France Bicycle / Velo Tours

Morocco has always been seen as a far land inhabited by merchants and traders who travel across the desert riding their imposing camels. But how have things changed so far? How is it many people are so interested in Morocco holidays?

Well, Morocco is sure to have become a rather modern country, be it for the thousands of tourists who choose it as their holiday destination, be it because its political leaders are opening their minds and those of their people in order to have their beloved nation conquer an important position in the international scenario.

The ancient cities of Fez, Casablanca, Marrakesh and Agadir take you back in history to Saudi dynasties arriving there about 12 centuries ago over to Mauritanian empires, and the return of the Moors from Spain. Times of prestigious wealth, to be seen in the development of literature, education and music, also obstructed by not very good times, which can also be seen as the main motives that prompted the local culture and civilization of today to raise.

But one things for sure, the beauties you will find here, you will not find anywhere else. Have you ever seen a sea whose turquoise water shines under the sun framed by kilometres of purely golden sand.

Old Bazaars and modern shopping stand side by side. Traditional and contemporary shopping is found at one and the same place. Folk music mixes with modern beats in the prestigious clubs and bars. These, some of them hideaways of renowned ex-patriate writers and thinkers, invite for cooling down with fun.

Famous surf-spots at the Atlantic draw attention, long sandy beaches are the stage, nearby mountains help cooling down. Dramatic nature experiences undisturbed by alpine crowdedness, even offer exotic skiing in winter. The mountains spread out into green valleys and then the desert, with its vast openness and inspirational purity. Last but not least the homelyness of the Mediterranean is to be enjoyed from the coast or sailing on the sea.

Extraordinary cuisine, having the best of all, Mediterranean, especially Spanish, French and Corsican; Atlantic Portugal and Western African; in land Berber cooking mix with Arabic Andalusian and Middle Eastern flavors ranging to even Turkish tastes. Saffron, mint and olive, or agrumes are the base for the most traditional dish Couscous and found at the local markets.

All these beauties and sensations ask for relaxation in Dream Hotels to recover authentically and find satisfaction to start exploring the next day. Local craftsman created the precious furniture and the ornaments, international service mixes with local traditions, in brief oriental luxury meets high class.

To get much more help and advice which is on the subject of Bali Holidays and also South Africa Safaris come along to the website.

Technorati Tags: beaches, Corsican, cuisine, french, golden sand, holidays, Mediterranean, merchants, morocco, mounatins, spanish, tourists, traders, travel

Whether you are interested in activities of all descriptions or just want a place to relax in the sun and soak up some culture, Cape Town holidays are an excellent option. The only thing you need to decide is what you want to do while you’re in country.

The area around this city is full of things to do. There are lots of sights, as well as things that you can actively participate in. Be sure to have your camera on hand since this is something you’ll want to remember for a lifetime.

Beaches. There are quite a few beaches around Cape Town that you can check out. Boulder Beach is where you should head if you want to see penguins. You’ll have to stick to the walkways so you don’t disturb them, so no sunbathing here.

Other beaches do allow for swimming and sunbathing. They feature lovely white sand and are set against rugged mountains, for some great photos. There are a number of beaches within easy driving distance from anywhere you stay in the city.

Nature Reserve. Not only can you see the penguins at Boulder Beach during your stay, there are a number of other areas to check out nature. The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a beautiful place to visit. The waters here are those of the Cape of Good Hope, where some of the roughest seas in the world exist.

Shopping is something every traveler must do. There are souvenirs to be had and people back home to buy gifts for, so you’ll have to make sure that you hit the Green Market Square. This is a lovely market full of artisan items and souvenirs to take home with you.

Robben Island, a former prison for political prisoners is now a tourist site, as well. It’s possible to take a boat out to the island and take a tour around it and through the maximum security prison. A few of the tour guides are actually ex prisoners from the island, making it even more interesting.

For more outdoor goodness, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden features a range of African plants. It’s actually world famous and you’ll learn a lot about the gardens here. There are also a number of other sights around the city that can be seen via cycling and walking tours.

Planning Cape Town holidays? You’ll enjoy the area no matter what your purpose in spending time there is. Whether you want to soak up the amazing atmosphere of Africa or check out the wildlife and plants, you’ll enjoy yourself in this city and the surrounding area.

In order to discover lots more assistance not to mention suggestions which is on the subject of Morocco Holidays and also Thailand Villas visit us.

