Posts Tagged ‘France’

Question by stefan: how many stages are there in the tour da france?

Best answer:

Answer by cyril
It is Le tour DE France.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Touring in the Loire Valley of France – The 10 Best Chateaux To Visit

The Loire Valley is a splendid region awarded world heritage listing because of its amazing chateaux.

The kings and queens of France, seduced by the mild climate and the game-filled oak forests built their sumptuous homes here in the Loire Valley. They surrounded themselves with the greatest artists and architects of this era. This is the country of a thousand castles.

The valley is full of not only royal chateaux and renaissance palaces, national museum and large magnificent chateaux, but also medieval castles and fortresses, small fairy tale manors, private chateaux, medieval cities, churches, abbeys, and cathedrals. Many chateaux and stately homes are open to the public: some are state owned, such as Chambord and Blois; others are private, and still lived in. A huge proportion of them run son-et-lumiere spectacles during the high season. Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord are definitely worth a visit and are close to Blois.

Chateau de Chenonceau

Le Chateau des Dames built on a bridge across the river Cher is one of the more beautiful chateaux of the Loire with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. It’s romantic feel is further heightened by the fact that its stylised and symmetrical structure is reflected in the waters of the Cher.

Chenonceau owes much of its design and beauty to four women in particular. It was Catherine de Briconnet who first started the trend and was largely responsible for its early Renaissance style. Catherine then passed the baton to Diane de Poiters (mistress of Henri II) who was responsible for the formal gardens to the left of the chateau as you approach it.

Unfortunately Diane de Poitiers was forced to relinquish ownership of Chenonceau to Catherine de Medici (the embittered wife of Henri II) who offered Chateau de Chaumont in exchange. Not entirely a fair swap! Later the chateau was inherited by Louise de Lorraine, the bereaved wife of Henri III Catherine’s favourite son. Louise painted her bedroom ceiling black and white out of respect for her late husband.

Madame Dupin also had a pivotal role in the development of Chenonceau in the 18th century and was responsible for encouraging literary events to be held here. The likes of Rousseau, Voltaire and Montesquieu all spending time here. Today Chenonceau is a profitable business owned by the Menier family who are known as respected chocolatiers.

Chateau de Chenonceaux: Chateau de Chenonceau, 30 minutes from Blois, Chenonceau, 37150 Tel: +33 (0)2 47 23 90 07 Open: Closed 25th Dec & 1st Jan, 1st May

Chateau du Chaumont

Chateau du Chaumont is located on the southern bank of the Loire River about twenty minutes west of Blois. It was the first chateau at Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, France. Originating in the 11th century, it was built by Eudes II, Count of Blois.

In 1560, the chateau became the property of Catherine de’ Medici who entertained numerous astrologers there, including Nostradamus. On the death of her husband, King Henry II, Catherine used her power to take over the much coveted Chateau de Chenonceau from her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. As certain legalities had to be met, Diane was forced to accept the Chateau de Chaumont as payment for her beloved Chenonceau. Diane de Poitiers lived at Chaumont for only a short time when the castle was sold.

The chateau holds an international garden event covering a different theme each year from April to October.

Chateau du Clos Luce

Chateau du Clos Luce is where Leonard de Vinci spent the last fewyears of his life. You can visit his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.

Le Chateau du Clos Luce: 30 minutes from us, at demeure de Leonard de Vinci,Amboise 37400 Tel: +33(0)2 47 57 00 73 Open: daily except 25 December to 1st January

Chateau de Beauregard

Chateau de Beauregard was mostly built at the same time as Chateau de Cheverny as a hunting lodge for Francois I. It is famous for its Galerie des Portraits which comprises over 327 portraits of Kings and their lovers plus famous dignitaries from 14th to 17th centuries. Take note of the unique flooring that is covered in 17th century porcelain tiles.

Chateau de Beauregard: 6 kilometres south of Blois, Cellettes, 41120 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 70 36 74 Open: Closed Wed in winter months and entirely for the month of January

Chateau de Villandry

Villandry was one of the last of the very big chateaux built around 1536 in the Loire valley during the renaissance. It houses some interesting and very valuable antiques and furnishings but it is probably best known for its Italian Renaissance garden created by Doctor Carvallo. As well as being very ornate and decorative, the gardens produce fruit, vegetables and herbs which are sold locally to raise funds for the maintenance of the chateau.

