Europe & Beyond

With panoramic-view bars and midnight kisses by the Seine the French capital is in its element once night has fallen.

Here we explore some of the wonderful things to do when night falls in Paris.

As the days begin to shorten but the temperatures remain comfortable it is an ideal time to shop around online and book flights to experience Paris by night.

Stroll Montmartre at night, when the deserted cobbled streets look like film sets. For quiet, head down Rue des Saules to the Clos de Montmartre vineyard , the only vineyard left in Paris, before ambling to Sacré-Coeur for vistas over the sleeping city. At the bottom of the steps, pace Rue Yvonne le Tac towards Rue des Abbesses where a cluster of bars pour post-midnight drinks.

Get to the Centre Pompidou at 6.30pm to admire modern art by Matisse and Miró. Then, before the gallery closes (9pm), take the transparent escalators up to the industrial-chic restaurant Georges, to watch the sun set over Paris’s rooftops, Martini in hand. You’ll have to fight trendy crowds for a table, and service can be escargot-slow (look out for the model-like hostesses dressed in cocktail-dress finery). But it’s pure panorama drama, inside and out.

Cosy up in the Hôtel Concorde La Fayette’s panoramic bar. From this 33-storey perch you can sip fizz and enjoy the city shining like a fairy-lit toy-town. Look out for the Eiffel Tower – every hour between dusk and 1am, its filigree girders illuminate the night sky with a brief twinkle.

The most atmospheric view of the Seine? From a boat! Book a champagne-dinner cruise, departing from the foot of the Eiffel Tower (up until 10.30pm) with Bateaux-Parisiens then watch the best show in town unfurl just beyond your table.

La Belle Hortense bar in the Marais district (31 Rue Vieille du Temple, 4th; www.cafeine.com) attracts wine-loving night owls with endless shelves of literature and wine, served until 2am. Prop yourself up at the bar for a chat about Baudelaire, or opt for the cosier back section, where you can savour a glass of Bordeaux in peace.

Catch the last lift (10.30pm) up the Eiffel Tower www.tour-eiffel.fr – and dine beforehand at the Michelin-starred Jules Verne restaurant on the second floor.You’ll need to book several weeks in advance, but it’s a do-before-you-die sensation.

For the brave try hiring a 1955-style Vespa from Left Bank Scooters www.leftbank scooters.com (£80 a day, delivered to your hotel) and trace the riverside roads from the Eiffel Tower, past Invalides and the Louvre to Notre-Dame. One bike holds two – so you can cling to each other in the night air.

Current online offers include flights to Paris from as little as £30 departing from various UK airports.

Paris City Holiday Break For Family Adventures

Paris has a reputation for being expensive and sophisticated. Well, it can be, but you don’t have to spend a lot  to enjoy yourself – it can also be family friendly, and there are some real gems to enjoy alongside the well known sights of the tourist trail. If you are travelling with young children, here are several suggestions that you might want to check out – some of the lesser well known Garden and Theme Parks. They’re affordable, straightforward to get to and will keep youngsters as well as the adults happy! Paris City Breaks have never looked as appealling to families with young children.

La Mer De Sable

La Mer De Sable was the first theme park in France and amazingly, it still holds its own. It’s built on a geological site and has natural sand banks and lots of activites. Children love it. Its spacious, safe, and it isn’t quite on the tourist route. The free parking, very reasonable prices and no queuing makes this a great place to visit – just make sure you know about the parks strong western theme! There are cowboy shows, a Pirate Boat, horse shows, Railroad Rides, and the desert and jungle areas to explore. It’s about 40 minutes outside Paris and its open from 10.00am – 6.00pm until September 23rd, before it winds up for the season.

The Park Floral

This park is great – it’s relaxing!  There are waterlily ponds full of flowers, and a mini golf course which has all the key monuments of France to knock a golf ball around. It’s pretty and well kept, and oddl,  not many people seem to visit, so you should be able to explore and try out the golf in relative peace.

Jardin d’Acclimatation

This park area in Paris has got to be one of the great open spaces in the city – there are 49 acres of pure fun! You get there from Porte Maillot Metro Station, and the park has its own little train which trundles into the park and around the grounds. There are dozens of activities and thing to see here,  including an Aviary, giant flower showers in the water park and carousel horses, that travel on a track – remember the Mary Poppins film? There are workshops for children, and while they go off to do theatre or singing, adults can go and take part in cookery lessons, belly dancing or chocolate making. The cafes can be rather expensive, so you can always add to the days enjoyment with a proper Parisian picnic. You can go on a boat on the Enchanted River, use the open air pools, visit the Hall of Mirrors or try out the enormous Carousel Swing Ride. You buy as many activity tickets as you want, and its open every day – since its unlikely you’ll get through everything in a day, so you can always persuade the young members of your party a return trip, on the understanding that you get to do a few of the things you want to do….a boat ride on Sienne, a visit to the Sacre Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, The Lourvre, Cartiers Jewellery Shop……or combine the two with a trip to Tuilleries Gardens, near the Eiffel Tower, where there is a huge Carousel and Ferris wheel as part of the summer garden Funfair. Its open until the 3rd week of August.

