Le Kilimandjaro Mountain Resort – Courchevel , France

At 1850m up, Le Kilimandjaro is the highest resort in the region with some of the best ski landscape in the world and unlike other luxury ski holidays, this resort is not overcrowded.

The chalets within this resort have a rustic feel and are constructed from hardwood with natural finishes, giving them a warm and homey feel. But make no mistake this is a premier resort, with full service valet and plenty of amenities. The resort is kid friendly and at the same time the service is so amazing, you will feel like royalty with no request too large or small. Separating Le Kilimandjaro Mountain Resort into chalets provides guests with the utmost privacy whilst still benefiting from all the comforts expected of a five star resort.

The hotel is separated into a number of separate chalets, each containing around 6 rooms and a ski-room with heated boot and ski racks. Their top class restaurant serves both gourmet and traditional dishes. The facilities comprise of an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi, while outside they have a wooden hot tub for those who like to soak and enjoy the picturesque view. The resort is child friendly with an exceptional standard of service – no request is too large or too small. The rooms all have flat screens, Playstation 3, and internet service. The resort has a ski trainer from the French Ski School (ESF) to help anyone from beginner to expert and ski passes are available upon request and staff are multilingual for your convenience.

The ski shop has all the latest technology and equipment (they replace it all every year, so nothing gets old or worn out) available to buy or rent. The area, Les Trois Vallees (the Three Valleys), is a renowned skiing destination with many challenging runs, a good number of blue and red for intermediate skiers, and many green runs that lead back to the resort. There are also snowboard parks with half pipes, ice climbing (indoors and out), tobogganing, ice skating, snow shoeing, and snowmobiling. Although skiing is the main draw, as Three Valleys has some of the most favorable snow conditions in Europe. The 400 square kilometer area is known as Ski Kingdom.

Courcheval

Courchevel 1850m has 60 restaurants with fine wine and gourmet cuisine. There are also plenty of bars and night clubs along with three cinemas, so there is always something to do. There is a beauty spa and a full gym at the resort. The spa features some of the best treatments available in Europe with a strong influence on skin treatment. While their exclusive state of the art Swiss Cellular skincare, and relaxation, presents a welcoming atmosphere built with your well being in mind. There is also a library with books available in many different languages.

Christmas shopping at Europe’s Christmas Markets

Every year, new Christmas Markets spring up across Europe, expanding the age-old ‘Christkindlmarkt’ tradition that emerged in the Middle Ages in Germany and Austria.

If you’re saving your money to spend on presents, there are plenty of Christmas markets to be found close to home in the UK, including well-established markets in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow and Bath — but if you fancy splashing out on a festive holiday you could combine a city break with a spot of shopping at some of Europe’s best Christmas Markets.

You can expect to find lots of hand made gifts, such as locally-produced arts and crafts, and many of them make unusual Christmas presents. Although the stalls vary from one market to another, and particularly from country to country, at many of them you’ll find handmade greetings cards, candles, scarves, pottery, wooden children’s toys, framed photography, and original paintings.

Street entertainment, decorations and live music add another dimension to many markets, as do food stalls selling delicious festive snacks and warming mulled wine – a crucial ingredient at outdoor markets in colder destinations such as Poland.

With hundreds of markets to choose from in many countries across Europe, it’s hard to know which to visit. Here we’ve selected three that offer a bit of everything.

Tips for visiting Christmas Markets

As attractive as all of this may sound, some Christmas Markets get horribly overcrowded and you have to battle to see any of the stalls or get a bite to eat, leaving you feeling less than festive.

While markets that have been established for many years can be incredibly popular, they are also often better organised because they know how many visitors to expect and how to cater for them. Try to find some user-generated reviews of the markets you’re considering visiting before you book your trip.

If possible, avoid going to any markets at the weekend when they are at their busiest, and try to make at least one visit during the evening when the market is lit-up and looks its most festive.

Another tip is to make sure you visit virtually empty-handed, or at least not armed with stacks of bags after a morning’s shopping elsewhere – otherwise you’ll feel harassed within minutes. Carry as little as possible and you’ll be able to enjoy some seasonal food and buy a few bits and bobs without feeling like a pack horse.

Top Christmas Markets in Europe

France and Germany

Nuremberg Christmas Market

In Germany, Nuremberg‘s internationally-renowned Christkindlesmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, dating back more than 400 years, and it keeps alive many of the original traditions. It is immensely popular, attracting around two million people each year to the city’s Old Town, which is festooned with lights and decorations. For a real taste of Christmas, sniff out the food stalls selling sugar-coated toasted almonds, traditional Christmas gingerbreads, and stollen – all great additions to christmas gift baskets and stocking fillers. And if you’re travelling with children, explore the attached Kinderweihnacht (Children’s Christmas Market) which features old steam-powered Merry-Go-Rounds and festive activities aimed at a younger crowd.

