France Travel Guide

Posts Tagged ‘chance’

All manner of trip can be referred to as activity holidays; all have fun and activity at their core. France offers the tourist much in terms of activity holidays and thanks to its wide and varied scenery will entertain all comers. The mountain ranges in the south of France are some of the most beautiful in the world and while the winter sees them fill with skiers and snowboarders the summer months see travellers come for the adrenaline rush of extreme sports.

One of area of France that is famed for its white water is the Tarn Gorge. Activity holidays in this region are heavily water based and tourists, whether expert or amateur, excitement is only around the next bend in the river. For those who like to kayak, France is the perfect destination; getting a group together and going on a trip is sheer bliss. The ability to camp by the riverside and reach destinations that are simply untouched by civilisation is a must for nature lovers while white water sections will make sure experienced paddlers find a challenge.

As well as kayaking, other activity holidays include white water rafting. Usually done as part of a tourist service this is a great bonding experience for families, friends and even work colleagues. The amazing beauty of the region will have you open jawed as you purview the river banks and striking canyon walls that surround you. At dawn the chance to see some of the most fascinating wildlife France has to offer is too good a chance to miss.

That is not to say that all activity holidays in France are water based, there is so much to do there is no way of fitting it all in during a single trip. For those who love to climb France has some brilliant rock faces to test your skills. For the sheer feeling of achievement as you have assailed a monster cliff, it is an activity that all should try at least once in their life.

For those who want holidays that will enable them to fell free as a bird, France has a number of activities that will suffice. Hot air ballooning allows travellers to get a birds-eye view of the country in a serene and tranquil atmosphere. What could be better than champagne thousands of feet in the air? For those who prefer a little more activity to their holidays; micro-lights and para-gliders are available for hire, training to use this equipment however is essential for your own safety.

France has some of the most stunning scenery in Europe and for those who prefer a more sedate activity holiday walking and horse riding are two of the best ways to experience the best of the French countryside. With many public footpaths and riding centres dotted throughout France there are definitely amenities there for those who like to take it easy.

Activity holidays however are not just about being in the outdoors. Being one of the gastronomic capitals of the world France offers budding chefs the chance to perfect their craft and learn from the masters. France is also famed for its long history of producing fine wines and touring the vineyards makes a brilliant journey; the opportunity to stop off and sample the local tipple is always a welcome distraction when on the road.

France is certainly a destination that is more than just Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The French countryside offers travellers stunning views and experiences that are hard to rival anywhere in the world. Seemingly every type of activity is available; from the high adrenaline water sports and mountaineering to soaring majestically in a hot air balloon. Add to this the sumptuous cuisine and the exquisite wines and your trip really will be an experience of a lifetime.

For years I had thought about travelling to France, using a car hire service and touring the battlefields of the First World War. My family like many in Britain lost loved ones in this senseless power struggle which is why my advice to anyone would be to visit the battlefields and cemeteries to get an idea of the sheer scale of the slaughter that occurred ninety years ago. The best way to do this is to hire a car and tour at your own rate, there are many organised tours of the sites but if you are after a truly unique experience, car hire is the way to go.

One major reason you should hire a car is because you may have to go to a specific cemetery. It is always worth doing the research before you embark on your trip to France; finding the names of your family members and locating which of the cemeteries they are lying in will save time and effort. It is always revealing to research your ancestors and find out a little about their last moments, in many cases, harrowing tales of comradeship and pointless death become apparent.

If you had any relatives who were at the battle of the Somme, there is little doubt that they lay in France. The battlefield itself now has a chilling memorial to the hundreds of thousands who lost their lives. The use of a hire car is especially useful here as it allows the traveller to navigate this area of France with ease; if taking elderly relatives it is a necessity to use car hire services as mobility issues can arise without your own transport.

A sense of eerie massacre surrounds these battlefields; it may not sound like the best idea of a family holiday to France but in my opinion it is vital to teach children about this period. Maybe extremely young children may not enjoy travelling around in a hire car visiting what must be seen as just fields with slabs in, but older children should definitely be involved. If the younger generations do not realise the sacrifices that were made in order for them to live freely, by their own ancestors, the world will go to rack and ruin.

With so many lives lost in the conflict it is a poignant reminder of how violent the world can be. It has been sixty years since the last major world war so younger generations have no idea of how much families once had to sacrifice. Some families lost all of their male members and it is crucial to recognise this fact. A hire car tour of the battlefields is perfect way to illustrate the point.

Travelling to France and finding the final resting place of an ancestor is a humbling experience for all who undertake it. But you do not have to solely spend your time delving into this morbidity. The use of a hire car allows tourists to visit some of the quintessential villages of France. With their quiet village life, they offer a great chance to relax, and of course like much of France, the cuisine is something to savour.

Making a trip to the battlefields of France is a great educational trip and if timed well can coincide with children’s school syllabuses. This added education can help students get a feel for the subject in a physical way and add an element away from the textbook. Most teachers will advocate the benefits of this type of learning and raising your own children’s grades must be what all parents would like.

I myself have used hire car services and toured the French battlefields and found my ancestor’s graves; although it is seemingly a rather morbid experience it is well worth undertaking. Reminding ourselves of the sacrifices of past generations is an educational element that should be a part of everyone’s learning.