Posts Tagged ‘France’

France is the world leader in tourism and lots of people would agree that it is a most attractive country. But vacations can be very different from actually residing somewhere. However, although money is still a difficult area for many of us, it doesn’t seem to have stopped people leaving the U.K. to experience living in France.

The English person’s most easily accessible part of “abroad”, France is a truly beautiful country with very varied landscapes and cultures. It’s sometimes referred to as being like the England of the’50’s, but this isn’t the whole story. It’s now a very modern country with its huge telecommunications industry and wide internet usage.

And the language? Well, of course there’s been a tradition of learning French in British schools. While this has produced some real lovers of the French language, many British people still almost boast of a national weakness in foreign language learning.

Others believe that they will be visited by an ability to speak French once they live amongst the French. In fact some French people also believe it and this can give rise to many difficulties for English speaking ex-patriots in France. I find it very frustrating that some French people quite clearly believe that I’m rather stupid in every aspect of life because I don’t speak perfect French! Of course, these are usually people who have never had to learn any foreign language.

It’s vital to make plans to learn to communicate in French. This isn’t about learning verb conjugations or lists of prepositions; it’s about understanding and using everyday vocabulary and phrases. The more you learn of these and some of the “etiquette” of France (such as greetings as you enter a shop, etc), the more confident you’ll become about learning and using others. Confidence is important and enables you to take some risks and to improve constantly. It will certainly get a good reception from the French who applaud attempts to learn their language.

And it’s this attitude that is important in making a success of living in France.

It’s difficult to let go of inhibitions and to try really using French, but it is an important factor in improving your skills. So think about this when planning your language work.

For some people this isn’t an issue and they will try, try and try again to make themselves understood by gestures, words and other means. They will probably get a French lesson in return as the other person tells them the French words for what they want.

For those who don’t have this self-confidence, it may be a case of forcing yourself on one occasion and then afterwards reflecting on the situation and what you learned from it. You then know whether to repeat the method next time or to slightly change it. It helps if you have an important reason for an exchange in French. When I arrived here my two children had to go to collge and I knew I (who previously on holidays in France had got the children to ask for things in shops) had to force myself for their sakes, to prepare for parents’ nights.

Sometimes the reactions you get will not be what you’d hoped for, but we all (including the French) have our off days and you shouldn’t let it upset you. Look forward rather than backward and just be more determined for the next time.

With your good intentions and willingness to work, what tools are available to help you improve your French?

New language learning methods arrive as new technology develops and old favourites still remain. Some examples: – selecting an individual telephone tutor; following one of the freely available on-line courses (try Radio France Internationale or the BBC), or buying a well-established tape or CD or video programme.

It’s quite usual to employ a personal teacher to come to your home to help with a subject like French – a good option if you prefer not to start in group classes which are also available in many places.

Don’t forget to consider how you learn best when deciding on ways to make progress. Methods that suit your individual personality are likely to be more successful.

Whatever methods you use, if you are determined to progress, you will do so. Living in France will become an even more enjoyable experience.

French Life and the joys of living in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. To find out more of Living in France take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new website at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of real life stories and anecdotes from the Quercy. It takes you right there – you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to register for her free newsletter. Author of White Stone Black Wine.

Many people around the world think that they know quite a lot about French life. This may be due to the abundance of caricatures of the French nation and also because France is the number one tourist destination in the world. This may seem a little odd when you think about some of the common complaints that French people are arrogant, rude and refuse to speak English which, of course, they can all do perfectly well . . .

So, what is French life famous (or infamous) for?

Few dispute the fact that French restaurants are excellent. French cuisine is endlessly copied throughout the world, and the French language is often used for menus and cooking terms. Although we often associate the French with “haute cuisine”, the day to day home cooking and standard cheap restaurant lunches are another cause for pride. Choice of ingredients and cooking methods interest the French public; choosing a restaurant or a dish in a restaurant can be a matter for heated argument. Food is important and it’s this importance that will keep French cuisine at its high standard.

With less overweight and the associated health problems, the French are a good example of how to eat. To eat a full meal at lunchtime with several small courses is better for us. We then have the rest of the day to use the energy and a lighter evening meal allows us to avoid going to bed with a full stomach.

