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Watersports
France has over 3000km (1880 miles) of coastline, ranging from the rugged English Channel and Atlantic coasts in the north and west to the sunny shores of the Côte d’Azur along the Mediterranean in the south. All types of watersports are available, although the warm climate of the Mediterranean provides obvious advantages, with swimming in the sea possible practically all year round. Diving and snorkelling are popular in Corsica and Porquerolles. Whilst the colder English Channel and Atlantic waters are popular with sailing enthusiasts, and Biarritz is renowned for good surfing. The Côte d’Azur offers the possibility of sailing to Corsica. Other more adventurous activities on offer are wakeboarding and kitesuring in the Gulf of St Tropez and riding the white water rapids in Limousin. |
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White Water Rafting and Hydrospeed in Rhône-Alpes
Rafting uses an inflatable craft, of various sizes, steered by an onboard pilot, whereas hydrospeed is the descent of a river using a float whilst wearing flippers for navigating rapids and currents. These two sports require fast-flowing rivers, which is why they are often carried out on the same stretches of water. |
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White Water Rafting in Rhône-Alpes
The Doron de Bozel, a tributary of the Isère, which it joins at Moutiers, is turbulent and winding, its narrow course weaving beneath a magnificent arch of trees. Over its sustained 6km route between Brides les Bains and Salin les Thermes, where the Class 4 and 5 rapids follow each other continuously, teams must be efficient immediately and should have rafted before. |
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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.
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Canoeing - Kayaking in Rhône-Alpes
This pastime is widespread in the Ardèche and, to a lesser degree, on the Alpine rivers, lakes and the Rhône. With many equipment and facility providers, and thanks to the natural locations, the region has a strong potential for canoeing and kayaking. |
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The Beaches of Lake Vassivière
Lake Vassivière is largest lake in the High-Vienna area. It offers six supervised beaches with a range of accommodation close by – rural lodgings, camp-sites, and a holiday village. |
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Fishing in Franche-Comté
The rivers and streams which race down the wild slopes of Franche-Comté are dotted with small corners of heaven for fly fisherman. Each waterway has its own discovery to offer.
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Water Sports in Provence/Cote D'Azur
In the form of torrents, waterfalls, gorges and canyons, water has shaped the landscape from Provence to the Southern Alps. The region has therefore become an oasis highly coveted by fans of canyoning, rafting, hydro speed, canoeing and kayaking. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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. |
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Fishing in Limousin
The range of fishing venues in the Limousin region is simply enormous. At least 12 lakes are open all year round for fishing, and most of the other lakes offer fishing during the season. |
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Diving Pleasures in Rhône-Alpes
The bottom of mountain lakes conceal at least as many marvels as the sea bed. Lovers of diving will enjoy going from hikes to quiet lake waters and from climbing to lake bed exploration. |
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The Sea, The Fish, The Fun in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Sea kayaking reigns supreme, as a sport or as a family activity, going leisurely from creek to creek, or a short trip along the beaches. |
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Water Sports and Activities in Brittany
In addition to sailing, other nautical activities are enjoying increasing popularity. Rowing on rivers and the sea: solo or as a team, rowing is possible on all types of water: rivers, canals, lakes and along the coast. |
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Water Sports in Picardy
An exhilirating experience or relaxing at the water's edge? You choose. Whether you are the adventurous type and love extreme sports or you prefer gentler water sports to discover nature, you will be spoilt for choice in Picardy! Whatever you prefer, come and pick up some speed on a sand-sailer on the region's beaches and have a go at speed sailing or sailing. Exhilaration is guaranteed! |
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Fishing in Burgundy
Burgundy offers great facilities for anglers no matter their level of experience. Trout, perch, greyling and pike are plentiful in the lakes, rivers and canals of the region. |
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Water Sports in Poitou-Charentes
Poitou-Charentes has a lot to offer to water sport enthusiasts. Whether it’s sailing, canoe-kayaking, kite surfing or wind surfing, the region has excellent facilities around the coast and inland. On the beach and islands you will not be short of options. Relax on the beach or by the rivers and take in the sun or take a leisurely swim. |
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Water Sports in Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon welcomes water sports fanatics twelve months of the year. Whether you’re looking for an action packed holiday or a relaxing break, the choice is always there for you. |
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Water Sports in Corsica
A mountain amidst the Mediterranean”: the very nickname of the island of Corsica proves it; water is everywhere, from its dramatic shores, up to its mountain range, covered with snow in winter. |
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Coastal Areas in Loire (Western)
Get that rejuvenated feeling in Western Loire. Come and discover the blue gold of the Atlantic in Western Loire! It will truly add invigoration to your holiday. Whether you want to spend time with your family or friends, or just be on your own, come and take advantage of the thousands of water sporting activities that the exceptional geography of our coastline offers. |
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Water Sports in Rhône-Alpes
From the raging mountain streams of the Alpes to the serenity of the Ain or the Drôme to the impressive gorges of the Ardèche, there are a vast number of options for playing on the water. |
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Water Sports in Loire (Centre)
Crossed by the Loire River, Cher, Indre, Eure, Creuse and Vienne Rivers, the Centre is a wonderful region for canoeing and kayaking. As a sport or simply as a leisure activity, canoeing and kayaking are original ways to discover the tourist wealth of the region. Flow with the current during your excursion. |
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Water Sports in Champagne
Der-Chantecoq, Forêt d’Orient, Vieilles Forges and la Liez lakes offer 10,000 hectares of lakes and waterways and 10,000 good reasons to come and have fun in Champagne-Ardenne. |
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Anjou, at the Heart of the Loire Valley
The Loire River, which passes through Anjou became a part of the first stretch of any river on the planet to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Experiences by boat, the Loire looks at its very best along this 80 mile stretch. |
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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. |
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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. |
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The Great Lakes in Midi-Pyrénées
Although the Midi-Pyrenees does not boast a coastline, it is however a water region with its 80 stretches of water and the 1,550 miles of rivers. The region is a land of enclosed seas and many water sports are available on specially equipped stretches of water: swimming, windsurfing, rowing, water skiing, dinghy sailing, etc. It’s the ideal solution for those of you who want to avoid overcrowded beaches!
