At the Holidays in France directory you'll find a comprehensive, carefully handpicked set of exciting French Holiday ideas.
Miranda Vincent - Chief Editor
The Dordogne is a very popular destination in the South West of France, with a particular pull for UK visitors. It has a host of famous places to visit including the Lascaux caves, the Marqueyssac gardens, beautiful old medieval Sarlat, the Chateau Castelnaud and the prehistoric caves in the Vezere Valley. It also has all the draws that make France the most popular holiday destination in the world, fantastic countryside, amazing old villages, romantic and peaceful cafes and restaurants; it really is worth a visit.
Try these sites to get you started on your online explorations into the Dordogne region:
Here is the blurb from the front of their home page which will show you that they are that little bit different:
If you dream of wide open spaces, preserved nature, real authenticity…come and camp at the Castels campgrounds. If you enjoy friendly hospitality and the freedom to do something or nothing…the Castels campgrounds are perfect destinations for your next holidays.All of the Castels campgrounds are 4-star sites. You’ll enjoy a wide selection of accommodations: large pitches for fans of camping, modern mobile homes and comfortable chalets that are perfect for families, and at some sites, cottages where you’ll rediscover the authenticity of charming old buildings.
‘Zen'holidays: tranquillity goes hand in hand with relaxation and discoveries, 'active' holidays for maximum sensations, passions and memories. Everyone has the freedom to choose! Doing nothing has never been so easy; you'll rediscover harmony and well-being. People who love to keep active will find activities and sports for the whole family.
When you choose one of the 36 four-star Castels campgrounds in France, you're guaranteed unforgettable holidays!
For more camping in France ideas go to our Camping Page
I love camping and I love France, and so do my family, but we are not averse to a bit of luxury. Which is where Yurts come in - they are big and spacious, stylish, fun and definitely at the luxurious end of camping. Canvas Chic have some beautiful examples in the Ardeche and their Yurts "... are handcrafted from oak and ash wood and covered in creamy natural canvas and furnished with a double or king sized bed, luxurious bed linen, fluffy towels and two single camp beds for children. Each tent has its own deck and relaxation area with hammocks giving you the space and privacy rarely found on a traditional camping holiday".
There are also Yurts on a working farm in the Limousin region of Central France at Limousin Farm Holidays. "The tipis and yurts are all 5 metres diameter which will sleep 6 comfortably. They are positioned carefully and individually in one of our prettiest fields. This is a small, exclusive site. The tipis and yurts are furnished with futon beds, mattresses, and bedding. Linen and towels are provided. They have tables, chairs, rugs, cushions and all the crockery, glasses and cooking equipment you will need. Each tipi or yurt has a central chiminea, and wood supply, to keep the inside beautifully cosy. Outdoor campfires for each tipi and yurt provide campfire cooking areas and potential for 'ging gang gooley'." Carry on Carping - Fishing in France November 11, 2007 France is incredibly popular for anglers, and the reasons are obvious. Well stocked lakes and rivers, big fish !, beautiful countryside and climate. From Normandy in the North down to the beautiful South there is tremendous fishing. Here at Holidays in France we have a dedicated Fishing Section packed with the links you need to help you make that next gallic fishing trip a truly special one ! go to Fishing Holidays in France and take a look round. Ile de Re August 27, 2007
Parisians love the slower pace of the "St Tropez" of the Atlantic, also known as the French "Hamptons" and this delightful island is well worth considering. In particular it is a flat bicycling heaven, with gourmet sea food restaurants and pretty fishing villages thrown in !
The Ile de Re is an island on the West Coast of France near the town of La Rochelle, which lies halfway down the Atlantic coast, midway between Nantes and Bordeaux. Since 1988, the île de Ré has been linked to La Rochelle by a 3-kilometres toll bridge. Another transport option to Ile de Ré is the boat from La Rochelle's Old Harbour to St. Martin. There are only a couple of daily departures but it is a fun way to get there.
