|
The Route des Vins in Rhône-Alpes
In the Rhône-Alpes there are several “Routes des Vins” winding their way through the different wine areas. Côtes du Rhône, Beaujolais and Savoie wines all have their own itinerary or circuit which will take you through pretty villages, each with their own cellars renowned for a certain vintage. |
|
|
|
|
Short Breaks in Champagne
The Champagne Trail runs from one Champagne bastion to another, from Reims to Epernay, covering 70 km of Champagne's villages and the vineyards in-between. There is no better place to learn about the golden nectar. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Short Breaks in Midi-Pyrénées
Toulouse is France's fourth largest town and the capital of the Midi-Pyrénées, or "pink city" as it is also called It boasts an incredible architectural wealth which bears witness to its long history. During the Renaissance period, Toulouse made its fortune thanks to the woad trade in particular.
|
|
|
|
|
Cycling in Auvergne
The Volcanic nature of Auvergne has shaped the region in a way that seems perfect for cyclists. Nature parks with remarkable scenic views like the Livradois-Forez park are perfect for a family cycling trip. Cyclists, from the most experienced of riders and downhillers to the family outing, will find that Auvergne has endless options. |
|
|
|
|
Lake Aiguebelette in Rhône-Alpes
Lake Aiguebelette, nestling at the gateway to the Chartreuse nature park, the 3rd largest natural lake in France by size, is a private lake that belongs to the Chambost family and EDF (French Utility Company). |
|
|
|
|
Lake Bourget and Annecy in Rhône-Alpes
Considered the largest natural lake in France, it shelters around fifty species of fish. During the summer, Lake Bourget is held in great regard for sailing, water skiing and diving, since the temperature of the water is between 20 and 25oC. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Breaks on the Lakes in Rhône-Alpes
There are around one hundred lakes and ponds scattered across the Rhône Alpes, in particular in the Dauphiné, Haute Savoie, Savoie and Ain départements. There are so many cool and fresh havens in the heat of the summer including Lakes Geneva, Bourget and Annecy. These are three of the biggest lakes in France. |
|
|
|
|
Camargue is a land of men, horses and bulls
Camargue is synonymous with nature and wide open spaces. Flora and fauna have pride of place in this area which is still home to countless old ranches, tended by traditional horseback herdsman or "gardians". |
|
|
|
|
Night life in Paris / Ile de France
Whether it is on a terrace beneath sweet summer skies, at flashy venues, operas, theatres, concerts or the latest discos, Parisian nights are always synonymous with celebrations and gatherings. All you have to do is let your desires lead the way. |
|
|
|
|
A Water Paradise in Rhône-Alpes
A cultural cruise in Lyon, a city classed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Discover Lyon and the famous history of the Capital of Gaul by water. There are many options for walks and day cruises, as well as provision for groups and school outings. |
|
|
|
|
Golf in Corsica
Corsica may not have many golf courses at its disposal but the Sperone golf course is rated as one of the best in France. The scenery is stunning and the island’s landscape insures that the courses will be challenging. You will have to avoid the many water obstacles and sand dunes if you hope to do well here. |
|
|
|
|
Outside of Paris
Outside of Paris it is worth touring the Ile-de-France, a region of 11 million inhabitants outside of the "périphérique" or Paris ring road. Here you will find a more relaxed pace of life and a friendly welcome. |
|
|
|
|
The Order of the Day
Several of Lorraine’s spa towns put the accent fairly and squarely on fitness but also attract visitors for their architecture. One such is Plombières-les-Bains, the “town of a thousand balconies”. |
|
|
|
|
A Boat Trip on a Traditional “Gabarre”
These large traditional craft, synonymous with the history of the Dordogne over the centuries, once transported leather from the tanneries in Bort-les-Orgues, wood from the Corrèze, as well as other agricultural products, downstream as far as Bordeaux. |
|
|
|
|
The Loire Valley Vineyards
Loire Valley produces an excellent range of red, rosé and white wines, as well as sparkling and sweet wines. Connected by a majestic river, the vineyards stretch from Sancerre to the Touraine. |
|
|
|
|
Health and Wellbeing in Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes has a splendid oceanic side rich in options to relieve and rest you. It offers through natural means thalassotherapy, using the natural springs and sea water materials to create a system to increase well-being. |
|
|
|
|
Water, Water, Everywhere in Limousin
In this land of tranquil lakes and fast-flowing rivers, water sports and activities are ever-popular, providing fun and adventure for all the family. Sailing and water-skiing, rowing and waterslides can be found at many of Limousin’s lakes. |
|
|
|
|
Fishing in Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes is well known in the fishing world. Pescalis nature and fishing centre is considered the number one fishing centre in Europe. Experienced and beginner fisher men and women are welcomed to join in. Adding to this are all the other places to fish in this water filled region. |
|
|
|
|
Burgundy Gastronomy
Burgundy is one of the leading gastronomic regions in the world so why not build your holiday in Burgundy around the local food. |
|
|
|
|
Boating in Loire (Western)
An Unforgettable Holiday. Hire a boat for the family, as a couple or between friends, and wander over 375 km of navigable waterways. No need for a licence to drive these boats, which have all the home comforts: spacious cabins, bathrooms with WC and shower, fitted corner kitchen, and a sundeck to make the most of both sunshine and countryside.