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Beaches of Poitou-Charentes
Ride the waves. No less than 450 kilometres of coastline wend their way down the Poitou-Charente seashore. Between high and low seas, the long sandy beaches bordered by pine trees alternate with chalky cliffs and wild sites. |
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Water Sports in Burgundy
Exploring the local waterways in a canoe or kayak is a great way to discover secluded spots whcih larger watercraft simply cannot reach. |
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Beaches in Nord-Pas de Calais
Long, broad, beaches attract hundreds of thousands of people to come here but there is still place enough to run about. Great for the family. Some of the most beautiful spots in northern Europe are here. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Watersports in Aquitaine
Surfing culture draws its inspiration from the models of Polynesia, California and Australia. But in the Aquitaine region it was quick to develop its own style, to establish its own founding heroes and create its own competitions and schools... |
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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.
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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.
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Lille in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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... |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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| News |
What's happening in France? |
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| 05/03/2009 Affordable France - composite press releases Feb09 |
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| 13/10/2009 Summary of the national travel sections, 3&4th October 2009 |
How to do Champagne properly, lots of ski coverage, fun holidays, vineyard stays and where to get the most expensive coffee in the world!
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| 17/02/2009 Summary of the weekends national newspaper travel sections, 14th&15th Feb 09 |
A late skiing special from the Observer as well as plenty of romantic ideas for last minute Valentines breaks, beaches in winter, relaxed cruising on inland waterways, Cap Ferrat and St Tropez.
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| 16/12/2008 Summary of the travel sections of national newspapers, 13&14 December |
Fantastic snowfalls across France, Rob Bryden and planning ahead for 2009
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| 20/01/2009 Summary of the portrayal of France in the weekend newspaper travel sections, 17&18 Jan09 |
The ski season is in full swing and snow conditions are still great. Hot holidays for 2009, activity breaks for all, blues festivals and a special valentines message in Paris
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| ASP World Qualifying Series - Rip Curl Pro |
| August (Annual) |
Hossegor
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The Plage de la Graviere in Hossegor, one of the west coast's largest surf destinations, hosts the Rip Curl Pro, part of the ASP World Qualifying Series. The waves here are mostly beach…
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| Vendée Globe |
| November |
Les Sables d'Olonne
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| Adventurous souls and adrenalin junkies will be hoisting their sails during the Vendée Globe. This round the world sailing race attracts only the bravest seafarers, since it's for solo sailors only with no stopovers. |
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| Inter-Island Windsurf Race |
| September (annual) |
Club de Voile de Bonifacio
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This annual windsurfing race, known locally as Le Défi Inter-Iles, covers the 11-mile stretch of sea between two of the most alluring Mediterranean islands, Corsica and Sardinia. One hundred windsurfers from all over the globe come to take part. If you feel like joining them, registration forms are available at the Club de Voile in Bonifacio |
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| Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show |
| September (Annual) |
Cannes - Vieux Port
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| The Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show drops anchor for its 30th successful year at the Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto. For sailing enthusiasts this is one of the most comprehensive - not to mention glamorous - shows on the calendar, with more than 550 boats on the water and a further 250 on land. |
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| Nautical Jousting and the Coulanges Fête |
| August (Annual) |
Coulanges-sur-Yonne
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| Coulanges' annual bout of river jousting has its origins in the region's history as France's main timber-producing area. The fighst are accompanied with the merriment of the Coulanges town celebrations. |
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Canvas Holidays - September from £199 per party
Enjoy 7 nights in a mobile home from £199 per party - inlcuding your Dover to Calais ferry crossing.
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Latest Special Offers on Villas and apartments
See our latest special offers on villas, apartments, holiday villages in many regions of France
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Alan Rogers Guides & Travel
Pitch reservations & mobile home holidays across France & Spain. Pay at-the-gate prices, with a small, one-off admin fee and we'll organise it all for you. Free Child Places and Special Offers available. Alan Rogers Guides have been the market leading campsite guides since 1968. Also Camping Cheque programme (www.campingcheque.co.uk) for low season touring with savings up to 60%
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Canvas Holidays
90+ campsites across Europe. Stay in a spacious tent, modern mobile home or luxury lodge.
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1 bed apts in Cavalaire, French Riviera
1 bed apts in Cavalaire, pool and attractive grounds, 750m from beach & shops, w/c 21/8/10 - £872
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Cote d'Azur holiday villages
Modern houses in holiday developments with shared pools in St Maxime, Grimaud, Le Lavandou, Fayence.
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Headwater's Activities in Annecy
Family activity holiday with masses of watersports, tennis, walking, cycing, etc. Excellent value!
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P&V Port Bourgenay Holiday Village
PV Holidays multi-activity car free holiday centre, in the Vendee. Acqua centre and free kids clubs
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