Perhaps the most famous symbol of French life has been the French loaf. The term “French bread” is usually taken to mean the traditional baguette, but there’s a huge variety of shapes, sizes and ingredients available. Even going into a boulangerie to buy a baguette, you’ll find that there are a great many other long thin loaves which you might have thought were baguettes! Each of these has its own name (which might vary slightly from area to area). The traditional baguette goes stale within a few hours whereas a growing number of other breads, such as multi-cereal, wholemeal and so on, keep longer and this may be why they are gradually gaining in popularity with younger generations.

We know that the French are famous for their cheese but our knowledge of that cheese is sometimes restricted to just one or two sorts. Some people say they hate French cheese because they don’t like Camembert, not realising that this is just one out of over four hundred French cheeses with a huge variety of tastes, ingredients, maturing processes, textures, etc.

And so to the wine! French supermarkets offer a wonderful selection at very reasonable prices. It’s still a constant topic of discussion and there’s a lot of knowledge about the subject. It’s usual for a household to possess a “cellar” and to add bottles regularly. Every autumn, the majority of wine outlets have special tastings and offers. Driving through wine producing areas is always fascinating and a continual learning experience.

We may be admiring of the French wines and cuisine, but we are not so happy about how they are made. Whilst farmers and fishermen make up a small percentage of Finch workers, we do become annoyed at their apparently widespread power and there are frequent televised images of angry protesting farmers and others.

So what else is typical of French life in this land of wonderful food and drink with its assertive farmers and unfriendly officials?

The Arts are prominent in French life. Theatre, painting, sculpture, design and many other art forms all have a place in towns and villages all over the country. Literature and cinema are particularly well served and many tiny villages will have their own libraries and film showings, which are managed by teams of local volunteers. The Cannes Festival is the world famous symbol of the French involvement with film.

French designers are also world famous and Paris fashion shows are televised all over the world; we consider French people to be sophisticated dressers.

So, a complicated country and people, but visitors from all over the world readily embrace the French life when given the chance as tourists.

French Life and the joys of living in France have been featured in magazine articles the world over. For a real taste of Living in France take a look at Amanda Lawrence’s new blog at www.frenchvie.com. Lots of real life stories and anecdotes from the Quercy. It takes you right there – you’ll never want to leave. Don’t forget to register for her free newsletter.

Where to stay in Paris is a difficult question to solve, as there is such a variety of excellent places.

The best choice is probably to start thinking over what region you might wish to be in. Paris is divided into twenty districts, so to stop it from becoming daunting it’s best to divide up your choices into either the right or left bank, which are the most popular areas. Then choose your districts based on which inn or hotel suits you best in those specific districts.

The right and left banks refer to the right and left side of the Seine River which flows through central Paris roughly dividing it in half. The Seine runs in a westward direction, indicating that the left bank is generally the southern portion of Paris and the right half is the northern end of the city.

These directions will be handy when deciding where to stay when visiting Paris. While the two banks make up a essential whole, they differ from each other in significant ways.

The left bank is for you if you like fashion, art, or the Bohemian lifestyle. It features many historical sites, interesting architecture and is the heart of Parisian popular culture. There are lots of bed and breakfasts, inns, and hotels that are interesting, at some very reasonable prices for Paris.

The right bank, however, is the epitome of high-society sophistication that usually goes hand-in-hand with Paris. It is also the business district where you will find the Champs Elysees and the L’Arc de Triomphe. It is thought to be highly metropolitan, as the neighborhoods are incredibly wealthy and beautiful constructed, ranging from the very classical to modern architectural structures.

Learn French for free here: French Phrases

France receives 82 million foreign tourists annually, making it the world’s top destination. By itself, the Eiffel Tower brings in 6.2 million visitors per year. But apart from the culture and history of Paris, the country also offers beaches, fabulous countryside and skiing.

France is recognized all over the world for it fine cuisine; finding a place to dine out is never an issue, as the variety and selection of choices in foods are so diverse and always affordably priced. When you get your restaurant bill, the service charges and taxes are incorporated into the total.

France is heaven if you love wine, because many good wines are made there. Only the finest in quality and variety are offered, but it is important to be cautious with drinking prior to driving, as the French authorities are strict when it comes to drunk drivers. Beer is also a popular drink, especially to the north.

French hotels fall into one of four categories from 1 to 4 stars, as designated by the Ministry of Tourism. This rating is prominently displayed on a blue shield at the entrance to every hotel. By law, all hotels must display their rates outside the establishment, or make them visible from outside, but don’t be afraid to enter and ask for their best price.

