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France provides an ideal location for a weekend away with friends, a special occasion, a sports club trip or any organised trip. The choice is endless - wine tasting in beautiful vineyards, famous and glamorous resorts such as St.Tropez, skiing in the Alps, shopping till you drop in Paris or surfing in Biarritz.

Ice-Driving in Rhône-Alpes

A unique experience awaits you in the region of Rhone-Alpes. Driving is taken to the extreme with ice circuits carved out of glaciers for you to drive on. Alpe d'Huez is the place to be if you want the challenge of controlling a Porsche on ice.

Natural Skating Rinks in Franche-Comté


The regions large lakes become remarkable skating rinks in winter. The principal sites are the lake Saint-Point in Doubs, the lake of Russet-red or that of Combe.


Les Labyrinthus in Alsace


The Maze Leisure Park. Very popular in times gone by, mazes are today enjoying something of a comeback. Designed in 1996, "Les Labyrinthus" are temporary mazes made from corn which are pulled up or harvested at the end of the summer.


Beach Towns

Nice Surprises at Saint-Nazaire: A charming port of call. In the shade of the liners, this town is lively and passionate. What to see: the Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the Espadon (the only fleet submarine in France that is open to visitors), Airbus and Escal'Atlantic – a new kind of museum on board a transatlantic liner – and experience the ambience of the great ships of yesteryear.

Rhône-Alpes – The Largest Ski Area in the World

The Rhone Alpes, with its 180 ski resorts and 18 linked ski areas, boasts the largest ski area in the world. Every winter millions of holidaymakers are drawn to its slopes, and in the summer its mountains become a magnet for enthusiasts of sports such as mountain climbing, rock climbing, glacier hiking and paragliding.


Sailing in Loire (Western)


Novice and experienced sailors alike will find ideal conditions in the Pays de la Loire for the full practice of sailing in absolute safety. From La Baule to Sables-d'Olonne, the wide bays, creeks and islands lend themselves wonderfully to the practice of sailing.


Cross Country Skiing in Rhône-Alpes

The region’s range of winter sports is further complemented by other resorts in the south of the Jura, the Vercors, the Chartreuse, the Monts du Forez, the Drôme, the Isère and the Ain, which are more adapted to activities such as cross-country skiing and snow-shoes.


Devil Kart in Franche-Comté


For those who love nothing more than speeding around a track in a go-kart or for those who have always wanted to give it a go, Franche-Comté has a treat for you.


Forest Acrobatic Parks in Rhône-Alpes

Among the numerous forest acrobatic parks scattered almost everywhere since the 90s', there are about a hundred throughout the Rhône-Alpes region, scattered within resorts, mountains, towns and the countryside.Explore via monkey bridges, Texan clamps, and lots of other suspended games for a unique experience!


Formula 1 Experience in Burgundy

Take the drive of your life in Burgundy where a Formula 1 track is at your disposal with a wide variety of different vehicles. Karting, driving a Porsche and other sports cars or Formula 3 and 1 cars are the options to choose from at Magny-Cours in Burgundy.

Adventure Parks in Alsace


Located in a forest of 200-year-old oak trees, this treetop adventure park combines a chance to discover nature with the opportunity to enjoy fun and adventure up in the treetops.


Bobsleigh Run in Rhône-Alpes


One of the most trilling and unique experiences in France awaits you in Rhone-Alpes. Known as the most technical piste in the world, the run is really frightening as you reach speeds of 90km/h to over 100km/h. This isn’t just for adults as families can go in four-man bobsleighs.


Horse Riding Auvergne

Auvergne is a great region for horses and riding and is a wonderful destination for riding holidays. The layout of the fields, the patterns of crops and woodlands, the layout of the towns and villages and the unique building structures create the perfect horse riding experience.

Reach the Top in Paris / Ile de France

Climb..whether it is up the famous cliffs at Fontainebleau or the artificial climbing walls in Paris and its surrounding area, defy the laws of gravity and experience the joys of climbing.

Paintball in Franche-Comté


A flag of true importance! Paintball is a painfully great experience at the best of times but given this location it just gets better. Bookings are essential but well worth it. Take a stroll in a forest full of people with paintball guns, safe in the knowledge that you’re locked and loaded.


Boating in Poitou-Charentes

From Angoulême to the ocean, the Charente winds its way through the ancient provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge. Boats equipped for river cruises perpetuate the traditions of the gabares, who used to transport paper and Cognac. You will be immersed amidst the zone known for its eau de vie (water of life).

Le Labyrinthe - Gueret

This giant maze (the largest in the world) covers two hectares and borders a 3000 hectare forest. There are 14 questions in the maze which, if answered correctly, enable you to exit more easily. There are also picnic areas in the park and giant games, including a giant chess board with pieces.