Chateau de Cheverney

Chateau de Cheverny is undoubtedly the most lavishly furnished of all the Loire Chateaux. Built between 1604 and 1634 little has changed. Its present owner is a direct descendant of the original owner and his 70 hounds or so are still used for regular stag hunting.

Some of the chateau’s masterpieces include paintings by old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland plus Louis XIV’s commode and unforgettable grandfather clock. The 1640s interior decoration, consisting of panelling, painted ceilings, and fireplaces, and paintings by Jean Monnier, is among the finest of its kind.

There are two interesting facts pertaining to Cheverny. Firstly, serious Tintin fans will note that Herge based the mythical Moulinsart on Cheverny. If this appeals, check out the Tintin exhibition situated directly opposite the chateau. Secondly, the 18th century Orangerie served as a hiding place for the Mona Lisa during world war 2. From here, you’ll be able to take in the majesty of the park and its canals which are open to the public from April to November.

Chateau de Cheverny: 16 kilometres south-east of Blois, Cheverny, 41700 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 79 96 29 Open: Open daily

Chateau Azay le Rideau

The Azay le Rideau Castle, one of the purest creation of the Renaissance, was built on an island of the Indre River, an ideal setting for an architectural jewel. The son-et-lumiere shows held in the park during the summer tell some of the history of the Chateau and are not to be missed if you are there at the right time.

Chateau de Chambord

Chambord is truly royal in its great scale, its grand air, its indifference to common consideration (Henry James). It combined the dream of King Francois I with the imagination of Leonardo de Vinci. The result is a real mathematisation of architecture, a grandiose creation : 440 rooms with 365 fireplaces, a fabulous double staircase, and a unique roof terrace

Chateau de Chambord: 15 minutes south east of Blois, Domaine national de Chambord, Chambord, Tel: +33 (0)2 54 5040 00 Open: Closed on 25th Dec, 1st Jan and 1st May

Chateau Blois

Chateau Blois is almost like 4 separate chateaux rolled into one – so diverse are the architectural styles at play here. The Medieval heart is centred around the Salle des Etats Generaux which is where the court and council were based. Flamboyant Gothic flair is evident in the Louis XII wing whereas Renaissance architecture is the dominant style in the Francois 1 wing.

It is in the Francois 1 wing that you’ll find Catherine de Medici’s private rooms complete with array of poisons. This was also the spot where the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered in 1588 after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III. Apparently, it was Henri who carried out the deed himself only to be killed himself a year later by a monk.

Lastly, the Gaston d’Orleans wing will satisfy any cravings for Classical architecture. Evenings are a particularly good time to visit Blois especially if you book to see the ‘son et lumiere’ spectacles that recount the chateau’s turbulent past.

Chateau de Blois: Place du Chateau, Blois, 41000 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 90 33 33 Open: Closed on 25th Dec and 1st Jan

Corina Clemence operates a luxury chateau in the Loire Valley, for up to 15 people ideal for a romantic French wedding and for visiting vineyards, historic chateaux and unwinding. Hire french chateau. Hire french chateau http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle France

Question by juicyjuice: Is it hard for you to enjoy watching de tour da France nowing half of them are on steroids or what not?
The only person that probably isant on drugs is Cadel Evans

Best answer:

Answer by midgetmania
like baseball

Add your own answer in the comments!

The Louvre Museum in Paris France

The Louvre was originally a royal palace that was built on the site of an old castle and added to by different Kings, but with the construction of Chateau de Versailles it became obsolete and was then turned into a museum back in the 1700′s.

It was first given the name Musee Central des Arts, then it changed to the Musee Napoleon and from that changed its name again to the official title of Musee du Louvre, which is what it has been known as ever since, although is affectionately known as just The Louvre.

Being one of the oldest and largest museums, it is home to probably the most well-known painting in the world, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci and has become the most famous and most visited art museum in the world with over 8 million visitors coming here every year.

In an easily accessible part of Paris located by the River Seine, The Louvre once again incorporates the beautiful Carrousel and the Tuileries Gardens that are a great place for a casual stroll, yet this means that it brings the museum outside with sculptures and statues from artists such as Aristide Maillol and Auguste Rodin.

