Before going, it’s worth thinking about what you want most from the experience – a challenging climb, a pleasant ramble, a chance to sample Alpine life in several countries, or inspiration for your masterpiece? Pick your route and pace accordingly and you’re off! Read on for some points to consider when planning for the Mont Blanc trekking experience that suits you best.

Choose your route

A favourite route for many is the Tour du Mont Blanc. Trekking this circuit around the mountain lets you travel through Switzerland, Italy and France, staying in comfort at charming Alpine hotels along the way. This route is famous for the bonhomie of locals and fellow travellers, the variety of scenery, and the chance to sample the life (and cuisine!) of three countries. The walking is easy in some places and strenuous in others, so a good strategy is to leave the toughest parts to last. Another classic trek is the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt, with more ascent and higher altitudes than the Tour. Then for the truly adventurous there’s the summit trek, as rewarding as it is challenging with stunning icy vistas – you really need to prepare and pace yourself for this one, so try reading some successful climber’s accounts to get you into the right mindset.

What to take?

This depends on your route! Conditions vary hugely between altitudes. Serious winter gear is of course essential for the summit. While much of the Tour de Mont Blanc can be done in lightweight clothing, you’ll need warmer garb for the high points (like the Fenêtre d’Arpette, at 2,665 metres). Waterproofs are vital wherever you go, as are good boots. How much camping equipment again depends on your route and style – one of the joys of the Tour is that you don’t need to carry much gear with you, as you can stay at hotels all the way. The other great essential for Mont Blanc trekking is a means of recording your experience – a camera, or if you’re feeling especially creative, a notebook or sketchpad. You never know; works composed here before, like Shelley’s poem Mont Blanc, have gone down in history…

Aim for the top!

For trekkers hoping to reach the summit, being well prepared in body and mind is vital. Some ‘technical’ experience is also essential such as the use of ice axe, crampons and rope work; this is a serious undertaking. Make sure you work your way up to it with smaller, but still challenging, acclimatisation climbs; your hard-won Alpine sunrise will make every step feel worthwhile. Those following less strenuous routes don’t have to miss out on the view, though! Cable cars are available to take you from Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi – save this for the end, so you can treat yourself to a glorious panorama of the mountain you’ve walked around.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run several Silk Road tours. Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

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With three airports servicing Grenoble, (airport transfers included, of course) a train station where high-speed trains run directly to and from Paris, as well as four highways running to Geneva, Lyon and Paris, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence, it is fairly obvious that it is a city often visited for business, education, and of course, pleasure.

Getting Into the City

Grenoble Isére Airport, also known as St. Geoirs Airport, is the nearest of the three being only 40 miles to the city – 35 minutes away by either private transfers or the coaches that run a few times per day. Grenoble airport transfers are the highly recommended means of getting into the city from the airports, especially for those with specialised equipment needing transportation – such as ski or winter-sports equipment, scientific or laboratory gear, or film and video equipment.

Lyon, the second-nearest airport, is a bit further at 100 miles. Coming from this airport, it takes around an hour to get to Grenoble. Airport transfers, buses and trains ply the Lyon-Grenoble route hourly.

For most international passengers using the Geneva airport (a more popular flight destination than the nearer Lyon airport), going to Grenoble, airport transfers take two hours, while a train ride from Geneva will take three to four hours– longer if the train goes through Lyon. Direct buses are also available.

Getting Around the City

Car - While getting to Grenoble by car from other French cities is fairly easy, the city itself is not ideal for touring by car – although there is a Park and Ride system where you leave the car and take trams and buses around. If car transport is preferred, however, care must be taken to avoid the rush hours of 7-9 in the morning, as well as 5-6 in the evening. Car rentals are available in the city for as short as a couple of hours up to several days.

Taxis – Taxis are available around Grenoble, although it can be fairly expensive.

Trams and Buses – Verdun is the hub of both bus and tram networks. A stone’s throw away from the tourism office, that is often the first stop after Grenoble airport transfers to the hotel, this is the most popular way of getting around the city.