Hotels in the city center tend to be rather small and so it is usually best to book a room in advance. Be sure to verify your parking procedures, particulary in the larger urban areas.

The Chambres d’hotes, otherwise called Bed and Breakfasts, are common rural establishments which can be found in rural areas. These operate on a nightly basis, as do the motel style hotels that lie along the roadside.

If you go to France for an extended period, you might want to rent a home, villa or apartment from a website of good standing. If a few of you are traveling together, this may be a good option.

French Phrases

France is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It has a rich culture and a detailed history, as well, which is why it is no wonder many people come to visit. In fact, France is the most visited country in the world, with an estimated 80 million visitors a year. If you’re planning on visiting sometime soon, here is a list of France attractions you definitely should not miss out on.

Chateau de Versailles

Versailles is one of the most popular France attractions for its historical significance and outstanding beauty. Located just a few miles outside of Paris, the palace still exudes the grandeur of a royal residence – which it was from 1682 to 1789. It has 700 rooms, the most popular of which are the royal bedchambers, the Hall of Mirrors and the Salon of Hercules, all decorated with ornate furniture and beautiful artworks. Its subsidiary buildings, the Trianon and the Lanterne Pavilion, are also magnificent, and its gardens are among the most stunning in the world.

Louvre Museum

France boasts of some of the best art museums in the world, including the famous Louvre Museum. Aside from being one of the most popular France attractions in Paris, it is a national museum, housing hundreds of thousands of masterpieces from the Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans and Romans. There are also plenty of excellent examples of Islamic and decorative art. The most popular collection, though, are the paintings, particularly the works of Leonardo da Vinci. Other notable French museums include the Georges Pompidou Centre and the Musee d’Orsay.

Eiffel Tower

It goes without saying that a trip to France is not complete without climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where the views of the city are spectacular, or at least having your photo taken against its magnificent structure. After all, the Eiffel Tower remains the most distinct symbol of France, although it no longer holds the distinction of being the tallest building in the world. It is especially amazing at night when it is illuminated, truly contributing to the romantic ambience of the City of Lights.

Notre Dame de Paris

The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has a rich history. First constructed in 1163, it is the site of many historical events, including the coronation of King Henry VI, the wedding of Mary, Queen of Scotland, the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte and the canonization of Joan of Arc. What draws millions of visitors year after year, though, is its remarkable Gothic architecture and its collection of artistic religious pieces. Its rose windows are stunning to behold on sunny days, while the gargoyles and chimera perched around its tower are fascinating. You can also catch a glimpse of its bells, particularly the 13-ton Emmanuel Bell, which is sure to transport you into the pages of Victor Hugo’s ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

Chambord Castle

Just as the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture, the Castle of Chambord is an excellent example of French renaissance architecture. On the outside, it has over 800 sculpted columns and an elaborate roofscape lined with various types of towers and chimneys, all meant for decorative and not defensive purposes, while on the inside, it consists of 440 rooms, four vast hallways and 84 staircases. It is particulary popular for its unique double-helix staircase which runs up three floors and serves as its centerpiece.

Loire Valley

Do you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle in Paris? If so, take a drive through the Loire Valley to get a taste of the relaxing and romantic French countryside. The Loire Valley is not just the site of many historic and cultural France attractions, but is, in fact, a captivating attraction in itself due to its incredible natural scenery, making it worthy of being called the Garden of France.

These are just some of the best historic, cultural and modern France attractions. There are endless others which are all worth visiting, including Disneyland Paris and the beaches on the French Riviera. No matter where you go, though, you surely won’t be disappointed, but rather, have some great memories to bring home with you along with your beautiful souvenirs.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including France, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout France, including, car hire Limoges airport. To book a cheap car hire France, or learn more about discount car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com

