaside of Juan les Pins

 Juan les Pins, west of the Cape d’Antibes, is a very touristy seaside town during summer time, when so many come to party in the clubs and shop. You can also chill on its long and narrow sand beach that streches all the way to the marina of Golf Juan. From there all all the way to Cannes, the coast line becomes wild and steep again, a paradise for snorkelers.

 The seaside of Cannes

 East of Cannes is Palm Beach, a tiny marina and beach. From there starts the famous ‘Croisette’ street that runs along the sand beach on one side, with fancy hostels and luxury shops on the other. At the end of the ‘Croisette’, you’ll find the Palais des Festival, where world wide celebrities shine going up the steps during the Cannes Film Festival. Right behind it starts the old town of Cannes, and its harbour where you can take the boat to the Lerins islands: a wild and beautiful set of preserved islands where you can admire the original beauty of the French Riviera, before man layed hands on it. West of Cannes, the sand beach stretches to Mandelieu.

 The seaside of Mandelieu la Napoule

 Mandelieu la Napoule is very popular during the summer. Its seaside is made of two marinas, a golf course, and very small beaches where you could be lucky to swim with dolphins!

 The seaside of Théoule sur Mer 

Théoule sur Mer is a jewel in the French Rivieran scenery. This is the start of the Esterel Mountains with its gorgeous red rock. Théoule has a very nice beach from which you have a view over the whole bay of Cannes. It is surrounded by red rocks that fall into clear deep blue water accessible to swimmers in small but stunning creeks!