To the Air

The Loire Valley is extremely large. Exploring it all would take quite some time by conventional means. For a more original and unique vantage point of this remarkable land, hot air balloon rides are available to transport you over the valley.

Sailing in Brittany

Whether for competitions, regattas or simple sailing trips, Brittany is an ideal location for water sports and activities, thanks to its 3500 kilometres of coastline together with its many rivers and lakes. Today there are 120 sailing schools and 230 water sports centres.

Hot Air Ballooning - Lubersac

View the Correze region from a hot air balloon! Journeys take 30 minutes or 1 hour and each flight can take a maximum of 4 passengers.

Water Sports in Loire (Western)
A Whole Range of Sports. All of your nautical desires can be satisfied on our coast: Sea-Kayaking near the rocky creeks of Piriac and Pornic, wave skiing at Sables-d'Olonne, kite surfing at La Baule, diving off the Île d'Yeu, waterskiing at Noirmoutier, jet skiing at Pornichet. With such a wide choice, there's no excuse for inactivity.

Steam Train Journeys - Limoges

With a variety of routes from Limoges to Eyemoutiers and Ussel this is a great day out travelling back in time to the days of real trains! Weave your way through the gorges of the Haute Vienne with some spectacular viaducts.

Vulcania in Auvergne -The European Volcano Park

Thousands of years of volcanism have forged the landscape of Auvergne giving it the special strength and character that make it a unique place in Europe.

Golf in Poitou-Charentes

The delightful sound as the club hits the white green-tinted ball that flies away surrounded by amazing scenery awaits you. No doubt about it, you are on one of the numerous greens of Poitou-Charentes: Royan, Angoulême, Niort and Poitiers.


Short Breaks in Nord-Pas de Calais

Enticing sandy beaches run for an astonishing 120 kilometres from Dunkerque to Berck-sur-Mer, lined with dunes and majestic cliffs. On the most glorious headlands, Les Deux Caps, in the national regional park of outstanding natural beauty, hikers are excellently catered for.

Horse Riding in Rhône-Alpes

Nothing is more pleasant than horse riding to discover the Southern Ardèche and Vallon Pont d'Arc region. You will pass through forests, on bridle paths and will end by crossing rivers.


Theme Parks in Picardy

Each time you visit you will see a different Picardy depending on the time, light and season. Each place is different and extraordinary, just like each encounter. Picardy’s theme parks will thrill you with shows and rides for the whole family.


Wine Tours

Bourges is an ideal point of departure to explore the vineyards. The medieval town of Sancerre, with its stone tower, perched atop its ancient flint hill and cloaked all around with vineyards, will really impress you.

Hydrotherapy in Auvergne

Auvergne is the most important region for hydrotherapy treatment in France. Every year its 10 resorts welcome nearly 70,000 curists making Auvergne a major European health centre. The spa centres of Vichy, Le Mont-Dore, Saint-Nectaire, Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Châtel-Guyon, La Bourboule, Royat-Chamalières, Chaudes-Aigues, Néris-les-Bains and Bourbon-l’Archambault, together make up a unique group.

Watersports Auvergne

Auvergne, being known as the "land of lakes and volcanoes" is rich with numerous water sports. Natural and artificial lakes are in use all year round for sporting activities. From fishing and swimming to water skiing and kayaking, there is no limit to what can be done.

Saines Saveurs Bourgogne, Naturally Good

In November 2005, Burgundy made an innovative move by launching 'Saines Saveurs, Naturally good in Burgundy'.
This new label is a commitment from Burgundy's catering professionals to provide healthy natural foods wherever possible.

An Authentic Open Air Village Museum


Created in 1984, the Ecomusée d'Alsace comprises almost 70 authentic rural homes, dismantled in their original village where they were due for demolition, and rebuilt it here brick by brick.


Puy du Fou®: Get ready for a journey through time!
Escape to the Grand Parc of the Puy du Fou® for an unforgettable trip with family or friends. Puy du Fou® is a whirlwind of extraordinary shows and a real breath of fresh air far from everyday hustle and bustle. Make the most of an exceptional entertainment program during the day, breath-taking shows at night, as well as 17 restaurants, a themed hotel and 45 hectares of pure green bliss. Days at Puy du Fou® are adventure and action-packed. Get ready for a journey through time!

Chamonix - A voyage through the Mont-Blanc range

Chamonix has been welcoming travellers and adventurers for over two and a half centuries and can be truly described as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The mountain scenery surpasses one's wildest expectations and the Mont-Blanc, jewel in the crown, thrones silently over the Chamonix valley.