The lighthouses of France stand as remarkable testaments to French maritime past. Although many are now sadly in a state of disrepair, their style and cultural significance make them a must-see for visitors to France. France’s lighthouses are obscure historical treasures that hark back to a largely forgotten era of French adventure . Guarding the French coastline, the lighthouses – or phare to use the French term – have braved the worst that the Channel and the Atlantic Ocean hurl at them for decades. These remarkable structures punctuate the horizon around the shore, forming a marvellous network of beacons originally designed to protect the lives of French seamen and ensure the integrity of the nation’s shipping lanes. Brittany is home to some of the most splendid lighthouses, along with the Île D’Ouessant just off the mainland. A craggy, weather-beaten tranche of land is only 5km by 8km long, the island is home to a number of truly spectacular historical lighthouses, both onshore and off. Surrounded by fierce currents and deceptive outcrops of hidden rocks, the island has claimed many lives over the years, making its lighthouses of key practical importance for shipping navigation through this dangerous area. The lighthouses in Brittany are some of the most spectacular to be found anywhere in France. From the small, square Phare de Kermorvan with its rugged stone balustrades to the simple yet robust elegance of the Phare du Petit Minou, the Île D’Ouessant showcases some truly amazing feats of engineering and practical architecture. The lighthouses are even more spectacular when one considers that most were built in the early years of the nineteenth century, when design techniques were nowhere near as advanced as they are today. The fact that these structures are still standing in the face of such severe weather conditions is a credit to the skill and tenacity of the men who built them. Reaching the Île D’Ouessant is simple – just catch a Zeebrugge channel ferry to France and make your way to Brest in Brittany, where the twice a day ferry will take you over to the island for a very modest fee. Once there, you can explore the island on foot or by bike, taking in the unique sights of these commanding silent guards.

For some years now a number of the airlines labelled “low-cost airlines in Europe have been taking part in a price war trying to offer the cheapest fares to a host of European cities. It’s quite normal to read that one of the leading low cost airlines for example Ryanair or Easyjet is offering return flights from the UK to Spain, Germany or France for £1 (approx $1.45). There are airport landing fees and taxes to be added to that, but it remains a real bargain if you’re keen to visit a number of cities throughout Europe. One of the biggest disadvantages of flying with the budget airlines is that they often fly to the smaller municipal airports instead of the better known biginternational ones. This can mean that a flight that is advertised to a major European city actually lands up to 50 miles away. There can be some plus-points with this arrangement, the smaller airports often offer a much faster turnround on luggage and check-in because they’re catering for far fewer flights. The disadvantage is that transportation serving these airfields can be patchy at best and an extremely popular alternative is to hire a car from the airport. The following are some of the wonderful cities that we have visited whilst making use of cheap floghts from the low cost airlines. We are sure that you would enjoy visiting any of these great, without doubt they have plenty to offer to visitors to their shores.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow was once an extremely ugly industrial monster but it has undergone a Renaissance and has become a wonderful, architecturally diverse city welcoming a huge number of tourists throughout the year. The trendy West side of the city is home to one of the oldest universities in the U.K.. Perched on a hill in the middle of the Medieval district of Glasgow, its students add a great deal to the fun loving and vibrant atmosphere of the area. The budget carriers utilise Prestwick Airport which is approximately 51 km (35 miles) to the north east of the city centre and there is a good road between the airport and the city centre. It’s a popular area for sightseeing, so the best idea is to rent a car at Glasgow Airport before setting out on your journey. A congestion free 30 minute drive from the airport on the M77 motorway takes you to the centre of the city. Glasgow is a perfect base for a journey to the Trossachs National Park. Just 13 mile (20 km) journey out of Glasgow and you might discover sensational countryside aback a pony, whilst a 50 km (30 mile) drive eastwards using another excellent motorway will find you in Edinburgh together with its ever popular festivals, Princes Street shopping, the historic Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Florence, Italy

Without doubt one of the most hauntingly beautiful locations in Europe, Florence is served by Pisa Airport, which is 84 km (50 miles) west of Florence. Hire a car at Pisa airport and you will be perfectly positioned to explore Pisa’s leaning tower, the wonders of historic Florence and a selection of some of the most picturesque countryside in the whole of Europe, that of the majestically beautiful Tuscany. Thus it is hardly surprising that Florence is high in the popularity stakes when looking at European cities. When you visit Florence you will find that most of the centre is pedestrianized protecting its many ancient statues and architectural treasures from the vibrations and pollution associated with hectic traffic. The complete lack of traffic brings a sense of peace and quiet as you wander from one fragment of history to the next. You don’t have to walk too far before experiencing the ghastly, ear splitting roar of Florence’s legion of scooter riders. Apart from the Ponte Vecchio the remainder of the bridges into the centre of the city are noisy, polluted places, thus giving us an added incentive to keep to the ancient alleyways and peaceful inner sanctums of Florence’s beautiful piazzas.