Most people now find The Louvre recognisable by the large glass pyramid that is located in the central courtyard and this serves as the main entrance to this awe inspiring Paris museum, which is in alignment with the Champs-Elysees axis, but did you realise that it was only actually built in 1989!  And it is from this point that tourists can access different temporary displays, the fascinating history of this world famous museum, along with the bookshop, Le Cafe Marly restaurant, etc, but also outside there is an equestrian statue of King Louis XIV.

Even if you are not a fan of art, you will still thoroughly enjoy your time at The Louvre, as it houses some very impressive collections, which include Egyptian, Roman and Greek artefacts, sculptures and other works of art that date back to the Middle Ages, right through to around 1850.

Realistically you need at least a day, or even more at The Louvre, as only allocating a few hours does not do the place justice, but it is extremely worthwhile obtaining a map of the place, as it is so vast you could end up missing exhibits you specifically wanted to see, especially if you have time restraints, yet do not be concerned that the exhibits are not all on one level as there are lifts to make them accessible to wheelchair users. 

Obviously there is an entrance fee, but on the first Sunday of the month this and many other museums in Paris are completely free, however it also gets extremely busy, but arriving early and making a bee-line for famous exhibits like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, will ensure you get a good view before they get too crowded!

Yet when you need a well earned rest or need to refuel your body, then there is an enormous different choice of food on offer in the cafeterias and restaurants and incredibly, there are six different cafes and restaurants to choose from, that are open every day except for a Tuesday when the whole museum is also closed.

Whilst visiting The Louvre, do venture into the bookstore located in the Hall Napoleon under the glass pyramid and along with visitors guides available in more than ten different languages, it also stocks the largest selection of books on art history in France, plus has numerous other books, a children’s section and even sells prints made up from the museums collection, with absolute thousands to choose from.

Now we quickly mentioned visitors guides, and if you are not fluent in the French language, then we would say that this is a must to fully appreciate the place, as many of the exhibit descriptions are not in any other language bar French, alternatively, if you plan your visit to the Musee du Louvre well in advance, you can have a guided tour that lasts about 2 hours and takes you round the most well known exhibits, leaving you to wander around the rest of this museum at your own leisure afterwards.

There will definitely be something of interest for everyone at The Louvre, including children, and it certainly lives up to its reputation of the best museum to visit when in Paris, but do bear in mind that it is closed every Tuesday and on national holidays, but is open from 9am to 6pm every other day and also has a late night opening on a Wednesday until 10pm.

www.placesinfrance.com

Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions – The Louvre Museum

Question by airsoftmandude: I want to get a new bike, kinda like a Tour Da France, any suggestions?
I need to find a cheap, racing bike, like the pros, but a lot cheaper, places to buy?

Best answer:

Answer by Josh Green
ebay

What do you think? Answer below!

Some Traveling Tips To France

About the city

The crowd is attracted to sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches of this beautiful country. France is a country which draws more tourists than any other country. It is easy to see why this is the case given France’s great reputation for fine wines, good food, high fashion and relaxed lifestyle. But while France is undoubtedly a place to eat and drink till your heart is content, there’s much more to this fascinating country than only cutting-edge cuisines. Spring is the best time to be here, and those interested in winter sports can drop at the Alps and Pyrenees with some polar gear. The summers are very hot and winters are moderate. An all-weather coat and pair of comfortable shoes are a must. Women, especially, should carry cocktail dresses as some of the restaurants ask for it. When visiting any religious site, refrain from wearing sleeveless shirt and shorts, as they are disliked at such places.  

Culture

English is widely spoken here, although French is the official language. Handshaking is customary greeting and women should be kissed on both cheeks and should be addressed as Monsieur or Madame. French people are popularly known for their like for stylish sportswear and of course perfumes. Nudism is allowed on some beaches only. Social functions, fine restaurants, and clubs call for more formal dressing. When at a formal dinner, wait till the host gestures to start the dinner. Smoking is banned in public places.