Bicycles – While the city is located in the French Alps and surrounded by mountains, Grenoble is geographically flat, making it ideal for cycling with recreational routes made specifically for that purpose following the Drac and Isére rivers – the latter one going across the old town. For tourists and visitors flying in who prefer bringing their own bicycles, Grenoble airport transfers can easily accommodate their transportation, as well as that of different equipment.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct’s Grenoble airport transfers route to the city and hotels in the region. Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

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If, like many people, you are looking for a romantic setting in Paris, you may consider a stay in one of the many luxury boutique hotels. Paris is, however, a city, and if you are unfamiliar with it, it can be very hard to choose an area that is central, safe, romantic, and quiet enough that you can stroll along the boulevards and enjoy the wonderful ambience that Paris has to offer.

Head to the river

For the best options, you should consider areas that are adjacent to the River Seine – somehow the softly lit banks of the Seine at sunset can make even the biggest cynic feel romantic. Cruises on the River Seine are very popular and you may spot your hotel as you glide past in the moonlight. Somehow the city being lit up simply creates a very special ambience and that is partly why romantics of all ages love Paris. And why not, after all this is definitely a city for romantics?

Left Bank love

The Left Bank of the Seine is vibrant and eclectic area with a host of cafes, culture and sense of being just that little bit different. It is where existentialism was born, and to some extent that spirit of being slightly separate from the rest of Paris is still quite strong. If you choose Left Bank boutique hotels, Paris can show you a very different side to the one she displays in the tourist precincts. If you fancy yourself a little off-beat and you want to become immersed in the intellectual and cultural aspects of the Left Bank you have a wide selection of quirky, yet luxurious boutique hotels to choose from.

The heart of the action

If you think that staying on the banks of the Seine will not afford you peace and privacy, think again. The riverbank is home to secluded and secret hotels that, from the outside, do not appear to be much more than a doorway! But, although once inside you have the feeling you are in your own private world, only steps away are all the delights of the city centre and the bustling life of the river bank with its markets and musicians.

For a romantic getaway, large chain hotels simply cannot offer the ambience that these boutique hotels in Paris can; the setting, the amenities and the staff fuse into a magical combination of luxury and romance.

If you’re looking for boutique hotels, Paris has a wonderful selection. Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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Choose for romance

You may choose a romantic boutique hotel near the River Seine or somewhere very central so that you can go for dinner on the Champs Elysees or on the Left Bank, and then simply walk home along the boulevards. These hotels are very much places where you can step back from the rest of the world and enjoy the delights of the ‘city of love’ without the intrusions of a larger, more commercial establishment. One of Paris’ romantic boutique hotels can breathe life back into even the most weary of relationships – simply by affording you some space to slow down and enjoy the beautiful, authentic surroundings.

Choose for the pampering

If you’re looking for a little luxury and pampering, there are usually many different spa and beauty treatments on offer in upmarket boutique hotels. Paris is renowned for having a strong emphasis on beauty and elegance, so having luxury spa treatments in a Parisian boutique hotel is all about quality and exclusivity. Rather than the run-of-the-mill treatments available in larger chain hotels, the smaller spas in boutique hotels cater to the more discerning women, and are administered by therapists who are experts in their field.

Choose for the cuisine

If beauty treatments and spa delights are not to your taste, then you may well be interested in some of the gastronomic delights that can be found in Parisian boutique hotels. Paris has some exceptional chefs who delight in crafting the finest fine dining experiences. Many boutique hotels have their own in house restaurants so you can enjoy the finest cuisine and wine without having to go further than your own doorstep. Some also offer short courses in cooking or wine appreciation.

If you haven’t ever stayed in boutique hotels, Paris is definitely the place to start. Many of the smaller boutique hotels really do offer a very special type of service, with standards of service that are exceptionally high; whilst you may arrive as a guest you often leave feeling so pampered and cared for that you and the staff often part as friends. One thing is for certain, if you spend a few nights in one of Paris’ beautiful boutique hotels, you will find it very hard to stay in a chain hotel ever again – anywhere!

If you’re looking for boutique hotels, Paris has a wonderful selection. Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Sometimes the best way to catch the flavour of the past is through a good novel. A classic of European literature in its own right, Les Miserables also does more than the average history textbook to transport its reader into another time. The intensely detailed descriptions of the city will help anyone see the history and the drama behind the bustle of today’s city. Hugo knew Paris like the back of his own hand, and invested painstaking research into the areas that he didn’t already know.

Paris: The Secret History by Andrew Hussey

A Paris-based historian might be able to read the city like an archive, finding clues to its past in side-streets and buildings; for visitors it’s not so easy, which is where Paris: The Secret History comes in. Hussey gets under the glossy skin of the modern city, digging out secrets from unexpected places and presenting not only his interpretations of the city’s stories but those of residents on all levels of society, too. Of particular interest to those embarking on study travel to Paris is the itinerary Hussey suggests for those that want to walk the city and hunt out its secret history for themselves.