Tours, France

Tours, the centre of the famed Loire Valley chateaux but without a solitary chateau to its name! The perfect centre for discovering the Loire Valley renowned for its serious array of palatial residences, Tours has a number of charms of its own. Although the little airport is but a few miles out of town, you really need to rent a car at Tours airport to fully explore some of the most picturesque towns and villages in the whole of France. Along the banks of the River Loire between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes, a host of cultural treasures are presented for the visitor to feast their eyes on. A UNESCO site, the Loire Valley offers scenic countryside, heaps of flamboyant castles plus a good scattering of historic villages. Originally the “Retreat of Kings” back in the days of the Renaissance and the middle ages, the Loire Valley was a firm savourite of the French monarchy. Former working fortified castles were converted into elegant palatial trophy residences and these are now the region’s main tourist attractions. Tourists from all over the world are attracted to the historic towns that are situated along the banks of the Loire. Towns such as Tours, Blois and Chinon have so much to see and do whilst the most popular chateau is probably that on the Chambord Estate. Throughout the area you will discover small, family owned vineyards offering a variety of great wines at budget prices. Look out for the word “degustation”, which means sampling I guess, and provided that ‘Le Patron’ is not in the middle of a long leisurely lunch you will be offered a warm welcome and he will be delighted to lead you through a tasting of all his wines. Naturally, it is vital that you take a non-drinker as your chauffer, some of these tasting sessions can get very serious!.

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Avignon, France, is yet another pride of the said nation. Being nestled in the country as its commercial center is quite a reputation to boast of. The city itself has had its own taste of the chaotic uprisings staged during the French Revolution and World War II. It had likewise witnessed the very famous historical incident known as the Babylonian Captivity.

Moreover, Avignon is well known for being the home of most antipopes. The Catholic churches have moreover survived the passing of time. These and a lot others are plainly the sights that people like you who take part in a Europe luxury holiday may delight at.

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Avignon is among the top cities of France that must be visited. Most travelers say that at the end of their stay, they almost have a heavy feeling of leaving the city. But, with all the memories at hand, they can always be comforted. For your plan of touring around Europe, taking some time to go to France’s city will surely be a wonderful undertaking. Here are some of the interesting places that you may take a look at. Certainly, they are all capable of touching your hearts.

The edifices of Pont St. Benezet and Pope’s Palace Le Palais des Papes contain the exceptional Gothic architectural styles that will obviously prompt you to stare in amazement. The building’s interior is nonetheless equipped with the crafts of arts which go in volumes. At one point in time, a great fire ruined the entirety of the edifices and for one, only a single room is left undamaged.

Several travelers are deeply amazed by the genuine Gothic structural refinement of the palace. More so, it stands as the biggest Gothic styled building in the entire Europe continent. Any attack will be left futile because of the natural rock materials that make it up.

The travel Philippe le Bel is a tower that had been established by Philippe the Fair in 13th century. It was during this period that Avignon was yet the main entry point towards France. As you get into the topmost portion of the tower, you can marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the whole city.

If you want to witness a structure that furnishes the Baroque fashion, you better see the Musee Lapidaire. It was built at the peak of 17th century and was principally inhabited as the Jesuit church.

Today, you may find the various statues and sculptures that project a variety of Europe and world civilizations being displayed for everyone to see. At times, you may be taken aback by how frightening some may appear to be but they are a fraction of their distinct histories.

Another worthwhile destination is the Musee Requien which is located just near Musee Calvet. This botanical museum houses a variety of specimens hailing from countries around the world.

If paintings are your cup of tea, drop by the Musee du Petit-Palais which showcases the Italian art works which date back from the 13th down to the 14th centuries. The collections display the crafts of the renowned artists from Siena, Venice, Florence, and Lombardy. Other Roman and Gothic sculptures are as well housed therein.

Another home to the popes is the Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms. You may see the statue of the Virgin therein which dates back to the 19th century.
Of course, you may pass by the famous Avignon Bridge which, as history specifies, was the route which transported St. Benezet to Villeneuve. From the then 22 arches, only 3 of them have survived. But at any rate, it has retained its majestic appeal through time.

A European luxury trip to Avignon is indeed a definite itinerary to take.

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