Paris can get hot in August, and traditionally it’s the quiet time of year, when many Parisians wind down and take their annual holidays.  Paris is always hugely enjoyable, regardless of when you go – so find your local tourist office when you arrive, and check out what’s available in the district you’re staying in. If its too hot too walk, check out where you can book in for a Sedgeway Tour of the city.  You won’t have to travel far or spend a fortune to have a great time.

France – A Hop, Skip and Ferry Away

France boasts a wide range of top holiday destinations and its so easy to get to; planes and trains are quick – but you’ll a choice of savings with cheap Dover to Calais ferries and then you can drive through France and enjoy a visit to some of Europes most iconic cultural centres – namely Paris, Strasbourg or Toulouse. You might like to stay at a beach or  ski resort or take in the country’s many fascinating gardens; you’ll simply be spoilt for choice. In today’s blog post, here are just five of France’s most amazing holiday destinations.

Paris

Situated on the river Seine in the Ile-de-France region, the nation’s capital offers so many more attractions and things to do than those that you might’ve seen in the tourist brochure.

Whilst the traditional star attractions of the city such as the Eiffel Tower, Musee du Louvre and Les Invalides are knock out places to visit,  there is also no shortage of less talked-about sights, such as the Musee Grevin Waxwork Museum and the contemporary art centre, The Palais de Tokyo.

French Riviera

If your tastes lean more towards summer relaxation than the bigger cities allow, then consider a visit to the Cote d’Azur, or the French Riviera, on the country’s southeast coast.

Stretching for some 560 miles, this popular coastline takes in larger settlements such as Nice, in addition to smaller resorts such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Juan-les-Pins.

Amiens

Amiens has to be worth a visit merely for its jaw-dropping 13^th century Gothic cathedral, which is actually the country’s tallest complete cathedral and was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

The cathedral is far from the only star attraction of Amiens, which is also well worth a visit for the nearby Battle of the Somme memorials and the former house of the pioneer of science fiction writer, Jules Verne.

Lyon

Having been one of France’s economic powerhouses for many centuries now, Lyon also has plenty to offer as far as historical and architectural landmarks are concerned. These range from the medieval Cathedral of St. John to the much more recently renovated Opera Nouvel. The city is also home to a variety of beautiful parks and gardens.

Strasbourg

The official seat of the European Parliament is situated so close to the German border that it even has a Germanic name, but of perhaps greater interest to tourists will be its historic city centre that led to it being classified as an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.

France has great food and wine, and the countryside is stunning – so along with the city sights, its a must see place!

A Summer City With Style

Summer in Montpellier is a little known treat. If you have never considered a trip to this beautiful place – here’s a few ideas to whet your appetite. With a cheap flight in hand, you’ll be enjoying your break, in fabulously elegant surroundings within a few hours of take-off.

Things To See and Do

The Old Town in Montpellier is crammed full of tiny, secretive restaurants, little jewellery bars where the style is ethnic and eclectic. There are beautiful old townhouses, cooler than cool music venues and open squares that can discovered off the labyrinth of passages and alleyways.  It has a live wire feel to it, and its infective. If you go to the old centre in the Antigone district of the city, you’ll see an amazing array of architectural styles, leading you into the somewhat surprising district of Odysseum, where you can test out climbing walls – there’s ice skating on offer too, as well as a bowling alley.

Leaving earthy pleasures behind you can make your way back to Place de la Comedie, a large and decidedly sumptuous walkway, lined with marvellous boutiques and coffee bars. Or try the recently refurbished Musee’ Fabre for a look at its excellent European art collection.

The Tour de la Babote, is a worth seeing. It’s a large corner tower, built in medieval times, and the name babota means insect larvae or chrysalis. Perhaps it reflects the towers building style. Places of interest also include the Montpellier Medical School, which is based in an old Monastery; founded in 1220;  its acknowledged as being one of the old medical schools ever known. Rabelais studied here in the middle ages!

Another beauty spot is the Botanical Garden, originally designed and planted in the late 15^th Century.

Evening Time

Fine dining opportunities abound, there are fabulous restaurants overlooking the River Lez or if you want something a little more gusty, go for one of the local eateries such as La Tomate, where you’ll be scurrying for a seat but enjoying great value food.  Taken your dance shoes? Step out to the latest disco grooves at the Panama but if you just want to watch,  enjoy the spectacle of the International Dance Festival held in Montpelier from June 22 – July 7, which is followed by their respected classical music festival.