|
|
|
|
|
Family Activities in Corsica
Corsica is an island dedicated to sports. Having been French for only 200 years it is culturally different and has a unique, festive feel to it. |
|
|
|
|
Boating Hire in Brittany
Hire companies offer routes departing from Dinan, Hédé, Messac, Redon, Rohan, Pontivy, La Roche-Bernard and Sucé-sur-Erdre. No licence is required to pilot these boats on the Breton canals. |
|
|
|
|
Discovery Walks
Leaving the towns, there are 343,000 hectares of forests! Through the forests of Chantilly, Compiègne, Retz, Saint-Gobain, Halatte, Crécy or Ermenonville, with a walkers' map, the official hiking trails are obvious, leading to royal boundary markers, a mysterious cross, menhir or a spinning stone are just some of the legends that please children. |
|
|
|
|
Boat Trips in Alsace
Enjoy the Waterways! The boat journey between Mulhouse and Strasbourg is a truly outstanding experience. The total journey covers some 120 km, enabling you to visit the region's three main towns: Mulhouse, Colmar and Strasbourg. |
|
|
|
|
Regional Natural Parks in Normandy
With four Regional Natural Parks to choose from in Normandy, you will be spoilt for choice, space and scenery. Natural environments are protected and preserved in these splendid parks, with fabulous views of forests, valleys or maritime wetlands with extensive wildlife. |
|
|
|
|
The Valgenceuse Chateau Park
The park of Valgenceuse chateau, in Senlis, a few kilometres from Paris, is a haven of peace and tranquillity where it is a pleasure to stroll around in the footsteps of the greats. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Pornic
This pretty fishing port is built on rock, and has everything going for it: beaches and creeks, quays and boats, a castle, little narrow streets criss-crossed by flights of steps and an indoor market. It's full of life and activity both day and night. |
|
|
|
|
Languedoc-Rousillon’s Fishing Villages
Looking for authenticity? You’ll find it in the fishing ports. You can buy fresh fish, shellfish and seafood right off the boat in Grau-du-Roi, Palavas, Sète or Collioure. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Water Sports and Fishing in Normandy
Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, Normandy has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. For those on holiday who want to take out a boat just for a few hours, there are plenty of sailing centres which hire out equipment. |
|
|
|
|
The Perche
Only an hour from Paris, the charming Perche region is the perfect place for botanists and mushroom seekers with over 1,100 species of vascular plants. There are also extensive forests crossed by the GR 35, a marked hikers trail. |
|
|
|
|
Boating in Languedoc-Roussillon
This region is lush with boating opportunities. With its 27 marinas and 30,000 moorings, Languedoc-Roussillon makes very good use of its Mediterranean location. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Les Sables-d'Olonne
Les Sables-d'Olonne: The world tour starts here. This is the most famous of Vendée's beaches. Home of the mythical high seas race, the Vendée Globe – Les Sables-d'Olonne marina is also home to over a thousand vessels. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Tours, Reflecting an Art de Vivre
Tours is the ultimate “hop across the channel” city break with a short flight from London Stansted. As a former Gallo-Roman city, you can still see small vestiges. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
|
Cave Paintings in Rhône-Alpes
With 13 painted caves, the Ardèche gorges are the most visited in France. Inside you can admire engraved or painted masterpieces together with various tools. For a better understanding of this exceptional legacy it is worth paying a visit to the Musée Régional de Préhistoire, close to the Aven d’Orgnac. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Spas in Burgundy
In Burgundy you can always add a little water to your wine and this is exactly what you do in the two spa towns of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains in the Nièvre and Bourbon-Lancy in the Saône-et-Loire. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Limoges in Limousin
Limoges had retained its international reputation as the home of the arts of the furnace: porcelaine and enamel. It has just been awarded recognition as a 'Town of Art and History'. |
|
|
|
|
Outdoor activities in Aquitaine
Aquitaine is a paradise for those in search of excitement. If sheer rock faces are what you are looking for, there are many magnificient climbing routes to be discovered. If it is whitewater you thirst for, head for the Pyrenean streams with their ideal spots for rafting, canyoning and kayak. If it is a sensation of freedom you are after, then there are always hang-gliding and kite surfing. |
|
|
|
|
Winter Sports in Savoie Mont Blanc
With more than 100 ski resorts spread out in 11 massifs, 15 connected ski areas (Espace Killy, Portes du Soleil, Grand Massif, Les 3 Vallées…), up to 650km of slopes for one single ski domain, Savoie Mont Blanc is the largest ski area in the world. You can even hop across borders and see another country! (Italy and Switzerland). |
|
|
|
|
Wide Open Spaces Aquitaine
The forces of water, sand and plant-life...the combat between these three elements over the last 15,000 years or so has shaped the face of the Aquitaine coast as it is today with a beach two hundred and fifty kilomertres long, the Europe's largest forest and the Arcachon Bay. |
|
|
|
|
National and Regional Parks - Aquitaine
Aquitaine also has various National and Regional Parks such as The Pyrénées National Park, The Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, The Périgord-Limousin Regional Park. |
|
|
|
|
A world of water - Aquitaine
From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. The valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast...ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and cycling.
|
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|