Technorati Tags: activities, african penguins, beach, Botanical Garden, Cape Town, cycling, holidays, island, ocean, sights, SUN, tourist site, walking

Getting to the Picasso museum is a piece of cake. You can use the metro system and get off at stations Saint Paul or Chemin Vert. After that, follow signs that will lead you to your destination.

You can also wave down a taxi cab and ask them to take you to 5 Rue de Thorigny or ride buses 69, 96, 26 or 75 — those that usually stop near the museum.

The building in which the museum is housed is a large 17th century French style establishment set in tranquil surroundings with closely cut green lawns at the front. Even people who aren’t particularly interested in art will enjoy the atmosphere created by the museum building that reminds you of how Paris would have been two hundred years ago.

No doubt, the Picasso Museum is a commemoration of Pablo Picasso’s contribution to art. Additionally, it also features works of Matisse, Cezanne and Degas whose selected works belong to Picasso’s personal collection.

The Museum showcases the largest single collection of Picasso’s artworks spanning his entire career. There are more than 3500 separate pieces of art at the museum including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramic works and engravings. All of Picasso’s important stages and themes are represented at the museum such as cubism, surrealism, sacrifice and war.

The Picasso Museum has two opening times which changes with the seasons. During summers, it aims to accommodating more people by opening at 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. However, in October to March, it only accommodates visitors from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

During holidays including Christmas and New Year, this museum takes off from serving the public. It is also closed on Tuesdays.

Ticket rates are 7.70 euro for normal ones. Ages under 26 avail of the reduced ticket at 5.70 euro. Ages below 18 enter for free but don’t forget to bring a valid identification card to be entitled of the discount. During the first Sunday of the month, people of all ages can enter for free.

If you intend on visiting other attractions in the city, like the Paris Modern Art Museum, then you may consider securing the Paris Museum Pass that can be used at more than 70 participating attractions in the city.

The Pablo Picasso Museum in Paris receives tens of thousands of visitors every year. To learn how you can make great savings using a Paris tourist pass please click on the hyperlinks.

Technorati Tags: art, culture, education, france, hobbies, holidays, museums, paris, paris france, poeple, society, travel

Rodin Museum is particularly made for the prominent 1800s French artist Auguste Rodin. It features his 50 years of work and contribution to sculpture.

This museum is only one of the two art houses built in commemoration for the said artist, the other one being in Meudon, France.

Rodin Museum is exactly located at 77 Rue de Varenne. To reach there, you would have to go through the Paris Metro System and get off at the Varenne Metro Station. From there, it will only be few walks away from the Rodin Museum.

Apart from its art collections, the structure of the Rodin Museum alone is worth visit.

Initially established as a private residence in the early 18th century, the museum building is unusual in that it is completely detached and set amidst three acres of gardens on all sides.

Rodin Museum visitors are equally captivated by the art collections as well as wandering around the gardens. Numbers of Auguste Rodin’s works have been moved to the garden to add an aesthetic touch to the naturally wonderful set up of the garden.

Majority of the artworks showcased in Rodin Museum are by Rodin including The Kiss, The Hand of God, The Cathedral and The Thinker. Some works also belong to another 18th century French artist, Camille Claudel.

Opening time of the Rodin Museum in Paris varies on season. During winter, October to March, it is open from 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM and the garden closes at 7 PM. On summers, it is open from 9:45 AM to 5:45 PM with the garden shutting its gates at 6:45 PM.

A standard ticket to the Rodin Museum comes to 6 Euros while a reduced ticket is 4 Euros. Some people come just for the garden and can secure a garden only ticket for 1 Euro. Under 18’s get into the Museum for free.

The Rodin Museum Paris is dedicated to the life and works of French artist Auguste Rodin. For a look at the works of other great french artists of the 19th and 20th centuries have a look at d’Orsay art museum Paris

Technorati Tags: art, culture, family, france, history, holidays, museums, painting, paris, paris france, society, travel

The Treasures of French Travel are not just the obvious Scenic and Historic ones. There are the Human, Cultural, and, of course, Culinary varieties.

“First among equals” of these gems are, naturally, the ones simply stumbled upon. Guedleon falls into this category.Situated near the village of Treigny, South of Auxerre, Guedeleon is a unique “work-in-progress.” A castle built built solely by volunteers, using the tools and techniques of the 13th Century.Thus making Guedeleon both a Contemporary and a Historic Treasure.One with a genuine medieval ambiance.