For more information on this increasingly popular destination go to: The Official Ile de Re site Camping on Ile de Re Focus on the Lot Valley July 26, 2007 The Dordogne, the Lot and the Tarn are sister rivers. Their streams give life to a beautiful region of France, where the towns have hardly spread beyond the limits of their ancient walls, and the countryside is untarnished. The stranger, looking at it, will cry, Now I know why they say ‘La Belle France’! To lovers of beauty, to lovers of history, this land has everything to offer. Let them come here, and beauty and history will fill their minds as water fills a spring.
Freda White — Three Rivers of France, 1953 - still apt today.
The Lot Valley is in the South West of France and is an area of outstanding natural beauty loved for its peace and tranquility. It is less explored than its famous neighbour the Dordogne Valley but really is just as beautiful and spectacular and not as busy. You will see tremendous scenery, and if you go walking in this countryside you will find lovely and varied footpaths and trails. The region is full of history, with wonderful old buildings and caves dating back to prehistoric times. Many medieval villages dot the area. The Lot and Cele valleys around this region are built around a limestone plateau cut by deep valleys and covered with orchids and small white oaks.
Towns and Villages Tournon d'Agenais picturesque hill top town. Puy l'Eveque - 'The Bishop's Well' don't miss the view from across the river. Some quaint 13th 14th & 15th century buildings 12th century tower. Cahors - the famous Valentré bridge over the river Lot, tiny streets in the old part of the town, a fine cathedral, museum of the resistance, lively cafés, open air theatre. You can take a guided tour on the little train. Penne D'Agenais with its fine Basilica. St Cirq Lapopie - one of the most beautiful villages in France perched on a cliff on the side of the Lot, stunning views across the river, 12th century church, tiny shops and ancient houses. Rocamadour The most famous site in the Lot, clinging to the cliff face, superb views, fascinating old town steeped in history, many interesting things to see
Or place yourself in the meadows and woodlands by the river Lot at Moulin de Lantouy which sounds like a beautiful retreat, active or not with wood burners, canoeing, fishing and chilling out. Cycling from Calais June 28, 2007 Cycle off the ferry , turn right past Sangatte and within 20 minutes you'll be on one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in France. Both Sea France and the Pas-de-Calais tourist board have useful websites with a variety of circular rides ideal for day trips. The dramatic white cliffs below Cap Blanc Nez mirror Dover's are backed by sweeping dunes and fringed with long sandy beaches. The Côte d'Opal is so-called because the chalk cliffs give the sea a beautiful, milky hue. Wissant, south west of Calais is a small fishing village ringed by dunes where you can cycle along the miles of firm, wet sand where kitesurfers play.
Refuel on crab and mussels at one of the many whitewashed cottages in Audresselles, another timeless fishing village - and head for the beach resort of Wimereux for sunset. There's a selection of brasseries and hotels, but it's hard to beat the Atlantic, which has rooms and one of the best seafood restaurants in the region - both come with sea views.
Turn inland through the Parc Naturel des Caps with idyllic pastoral scenery just 20km from the pancake-flat industrial sprawl of Calais. The rolling green hills are easy on the eye but steep enough (when carrying panniers) to provide a challenging weekend ride. In fact this is perfect cycling country: the volume of traffic is quiet compared to English country roads and in a land where cycling is revered, the respect motorists show cyclists is almost humbling.
Meander past farmhouses and chateaux to Audenfort for the night. In French villages there is little to do in the evening aside from eat and then sleep, and if you're cycling all day you want to do both well, so it's worth planning ahead. The Auberge du Moulin d'Audenfort, a converted 17th-century mill with the stream still running through the building and a menu of hearty regional food is up to both tasks. Terrine of rabbit in white beer and hazelnuts and knuckle-end of lamb in thyme and garlic could linger in the memory and the Vieux Lille cheese is so earthy you can taste the farmyard. Formidable France May 19, 2007 Have you got kids and you need a grown-up break? It’s not cheap but it looks worth it: http://www.chateaurigaud.co.uk/index.html Read this family’s enviable experience: Guardian article may 2007
Look out for the new Channel Tunnel link which should be completed on time in 2007. The first half of the connection - to Ebbsfleet - was built on time. Now the second part, also with substantial Treasury guarantees, is nearing completion too, along with the comprehensively rebuilt station at St Pancras.