Paris Insights: An Anthology by Tom Reeves

Perhaps helpful in the planning stages of Paris study travel, this collection of essays on the city provides insight into five particular areas: La Vie Parisienne, Americans in Paris, Churches and Cathedrals (one for the budding architects), Tasty Treats, and, especially helpful for historians, Paris Past and Present.

Writers in Paris by David Burke

Anyone planning to go to Paris for a literature-based study trip would do well to pick up this literary guidebook, which offers maps, routes and suggestions for exploring Paris by tracing the lives of its most famous writers – from native French literary heroes like Moliere to celebrated expatriates such as Henry Miller.

Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne

Another one for the historians, but also for any traveller who wants to gain a deeper insight into how Paris has developed, this offbeat history book delves into the life of the city in seven different periods, while presenting it overall as having a unified ‘character’ – that of a beautiful woman. These engaging narratives may be best taken with a pinch of salt, but they will undoubtedly give those preparing for study travel a vivid sense of the city’s personality.

Simon Prendergast works for FHT, a company specialising in flexible and inspiring study travel options across a wide range of subjects. FHT’s student tours benefit from over 40 years of experience arranging accommodation, educational itineraries, and everything leaders need to plan a successful trip.

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Christie’s — 9 Avenue Matignon. Right in the heart of the most prestigious district, tucked in between many a Paris boutique hotel, antique shops and galleries, Christie’s Saleroom awaits you with a collection of artistic offerings from the best of the world’s art scene. Here, you won’t be out of place in your Manolos as you peruse the books and manuscripts, European ceramics, furniture and works of art, impressionist and modern art, jewellery, old masters and 19th century drawings and paintings, photographs, portrait miniatures, post-war and contemporary art, prints, silver, 20th century decorative arts, and wines. If you so desire, Christie’s can be very discreet when orchestrating a purchase, and they even offer a concierge service for their clients.

Auction Art – Pierre Cardin, Rémy le Fur & Associés— 9, rue de Duras. If your Paris boutique hotel is near the Élysée Palace, you will be just steps from Pierre Cardin, Rémy le Fur & Associés. Stroll over and have a look at their ever-changing collection of art and furniture. Established in 1982, Rémy le Fur quickly became a major player in the French art market. In his show and salesroom in the heart of Paris you can peruse or purchase any of his specialties which include 18th century old master paintings, design pieces, vintage and contemporary photography, illustrated books and modern and contemporary art.

Artcurial | Briest – Poulain – F. Tajan — 7 Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées F-75008. As one of the largest art auction houses in Paris, Artcurial has a large team working in various departments to make sure that they can help you find your perfect piece. With specialists dealing in collections and sales in twenty different departments, including everything from design, modern art, jewellery, oriental painting and drawings, as well as the more traditional 19th century and 18th century works and those by the old masters, the experts at Artcurial will walk you through the entire process of browsing, purchasing and shipping any artwork you desire. What better way to enjoy your trip to the city than by taking an afternoon away from your Paris boutique hotel and heading to Artcurial to shop for fine and collectable works of art to remember your trip?

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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Aurelie Bidermann — 217 Rue Saint Honoré. After stints at Sotheby’s Impressionist and Contemporary Art Departments in New York, Aurelie Bidermann began to design jewellery full-time, with only a couple of exclusive outlets in boutiques in Paris and Japan. Now, Bidermann has expanded her scope and you can find her beautifully designed, and often bespoke, pieces in her own showroom just a short taxi ride from any Paris boutique hotel. When you step into her store, expect to see works that use gemstones and high quality materials to radiate peace, while still being stylish enough to grace the likes of Kate Moss, Liv Tyler and Sarah Jessica Parker.

Geraldine Valluet — 5 rue Houdon. Valluet was born and raised in Paris where she creates unique and poetically inspired pieces from precious metals, semi-precious stones, pearls and Swarovski crystals. Her small showroom is conveniently located at the foot of Montmarte Hill, also home to many an exclusive Paris boutique hotel. While there are now four boutiques in Paris that sell her designs, it is worth the trip to her own shop to see her custom and unique pieces that you will only find adorning the rich and famous.