Another Treasure of French Travel that can truly be described as an engineering marvel, is the “pont du Canal.” Designed by Gustave Effiel, of Effiel Tower fame, the pont du canal is, literally, a canal bridge.The bridge, at the town of Briare, crosses the Loire river.yOU cross it either on a canal boat, or via the sidewalks on either side.Absolutely a surreal experience. No matter how you cross it!

There aren’t too many Treasures of French Travel that can truly be classed as “marvels.” But the Pont Du Canal is one of them. At the town of briare, this bridge, which is also a canal filled, of course, with water,crosses the waters of the Loire river below.A sidewalk on either side ensures a passage for non boaters.

Internationally visual symbols of French Culture and History, are it’s hilltop villages. Several of these “Villages Perche” are, needless to say, major tourist attractions. However, in the Vaucluse region of Southern France, within the Luberon National Park, is a hilltop village little known, less travlled, and more genuinely authentic. Oppede-Le-Vieux.

Clinging to the side of the Luberon range, halfway between the villages of Maubec and Menerbes, Oppede-Le-Vieux presents you with a 360 Degree view of the the valley below. Here the ruins rest. Embraced by Centuries of vegetation. Except for the private renovations.Progressing slowly. With respect for the legacy of each stone legacy. Here, like Guedleon, but in a different, and for me, profound sense, the essence of medieval life is ever present. Particular when viewing the amazing frescos in Oppede’s tiny hilltop chapel.And, happily Oppede-Le-Vieux is a pedestrian village. Cars must park 100 metres below.

Occasionally - as you travel through France discovering it’s treasures - You’ll find one that is well known - but still worth seeing.Such a place i the palace built in 1905 for Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild.

The Rothschild villa,today the Rothschild museum, sits regally on the pine-studded peninsula of st. Jean Cap Ferrat - east of Nice.Next to the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Like William Randolph Hearst’s San Simeon in California - Ms. Rothschild spared no expense creating her “Dream House.” Exotic woods.Rare Marble.Spendy Objects d’arte.But the most notable expression of Ms. Rothchilds artistic expression are her gardens. Seven of them. All with a different theme. Also well worth wandering through are the grounds of the lightghouse on St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Not technically a garden - but green, empty, views to live for, and free. Definitely an unexpected, but welcome Treasure of French travel.

Christopher Strong is the creator/director/host of the multi-media lifestyle/adventure series -”Bicycle Gourmet’s Treasures of France”., and the author of “Gliding to the Bonheur.” His behind the scenes story of that filming. Share more adventures of the French Cycling Gourmet.

Technorati Tags: cycling, france, French food, French wine, gourmet, holidays, touring, vacations

A simple rule to think of when you’re looking for a hotel to stay at in Paris, is to ask yourself what sort of things you’re actually looking for from the place you’ll be staying in. Although this sounds incredibly obvious, it’s amazing how many times people forget this when looking for a hotel.

So let’s examine the question in more detail, so we can develop a set of criteria to use when sifting through the list of hotels in Paris we can find online. Once we’ve done this, we are in a much better position to choose the ideal hotel for our particular purposes.

The first thing to look at, of course, is why it is you want to stay in a hotel at all. Generally, this will be because you’re going on holiday or for work purposes. There are other reasons, such as perhaps visiting people or attending a function, but the most likely scenario is you’ll be there for a break or for work.

Next, you need to think of where it actually is in Paris that you want to stay. For instance, do you want to be near to the sights, the nightlife or the town centre, or is it essential that you stay near to where you’ll be working, or perhaps there are other issues that will come into play.

Now you know this, you’ll want to decide on the kind of facilities that the hotel should have. It’s pretty certain that every modern hotel will come with an en suite bathroom, though you can potentially save some cash if this isn’t necessary for you. And you should think whether you want the place to have a bar or somewhere you can get dinner.

Many hotels also now come with facilities that would have been unheard of a few years ago, including some with their own gym and swimming pool. If you want to keep on top of your emails or just chat with friends on Facebook, a wireless internet connection might also be important to you.

We suggested you might be able to save some cash through looking at reduced facilities, and obviously your overall spend is a key consideration. There’s not a lot of sense in looking for top of the range luxury if you know you can’t afford it. Fortunately, Paris has many hotels in all price ranges so you should find something suitable quite easily.

Now you have all this info to hand - location, facilities etc. - you should look into each of the hotels that are available in Paris that meet up with your requirements. You’ll probably find several that tick all the boxes, so you now simply need to choose a favourite.