Site Seeing

Paris, the city of love, is a massive city with many attractions in reachable distance thanks to the highly efficient public transport system. It boasts of more than 80 museums and 200 arts galleries. A trip to Disney land and the magnificent Eiffel tower will make the trip worthwhile. The attractive tourists spots are the Arc de triomphe which spans over the tomb of an unknown soldier, the forbidding gothic architecture of the Notre Dame cathedral, the picturesque Sacre Coeur, to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Moulin Rouge and boat tours along the Seine. Get the Carte Musees-Monuments pass, which gives access to 70 monuments and museums.

Shopping

Although service tax is included in the bill, a humble tip won’t cost much. An extra dollar can be given as tip to the waiter. A tip of can be left for the bus drivers.                   Electricity

220-volt, 50-cycle AC current. Getting There

The national airline that operates here is Air France. Many low-cost airlines, too, provide services from UK. Paris-Charles de Gaulle also known as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle is the major airport of France, which is 23km away from the city. Coaches, taxis, limousines services are provided at the airport. The railway facility provided by the airport, claims to reach all the terminals within eight minutes. These trains run 24 hours. The other airports that offer flight services are Paris-Orly, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Toulouse.

Ferry and cruise trips can be made from ports such as Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Havre.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco

2. 1liter of spirits over 22 per cent or 2liter of alcoholic beverage up to 22 per cent

3. 2liter of wine

4. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette

5. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract

6. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract

Food and agricultural products should be avoided.

Medifast Coupons

Travel Tips To Europe And France

About the city

The crowd is attracted to sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches of this beautiful country. France is a country which draws more tourists than any other country. It is easy to see why this is the case given France’s great reputation for fine wines, good food, high fashion and relaxed lifestyle. But while France is undoubtedly a place to eat and drink till your heart is content, there’s much more to this fascinating country than only cutting-edge cuisines. Spring is the best time to be here, and those interested in winter sports can drop at the Alps and Pyrenees with some polar gear. The summers are very hot and winters are moderate. An all-weather coat and pair of comfortable shoes are a must. Women, especially, should carry cocktail dresses as some of the restaurants ask for it. When visiting any religious site, refrain from wearing sleeveless shirt and shorts, as they are disliked at such places. 

Culture

English is widely spoken here, although French is the official language. Handshaking is
customary greeting and women should be kissed on both cheeks and should be addressed
as Monsieur or Madame. French people are popularly known for their like for stylish sportswear and of course perfumes. Nudism is allowed on some beaches only. Social functions, fine restaurants, and clubs call for more formal dressing. When at a formal dinner, wait till the host gestures to start the dinner. Smoking is banned in public places.
Site Seeing

Paris, the city of love, is a massive city with many attractions in reachable distance thanks to thehighly efficient public transport system. It boasts of more than 80 museums and 200 arts
galleries. A trip to Disney land and the magnificent Eiffel tower will make the trip worthwhile.
The attractive tourists spots are the Arc de triomphe which spans over the tomb of an
unknown soldier, the forbidding gothic architecture of the Notre Dame cathedral, the picturesque Sacre Coeur, to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Moulin Rouge and boat tours along the Seine. Get the Carte Musees-Monuments pass, which gives access to 70 monuments and museums.Shopping

Although service tax is included in the bill, a humble tip won’t cost much. An extra dollar can be given as tip to the waiter. A tip of can be left for the bus rivers.                                 
Electricity 220-volt, 50-cycle AC current.

Getting There

The national airline that operates here is Air France. Many low-cost airlines, too, provide services from UK. Paris-Charles de Gaulle also known as Roissy-Charles de Gaulle is the major airport of France, which is 23km away from the city. Coaches, taxis, limousines services are provided at the airport. The railway facility provided by the airport, claims to reach all the terminals within eight minutes. These trains run 24 hours. The other airports that offer flight services are Paris-Orly, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon and Toulouse.
Ferry and cruise trips can be made from ports such as Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, and Havre.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco
2. 1liter of spirits over 22 per cent or 2liter of alcoholic beverage up to 22 per cent
3. 2liter of wine
4. 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
5. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract
6. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
Food and agricultural products should be avoided.

Visit www.ytbtravel.com/wilkinstravel   

Medifast Coupons

The Playful Adventure Of Castle Hopping in the Beautiful Loire Valley in France

France’s Loire Valley has the grandest selection of 15th and sixteenth century castles. With fifty to sixty “must see” castles sprinkled on both sides of a 100-mile stretch of the Loire River, the first-time tourist can feel overwhelmed. Below are 5 of the best-known castles.