Boucheron — The House of Boucheron is a French family dynasty that has been making extremely high-end haute couture jewellery and watches since Frédéric Boucheron became the first jeweller to move to the Place Vendôme in 1893. Not only does the House of Boucheron make designs that have graced the likes of Russian Czars, English royalty (such as one of Queen Elizabeth’s tiaras), and Queens of both Egypt and Jordan, but the wealthiest and most famous Americans have collected their designs as well. The Astors, Vanderbilts and Rockefellers were loyal buyers as are many of Hollywood’s current A-list stars. Boucheron has locations all over the world, with four in paris. You can also visit the original location at 26 Place Vendôme, if that is in the vicinity of your Paris boutique hotel, and shop for jewellery, watches and test the fragrance lines that have been going since 1988.

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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1. The Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognisable structures in the world, and is the symbol of Paris and indeed France. Even if you wanted to you couldn’t miss it, and you will more than likely have a view of it from the window of your Paris boutique hotel. When it was built it was the tallest building in the world by a long way, but that title was taken from it 41 years later in 1930 when the Chrysler Building was completed.

The Eiffel Tower was built for the World Exhibition in 1889, taking over two years to complete, and was only supposed to be temporary. At 300 metres tall, it is unmissable from all over the city, but to get the full experience you need to travel right to the top for the best view in Paris.

2. The Louvre

One of the largest and most famous museums in the world, the Louvre is home to some of the greatest artistic treasures known to man. If you stay in a Paris boutique hotel just around the corner and don’t visit the Louvre, then you will really be missing out. It is housed in what used to be a palace, and was opened to the public at the end of the 18th century. It now boasts a collection of 35,000 works of art, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

This gothic delight may not be the largest in the world, but it is certainly the best known. It is situated on the most important religious site in city, and was completed in 1345 – having been started nearly two centuries earlier. Although it was damaged during the Revolution, it was restored in the 19th century and is now one of the highlights of everyone’s visit to Paris.

4. Arc de Triomphe

You may be lucky enough to find a Paris boutique hotel very close to this famous landmark. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Paris: the Arc de Triomphe. This famous arch was commissioned by Napoleon but was not completed until 1836. At 50 metres tall, it commemorates the battles of Napoleon and is situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées. Go to the top to the viewing platform to enjoy the fabulous views on offer.

Enjoy These 4 Sights You Can’t Miss

A stay in a Paris boutique hotel is the perfect opportunity to explore the many wonders of this fantastic city. The above four may be the most famous, but there are plenty more treasures waiting to be discovered when you visit the city, so go exploring and see what you can find.

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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1. The Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci

The Mona Lisa is, quite simply, the most famous painting in the world – and with good reason. This masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci was unlike anything the world had ever seen when it first appeared, and it continues to amaze art lovers around the world.

Da Vinci was a genius of the Renaissance, and he is responsible for many incredible works of art, including The Last Supper. But it is the Mona Lisa that remains his crowning glory and his best-known work, so your stay in a nearby Paris boutique hotel is the ideal opportunity to view it. However, be aware that it gets very crowded around the painting so you may not be able to spend as long admiring it as you had hoped! Also, don’t forget da Vinci’s other paintings on display in the Louvre – including The Virgin and Child with St Anne and John the Baptist.

2. The Dying Slave, Michelangelo

The Dying Slave is one of Michelangelo’s later sculptures and, many believe, one of his best. Although the artist may be more famous for the sculpture of David and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, this sculpture shows his genius in all its glory. There are actually two sculptures of slaves here – the other being The Rebellious Slave.

3. The Coronation of Napoleon, Jacques-Louis David

Jacques-Louis David was the official painter of Napoleon, and in 1807 he completed this magnificent work depicting the coronation of the military leader in the Notre-Dame. The painting literally cannot be missed due to its vast size: 10 metres by 6. It is an impressive sight, and one worthy of a top place on the list of must-sees.

4. Venus de Milo

The Venus de Milo is one of the most famous and recognisable classical sculptures in existence. It dates back to around 100 BC, and who could be unfamiliar with the form of the beautiful statue of Aphrodite with her missing arms? This is one of the greatest treasures of the Louvre and many a Paris boutique hotel plays host to a proud replica in their foyer!

