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Touring/Motoring/Rail
France is a motorist's paradise. Touring the countryside, sampling the cuisine and staying at traditional French guesthouses is an ideal way to experience the real France. Drive the coastline of Brittany, meander through pretty Provence villages, explore the chateaux’s of the Loire or discover the dramatic scenery of Corsica. Alternatively, select a spot you would like to visit and then jump on a high-speed train and watch the countryside from the comfort of your train seat. Travelling at 300km/h you will be able to sample all the delights France has to offer within hours. |
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Ice-Driving in Rhoné-Alpes
A unique experience awaits you in the region of Rhoné-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. |
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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. |
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Motor Biking Circuit Recommendations in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Circuit of the 3 Valleys (About 270km): From Briançonnais, to the Vallouise as far as the Valley of Queyras, discover beautiful valleys and special villages such as Saint Véran. The scenery of torrents, waterfalls, larch forests, glaciers, rocky crags and eternal snow will thrill lovers of nature and authenticity. |
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Motor Biking in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Lovers of getaways and freedom will find this region an ideal place for motorbiking. Good weather year-round and sites to take your breath away offer a thousand good reasons to get away from it all and discover remote picturesque places in the heart of Provence, or follow itineraries with their unbeatable sea views. |
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Bateaux de Saint-Leu
The Saint-Leu district, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, is crossed by the Somme. At the time, water and mills could supply the necessary energy to weavers, stainers, tanners and millers. Nowadays, St Leu is the ideal place for saunters. |
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Public Transport in Paris / Ile de France
Paris is one of the easiest cities in the world to get around. There is an extensive train system, called the Metro, with frequent trains, as well as an excellent bus service across the city. |
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Train Tours in Rhone Alpes
Green Ardèche: Full Steam Ahead The railroad circuit of the Chemin de Fer du Vivarais, between Tournon and Lamastre, allows one to admire ardéchois landscapes which are only accessible by train. |
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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. |
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For the Family in Poitou-Charentes
On-road Tourist Train: Train Touristique "Le Pibalou" Discover the history, flora, fauna and geography of the Marais Poitevin and see the local architecture in its villages from a small road train. |
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Bateau L’Alphee
Take a cruise on the Somme Bay on the Alphee boat. A one hour trip (Le Hourdel-Marquenterre Birds Park) or 30min boat rides long the Crotoy beach. There are also sea fishing trips available for groups. |
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Tours in Midi-Pyrénées
The Most Interesting Sites in the Midi-Pyrénées ("Star Country") "Star country" is a comprehensive itinerary pinpointing some of the most beautiful sites of interest in the Midi-Pyrénées under the headings of four thematic trips, as follows: |
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The Caves of Lascaux Aquitaine
The caves of Lascaux were discovered by a group of teenagers out walking their dog in 1940. They are one the world's finest examples of prehistoric cave dwellings and their walls are adorned with colourful artworks painted by early man. |
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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. |
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The Pilgrims’ Way
Compostella, in Galicia, Spain, became the most accessible and popular destination for 'European' pilgrims in the 12th Century. For two hundred years 30-50,000 people travelled there each year. |
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Nature and Leisure Pursuits in Burgundy
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. |
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Not to be missed in Burgundy
There are sites to behold all over Burgundy including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five villages listed as the 'prettiest villages of France' and a unique medieval building site. |
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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. |
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Wines and Vineyards in Burgundy
You can't think about Burgundy without thinking about its famous wines. Today the vineyards of Burgundy cover an area of some 27,000 hectares divided into 5 main growing areas. |
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Dune du Pyla Aquitaine
The natural phenomenan that is the Dune du Pyla or 'Dune du Pilat' is the largest natural sand dune in the world and sits 60km from Bordeaux in the South of the Arcachon Bay. |
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Bordeux Aquitaine
Bordeux is famous for it's wine production but that's no the only business to have left it's mark on the city. Nicknamed the 'Port de la Lune' (Port of the Moon) due to the enormous curve of the river in the city centre the port of Bordeux has always been very active. |
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Nature Watch in Brittany
Brittany is famous for its coastal marshes. The marshes are formed in depressions, behind a coastal belt of sand or stones, or a manmade dyke. The degree of salinity of the water varies depending on infiltration of the sea and affects the vegetation and the fauna. |
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Climbing in Provence/Cote D'azur
Climbers can devote themselves to their favourite pastime in total safety at several sites with full amenities. They come from all over the world to conquer the steep walls. The ones in Verdon, for example, have no fewer than 933 routes. |
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Flying High in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Make your debut in the air, discover the sensations of flying, learn to master piloting techniques, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur pulls out all the stops for everyone to share in the experience of flying. |
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Caves in Franche-Comté
Journey to the Centre of the Earth 4,500 caves or chasms, which in this region often go by the name of 'baumes' or 'puits' are known to sports lovers, such as the Verneau caves in the Lison valley, for example are considered to form the world's longest post-siphon network (28,000 m). |
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See Alsace from the Air
Discover the Alsatian plain at first hand, get a bird's eye view of the Vosges Forest or glide across the vineyards... There are many excellent reasons to discover Alsace from the air.