Chateau Clos Luce

Not more than a half mile from Amboise is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a chateau built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. He lived the last three years of his life here under Francois I’s sponsorship. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo’s inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and amazing mental powers 500 years earlier.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chenonceau Chateau stuns you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery spanning across the River Cher. Originally “acquired” by King Francois I, it then passed to his successor, Henri II, who gave it to Diane de Poitiers his mistress. Diane extended the chateau and built a bridge across the river.

When Henri II died, Catherine de Medici, his wife, took revenge on her rival by forcing Diane to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then commissioned the construction of the bridge gallery. Incredibly extravagant galas were held here until Catherine’s son, Henry III, was assassinated. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it completely in black and white.

History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In WWI the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In world war II the chateau marked the boundary between Nazi-occupied and free France and became the location for prisoner exchanges. Today the gardens and the chateau are maintained as if they were at their height under Catherine de Medici.

Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire

Built in the 15th century by Lord Amboise on the site of a tenth century feudal fortress, Chaumont commands beautiful views of the Loire River Valley. It was later the home of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici of Castle Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this chateau for its tapestry, drawbridge, fortress feeling, furnishings, and incredible vistas.

Chateau Chambord

King Francois I was not content with just the castles at Chenonceau and Amboise. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting land and decided to build the world’s most magnificent “hunting lodge.” Chambord was built over many decades by Francois and his successors, Henri II and Charles IX in the sixteenth century.

Fully restored now, Chambord stands as the most extravagant of all the Loire chateaux – 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was purportedly designed by the great Italian, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to climb and descend simultaneously without crossing paths. Chambord will reward any visit with its grandeur and extravagance.

Chateau Amboise

Amboise’s narrowed cobbled streets wind at the base of the large. Although only 25% of the original chateau survives, the fortress walls with flying banners look down on the village and neighboring river. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, fatally wounding him.

Whilst chateau hopping remember to take the time to visit some local wine cellars, for “degustation” or tasting Take the time to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Medifast Coupons

The Spectacular Sights of France

Want to see the most stunning sights France has to offer? Learn more about four spectacular places to visit whilst camping in France.

The Spectacular Sights of France

If you are camping in France, you may be after many things. A raucous family holiday by the sea, a peaceful escape in secluded countryside, a gourmet’s holiday in fine restaurants and vineyards, a cultural holiday spent visiting the best museums the country has to offer.

But for some people, visiting a foreign country means seeing the grandest and most spectacular sights it has to offer. If that’s the kind of traveller that you are, then read on – from sublime mountains to beautiful buildings, here are four of France’s most stunning sights.

Mont Blanc

The Alps are home to many famous mountains, including the Eiger and the Matterhorn, but Mont Blanc towers above them all. Standing at 4,810 metres in height above the French town of Chamonix, it is the highest mountain in Western Europe and it has captivated climbers, hikers and nature lovers for centuries.

It takes a skilled climber and some careful planning to get to the summit of Mont Blanc, but anyone can come and admire the beauty of the mountain. If you are camping in France and want to take a look at Mont Blanc, there are plenty of campsites nearby where you can base yourself, or you can hop on a train to Chamonix if you want to camp in another part of the country. Wherever you choose to stay, Mont Blanc is a sight that should not be missed.

Mont St Michel

When it comes to spectacular sights, it is hard to beat Mont St Michel. This fortified abbey, built on an island that is one kilometre from the north coast, is accessible only at certain times of the day, when the tides pass to reveal a land bridge connecting the island to the mainland. The Gothic design and unique location combine to make Mont St Michel a truly breathtaking sight, especially if you have the chance to go on a tour of the abbey at night.

Brittany is a great place to go camping in France, with a beautiful coastline and numerous historic sights, and if you choose to go camping in Brittany, make sure to go to Mont St Michel.

Château de Chambord

The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in France, a haven for hikers, cyclists and campers who enjoy the gently rolling scenery, the beautiful river, and the famous Châteaux of the Valley. Perhaps the most spectacular of them all is Château de Chambord. This sixteenth century Renaissance building (rumoured by some to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci) is the largest Château in the region, constructed by the French King Francois I as a hunting lodge. If you go camping in the Loire, it is an essential place to visit.