Discover the Great Art of The Louvre

The Louvre is always one of the first points of call when you stay in Paris. Boutique hotels in the region make the perfect base for returning day after day to explore the mammoth collection on display, and even those with just a vague interest in art can’t help but be impressed. Stroll around in your own time, and do your best to see as much as you can – our top four included!

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

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The ‘Portes Du Soleil” is a vast inter-linked resort covering a huge area of Alpine France and Switzerland, including the village of Morzine. As you’d guess, given the location, Morzine and the surrounding countryside are exceptionally well known for fantastic winter pastimes – including world-class skiing. What is perhaps not as well known, outside of cycling circles, is that during the summer months in Morzine, cycling is a major activity. The local communities have invested a lot of time (to say nothing of money) to create biking facilities that are as good, if not better, than anywhere in the world.

What sort of cycling/biking?

In Morzine, cycling comes in just about every incarnation – and in first-class surroundings. For a start, some of the road touring is superb and has featured in the Tour de France. There are some relatively gentle circuits you can follow (for example, “La Vallée du Giffre”) and you’ll find them suitable for beginners and mixed-ages and abilities. On the other hand, if you’re experienced and fit, you’ll find some routes that will really push you to your limits through extended and steep climbs. If that sounds like you, you may wish to try Les Aravis – 150kms of punishing roads that have stretched even the toughest of the Tour de France competitors.

Of course, if you like to leave tarmac behind, you won’t be disappointed in Morzine. Cycling opportunities off-road are simply some of the best in the world, and a number of prepared tracks and descents (running over vast distances) make this entire area a haven for serious mountain biking connoisseurs.

Like to get around?

However much you like two wheels, you may relish the opportunity to take the occasional rest and look around a little. The surrounding countryside is well worth exploring.  You’re also only about an hour’s drive from Geneva and, a little further afield, the sophisticated city of Lyon is within reach. If you do get to Lyon male sure you sample the cuisine – the locals say it is better than anything you’ll find in Paris. In and around Morzine, cycling isn’t the only thing on the menu! Also consider a visit to Lac Léman – a truly beautiful spot that marks the border between France and Switzerland.

Getting here

It’s perfectly possible to drive here from just about anywhere in Europe.  There are also good rail services (with transfers) and air links are available into Geneva.

In Morzine, cycling is made easy for you with some first-class facilities and a brilliant infrastructure.  It might be worth giving it a try.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a Morzine Tour Operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made holidays. In Morzine, cycling holidays offer world-class trails in the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday in Morzine, cycling is the ideal sport.

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Now of course, there is a grain of truth to this in and around Morzine. Cycling here often gets a little conflated with the notion of serious biking and off-roading. People see some super-fit guys and girls doing incredible things with their bikes and assume that they, and their exploits, are typical of ‘cycling’ in this great area. The good news is, at least for the many of us that are mere mortals, that these Olympians don’t represent the norm for two-wheeled activities here. In fact, around Morzine, cycling opportunities abound, and that includes what some would describe as general touring cycling. In other words, if you want to simply set off on a relatively modest meander, there are some excellent on-road opportunities covering thousands of kilometres.

You could simply set off around some of the roads in and around Les Gets and Morzine. Cycling in the surrounding countryside will take you through some quaint landscape (with stop-offs at local farms and museums), surprisingly unspoilt by its popularity with both summer and winter tourists.

If you like getting a bit further afield, you could try a cycle around La Vallee du Giffre – a touring route of around 36-47km (depending upon your exact choice of route). This is normally described as “for the family” in local guidebooks – which means it should be comfortable for riders of even modest ability. The slightly more demanding La Vallee de L’Arve circuit – around 70kms with a few moderate climbs – offers another option. There are many more, and you’ll find them clearly listed in the local tourist information outlets.

If you are a slightly more serious cyclist then there are literally hundreds of routes that will allow you to test yourself to whatever extent you wish around Morzine. Cycling routes in this region are regarded as some of the most challenging (or punishing!) in the world, and the Tour de France has used them to stretch some of the best riders around.

In Morzine, cycling is almost a way of life in the summer and you don’t have to be superhuman to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and superb facilities on offer in and around this great resort.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a Morzine Tour Operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made holidays. In Morzine, cycling holidays offer world-class trails in the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday in Morzine, cycling is the ideal sport.

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The TV images

The first thing one has to mention is, of course, the stunning scenery. If you’ve ever watched the Tour de France weaving its way through the Alpine vistas, then you’ll know just how magical the jaw-dropping scenery really is. Of course, TV images simply can’t do justice to the grandeur – you have to see it for yourself, and there’s no better way than from a bicycle.

