Archive for the ‘French Holidays’ Category

If you’re looking at a holiday in France there are so many varied options that it can be hard to know which area is best. There are the obvious spots, like Paris or Nice, but these spots are generally heavily populated with tourists – for some people, it’s better to choose quieter but equally beautiful spots.

The Dordogne is more tranquil, but it also offers everything you could want from a holiday – food, landscapes, architecture and culture.

Food
Home to the most exquisite truffles and foie gras, the Dordogne is renowned for its rich, delicious dishes. The area is big on walnuts, too, as well as goose. Of course, there are restaurants that stray away from traditional French food, but why would you want to head to those when you have the best of France right in front of you? You won’t want a large meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner though and there are plenty of places offering light crepes (sweet or savoury) to keep you going. Picture it – washing down a fresh cheese and ham crepe with a glass of fruity red wine. Heaven!

Landscapes
The region isn’t short of beautiful scenery and if you want to reap the best the region has to offer, there are a few parts you can visit. Simply walking between the area’s many villages will see you stumble across random landscapes. Beynac in particular is a beautiful village, boasting great views. Alternatively, taking a tour around the area’s many castles will see you slap bang in front of the most gorgeous scenery.

Architecture
Architecture lovers will not be disappointed. It has some fantastic castles, like Chateau des Milandes and Chateau Beynac. These medieval buildings are just gorgeous and with rich histories, will be sure to interest even any younger members of your group. However it is perhaps the real Dordogne that proves most beautiful when it comes to historic architecture – like the crumbling churches and houses that line its streets. Their rustic charm is enough to melt any heart and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the few boasting the remains of ancient forts.

Culture
French culture overall is built on strong family values and families hold food as one of their biggest passions. It’s very much about enjoying life and each other, albeit in quite a private way. This may mean visitors to the Dordogne feel welcomed but not necessarily let into residents’ inner-most lives. That’s ok though, because they are polite enough – as long as you remember your manners at the dining table!

There is a boom in solo travel at the moment. Where previously people didn’t even consider taking a break on their own, nowadays thousands are throwing on a backpack and giving their passport a good dusting off.

No longer is there a stigma attached to solo travel (not ‘singles holidays’), rather it’s something that inspires respect from others: “you’re here on your own? That’s so cool!” 

Quite frankly, why should anyone miss out just because no one is available or shares the same holiday preferences? There’s so much to explore beyond our own shores.

If you are thinking of venturing abroad on your own, then visit the Aquitaine region in south west France. The wonderful thing about France is that a) it’s not too far away, b) it’s familiar, whether you’ve been there before or not and c) most of us know some pigeon French. Consequently, it’s easy to get by.

Having the Dordogne all to yourself should be recommendation enough, as travelling alone allows you to do exactly what you want, come or go as you please and answer to no one.

You could visit a different château each day, choosing from the over 1,000 castles which include Beynac, de Montfort and de Castelnaud. Lovers of history and architecture will be fascinated by the varied stories and incredible, medieval structures.

Active sorts can enjoy any number of water-sports without needing to worry about anyone else. Kayaking is particularly popular in the region, as is windsurfing and snorkelling. Those who prefer to admire the water while remaining dry could take a boat trip of the long, winding Dordogne River.

Gourmets might like to sample locally-produced food and drinks at one (or two) or the regions many, famed farmers markets. Featuring plentiful walnuts, crepes mushrooms, foie gras and at specific times of the year, sought-after black truffles.

With the freedom of exploring alone, gastronomes could also visit one of the night markets, in which customers buy food and sit outdoors to eat dinner while being entertained with music and acrobats. There is at least one happening daily and local tourism offices should be able to provide details.  

Those with an eye for a good picture might like to take their camera to some of the Dordogne’s most picturesque sports, such as the cliff-face climbing village of Rocamadour; the magical gardens at Marqueyssac or the anywhere along the lush green Dordogne Valley. Not to mention the caves at Padirac or pretty Sarlat which has featured in many movies. 

To get the most out of a solo trip, make an effort to speak with some local people – perhaps ask them where best to eat, what to see, etc. You never know, you might end up making some life-long friends. 

If you are still unsure about going away completely by yourself, get online to find out whether there are any other individuals travelling to the same region that you might be able to meet. Use a reputable solo travel forum and naturally, don’t provide any personal details up front.

Travelling alone can be one of the most rewarding and surprising experiences of your life. Don’t sit at home and wonder, be brave and book that trip!

Some holidays are specifically designed to appeal to those who are environmentally conscious, yet you can inject a little ‘green’ into most vacations, so very few options need be rejected on those grounds.

Even when travelling to a progressive nation such as France – one which is vastly aware of environmental issues – holidaymakers are still encouraged to act responsibly. You can do your bit for the planet by following some of the tips below:

Transportation
Flying may be quicker, but trains and ferries are considered more environmentally-friendly ways to get across the channel, followed by a train or bus connection. Statistics show the CO2 emission per passenger kilometre when travelling by Eurostar is 17.14g, 22.54g via ferry and a whopping 116g for a short-haul flight.

When there, why not hire bikes? Cycling along the banks of the river Dordogne is one of the highlights of any trip to the region. Alternatively, make use f the region’s low-cost bus service, the TransPerigord.

