Welcome to France

Posted on Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Welcome to France, one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The largest country in Western Europe and home to 65.8 million people.

Journey from the Pont du Gard to the Eiffel Tower, Scale the heights of the French Alps or visit some of the greatest beaches in Europe.

Choose from grand opera, spectacular cabarets complete with can-can, fashionable nightclubs, and any kind of music from the classics to the latest world music from Mali or Morocco. France never ceases to amaze.

No trip is complete without sampling its world-famous cuisine there is a cornucopia of regional dishes to choose from. For starters try a rosette sausage from Lyon or rillettes, a soft paté from Dijon. French wine is world famous, but try the regional spirits as well; Cognac, Armagnac or Calvados, an apple brandy from Lower Normandy.

Try sole or turbot with sauce hollandaise, the bean and meat Castelnaudary Cassoulet, while in the south of France don’t miss the bouillabaisse, the legendary fish stew.

Paris is every shopaholic’s dream. Discover the vast choice of small boutiques on cobble stoned streets or simply browse through huge department stores and popular markets. During festive seasons the Christmas markets stretch from the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde.

Delve into Northern France when on a clear day you can see the White Cliffs of Dover, discover prehistoric cave art in the Dordogne or simply get lost in the Garden of France as you walk along the banks of the river spanning the Loire Valley.

Discover the French Riviera

Posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The sparkling French Riviera is known as a playground for the wealthy where famous pleasure seekers enjoy the good life. Many own a home in the tax haven of Monaco while it is estimated 50 percent of the world's super yachts visit the coast each year. The stylish jet set are attracted to the Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix and the region's many world class yacht harbours, resorts and nightlife.

However, you don't need to be one of the world's rich and famous to enjoy the Riviera. It has been a popular tourist destination since the British arrived for climate therapy in the late 18th century. The region's 300 days of sunshine each year were a major attraction.

Today visitors continue to enjoy the pleasing climate, magnificent scenery, array of beaches and excellent cuisine.

There's plenty for visitors to see and do along this spectacular coast. When you aren't relaxing on a beach beside the Mediterranean, you might want to take in some of these sights.

• Monaco -The principality is home to the Monte Carlo Casino, the Royal Palace and Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum and many beautiful gardens. Views from the Corniche (the roadway along the steep coastline to Nice) are absolutely spectacular.
• Cannes -Many festivals take place here year round including the world famous film festival each May. Excellent beach, shopping, Palm Beach Casino.
• Nice - Promenade des Anglais, the palm lined walkway which curves along the waterfront, has lots of activities, cafes and restaurants. Fine Arts Museum, Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum, Ruhl Casino and Parc des Miniatures, a miniature town which is a good place to take the kids.
• Grasse -The capital of the world's perfume industry where you can sample the essence, Grasse Cathedral, Art and History of Provence Museum.
• Antibes - 17th-century ramparts, 12th-century castle with a 16th century tower, Archeological Museum, Picasso Museum, beaches, Chateau Grimaldi, Marineland (one of the largest in the world), Church of the Immaculate Conception.
• St Paul de Vence - This walled, medieval village with cobbled roads and quaint buildings is picturesque and peaceful with excellent views of the Mediterranean. The streets are dotted with art galleries, boutiques, small churches and restaurants. Fondation Maeght is a mostly open-air museum of modern art with many pieces of sculpture.
• Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat -The Ephrussi de Rothshild Villa is the most beautiful French Riviera Palazzo complete with nine gardens overlooking the Bay of Villefranche. A must see for its architecture, furnishings and gardens adorned with patios, fountains, ponds, flowered and shaded paths.

Getting There & Getting Around

• Fly - Nice has an international airport or you can fly to Paris and take the TGV fast train to Nice. (5 hr.35 mins)
• Cruise -Cruise ships call at Monte Carlo, Cannes and Villefranche. The views from deck are truly breathtaking.
• Take the train -Use the Côte d'Azur rail service as a convenient way to get from town to town. Scenic trains operating in the summer are the Train des Merveilles from Nice to Tende, and the Train des Pignes which links the coast and the mountains.
• Drive -We can arrange your rental car before you leave home for the best rates and insurance. Pick up when you arrive at Nice airport or rent for day trips during your stay.
• Walk -Wandering the towns and villages or hiking the beautiful landscape is a perfect way to get to know the area and enjoy the spectacular coastal views.

Accommodation

From some of the most lavish, luxury hotels in the world to bed and breakfasts, there's a wide range of accommodation on the French Riviera. How about a private villa with sweeping sea views or a peaceful apartment with its own swimming pool? There's plenty to choose from but book ahead for the high season as summertime is busy - best to secure your place early. Note the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix both take place each May.