In Morzine, cycling holidays aren’t just about the terrain; many of the Alpine villages of the region have their own local attractions. Morzine itself is known to be one of the livelier resorts and you won’t be stuck for things to do when you want a break from the saddle – day or night.

The options

Morzine is unique in that it’s unusual to find so much biking choice in just one area. If you like road touring, then there is almost no limit to the routes available.  Some of these are very gentle and suitable for what may be described as a ‘meander’ along valleys and village routes – such as La Vallee du Giffre. If you’d like something fairly gentle but with a few modest climbs thrown in, you may wish to think about the Circuit de L’Encrenaz.  On the other hand, if you really like to experience hard cycling, you might try Le Tour du Lac Léman  – around 170kms, with some very demanding climbs that would test even seasoned veterans.

Although good touring routes, it may be advisable to think about slightly hardier all-terrain bikes rather than standard road tourers; the former may allow you the opportunities to explore some of the fantastic ‘off-road’ tracks while you’re in the area. If your tastes drive you to do things such as hang upside-down on your bike, then you won’t be disappointed in Morzine. Cycling here can include off-road opportunities a-plenty and some of these are seriously hair-raising!

The general area

This small town also has some great bike shops, repair facilities, and a pretty good nightlife. It’s part of the “Portes Du Soleil” – one of Europe’s largest recreational areas, which straddles the French and Swiss Alpine border regions. Accommodation in the area is plentiful and ranges from the very reasonably priced right up to super-luxury standard.

In summer in Morzine, cycling seems to be on top of everyone’s agenda – and once you pay a visit, you’ll see why!

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a Morzine Tour Operator, based in Surrey, offering tailor-made holidays. In Morzine, cycling holidays offer world-class trails in the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday in Morzine, cycling is the ideal sport.

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Picture it. You rise up early on a glorious morning. Stepping outside your charming Paris boutique hotel, you wander the streets for the morning. You do a little shopping and take in a few basic sights: the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, la Place Concorde. You stop and have lunch at a small café before heading off to do a little more shopping and sightseeing.

Come evening, you can set off for a leisurely boat trip down the Seine. Leaving your central Paris boutique hotel, you head off towards the river – the ideal way to gain a new perspective on the city. While you can take this trip during the day, at night you get to see the city ablaze as famous monuments light up the sky and illuminate the river.

Bridges

Paris has 37 bridges spanning the Seine. A trip along the river will give you a chance to appreciate their beauty and purpose up close and personal. You will pass under:
•    Passerelle (or Pont) des Arts – Originally Paris’ first iron bridge, it was the first all-pedestrian bridge. The bridge collapsed in 1977 and was rebuilt to 19th century specifics in 1981-1982. It has become a meeting place for lovers and a symbol of romantic love.
•    Pont Alexandre III – Named after Tsar Alexandre III, this wildly ornate structure reflected the bold optimism of the Belle Époque era.
•    Pont Neuf – This is the city’s oldest bridge. It was built in 1607 following a new concept, in which it was constructed with no houses on it.

Also part of the river tour are Petit Pont – Paris’ smallest bridge – Pont Saint-Michel, Pont du Carousel, Pont Royal, Pont d’léna, Passerelle Debilly, Pont des Invalides and Pont de l’Alma.

Sights on the Seine

If you spend an hour cruising on the Seine, you will view many of the monuments responsible for making Paris such an architectural marvel. You can look from the Right Bank to the Left Bank and view some of the city’s most famed architecture including:
•    Museé d’Orsay – housed in what was once a train station
•    The 18th century Palais Bourbon
•    Eiffel Tower
•    The Hôtel de Ville
•    Hôtel-Dieu – Paris’ oldest hospital
•    Grand and Petit Palais – constructed for the 1900 World Exhibition
•    Museé du Louvre
•    Île de Cité, with spectacular Notre-Dame Cathedral
•    Île Saint-Louis. Most tours circle around this island with its restaurants and arts shops.
•    The Conciergerie, proudly sporting the 16th century Tour de l’Horage (clock tower) on its façade. The building is brilliantly lit at night providing an intriguing view of the structure, a prison from 1391 to 1914
•    The Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air featuring the works of such great sculptors as Rik Wonters, Auguste Rodin and Joseph Bernard.