Finally, of course, you’ll need to include the dates of your stay. Many hotels will not be available for all the days you want, so you’ll want to check against each of them to ensure you can get the hotel you desire when it comes to booking online.

Tris Jackson is a hotel booking expert with many years of experience in helping people find their ideal hotel accommodation.

Technorati Tags: accommodation, france, holidays, hotels, paris, paris france, travel, vacations

The Dordogne region of France has long been popular with British people looking for a new home or a second home. The region has a lot to offer. It includes a long background, a conventional, rural way of life and stunning natural splendor. Located in the south west of France near the Pyrenees and the Loire Valley it is also close to other regions full of attractions to the tourist. Consequently Dordogne Property is highly popular.

The Dordogne includes a lengthy and interesting history with more than 1 thousand chateau along with a collection of world famous caves with prehistoric paintings. The area is geographically varied with gentle farmland, rugged gorges and limestone hills. The river which gives its name to the region is a popular location to stay for its tranquility and scenery. Food is a massive component of life in France. The Dordogne produces some famous specialties for example foie gras and high quality duck. Foodies can tour the small-scale producers and see how they make their products and purchase them at their freshest.

French people often refer to the Dordogne as Little Britain, simply because the area has been a favourite with the English for a long time. It is possible to have a lifestyle which has largely vanished in England so many individuals have moved there. It is also popular with British holidaymakers..

The region is separated into four areas. The capital city is in the central region known as White Perigord, due towards the limestone plateaus. For those looking for rolling hills the northern area is perfect and is named Green Perigord. Purple Perigord is situated within the south west and is largely a wine growing area. The south east area is named Black Perigord. This really is where the prehistoric caves are located within the gorges and deep valleys that are covered in ancient forests. It’s the most wild and craggy part from the Dordogne.

No matter which type of property you’re looking for you will be able to discover something appropriate as there is a wealth of properties all over the Dordogne. They’re available in a lot of sizes, styles, settings and states of repair so be sure to check all around before buying. If you would like a property for renovation make sure you check into the local regulations. These are not the same as in England and could be strict.

If you do not want to drive all the way it is easy to find a flight. There are a couple of airports in Bergerac and Limoges that are served by carriers from the U. K. Also Toulouse and Bordeaux are within a short driving distance depending on which side of the region you are. The two airports are in Bergerac and Limoges which are served by airports in the United Kingdom. Also Toulouse and Bordeaux have larger airports and you can drive there.

Purchasing property in France is fairly straightforward and in the current monetary situation, can be very reasonable. Many vendors are lowering the prices as the market slows down. English owners have been in a position to use the currency fluctuations to their advantage. It means they can drop their selling prices a lot lower than European vendors and still make money or at least recover their costs so try searching for an English vendor.

Dordogne Property has been popular with English buyers for a long time and for good reason. The area has a phenomenal amount to offer the resident and holidaymaker.

It is very clear that the Dordogne region of France is a wonderful place to be. Take a look at a variety of Dordogne Property and dream about that perfect place in the sun? The website of MCM Dordogne Property: www.riberacproperty.com has an extensive selection of properties available just waiting for the chance to push you into fulfilling the dream.

Technorati Tags: Dordogne property, Estate Agents, france, french, French property, holidays, Real Estate, Real Estate Agents, tourism

Metro transport system is the foundation of public transport system in Paris and it gratifies the travellers in France, one of Europe’s largest countries.

The routes on the Paris metro network can be seen in the shape of coloured lines on the Paris metro map that gives an appearance of a piece of modern art with its myriad of floored patches.

The experienced 100-plus year old metro system in Paris is one of the oldest in the world and it runs on 15 various lines that are named after their termini.

Choice is yours in picking any of the metro stations close to the place of your visit out of a total of 368 metro stations which are linked by a track measuring 200 kilometres. It is counted that one is never more than 500 meters away from a metro station from any given point in Paris.

Metro may not be used too much if you are staying in the centre of Paris. So a few factors decide the use of metro system and the purchase of tickets by the tourists who go to Paris on vacation.

This is because most of the well-known sights including museums and monuments are all located within walking distance of each other. If this is the case you’ll probably only want to buy a single metro ticket for a specific journey that takes you further a field.

In almost all the metro stations attendants are ready to assist the tourists in purchasing metro tickets from ticket counters. Many tourists who spend only one week in Paris and who would use metro system to the maximum buy what is known as a ‘carnet’. A carnet includes 10 metro tickets given at a discount and which enables the traveller to travel in Paris metro 10 times.