Swimming In The Sea

Take your bathing suit with you because six miles from Montpellier is the seaside – go south and keep going until you hit the water – the coastline is low-key,  pleasant and clean, so if you want a change from the charged atmosphere of Montpelier, head for the waves and the wide open stretches of beach.

Montpellier is a thriving city with a real buzz – it feels alive with culture, fun and the pleasures of summer living. You can easily get there from major UK cities, so check out the cheap flights available and indulge yourself in a cosmopolitan and exciting city!

Paris – The City of Fine Wine and Food

French food – warming, rich, delicious, and loved the world over. French cooking  just has….a certain Je na sais quois.  French food has long been hailed as a one of the worlds finest cousines, and the bistro’s of France are where you can sample some of the finest of local cooking. French people live to eat – rather than the rest of us who seem to eat to live!

Cooking Classes

It’s no surprise that Cooking Schools have become some of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris. Cooking schools are taught in English, or with a translator on hand. These classes are specifically aimed at vistors to Paris who want to get to grips with French cooking. They are designed to help at home-cooks, or  non-cooks, and Cooking Schools are easy-going and welcoming.

With no examinations at the end of the course, the emphasis is on learning something new and cooking something delicious. At such schools, you can share you gastronomic creations with your class mates, or take them home for a personal feast. Schools like Cook’n Class, La Cuisine Paris and Promenades Gourmades have small class sizes, averaging around ten people, so its fairly relaxed and also allows the Tutor the time to get to know their students and provide a high level of personal tuition. These schools also run their classes out of home-based kitchens, so they are  similar to your kitchen at home – using  familiar utensils and appliances. No fancy or expansive gadget are involved, so you won’t break the bank when you return home.

French Market Classes

The most popular classes focus currently on the French sweet classic, the Macaroon. Made from egg whites and almonds, these delicious soft biscuits are reportedly, hard to make. A cooking class in Paris will teach you otherwise!  Another popular class is a ‘market class’, run by Cook’n Class, La Cuisine Paris and Promenades Gourmades. You’ll  explore one of the key Parisian open air markets, choose your ingredients, returning to the kitchen to cook up a storm. Market shopping is the norm in Paris, but for those of us who aren’t locals, it can be a bit intimidating . Market Cooking Classes help you pick out the best in seasonal produce and gain confidence by asking about good deals and the different produce available! You’ll meet the stall holders, and expand your French vocabulary.

If you’re renting a  holiday apartment in Paris, taking a cooking class is a “must do”! Your apartment will have a  kitchen, so why wait till you get home to try out your new skills? Take a trip back to the market,  buy your produce and with your new found cooking confidence, prepare a great French classic, with local produce in your very own Parisian apartment. How French can you get?  Bon Appetite!

Unique Inspiring Places

France is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries in Europe. From the romance of Paris to the famous cathedral at Rouen, from the magical châteaux of the Loire valley to the battlefields of Normandy, there is a wealth of history, culture and entertainment to explore.

As soon as you’ve booked your hotel, and decided between the Channel Tunnel and a ferry to France, arm yourself with a cup of tea and start planning your trip. Which of France’s many attractions will you want to visit? Here are four suggestions to consider:

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

There are many reasons why the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions worldwide. Tourists enjoy magnificent views from the tower that is 300 metres (984 feet) tall. Another interesting fact about this Parisian landmark is that people can see it’s top from anywhere in Paris. You can even dine on this unique building, making it the epitome of romance to celebrate that special moment—birthday, anniversary, or just plain old success— with your significant other of course!

Musee National Message Biblique Marc Chagall, Nice

Like most large cities in France, Nice has many excellent  museums. The Musee National Message Biblique Marc Chagall is dedicated to traditional and contemporary art, and is a  keystone in Nice’s cultural scene. With glamorous beaches,  and a colourful historical heritage, the museum is another good reason why you should visit this gem of a city on the French Riviera!

Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

The Mont Saint Michel was classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1979. It’s no wonder this location is visited by three million tourists each year.  It  resembles a medieval town that could be from a childrens fairy story -  the city that has been built on a rock was founded when a small church was  built there in 708 and it has for many centuries, drawn pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Its spires and sheer walls are magnificent against the skyline.

Cave Paintings, Lascaux

In Lascaux, Southern France, cave wall paintings were re-discovered in the 1940′s which appear to be some 17,000 years old. Known as the Lascaux Grottoes, these images are amongth the earliest art work found in Europe. It is  believed that our ancestors would have made the effort to illustrate the images for spiritual and ritual purposes. The scenes, powerful in their simplicity are delightful, depicting scenes of hunting, fishing, and domestic ritual.