The Morvan Natural Park

Burgundy's green spaces are ideal for a range of leisure pursuits and getting close to nature. The beautiful landscape is ideally suited for hiking, horse riding, golf cycling and even hot air balooning for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Visit Chateau de Chenonceau
Chenonceau is, after Versailles, the most visited French castle. Aside from the visit to the castle, the chateau de Chenonceau provides a large range of activities and services like: a gastronomic restaurant l'Orangerie, a buffet restaurant, a tea room, the Ladies Galery (wax museum) and sailing in small boats during summer months. You can also discovery the vegetable garden, the 16th century farm and the flower workshop where incredible flower displays are created and displayed in the castle.

Not to be missed in Burgundy

From the vineyards of Chablis to those of the Mâconnais passing through the Côte de Beaune and Côtes de Nuits, from the luminous Loire Valley to the opulent Bresse region passing through the mysterious forests of the Morvan, Burgundy is beautiful in its natural state and in every season.   

Not to be missed in the Loire (centre)

It is western Europe's last wild river, over 1,000 km long, that shapes the region : The Loire. On its banks the aristocracy built châteaux that are among the jewels of French architecture. Amboise, Chambord, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau are all extraordinary.  

Not to be missed in Limousin

Nature lovers who like to punctuate their walks with seeing the old craft traditions develop an immediate attachment to this region. Green woods and forests, it is also criss-crossed by water, the Creuse, Vienne and Dordogne rivers...

Not to be missed in Normandy

Combining in the same land the pleasures of an extraordinary coastline and those of a green and blossoming countryside, Normandy is a very fortunate region.

Not to be missed in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur

Everything in this region sings, even the wind, when it is called the Mistral or the Tramontana. The great poets were able to convey its music, and painters from Cézanne to Picasso, captured its light. Provence is magical, it smells wonderfully of olive oil, lavender and thyme.

Not to be missed in Ile-de-France

Around Paris, Ile-de-France offers the joys of discovering both nature and culture. With 9 royal towns, 400 listed gardens and châteaux including 24 masterpieces of landscape art, medieval villages or Cistercian abbeys, the Ile-de-France region boasts a unique and fascinating heritage.

Not to be missed in Alsace

Very long and narrow and backing onto the Rhine, Alsace has seen its borders moved on many occasions. The ups and downs of history have caused it to hang on to a very strong regional tradition. This can be seen in its language, its folk traditions and its cuisine. Its countryside beckons the walker, with its hillsides streaked with vineyards in the Munster valley and the flower-decked valleys of the Florival.


Not to be missed in Aquitaine

If you had to define this land by one word, il would be 'generous'. A generosity that can be seen in its variety of landscapes with hills, valleys, sandy moors and a coast that is almost wild. The Bordeaux vineyards, the Basque Country, the plateaux of Périgord...

Not to be missed in Rhône-Alpes

A great river and a chain of mountains give the region its name and create the pattern of life here. The Alps crowned by Mont Blanc provide a skiing area that is unique in the world. Hiking enthusiasts are becoming increasingly numerous in the summertime, walking the waymarked trails through the region's nature parks (La Vanoise, Les Ecrins, Les Bauges), and around the lakes (Lake Geneva, Annecy, Le Bourget). Nearer the Rhône, the Ardèche gorges are a paradise for canoeing.

Not to be missed in the Loire (western)

A land of water traversed by the Loire, the region is bathed in the north by the spray of the Atlantic Ocean. While Saint-Nazaire is an important merchant navy port, Nantes is the regional capital, and Saumur, Le Mans and Angers offer visitors a cultural heritage dominated by Gothic art and the Renaissance.

Not to be missed in Corsica

Mountains in the sea, pierced with torrents, Corsica, an island of rare beauty, has the full spectrum of landscapes. Dry in the south, it makes up for it with long beaches of white sand, where lazing around can be enhanced by sightseeing tours.

Not to be missed in Picardy

With its exceptionally rich architectural heritage, this province is a preserve of Gothic art. Famous for its cathedrals, it offers the discerning an opportunity to explore its towns and their medieval wonders.

Not to be missed in Champagne-Ardenne

The fruit of its vineyards is so famous that the first thing you think of in this region is a glass of champagne. You can of course begin the journey underground and visit the wine cellars. Reims, its magnificient cathedral or its museum of fine arts, should not make you forget the 'vine-growers' villages spread around the region. There is also the Ardennes with its wild forests, populated by roe deer and hares.

Not to be missed in Languedoc-Roussillon

The Mediterranean on one side, the eastern Pyrenees to the south and Lozère to the north, Languedoc-Roussillon takes pleasure in the contrats if its stepped relief.

