France Travel Guide

Posts Tagged ‘holiday’

France is a very popular location for a weekend visit, city break or vacation. This country hosts different climates in its various regions and the French Riviera is famous for its beaches while mountainous regions offer skiing in the winter. This well-liked destination offers a range of driving or cycling holidays, seaside resorts, mountain regions, villages, art, culture, history, museums, galleries, activity and nature holidays and even camping sites.

The French Baguette

One treasure that is fondly and deliciously connected with France is the baguette or the bread stick, as it as often referred to in other countries. Eating a baguette is a pleasure that may be enjoyed all over France. The traditional French baguette is a slender loaf of bread that may be up to a meter in length with a width of four or five centimeters. Thin, with a large expanse of crust and a soft white center, the baguette has become a symbol of France and a must for tourists. The true French baguette may be found in the smaller bakeries, as the version found in supermarkets although sold and eaten as a baguette is not usually quite the same as the original. Baguettes are great options for sandwiches. It is interesting to note that the popular French way of eating a baguette in the morning is covered with chocolate spread and dipped into a drink of hot chocolate. This bread may also be enjoyed with butter, jam or cheese.

It must be pointed out that the baguette is not the only delight in this line that France has to offer as there are many different kinds of bread, or ‘pain’, available. All the visitor has to do is choose. Once again, in general the bakeries provide a better quality of bread than the supermarkets. Some people may consider tasting a real French baguette to be more important than visiting various galleries or sites or arranging a place to stay while in France. Although eating a traditional baguette and sampling other French breads is a most enjoyable experience, reserving accommodation is also a matter worthy of attention.

All around the country there is a range of different types of accommodation available, including top hotels, vacation rentals and guest houses. In addition, there are places of accommodation that are particularly suited for business travelers and those that are more suitable for couples or families.

It is usually recommended to make reservations for vacation accommodation in advance, especially during peak holiday times. This relieves the traveler from the unnecessary strain and pressure of finding somewhere to stay at the last minute. Why wait until you get to France when you can reserve a vacation room in advance? This way, there is no need to waste valuable time and travelers may get straight down to business with sightseeing and sampling baguettes, croissants, cafe au lait and other delicacies.

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.