Returning to your comfortable Paris boutique hotel after an evening on the river, you can take time to relax and reflect on how the historical past came alive. The Seine is how many people made their way through the city, and how they crossed from the Left to Right Banks. It was, and still is, the lifeblood of this magical city.

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Explore the Art

Paris’s ‘other’ art museum is the Orsay Museum, which is quaintly housed in a former train station that dates from 1900. Although the permanent collection is not as large as that of the Louvre, there are plenty of paintings by famous painters from 1848 to 1915. This art museum is home to works by Renoir, Monet and Vincent Van Gogh and a must see for any art lover roaming the city.

Explore the History

If you are a fan of French revolutionary history or Les Miserables, then visiting the site where the guillotine executions of Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI and 3000 others took place during the revolution between 1793 and 1795 may be of interest. Place de la Concorde is located to the west of the Champs-Élysées, which features plenty of Paris boutique hotels to stay in, and boasts an ancient Egyptian obelisk covered in hieroglyphics that dates back to the reign of Ramses II. You can also visit the Conciergerie, the former prison where Marie and Louis were imprisoned along with thousands of others awaiting execution.

Explore the Left Bank

The Left Bank has long been famous as the bohemian quarter of town where down and out artists, authors and poets have lived and created their masterpieces. There is plenty to be seen here, and just wandering the streets is a fascinating experience. While traipsing around this area head to Le Lapin Agile, the Leaping Rabbit in English, which is the city’s oldest cabaret and bar. It was a favourite hang out for Picasso, Modigliani, Apollinaire and Utrillo. Other sites on the Left Bank include the famous windmills of Montmarte and the most famous windmill of all – the Moulin Rouge.
A Paris boutique hotel is the perfect place to stay when you are going off the beaten track in the city. They offer a more personalised Paris experience than regular tourist accommodation can.

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Louvre History

Originally constructed as a fortress by Phillip II in the 12th century, there is debate as to where the name of ‘Louvre’ arises from. Some believe it is in reference to ‘Louvre’, or ‘masterpiece’, while others believe the name refers to its then-location in a forest (‘rouvre’ meaning ‘oak’). Luckily for those staying in a Paris boutique hotel, its central location is definitely not in a remote woodland area now. The palace was altered frequently throughout the Middle Ages, and in 1546, Francis I renovated the building in the French renaissance, style, as well as acquiring the pieces that would become the nucleus of the Louvre’s holdings, including Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, the Mona Lisa. After Louis XIV selected Versailles as his main residence in 1682, the Louvre was permitted to be used to display artwork as a type of ‘royal museum’.

The Museum Opens

During the French Revolution, it was declared that the Louvre would be transformed into a museum “bringing together monuments of all the sciences and arts”. In 1792, Louis XVI was imprisoned, and the royal collection in the Louvre became public property; and in 1793, the museum opened its doors properly to the public. The early days were reportedly hectic: artists would live in residence, and unlabelled paintings hung packed from floor to ceiling. Luckily for the modern day tourist staying in a Paris boutique hotel today, the Louvre has developed into the well-ordered, modern museum accessible.

The Modern Louvre

Containing sculptures, objets d’art, paintings, drawings, and archaeological finds, the Louvre averages 15,000 visitors a day, 65% of which are tourists. Staying at a nearby Paris boutique hotel is a great option for those planning on several visits to the Louvre. Visitor numbers have increased since the Louvre’s famous appearance in the novel and film ‘The Da Vinci Code’; the museum allowed the film-makers to work on-location in its galleries for authenticity.

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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History

Though it originally began as a procession of trees running through gardens and markets in 1616, by the 18th century the Champs-Élysées had become a fashionable avenue, with the Élysée Palace close by. It’s reported that Queen Marie Antoinette drove with her friends and took music lessons at the Grand Hotel de Crillon on the Place Louis XV, nearby. The Champs-Élysées itself was officially made city property in 1828, and numerous features were added to modernise the avenue; footpaths, fountains, and gas lighting have made it into the familiar attraction it is today, only steps from many a Paris boutique hotel.