Historic, landmark hotels are worth a walk through, or stop by for a meal if you aren't staying there. The Negresco in Nice, the Carlton in Cannes and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo are three of the best examples of Riviera refinement and grandeur.

Culinary Delights

The Riviera shares its cuisine with neighbouring Provence so you'll find the same vegetable and fish dishes along the coast. Olive oil and garlic are widely used with fewer sauces than in Paris. Of course there's always a fine selection of French wine to enjoy with any meal.

This is a leading centre for culinary vacations. Cooking classes start with a visit to the local market to collect the fresh, local ingredients which are an essential part of the process.

The French Riviera is one of the world's most magical places with all the elements needed to create an exceptional vacation.

Travel Tips: Popular French Phrases

Posted on Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Okay, I’ll admit I had a little trouble learning Spanish in high school (and college) but I got through it. Since that time I’ve developed an interest in new languages. I’ve left Spanish behind for now and started digging into Latin. No one really speaks Latin anymore but it’s useful when you deal with words all day.

Before your next trip try learning a few words fromthe local language. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes. All of the sudden you are able to communicate with someone from the other side of the world. And it at least shows you are trying!

Picking up a few French phrases for example, is also a great way to keep your mind active and healthy before your trip.

Common French terms

• Good Morning – Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR”)
• Good Afternoon – Bonsoir (phonetics)
• Hello, my name is…- Salut, Je m’appell (zhuh muh-PELL)
• How are you? – Ça va? (sah vah)
• Goodbye – Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAR)
• Do you speak English – Parlez-vous anglais? (PAHR-lay voo zahn-GLAY)
• How much? – combien? (co-by)
• Where is the hotel? – Où se trouve l’Hôtel? (oo eh low tel)
• Thank you – merci (mair-see)

Top Ten Boutiques in Paris

Posted on Saturday, March 12, 2011

On a Trafalgar tour you can expect to see all the top sites such as the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame Cathedral, but if you’re going to have an unforgettable holiday in one of Europe’s most fashionable capitals, you’ll want to look the part - it is Paris Fashion Week soon after all!-  so do take advantage of Paris’s many unique boutiques.

As well as our personal favourite Paris past-times, such as taking a scenic cruise on the Seine River, admiring Impressionist art at Musée d’Orsay, a visit to the Fragonard Perfumery and Museum, and an excursion to Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles (one of the world’s grandest, with its spectacular ornamental gardens) here is our pick of the top 10 boutiques in Paris, so you can spend, spend, spend!

1. Kookai Stock, 82 rue Réaumur, 2nd, Metro Réaumur-Sébastopol, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 7.30pm.

As you’d expect from a boutique nestled in the tailoring district of Paris, Kookai Stock features a large shopping space filled with past-season garments with discounts as big as 70% off. Let the super friendly staff help you pick the perfect Parisian top for a mere €9.

2. Chanel 31, rue Cambon. 75001, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 7pm.

It wouldn’t be right to have a top 10 shopping list for Paris without mentioning Chanel. It may be right out of most visitors price range, but a trip to Paris would not be complete without a least a short window-shop or browse of the designer brand which is the essence of chic Paris.

3. Saint-Ouen Flea Market, 140 rue des Rosiers 93400 SAINT-OUEN, Paris.
OK, it’s not quite a boutique, but Saint-Ouen Flea Market has so much to offer the shopper who has it all – for a fraction of the price. Originally the Market was a trading spot which joined Paris and Saint-Ouen in the 1800s, born when the traders grouped together to sell their curious wares. Head here for unique souvenirs and bargain vintage trinkets. It may be open every day, but weekends tend to be much busier.

4. Agnes b., 6, rue du Jour, 75001 Paris. Open Monday to Friday from 11am to 8.30pm.

For a boutique that Paris is famed for, head to the urban Agnes b., the original of which is on rue du Jour. Shunning advertising, Agnes Trouble, who started her shop in the 1970s. chooses instead to support young designers and artists through her in-house galleries, giving the Agnes b. boutique a boho feel.

5. Christian Louboutin, 38, rue de Grenelle, Paris. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm.

Christian Louboutin is a name we’re all familiar with, owing to the Parisian shoe designer’s oh-so-sexy yet still super comfortable high heels, which are cherished the world over. Visit the Christian Louboutin boutique in Paris to see kooky yet sumptuous style, and if you’re feeling particular caught up in the romance of Paris, perhaps you’ll purchase a pair.

6. Parfums Frederic Malle, 37, rue de Grenelle, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm and Sunday 12am – 6pm.

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s perfumeries, and which better boutique than one of the city’s oldest, and just over the road from Christian Louboutin. Have a spritz of the classic designer scents and you might even want to buy some as a very chic souvenir.