Not to be missed in Paris

Some cities call to mind lovers, others architecture, yet others an intellectual, cultural or appealing popular atmosphere. Paris has all these faces, plus lots more to discover depending on your particular interest.

Not to be missed in Franche-Comté

This is a region with distinct faces. In the north, the valleys of the Haute-Saône which, from the Grays region to the  Saône Vosges, passing through Vesoul, back onto the region of Belfort. Châteaux and churches give added attraction to its towns and villages, and a great many museums house specimens showing the traditional craftmanship related to wood, but also to clock making.

Not to be missed in Poitou-Charentes

The dispute between Ancient and Modern is not on the agenda in this region where the vestiges of the past are keyed neatly into an openness to the future.

Not to be missed in Auvergne

If it were possible, the best way to travel in this region would be on the back of  a donkey, just as the writer Stevenson did. It is indeed probably the pleasantest way to see this land of volcanoes, fashioned by their eruptions. Inactive for centuries, they gave birth to a strange and majestic landscape.

Not to be missed in Brittany

A land of seafaring people, and the aspect that makes Brittany the daughter of Neptune. Its thousands of kilometres of coastline, from Cancale to Saint-Nazaire, give it a prodigiously varied relief, with the strange rocks of the Pink Granite coast and the idyllic beaches of the Morbihan following on from one another.

Lille in Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Not to be missed in the French Riviera

It is the blue of the south that defines this land. Its climate is so mild, its nature so filled with flowers that thousands of years after the Romans, English aristocrats, fed up with the greyness, fell in love with it. Since then, the Côte d'Azur has been entirely given over to summer pleasures.  

Not to be missed in Nord-Pas-de-Calais

Traditionally an industrial region, it has now turned to tourism, a natural choice in a landscape where forests predominate, and where the Opal Coast has a host of beaches dedicated to surfing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, and more.

Not to be missed in Lorraine

Bordered by the three countries, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, Lorraine is a strategic region which today exudes a peaceful charm. There is no shortage of reasons to explore it. For lovers of architecture and the arts, Mirecourt, Bar-le-Duc and Epinal possess many wonders. Enthusiasts for footpaths, will find routes dotted with lakes, forests and green valleys in the Lorraine Regional Park. Another excellent reason to come is for its springs and to stay in one of the well-known spa establishments in Contrexéville or Vittel, where the gastronomy is not to be outdone.

Not to be missed in Midi-Pyrénées

Few regions offer such a variety of landscapes, climates and architecture. This is because the region is huge, it runs from Aveyron to Gers and from Ariège to the edges of the Dordogne.

Hot Air Ballooning

Floating through the air in a hot air balloon is the perfect way to take in the scenery of the region. If you have a head for heights there is no more relaxing way to see the Burgundian countryside.

News What's happening in France?
22/12/2008 Portrayal of France in the travel sections of this weekend's national newspapers

Ski, ski and more ski. Huge snowfalls in the Alps and Pyrenees mean ski conditions in France are the best for many, many years 


26/01/2010 Combined press releases from the Family France press lunch, 20th Janury 2010


26/08/2008 Recharge your batteries in Brittany

After the stress and rich food during the weeks leading up to Christmas, a 50 minute flight across the channel to Brittany situated on the west coast of France can restore your body and mind.

Leave all the stresses and strains behind and discover the mystical, heritage rich region of Brittany with its year round mild climate, listen to the sound of the ocean and breathe in the fresh, salty air for as little as £100 per person on half board including treatments and excluding flights


05/03/2009 Affordable France - composite press releases Feb09


13/10/2009 Summary of the weekend travel sections, 10th&11th October

How to ski through the downturn, all the latest ski develoments, cider, film locations, Lyon, Ile de Re and a planned theme park holiday that wasn't quite as expected.


Paris Gay Pride
June (Annual)

Paris

The romantic, enchanting city of Paris celebrates Gay Pride at the end of June with a massive parade that draws more than 500,000 spectators and participants as well as a series of parties, balls, and other lively events.


Reims Jazz Festival
November

Reims


The festival has been held annually since 1994 and attracts performers from across the globe.

Strasbourg's Carnival
March

Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin

More than 40 colourful floats and 3,000 street performers will join the procession for Strasbourg's annual carnival.

The Gypsie's Pilgrimage
May (Annual)

Saintes Maries de la Mer

The village of Saintes Maries de la Mer hosts an international gathering of gypsies, who come to honour their saint, Sara the Black.

Twins Festival
August (annual)

Pleucadeuc

There's double trouble in the small town of Pleucadeuc in Brittany during the annual Jumeaux festival, Europe's biggest gathering of twins.

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