For variety, head to the Alsace region of France, which has a heavy German influence and a strong Christmas market tradition. If you have your own transport, you could visit several local Christmas Markets during your trip as there’s one in nearly every town.  You might even choose to leave your cars in England when they collect a rental vehicle from the many van hire companies that are associated with the Channel Tunnel to make the most of the shopping opportunities.

Lille Christmas Market

Also in France, Lille‘s Christmas Market is very popular amongst British tourists thanks to the Eurostar link. Located in Place Rihour in the city centre, this is quite a big market, attracting some 900,000 visitors each year. Centred around a reproduction snow-covered village, the market features craft stalls, a big wheel, an ice skating rink, street theatre, visits by Father Christmas, and groups singing Christmas carols.

See http://www.noel-a-lille.com/ for more information.

Prague Christmas Market

In the Czech Republic, Prague’s Christmas Market in Wenceslas Square has established itself as one of the best outside of Germany. The market area is surrounded by beautiful buildings and the stalls sell some unusual handicrafts including Czech puppets and other toys, and lots of jewellery and candles and other gift ideas. The city is home to several other smaller Christmas Markets, too, if you fancy exploring.

For details of hundreds of other Christmas Markets, visit http://christmasmarkets.com

Holidaying in England was all the rage this summer. However when looking out the window at that encroaching dark cloud lurking just around the corner, the prospect of digging out your tent and travel cooker that’s been gathering dust for the past 10 years just doesn’t seem to cut it!

Visit Northern France

Well there is a solution to this holiday dilemma. Simply pack up the car, hop in and head down to the channel ports where you can get a short trip over the Channel to some delightful destinations in Northern France.

We’ve already featured the northen french destinations St Malo and Cherbourg, now its Caen’s turn.

Spend a Few days in Caen

Birthday party, hen weekend, graduation, or just looking for an excuse to let your hair down, Caen in northern France is the perfect place for you! If you’re a group of girls looking for a weekend of fun and keen to head to somewhere new, hop on a ferry crossing for the perfect getaway for you and your friends. Caen is a bustling and vivacious university town, famous for its historical feel, it also has a nightlife culture that will make you want to put on your best dancing shoes and join in the action!

Catching a ferry crossing from Portsmouth Port on a Friday morning can get you across the Channel in just under six hours arriving at Caen after midday. You can return on Monday lunch time, giving you three days to shop, explore and party!

Caen is the capital of lower Normandy and with over 300 diverse brands to choose from, it has everything you need to shop the day away. You could spend hours floating around the many shops from well-known department stores such as Carrefour, to small traditional and tranquil French boutiques like Elodivine, where you might stumble across the next big thing in fashion and not forgetting the wonderful fragrances from the leading French perfume houses! Even pop in to sexy lingerie store Tentation to add a fun twist to your trip!

Caen is filled with bustling markets everyday. From traditional, at Place Courtonne, to modern and from a quiet atmosphere to having to jostle for a position at the famous Fosse St-Julien market! All sorts of products are sold there, from food, to jingle jangle jewellery, so there will definitely be something that will catch your eye.

After all that shopping, you’ll need to chill out, and Sword and Omaha beaches are only 10 minutes away, providing a relaxing escape from city life as well as a chance to top up your tan!

With an abundance of restaurants and bars in the centre of Caen there is plenty to be getting up to in the evenings. The city centre boasts a nightlife that is equipped for people ready to party and it will not let you down. Vibrant nightclubs such as Bar Pink on rue de Bernières, Le Carré New Club or Le Chic on Place de Courtonne are waiting, so if you feel like getting out you’re dancing shoes you can get down to the city where you can boogie the night away.

Whatever you desire there will be accommodation to satisfy your needs from renting apartments for a group of you, to cheaper hostels such as Holiday Inn Caen in the City Centre so you are right in the midst of the party scene. Find more information about which hotel would be best for you at the Caen Tourist Office.

Wind down from your weekend of partying on a hassle free trip by ferry back to Portsmouth. The journey couldn’t be simpler, the recovery is down to you.

Had you forgotten all about the dismal British weather for a second? Yes, thought so.  Northern France offers such an array of activities from adventure to tranquillity, its difficult to imagine a summer without it!

Cherbourg

If you’re in search of a tranquil atmosphere for a break from your hectic schedule, Cherbourg is ideal for you.

Catching the cross channel ferry from Portsmouth Port at 8am can get you there before lunchtime and you can travel back in the evening the following day. As a passenger you will pay very little for the ferry trip and you then have the option to hire a car on arrival.  Before you venture further into France you might want to spen a day without a car in Cherbourg.  When you’ve taken a day or two to enjoy what Cherbourg has to offer tourists you can easily arrange to pick up car hire. France is blessed with well maintained open roads and you can reach almost any part from Cherbourg in a day’s driving

Cherbourg ferry port is right on the edge of the town centre, meaning your break can begin as soon as you step off the ferry. Its rich historical background makes this city the perfect place to relax with a loved one, soaking in some cultural heritage.