7. Printemps, 102 Rue de Provence, 75009, Paris. Open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 8pm.

Printemps is by no means a secret, but many visitors to Paris may overlook the vast department store, but that would be a mistake. Printemps’s impressive art nouveau building is filled to the top with France’s favourite fashion, lifestyle and cosmetics brands. Our tip: head to the top floor cafe for unrivalled views of the Eiffel Tower.

8.  Kiliwatch, 64, Rue Tiquetonne, 75002, Paris. Open from Monday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm.

Men in tow may be yearning for a seat (or hearty French lunch) by now, but the most stylish among them are probably after a slice of Parisian style for themselves. Male shoppers should head to Kiliwatch for a great range of vintage menswear. Of course, there’s plenty of women’s vintage fashion in Kiliwatch too!

9. Monoprix, 21 Avenue Opéra, Paris. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm.

If you’re on a budget during your tour of Paris but would still like to dip into the city’s effortless style, then a visit to Monoprix is essential. As ‘the French version of Marks & Spencers’,  you can expect great-value essentials that are perfect for travelling in, and are excellent quality as well as unique.

10. Comptoir des Cotonniers, 12, Place St. Sulpice, 75006 Paris. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm.

For the ultimate in effortless Parisian chic, head to Comptoir des Cotonniers, where you’ll find elegant essentials which are at much more affordable prices than most of Paris’s famed boutiques and designer names.

After shopping in chic boutiques and elegant department stores, just sit in an outdoor café and watch the world go by – it’s just like a fashion show! And when the sun goes down, there is still more than enough to keep you busy. Parisian nightlife is truly legendary. Perhaps try a cabaret at the Nouvelle Eve or a champagne show at the Moulin Rouge or wander through the Latin Quarter and dine out in Bohemian Montmartre.

Don’t forget Giverny, the home and gardens of the Impressionist painter Claude Monet or visit Disneyland Paris located just outside the city. If you have already visited Paris, then you know why we are inviting you back to discover one of Europe’s most beautifully planned cities.

Browse through Trafalgar France tours.

La Tour Eiffel

Posted on Friday, July 16, 2010

The Eiffel Tower…does anyone not know that this is the icon of Paris?  Show a picture or a cute little statuette of this iconic figure and most people will say "oh yea, Paris"…So why is it called The Eiffel Tower, not the Paris tower or French Tower or what?  Because it was designed by Alexander Gustave Eiffel and credit is forever given to this French engineer, who had the foresight and audacity to design a tower, 324 meter  1063 ft ) tall and constructed of IRON…not stone, which was the favored building material of his time ( late 19^th century). Eiffel wanted to win a competition to design the centerpiece for the Paris Exposition of 1889; the centenary of the French Revolution.  Needless to say, he won, and the 9441 ton wrought iron "needle" is visible proof.

For about 4 or 5 euros you can climb the 1710 steps to the third (top) level; for a few more euros you can take the elevator to the 2^nd platform and walk to the top platform, and if it’s a very clear day (preferably September or October), you can look out over all the City of Lights… a fabulous view at night.  The rewards are spectacular! 

Now remember, you are in France so there’s bound to be some fine dinning too.  On the 2^nd platform is the Jules Verne restaurant.  Supervised by the master chef Alain Ducasse, a three course dinner will be pricey, probably about 100 euros.  There is a brasserie-style restaurant at the first platform (58 Tour Eiffel) which is, you guessed it, 58 meters (about 190 feet) above Paris; and Les Buffet de la Tour Eiffel for pizza (in Paris ??), sandwiches, etc.

Three elevators run outside on the North, West and East pillars, there’s usually two in service at any time…they are fun!  You can look out as you go up and see the fantastic iron work, the zillions of rivets and marvel that this giant Erector Set must be maintained and painted constantly!   60 to 70 tons of paint are applied every seven years…by old fashioned brush, not spray painted.  Be grateful that the entire confection wasn’t torn down and sold for scrap iron, as almost happened a few decades after the Paris Exposition closed.  There was much controversy, but it still stands, partially because the tower proved a wonderful radio tower, the first transmission having been sent in 1898…the first television transmission was in 1957.

An interesting fact:  the planners of the United States Columbian Exposition of 1893, celebrating the 400^th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America, wanted to capture the world’s attention and out-do France with something more original, more daring.  Thus was born the Chicago Ferris Wheel …the brain child of G. W. G. Ferris, a young designer of steel bridges.  Not as tall as the Parisian attraction, but unique in all the world, at that time.

At least 250 million people have visited since the day it opened! When you are in Paris, you must go!  Walk up, use the elevator…whatever.  Handicapped travelers can be accommodated up to the second platform…after that, only steps to the third.  If you go to the very top, you will be in a construction that was, at one time, the tallest man-made edifice in the world.

Voyez-toi au dessus !!!