Alternatively, you can buy an orange Paris metro ticket. This ticket allows you boundless journey on the metro for a week. Prices of both these tickets depends on how many zones you would like to travel through, so it’s a good idea to figure out where you wish to go during the week and only buy a ticket for those zones so as to save money.

Paris Vistes are special tickets meant for the travellers from the US. This entitles them to pay unlimited number of visits on the RATP network. Paris Vistes can be booked through the internet before you leave for France.

Public holidays in France are spread out at different times during the year. Using the Paris metro pass is still the quickest means of transport within Paris.

Technorati Tags: entertainment, family, france, french, health, holidays, home, house, paris, paris france, pets, trains, transport, travel

When the winters in the Northern Hemisphere become too much, many people now head to one of the world’s prime tourist destinations: Cape Town, South Africa. This city has turned into one of the top ten tourist destinations in the world during the past decade.

A large percentage of tourists of course visit the city because of its pristine beaches. When their family and friends in the other half of the globe are turning on the central heating, they are tanning on one of the numerous sandy beaches.

Cape Town is an ideal family destination. Even if you have a baby in the family that need not stop you from having a holiday filled with fun in the sun. Fly in, rent a car, get baby-friendly accommodation and start to have the time of your life. For the baby’s sake, just make sure the car is fitted with a Graco car seat.

Just to illustrate the level of sophistication of many guest houses in Cape Town: our family recently stayed in a guest house which even provided us with a Spa Baby so we could bath the new family member in the natural, upright position. Not all guest houses will have one of these - enquire before you arrive.

Table Mountain is another major tourist attraction of the Mother City. This massive, vertical wall of rock overlooks the city like a sentinel - forever attempting to protect it against the worst of the infamous South-Eastern winds sometimes hammering the city during summer. If the wind is blowing on one side of the mountain, you can be sure to find a quiet, wind-free beach on the other side! The view from the top of the mountain is stunning. You can take the cable car, or follow one of the established hiking trails.

Then there’s the V&A Waterfront, where you can enjoy a world class meal while watching a living harbor at work. And there’s the Cape winelands, where many South African export wines are produced. Another top tourist destination is the nature reserve of Cape Point. Here a cog-wheel railway leads to a lookout point where you can see two ocean meet: the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. A lovely restaurant, built into the mountainside, offers spectacular view of False Bay and the mountains of the Cape Peninsula.

It’s unlikely that you will have the opportunity to read a lot in Cape Town, but by all means pack your digital book reader. When everyone else in the family has fallen asleep, you can finish reading your favorite detective story while listening to the gentle sound of waves breaking on the rocks.

Technorati Tags: Cape Town, holidays, leisure, south africa, Table Mountain, traveling

Taking a vacation is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time, especially after working hard for most of the year. However, all the planning and organizing before the vacation begins can make it horribly stressful. Instead of worrying about all the things that need to be prepared for your vacation, let this guide help you plan it with ease.

Ask someone you love or care for to go on the holiday with you. Vacationing with a friend or loved one is usually a lot more fun that vacationing alone. You can also ask the person you are going with to help you sort out the itinerary and do the necessary shopping with you. This will help ease the stress of planning the holiday.

Go on the Internet and research where you are going before you leave. Pay special attention to how to get around the cities you are visiting and print out any maps you can find. If you need to book transportation from the airport to a hotel, this can be done over the phone or online in advance.

Travel guides are a great resource for making itineraries. They are full of ideas on great things to do and places to see. These are easily found online. While you’re at it, figure out exactly how to get to each destination you wish to visit.

Make sure your cell phone will work at your destination. You can find out by calling your cell phone company. If someone is traveling with you, ask them to do the same. Having a line to emergency services and the people you’re on holiday with at all times will give you peace of mind.

Pack a few pairs of shoes with you. If you plan on doing outdoor activities or if you are going somewhere cold or where it might rain, take a pair of women’s brown boots. These will help keep your feet dry and warm.

Always buy a helmet, such as a Giro ski helmet, if you are going to go skiing or snowboarding. Protecting your head is of the utmost importance.

After your vacation, you may want to organize all the memories you have made into a scrapbook album. This will be a fun way to reminisce about your holiday.

Planning for a vacation can be difficult and somewhat stressful. Take someone with you and ask them to help with the preparations, and you’ll feel a lot better.

Technorati Tags: holidays, travel