Packaging
Before embarking on your trip, remove excess packaging from items, i.e. boxes from toiletries, plastic wrappings on magazines, labels on new clothes etc. Not only does this make packing your suitcase easier, but it means that you can recycle these products at home and not burden the French system with extra waste that, let’s face it, you would probably just throw in the bin.

In France, try to locate recycling facilities so that those empty wine bottles, gateaux boxes and copies of Le Figaro can be broken down and reused. Ask at the Mairie or tourist information office for information.

Utilities
We’ve all done it when on holiday – left the lights on, the air conditioning running or the tap dripping. However, just because you’re not paying the bills, it doesn’t mean you should be careless with utilities. Do as you would at home and switch off the TV when no-one is watching. Be mindful of excessive water consumption, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, etc.

Another tip is to use rechargable batteries and bring the charger with you so that a) you won’t need to buy any horrid, non-biodegradable batteries and b) you won’t need to worry about disposing of them ecologically.

Buy locally
Contribute towards reducing carbon emissions by purchasing locally-produced goods from independent retailers. Don’t buy your bread and cakes from the hypermarket, instead visit the town boulangerie. Purchase meat from the charcuterie and other goods at weekly farmer’s markets, which also helps you support the local economy.

Pack a reusable shopping bag, too, in case the store you visit still uses plastic bags.

Activities
There are lots of ‘green’ activities in the Dordogne, including the aforementioned cycling. The region, famous for its winding river, is a great place for water sports like canoeing and snorkelling. Or strap on those comfy shoes for a walking tour of one of the many pretty towns. Hardier walkers might like to ramble about the lush and rolling landscape.

If you are looking for a Dordogne attraction that stays open throughout the year you can’t beat spending a day at the Marqueyssac gardens.

Located south-west of Sarlat, near Vezac in the central Dordogne region, the Jardins de Marqueyssac are a delight and possibly the only gardens worth taking children to. Read the rest of this entry »

Research has shown that the average Brit will spend around £168,000 on holidays within their lifetime, World News has reported.

That’s according to a survey undertaken by an independent holiday provider, which confirmed that on average, Britons will indulge in 121 holidays – equating to around two trips each year. Read the rest of this entry »

Those looking for love and romance might well be booking a holiday in France soon, after a Lonely Planet survey revealed that the French accent is considered the second-sexiest in the world.

The independent travel publisher asked its Facebook fans from across the globe to rate their favourite languages, and analysed over 700 responses.  Read the rest of this entry »

Following a rise in marriage proposals after Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement, research has suggested that more and more Brits are choosing to pop the question abroad.

Prince William proposed to Miss Middleton on holiday in Kenya last year and the news has seen a rise in those opting to follow in the Prince’s footsteps and propose when on holiday. Read the rest of this entry »

Those jetting off on a French holiday could save up to £632 on their holiday expenses.

That’s according to research undertaken by an independent holiday price comparison site, which revealed that by shopping around for car rental, parking, travel insurance and currency, families could save a significant amount. Read the rest of this entry »

Brits heading off on a French holiday to the Dordogne this summer may be able to book an adult-only flight, if proposed plans are taken on board by major flight carriers.

It is thought some major carriers, such as British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic may introduce flights wherein children are not allowed, leaving only adults to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing journey. Recent research found that around 75 per cent of people travelling on business class flights were irritated by noisy children, finding themselves disrupted when trying to complete important work.

The Daily Mail reported that the proposals had been met with mixed views, with many championing the idea, but some worrying where it could lead to if implemented. “Where would it end? Banning fat people, roping off anyone that has smelly breath?” asked travel editor Frank Barrett. “Much as I hate being kept awake by a grizzling child, I think that starting to introduce passenger apartheid might be a dangerous step.”

Barrett’s concerns could be soothed by the news that utilising double decker planes, such as the Boeing 747 model, could rectify the issue. It is thought that one level could be reserved for those who would prefer a quiet flight, and the other for families with young children.

However some are fully in favour of the plans, with the Daily Express printing the opinion of one travel journalist: “It would work well on high-frequency routes, so that families could be accommodated on other services. On long-haul routes, I might look to more innovative airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Emirates or Etihad to consider taking this on board.”

Famed easyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has announced plans to expand his orange empire into France, as his low-cost airport transfer service, easyBus, begins its venture into Europe.

According to the multi-millionaire, those off on a French holiday to places such as the Dordogne may be able to take advantage of what the company calls “probably the cheapest and most convenient way” of travelling from main cities to their local airports.

The announcement was first published in the Sunday Telegraph, which confirmed that the service would be launched in Spain, Germany and France, and reports have suggested that he will fund the investment by potentially launching a new stock market listing on the junior AIM market.

Potential advisor’s for the £20 million flotation include Peel Hunt and Liberum Capital, both mid-market investment bankers that could provide the second publicly-funded venture by easyJet. However although no firm decision has been made, the Telegraph reported that “the news highlights the scope of his ambition for the brand.”

“It would be an interesting choice, given that the entrepreneur has not always had the easiest of times dealing with boards and public investors, and is protective of the ‘easy’ brand.”

After easyBus was established back in 2003, with an initial service running from London to Milton Keynes, it began to expand into the other London airports. The service now boasts customers numbers in the UK of around 2.5 million, according to The Press Association.