Anyone planning a quick weekend jaunt to France should check out http://www.bedbreak.com/ It has an impressive array of properties.
Le Spa Bleu, Ardeche, FranceThis 18th-century former farmhouse has views of vineyards, fruit trees and forested hills. It's a well-run but informal place offering an impressive range of alternative therapies from an international team of therapists. Smoking is allowed, and guests can help themselves to bottles of wine from the cellar-cum-games room. The farmhouse has an unheated outdoor private pool and a large indoor Jacuzzi with whirlpool and jetstream. Treatments range from the traditional to the esoteric such as "aquawellness" treatments by local expert, Anne Toulemonde (aquawellness.fr), who combines watsu and j ahara to ease stresses and strains.· 0033 4 7539 9375, lespableu.com. From €60pp per night. Fly or train to Montpellier then a two-hour drive or bus to Aubenas Hip Chateau March 4, 2007
http://www.chateaurigaud.co.uk/index.html (see website for photos) Rigaud House Party is ultimate short break with your family. Rigaud is a rare find! A “Hip Chateau” which blurs the boundaries between boutique hotel and private house rental. There are sixteen original stone fireplaces at Rigaud, four staircases, five lounge areas, five separate terraces and during the winter months you have four open fires to choose from. The living space can feel endless! During July and August the chateau is only available for booking as a whole. At other times it's possible to book just a room on a chambre d'hote basis, or the wing with between three and seven bedrooms. See also our House Party events which offer a fully catered package by the room including activity based childcare.
“Rigaud really is about as lovely as it could be but the cinema is the final fabulous touch. A full on Odeon experience! Can we live here all the time please"
Table tennis, Croquet, Giant Jenga, Rounders, Boule, Disco Gear & Mountain bikes all available to keep you amused. Broadband wi-fi Childrens play area X-Box iPod docks Boules terrace The whole chateau.. Can accommodate 16 adults in 8 double bedrooms and up to 6 children a further three rooms From €10,000 / week inc. breakfast
Le Domaine aux Quat'Saisons Classy but affordable B&B in a sleepy village in the South of France. Does such a thing exist? Yes. Le Domaine aux Quat'Saisons, a 20-minute drive from Carcassonne, is a classic French house with five rooms, cornflower-blue shutters, and a garden with a decent-sized pool. A small gîte attached to the house sleeps six.
Chamonix all-in for £400 It is For years it was a deal that the French kept to themselves. Now the Brits are finally getting in on skiing's big secret. If you are between 18 and 39 then you are eligible to use action-outdoors.co.uk
They have got some top deals in great French resorts including Chamonix and Tignes -
How do they keep their costs so low ? Here is their answer -
"Our main partner, UCPA, is an organisation dedicated to providing opportunities for young people to experience the outdoors. Action Outdoors has negotiated excellent travel deals and keeps it's costs down by not having shops or paying for expensive agents. The accommodation is not 5* but it is certainly clean, comfortable and you will not be disappointed in the food provided. The quality of the activity, instruction and equipment is second to none."
Hotels in the Alps, recommended by the Guardian, which caught my fancy, due to my predilection for a fine Burgundy, are Le Gourmandin http://www.hotellegourmandin.com/ , for the best, yet simplest meal you’ll have all holiday, and Le Cep http://www.hotel-cep-beaune.com/ in Beaune.
Read Jenny Agutter's Beaune Idyll article to give you a good idea of what to expect in this geat town and region of France with its ancient wine traditions (and they are really very good wines too !) and beautiful buildings and countryside.