The Palace of Versailles

The French monarchy was responsible for the construction of countless stunning buildings, but perhaps none can match the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. Constructed as a royal residence on the outskirts of Paris, this enormous building stands as the ultimate symbol of the kings of France, and is one of the most spectacular places that you can visit in France.

Medifast Coupons

Family Cycling Holidays in France

Cyclists of all abilities can look forward to some fantastic scenery whilst on a cycling holiday in france, along with experiencing traditional French cuisine in the many hotels you stop at on your travels through the scenic countryside.

France is a country that is extremely enthusiastic about cycling, as we are all no doubt well aware with the Tour de France, and they have made it ever so easy to explore the countryside and cities on two wheels, with dedicated cycle paths and routes all around.

Cycling holidays will give you peace and tranquillity with awesome views of countryside, chateaux, medieval towns, hilltops, valleys and gorges and these are just some of things that you would easily miss out on if you were driving through France, and with the rich heritage, extraordinary landscapes and the gastronomic delights can all be appreciated more whilst cycling, especially because of the extensive national network of veloroutes.

These veloroutes will take you along canal towpaths, quiet country lanes and converted railway lines as well as getting you into the heart of the countryside by using voies vertes, also known as green ways, which are specially designated tracks that are completely shut to motorised traffic, you can even hire your cycle en route from one of many locations-velos that line the major cycling routes.

You can still find areas in France that are so peaceful, it is rare to see a car, yet you may be passed by a few very passionate cyclists! Stopping for lunch and experiencing the local cuisine and of course the local wine is must and you can often find fortified villages scattered along the hill-tops and valleys for the most pleasant of stops.

Or if you prefer to have your trip organised then why not let the hoteliers transport your luggage by finding establishments that offer an “accueil velo” which are hotels and bed and breakfasts that cater specifically for cycling holidays throughout France.

With a French Alps cycling holiday you cannot go wrong, as you will be able to discover some of the Worlds most spectacular cycling routes, with climbs like the world famous Col de la Croix der Fer and Alpe d’Huez around Grenoble. But as well as the Alps, cycling in the Pyrenees with its mountain climbs such as the Col de Portet d’Aspet and the Col d’Aspin will provide you with the opportunity to see some of Europe’s most beautiful locations. Although these are not for the feint hearted! If you have ever watched the Tour de France, you will have seen some of those mean mountainous routes and the suffering these cyclists go through, yet perhaps this could be just the type of holiday you are looking for!

Also, the Midi-Pyrenees offers a wealth of art and history from prehistoric cave paintings to Renaissance mansions and is also famous throughout France for its cuisine which is rich with foies gras, Roquefort cheese, Gaillac wines, and Armagnac brandy, but to make the most of this region, it is often advisable to plan your cycling holiday very carefully, so that you can enjoy the many different places en route.

Yet if mountain biking and going on strenuous cycling routes through the mountains is not you, then do not worry, there are plenty of other areas in France that will cater for the novice or the family cycling holiday, just like Brittany, this area is ideal for a family cycling holiday, as the coastal routes along the bays are reasonably flat, making the trip easier, whereas the Loire is more undulating, yet fabulous chateaux and riverside towns will enthral you and the family on your travels.

What about the Poitou-Charentes area, which is an excellent choice for those who love wildlife and bird watching, as the area is still extremely rural, even compared to some of the other areas in France and Burgundy is a great place to cycle along the many canal paths.

Then there is the Dordogne which is extremely picturesque, and from the rivers and gorges through to forests and vineyards, this area provides such a diversity you will enjoy the whole experience from the start to finish of your holiday.

Mind you, with a cycling holiday organised for you, there is no need to worry about where you will stop for a break or lunch or where you will be staying, which means you do not have to have your panniers full to the brim, as all your belongings are transported on for you, ready and waiting for when you arrive at your next stop, plus if you decide to add in other activities, such as canoeing and horse riding as well, then your bikes will be transported to your next stop and you will be picked up at a specified location.

So whether you are a cycling enthusiast or a novice with a family, France is a fantastic destination to explore on your bike.

Medifast Coupons