Entries Tagged "france tour"

Friday, May 07, 2010

Located in southwestern France, Carcassonne was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997.  Surrounded by nearly two miles of walls and 56 strategically placed watchtowers, this medieval castle town is still bustling with life.. First settled more than 5,500 years ago, Carcassonne was struck from the roster of official fortifications by Napoleon, but a massive restoration in the late 19th century preserved this strategic trade center and stronghold for future generations.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Located in the beautiful region of Provence, the Pont du Gard, which means bridge over the River Gard, is part of an ancient Roman aqueduct built nearly 2,000 years ago to transport water to the Roman city of Nemausus, now called Nimes.  There is a mysterious engraving on the Pont du Gard, which appears to represent a rabbit or some type of animal.  It is a symbol Romans often etched on their constructions in the belief that it would ward off evil spirits.  The engravings and its location on the aqueduct are impossible for even some locals to find.  

Tour Director:  Giovanna Agrawal, Trafalgar Tours

Monday, December 14, 2009

Because of its location, Cherbourg has played an important role in military campaigns throughout history. It was a major objective of the Allied Forces during the D-Day invasion, and changed hands several times during the Middle Ages, as France and England fought to establish their sovereign territories. It was even the site of a Civil War naval battle - between the USS Kearsarge and the CSS Alabama.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

La Rochelle is an appealing, old town, a vibrant collection of the old and the new. Its ancient streets are centered on its harbor, the remarkably picturesque Vieux Port. Standing sentinel on either side of the harbor are the fortress-like 14th-century towers known as Tour St. Nicholas and Tour de la Chaine. One of the most handsome French ports, La Rochelle has long been a favorite with painters, who set up their easels along the water's edge to capture the lively bustle of the harbor in emulation of the Impressionists here before them.The town itself was once a major trading port though today it is dedicated to fishing and yachting. La Rochelle boasts the second largest boating harbor in Europe. There is much to see and do for the visitor from the daily fish auction to the ramparts, towers and walkways through lovely parks leading down to the beach. Every street around the vast harbor is full of history.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

On August 7th, the movie Julie and Julia released in theatres.

I was lucky enough to see a preview and in addition to Bon Appetit, all I can say is Viva La France! The movie is partly based on Julia Child’s book “My Life in France.”

There is no way to see this marvelously entertaining movie without wanting to see Paris. Whether it’s a first trip or a tenth, the movie is a love song to the City of Lights and makes one want to be there tomorrow. The Eiffel Tower, a cruise down the Seine, the Place de La Concorde, Montmartre, you name it…

Julia and her husband Paul dine in restaurants that are so French they couldn’t possibly be anywhere else. There is a charming scene about Julia’s very first meal in France and it’s Sole Meuniere. It was love at first taste and several years later, we all were in love with Julia and her French Chef series.

Please check out the low airfares to Paris so you, too, can taste the Sole, Boeuf Bourguignon, a freshly baked baguette, or chocolate dessert baked by a French chocolatier. My first meal in Paris was in a small local café and it was just chicken and French Fries. Yummmmm...one of the best meals ever!

There are many different types of tour vacations for France that include Paris only, or perhaps combined with a trip to the Normandy Beaches, the Chateaux in the Loire Valley, Provence or Monte Carlo & Nice in the South of France. If buses are not your style, you can travel by train or by riverboat as well.

Written by: Laura U
laura@atlastravelweb.com