If gorgeous scenery gets you excited, visiting Cherbourg won’t leave you disappointed. After a light lunch in one of the city’s traditional cafés you could wander hand in hand to the Ravalet Chateau in Tourlaville where the views are staggering. The magnificent landscaped grounds surround a mediaeval manor house built during the 16th century.

Emmanuel Liais Gardens

Or why not take a stroll through one of France’s most beautiful gardens such as Emmanuel Liais Gardens,  definitely worth a visit with over 500 different types of rare plants that Liais himself shipped over to Cherbourg from South America and Asia.

Cherbourg also has a strong religious heritage, making a visit to the beautiful churches a must. The bell tower of Saint-Martin of Octeville and the sculptures of the Trinity Basilica are just two examples of the eye-catching religious buildings that hold fascinating history. The Abbey of the Vow is now listed as a Historical Monument for its stunning architecture and archaeological value.

Cherbourg Museums – Thomas Henry Art Museum

If your heart lies with art, then the Thomas Henry art museum is the next stop. The museum is home to many famous sculptures and paintings ranging from the 15th to the 19th century by foreign masters as well as French classical painters.

After a day of exploring and soaking in the magnificent culture, you could take a stroll down to the marina. Enjoy a romantic French meal in a traditional French restaurant and stay in one of the lovely B&Bs the town has to offer.

The following day you could take a look at one or two of the interesting museums located in Cherbourg; the Liberation museum is fascinating. With the theme “from the darkness to the light” it takes the visitor through the stages of history in the Second World War; from the fall of France to the liberation.

With the ease of the high speed ferry from Portsmouth Port your trip away will be stress free, allowing you to relax and take in the wonders of Cherbourg.

Image – CHHeuvet

Consider a Holiday in Saint Malo

If you’re looking for a family friendly jaunt to British budgeting woes, Saint Malo is a stunning city in Brittany, north-western France. Taking a ferry crossing from Portsmouth Port overnight can get you there relaxed and rested, arriving in Saint Malo early in the morning. This leaves you with more than enough of time to get the most out of this wonderful city.

You could start the day in one of Saint Malo’s traditional cafes, such as Café Licorne, which is located facing the town hall. For those who are partial to a croissant or two this is the perfect way to indulge in some of Saint Malo’s delicacies. You could then visit Saint Malo’s stunning ancient castle, followed by a visit to the extraordinary forts; Le Fort de la Conchee and Le Fort National au Royal. The city is full of remarkable history waiting for you to discover.

Saint Malo Grand Aquarium

However, that is not all this fabulous place has to offer. To keep the children entertained there are plenty of fun activities to have them in high spirits.  La Grand Aquarium unveils the ‘mysteries of the sea’ in an exciting look through the deep unknown that will grab their attention. There is also a 3D cinema in the aquarium and an amazing exhibit that tells the story of a captain who sailed the seven seas and displays all the fish he brought back to Saint Malo with him.

Saint Malo Beach

If the beach is more your scene then Saint Malo Beach has glorious sand that can be enjoyed by all the family. The young explorer and crab hunter can clamber through the rocks and delve into the caves while mum can relax, lay back and read her favourite book. The energetic teenager can spend their time sailing, surfing or indulging in other water sports Saint Malo bay can offer.

Saint Malo Restaurants – La Chalut

The many restaurants, bars and evening entertainment venues will keep all members of the family happy after your day of adventure and fun. The restaurant La Chalut in the heart of the city serves fresh seafood from local fishermen in Côtes-d’Armor and throughout the channel. It’s also a bit of fun with the theme of the restaurant changing to coincide with the city’s cultural events and festivals. However if you are looking to take a break from a city lifestyle, head to La Corderie in Cité d’Alet à Saint-Servan where you can enjoy your meal on a terrace overlooking the beautiful sea.

When it comes to laying your head for the night, there is a fantastic selection, from the four star Oceania Hotel looking over the sea, to B&B’s in the bustling heart of the city. So whatever you are looking for, do it in style in Saint Malo.

Europe Car Hire > France > Driving from Paris to Rouen

Top Attractions to Visit in Rouen

If you’re planning a holiday in Paris, consider renting a car and visit the beautiful city of Rouen, the capital of the Normandy region. Here is a guide to some of the things that you can see and do during your visit to Rouen.

Getting to Rouen from Paris

It will take you about an hour and a half to drive from Paris to Rouen in your hire car. Simply head out of Paris on the A14 partial toll road, following the signs for Rouen. Take the exit for the A13 partial toll road, and follow this road for 88.9km. Take exit 22-Oissel and follow the signs for Rouen-Est in order to get onto the D18e. This will take you into Rouen.