The Pink Stone City In South West France

Toulouse is based in the south west of France and it’s one of the largest cities in the country. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, the region is lush, green and far from landlocked – the winding Garonne River runs though it for hundreds of miles. It’s an ancient, pink stoned city, brimming with life and it has a cultural heritage that will have you sight seeing for days.  Check out airline tickets and fly direct to Toulouse from the UK. Toulouse has heaps to see and explore – here are just a few suggestions of what you can do in this delightful city.

Things To See

Cité de l’Espace is a unique space park with two planetariums and interactive exhibits – great for children and adults!

Basilique St-Sernin is Europe’s largest Romanesque church. It was built during 11th – 13th centuries, and is the resting place of  St. Sernin, a martyr and Bishop, whose religious zeal brought Christianity to Toulouse.

Toulouse’s City Beach has about 190 metres of fine sand at the Parc des Expos. The beach, although small, is well managed, and there are lots of activities to try out such as volleyball, football, badminton or you can take it easy and sunbathe on a deck chair!

Cathédrale St-Étienne took over 500 years to complete! It also has a magnificent Rose Window, designed and made in 1230 – so if you appreciate stained glass this is definitely one to visit.

If you love art, there are so many places to visit, but some key ones are the Foundation Bemberg, a 16^th Century Palace housing a personal collection of art. The Georges Labit Museum has Egyptian and Asian artwork, and Les Abattoir showcases contemporary art – and yes, it is a former abattoir!

Best of Toulouse

Toulouse is particularly well known for its herbed sausages and hearty stews, peasant food at its best. As you would expect in a busy city there are hundreds of eateries to choose from – tiny bakeries, street cafes, bistros and beautiful restaurants.

Toulouse also has the Canal du Midi, an engineering marvel – it took approximately 12,000 workers to dig out the canal, which links the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. It was completed in 1681 after 20 years of work, and designed to keep cargos safe from Barbary pirates who targeted the French shores.   It took over a hundred years to make the waterway pay! The Canal is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Summer Events 2011

Every year, Toulouse has plenty of summer events, for instance, there is the Toulouse Paper and Toy Market which happens every 2^nd Monday of the month, from 8am-7pm. Great for 2^nd hand toys, paper theatres and antique programmes.

The Flamenco Festival takes place from 17-22 May with workshops, films and live performances all over the city.  The Rio Loco – held each year in June, is an unusual event because Toulouse invites a particular region to show case the best of their music, painting, sculpture, and food shows. Events happen all over the city and the riverbank of Garonne is the site for many of the stall and shows.  Finally the Ravensare Festival will be returning to Chapelle San Subra in July for its yearly programme of dance and modern art.

If you have been thinking of visiting a new region of France – take a trip to Toulouse. Its easy to get to  and there are plenty of flights – and its just a few hours on a plane to sample some of the best that France has to offer!

Beautiful Benodet For A Relaxing Fun Family Holiday

One of the favourite destinations for travellers in France, is La Pointe St. Gilles Holiday Parc from Keycamp. This park is situated in Benodet, Southern Brittany and it has something for everyone!

Sports on Site

For the more athletically minded, you’ll have a great time taking part in one of the many games and sports featured at the park. Take your own racquets or hire them on site for a game of tennis and badminton, or join in with other campers and enjoy a bit of football, basketball or even volleyball. For those of you looking to take things a bit easier, try your hand in one of the boules tournaments which will brink out your competitive streak!

Keycamp’s La Pointe St. Gilles holiday park is also a great place to relax and unwind. Rest on the terrace and soak up the sun, or take your family to the golden beaches instead. The park is a stones throw away from the waves of the ocean, and with lots of beautiful sand to keep the children busy, you’ll be able to relax, soak up the sun and catch up on the latest  novels.

No holiday park experience would be complete without a few trips to the on-site swimming pool, and children of all ages will love the three water slides. If you’re looking to soothe some sore muscles or just take things easy, you’ll find the Jacuzzi close by.

The parc staff provides a superb entertainment schedule with an array of different shows and musical acts for children in the early evening, and something a bit more sophisticated for young peoplelater on.

La Pointe St. Gilles is just one of many holiday parks in France that prides itself on being a family friendly holiday destination, providing six different childrens clubs catering for all ages. These clubs include the Fun Station For All, Energy, and Base.

During your holiday break you’ll be treated to the best in local dining as the park is near the many cafés, restaurants, and creperies lining the streets of the nearby Benodet bay.

Affordable and Accessible

Keycamp offer a choice of holiday park accommodation to suit different budgets. Take your pick from the Supernova,Villanova,Villagrand Deluxe, Villagrand 3 bedroom mobile homes or the already erected Supertent.  With all that, Les Mouettes is the ideal place to take your next holiday park break.