Turning our attention to the North of France now, it is interesting news that cheap flights are starting with Ryanair from Stanstead to Deauville on 1st March. http://www.deauville.org/fr/ Casino, horse racing, polo and the film festival are some of the diversions enjoyed on the Normandy Riviera by the Parisian smart set and I think this is going to be a winner all round.
It sounds a great combination: Camping in the South of France plus direct access to the beach and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. So here are some campsites to think about choosing either for a short stay on the way to somewhere else or for a full holiday.
Camping Des Mures near St Tropez which is an attractive family activity campsite with direct beach access and plenty to do !
Camp Du Domaine on the Med is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful sites in Europe, it is set in a 45 hectare pine-wood next to the beach and facing the "Golden Islands" (Iles d'Or).
Camping de Saint-Aygulf Plage is situated by the seaside, in the Var heart of the côte d'azur, between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. It is a 22 hectare park created in the middle of a pine tree wood, with direct access to the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Var coast and creeks.
Camping Marius is located on the "Blue Coast", between Marseille and Martigue, a part of coastline that is well preserved and wild. It offers you peace and quiet with a chance to relax in a genuinely family atmosphere, just a stone's throw away from the Camargue, and with a direct access to the fine sandy beaches, the creeks (the famous "Calanques") and pinewoods. Amoongst numerous options are Bengali and Fun Flower tents which look particularly good. (the photo is of one of their Bengali tents).
Christmas Romance in Paris November 16, 2006 How about going to one of the most romantic cities in the world this Christmas. Whether you’re a believer or not mass at Notre Dame is a moving experience on Christmas day. Wander down La Rue St. Andre des Artes on the left bank where the bohemian crowd stroll, stop off for a glass of red wine in a cozy bar, get out you sketch book or note pad, soak in the atmosphere and be inspired.
On the other hand you and your family and friends might be able to find a group accommodation in a gite or chateau. http://www.groupaccommodation.com
For an a good overview on visiting France and lots of interesting articles: Guardian Unlimited - Travel - France Section Winter holiday fun in France October 9, 2006 Why not get fit and have family fun in France this winter! (not necessarily skiing). Or get unfit in front of a cosy log fire. Or maybe both!
If you’re into snowboarding then you’d be interested in a book by former British champion Chris Moran who picks his favourite rides. View some of them in this Guardian article
Alternatively what about staying-in in front of a log fire? More advisable for the chilly amongst us! www.holidaylettings.co.uk/winter-warmth/47/ideas/ There’s a couple of places in France I’ve put in my family favourites. Get away just to be cosy! France is a Great Place for a Holiday October 1, 2006 France is the most popular destination in the world. Over 60 million people a year, roughly the equivalent of the population, visit France, making tourism the country's number one industry. One of the reason France is so popular is the vast number of virtually unspoilt villages, from Provence to Bretagne, from Pays-Basque to Perigord and through to Alsace. From Normandie to Roussillon, Fleurie in Beaujolais, up to the Chartreuse and across to Bordeaux, you will find amazingly varied villages and towns. Ffortified villages, villages perched on rocky peaks like birds of prey or the serene flat landscape villages. French villages full of eventful stories, beautiful markets full of fresh produce, boulangerie and of course the cafes and bars, the steady witnesses of the everyday French life. Brick or stone walls, towers and vaults, lanes and stairs, gardens and tiny squares in a symphony of colors. Gauloises and red wine, Ricard or Brandy and Champagne lubricate the French Joie de vie and all this makes holidaying in this country a great experience.
Self-catering holiday villas & apartments Find the perfect holiday villa or self catering apartment on
the UK's no.1 holiday rentals site. Choose from one of 45,000 rental properties.
Book direct from the owner for great value.