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| News |
What's happening in France? |
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| 15/12/2007 A gastro river cruise in France |
Chef Jill Dupleix gets to grips with burgundies and beaujolais on a gastronomic river cruise from Lyons on the Saone. We are here for the food and the wine, and fully expect to eat too much and drink too much,” says Ben, 80, from Cornwall, sipping his welcome cocktail of sparkling wine. “And we would be very disappointed if we didn’t.”
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| 15/12/2007 New Nice tram will affect property values |
A new transport link is expected to have a marked effect on the property market in the French city of Nice. The Capital of the Cote d’Azur is about to announce the official opening of their new tram line which has taken over six years to build at a cost of 370 million euros.It will bring more homes within easy access of the central shopping area and beach.
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| 05/06/2008 Portrayal of France in National weekend travel sections 31stMay&1st June |
A summary of how France has been covered in the national newspaper's weekend Travel sections.
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| 15/12/2007 New high-speed train puts eastern France's wine and Champagne country on daytrippers' map |
REIMS, France -- After a Paris breakfast of cafe and croissant, how about lunch and a glass of bubbly in France's Champagne region? Thanks to a new high-speed train line, Reims, the ancient heart of Champagne country, is now just 45 minutes from Paris -- less time than it takes to cross the French capital during rush hour.
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| 15/12/2007 First route to France from Eastern Airways takes off |
Eastern Airways launched its first route to France yesterday (November 15) with its latest service departing from Southampton International Airport to Angers Loire. The three times a week service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
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| Antibes-Côte d'Azur Motor Rally |
| Oct 2008 |
Antibes-Juan les Pins
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The annual Antibes-Côte d'Azur Motor Rally roars into Antibes for the French leg of the European Rally Championships.
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| FIA World Rally Championship - Tour de Corse |
| Oct 2008 (annual) |
Corsica
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The twisting roads of Corsica are the setting for the latest round of the World Rally Championship. Famed for its beauty, the island makes a spectacular backdrop for rallying. The course includes 413km of track and 145km of testing off-road driving.
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| Andros Trophy Final |
| 01 February - 02 February |
SUPER-BESSE [Puy-de-Dôme]
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| A great chance to see a truly unique style of motor racing in the closing challenge in the Ice-racing Winter Motor Circuit. |
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| Joan of Arc Festival (Fêtes Johanniques) |
| June |
Reims
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Every year, the city of Reims celebrates the memory of French patron saint Joan of Arc with a succession of shows and historical living epics.
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| Formula One: French Grand Prix |
| July |
Magny Cours
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| The Formula One World Championships continues with the French Grand Prix. More than 100,000 spectators pack the stands of the Circuit de Nevers at Magny-Cours as fanatics from across the world flock to Burgundy. |
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| Offers |
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SeaFrance
Travel between Dover-Calais Day trip fares from £25 return Single fares from £29 Car+ up to 5 people
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20% off school summer holiday fortnight stays in the French Alps
Between 16/8-13/9/08, selected Lagrange Prestige s/c residences, including Valloire
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More Offers
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| Holiday Options |
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Accommodation
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Paris and the Seine - An Impressionist Cruise
4 day/3 night river cruise from £299pp. Cruise dates 10 - 13 Nov & 17 - 20 Nov 2008.
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Gastronomic France, Lille, Lyon and Tours
Enjoy a gastronomic break in some of the best locations in France. Then hit the gym!!
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Skiing holidays from Drive-Alive
Skiing for independent travellers. Hotels, apartments, chalets, ferry, Eurotunnel or Eurostar.
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The Ferry Travel Club
The Ferry Club is one of the UK's largest and most successful discount travel clubs.
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Eurocamp Independent-Touring Cheque
Touring Cheque is the low cost, low season go as you please voucher system from Eurocamp Independent. You can save up to 60% off standard site fees on a range of over 100 quality sites.
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Châteaux and manor houses
Fairy tale castles and C17th grand houses, Bowhills have a great choice from only £335 for 6 people
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More Holiday Options ... |
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