Top Attractions in Rouen

Once you’ve arrived in Rouen, park your car and take some time to explore the old part of the city. You can take a walking tour or, if you’re visiting Rouen during the summer, enjoy a 45 minute guided tour of the medieval section of Rouen on the “Little Train” (Le Petit Train de Rouen), which departs from outside of the Cathedral.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame

The Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame dates back to the 12th Century, although it was constructed over a number of years and features examples of early Gothic, late Gothic and High Gothic architecture. The Cathedral’s crypt dates back further, having been part of the Romanesque cathedral which originally stood on the site, and houses a tomb containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart and the tomb of Duke Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy, as well as the tombs of the cardinals d’Amboise.

photo – saitor

The cathedral’s magnificent 250 ft high steeple was constructed between the 15th and 17th centuries, and is known as the Butter Tower (Tour de Beurre) because it was built thanks to money donated by wealthy Rouen residents in return for being able to continue to eat butter during Lent. The cathedral also has a 500ft high bell tower, known as the Lantern Tower (Tour Lanterne), which contains 56 bells.

Maclou Church and St. Ouen Abbey

Other historic religious buildings in Rouen include the 15th Century St. Maclou Church and St. Ouen Abbey, which dates back to the 14th Century. You can also visit the more contemporary St. Joan of Arc Church, which was constructed near to the spot in the Old Market Square (Place du Vieux Marché) on which St. Joan was burned at the stake.

Rouen’s secular historical attractions include its Great Clock (Gros-Horloge) and the Renaissance-style House of the Exchequer (Bureau des Finances). The city also has a number of museums, including the Rouen Natural History Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, Joan of Arc Tower (where Joan of Arc was tried), the Joan of Arc Wax Museum and the Flaubert Pavilion (part of the building in which Gustave Flaubert, author of “Madame Bovary”, lived).

Rouen also has excellent restaurants, markets, shops and bars, making it a great place to visit for a day or two during your holiday.

Europe > Car Hire France > Paris to Reims

Paris is a great destination for a holiday, but if you hire a car while you are in Paris, you can explore more of France. In this article, we look at some of the things that you can see and do in the city of Reims, in the country’s Champagne region.

Hire a car in Paris

Visit Reims – Notre-Dame Cathedral and Champagne Region

It will only take you about an hour and a half to drive to Reims in your Paris rental car, but there is so much to see and do there that it’s worth spending several days there and turning your trip into a two-destination holiday.

To get to Reims from Paris by car, simply head out of Paris on L’Autoroute de L’Est partial toll road and continue straight on along the A4 partial toll road. Leave the A4 at exit 23 and follow the signs into the centre of Reims.

Reims Attractions – Historic Buildings & Monuments

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Reims is full of beautiful historic buildings, with one of its most significant being Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is one of four sites in the city to have UNESCO World Heritage status. It took more than 200 years to complete the Cathedral, which was constructed on the site of the cit

y’s old cathedral, which burned to the ground in 1210.

24 French monarchs have been crowned in Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is adorned with more than 2,300 sculptures, including the famous “Smiling Angel”, which has now become the city’s emblem.

The other UNESCO World Heritage sites in Reims are: the Saint-Remi Abbey Museum; the Romanesque-style Saint-Remi Basilica, which houses Saint-Remi’s tomb; and Tau Palace, the palace of the former Reims’ archbishops.

Reims also has a number of important monuments, including the Porte Mars (a Roman arch dating from the 3rd Century), the Statue of Joan of Arc (which was sculpted by Paul Dubois) and the Fontaine Subé (which is situated in Erlon Square).

Reims Attractions – Other Attractions

Reims’ museums include the Reims-Champagne Automobile Museum, which houses a collection of more than 200 vehicles, together with other items, such as pedal cars, toy cars and signs. You can also visit Le Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, where you can see a number of works of art including engravings by Albrecht Dürer, and the Museum of Surrender (Musée de la Reddition) to see the Signing Room where the Third Reich signed the document which ended World War II.

Other attractions in Reims include the Planetarium, the Grand Theatre and the Carnegie Library. There are also a number of parks and gardens in the city, including Le Parc de Champagne, the Pierre Schneiter Horticultural Garden and The Colbert Square which holds an amazing array of flowers and shrubs all year round.

You can also use your hire car in Paris to visit some of the attractions that lie just outside of the city of Reims, such as the Pompelle Fort Museum (Musée du Fort de la Pompelle) or follow the Champagne tourist route to see the region’s famous vineyards and Champagne houses.

Car Hire in France – Hiring a Car in Paris

You can book a hire car in advance and get a good deal online with low-cost, specialist car rental firms. Find airport car hire in locations around the world, including Paris, and you can choose from a range of vehicles.