Out
Of School Care Regardless of your budget, circumstance or location we have
the kids club, summer camp or out of school care solution for you. Out
of School Care has been developed as a simple search and booking service
for parents looking for children's holiday club providers and summer camps
in their area. We also work with companies to help provide their employees
with the best backup childcare.
London
Apartments For a wide range of London Apartments our Serviced apartments
are suitable for a single person to a large family and small businesses
to corporate. Whether you are looking for a long-term apartment or a short
term stay Apartotels.com is confident that we can match you needs
London
airport to town transfer London Shuttle Service offers rapid London Airport Transport
and reliable London airport minicab Transfer & Transportation services
to reach your destination quickly. London Airport Pick Up and Drop transfer
services are available for 24 hours a day.
Travel Guide Adventure Travel for Disabled - Nothing Can Stop You Anymore
Royal Caribbean Cruises A Royal Caribbean cruise holiday is fantastic value and is a
very smart, affordable way to travel.
London
Hotels www.discountcityhotels.net offers great deals on Last Minute
Bargain Hotels, Late Availability London Hotels, Paris Hotels, Bed and
Breakfast Hotels and Budget Hotels in London. Up to 70% discounts on wide
range of hotels from 5 star Luxury Hotels to Budget Hotels for family,
business & leisure travelers.
Self Catering Vacation apartments for rent and self catering holiday lets
direct from Holidayapartmentsdirect.com
Climate Change News All the latest news on Climate Change and Global Warming
WeWin4U Automatic Competition
Entry If you and your family like entering the hundreds of free
competitions on the net but find it a time consuming task filling in all
those entry forms then WeWin4U is the answer. They will find the competitions
and enter for you, for a small fee. You never know, you might just win
a dream family holiday!
Discount
Hotels
Discount Hotels & Last Minute Hotel Deals from Discount-Breaks.com.
Save up to 70% on Hotels Booking. Special offers available from top
hotel chains. Low Prices guaranteed. Wedding
venues London Free Wedding/Christmas party Venue Finders in UK. Find cheap
conference/reception centers, licensed ceremony/exhibition venues in
London, Asian civil Essex unusual wedding venues, halls for hire and
Meeting rooms, marquees in London, Buckinghamshire, Wales, Scotland,
Berkshire, and Edinburgh. Get Special offers on Country House Wedding
Venues for all your events and occasions. Tajmahal Agra Tour India Tajmahal Agra Tours, Tajmahal Agra Tour India, Tajmahal Tours
Bangalore Hotels Hotels bookings in bangalore, bangalore hotels, bangalore
hotels in india, online reservation bangalore hotels, 5star hotels in
bangalore. Self
Catering Ireland
Four star self catering cottages in Ireland at Croan Cottages, Kilkenny.
Go To Tenerife A privately owned holiday apartment in Los Cristianos
Tenerife that you can book direct with the owners
Celebrity
Cruises Just imagine what it feels like to turn 360 degrees and see
nothing but mesmerizing ocean and majestic scenery. Or to rise to the
wonders of a new destination each morning as your every need is catered
to. These are moments that can only be experienced on a cruise. Car
Hire Spain Car Hire in Spain and Worldwide, Find the best deals on car
rental and vehicle rental in many countries worldwide, UK, France, Spain,
Ireland, Portugal and more, Dublin, Nice, Malaga, Alicante. Let Argus
do the Searching.
UK Online Delicatessen - Buy Gourmet & French Food Online The Good Food Network Online Delicatessen - Buy Gourmet and
traditional French food online. Wide range of gourmet/French food &
drink available online which you will find in specialist delicatessens
and food halls only. Regular special offers on all French/Gourmet food,
UK delivery..
Heart
of Malta - Malta Hotel and Information Guide On this website you can find a holiday accommodation and information
guide about Malta and Gozo and a wide choice of Malta hotels and self
catering apartments.
Kerala Hotels
Karma Kerala is a Kerala travel service for visitors who want to experience
more of Kerala's culture, people, wildlife and history.