Surroundings

One of the most famous streets in the world, the Champs-Élysées famous ends its 2-kilometre run through Paris at the Arc de Triomphe, which was originally constructed by Napoleon Bonaparte to honour his military victories. The lower part of the Champs-Élysées, in accordance with its origins, is still bordered by trees and greenery, and famous buildings such as the Theatre Marigny and the Grand Palais. The avenue is also lined with cinemas, cafes, restaurants, and luxury specialty shops, making it one of the most famous streets in the world for upscale shopping. It is the delight of many visitors venturing from their Paris boutique hotel looking for the latest fashions and designer clothing. However, the avenue takes care to maintain its historical and cultural roots, and while walking in the gardens, visitors can stumble upon a traditional open-air French marionette theatre for children.

Events

The Champs-Élysées is home to plenty of events every year, and visitors staying in nearby Paris boutique hotels are often treated to numerous parades and displays while they’re going about their shopping on the avenue. Every year on Bastille Day, for example, the biggest military parade in Europe passes along the Champs-Élysées, reviewed by the President of the Republic. From late November until early January, shoppers are treated to beautiful holiday lighting along the avenue; and in 2011, the last stage of the Tour de France will finish on the famous avenue, with the awards ceremony also taking place there.

Looking for a Paris boutique hotel? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for World Hotels, a company offering the best rooms at a Paris boutique hotel and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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The sub-zero temperatures, wind, altitude and artificial heat blasting indoors of a regular winter are already harsh on skin, causing itchiness, flaking, dryness and irritation, even without venturing far from your catered chalet. Morzine weather, and its main attractions including skiing and snowboarding, can magnify these effects considerably, causing dilated capillaries, sun and windburn, chapped lips and dehydration. Whether male or female, you will need to take extra care of your skin to make sure you get the most fun out of your skiing holiday.

Before You Leave

Making sure your skin is in the best shape for winter begins long before you step inside your catered chalet Morzine. Drink a lot of water, and avoid too much alcohol and caffeine to make sure skin stays hydrated and supple.

Ski Wear and Skincare

Good ski wear plays a vital role in making sure your skin is protected through your ski holiday, from the moment you leave your catered chalet. Morzine can get very cold in the great outdoors, so always wear a hat to protect your hair and avoid heat loss from the head. Good quality ski goggles or sunglasses that filter out UV rays will help prevent squinting and prevent the resulting wrinkles and crow’s feet from forming. Make sure your goggles fit well and are not too tight, to maintain good circulation and prevent broken capillaries.

What You Will Need

Whether you’re bringing your own toiletries or just planning on buying them from the many stores just around the corner from your catered chalet, Morzine regulars recommend using a mild cleanser instead of soap. A day on the slopes with the wind whipping your face will make it more sensitive to soap’s harsh, drying effects. A mild, soap-free cleanser on the other hand, will make it easier to remove the dried perspiration and other residue that can irritate your skin immediately after your skiing session.

Keep your face, neck and hands well-moisturised and protected with a rich day cream. In a pinch, a thin layer of Vaseline will help lock in the moisture, protecting your skin and keeping it hydrated. Apply moisturiser at least twice a day on your face and neck: once before going out to ski, and once before turning in for a peaceful night’s sleep in your cosy catered chalet. Morzine sun can also be deceivingly harsh on your skin, so make sure you don’t forget the sunblock, which offers protection from UV rays.

Don’t neglect your lips too, keep them soft with lip balm – preferably with a sun protection factor of at least SPF 15 in order to prevent chapped lips. Don’t forget the corners of your lips too, as they are prone to cracking.

Small Is Good

Small trial-sized tubes of moisturiser, sunblock and lip balm are not just lighter and easier to pack, you can easily keep them in your pocket every time you leave your catered chalet in Morzine for speedy reapplication whenever and wherever you need.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a specialist Morzine Tour Operator, based in Weybridge in Surrey offering tailor-made holidays in a catered chalet, Morzine is the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday in a catered chalet, Morzine is the ideal choice.

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It would be a shame though. Outside your catered chalet, Morzine has plenty of attractions to offer its guests to make their Alpine holiday a wonderful one – great scenery, delicious food, adrenaline-pumping sports or just interesting attractions.

The minute you arrive at your catered chalet, Morzine greets you with a vast array of possibilities to fill every moment of your holiday; whether you’re up for speed and excitement, or intend to focus more on restful recreation. This is why many travellers, whether alone or with friends and family, find it the perfect holiday location.

Skiing And Snowboarding

First and foremost, there’s skiing, skiing and skiing. Your catered chalet in Morzine puts you right in the heart of what is known as the largest connected ski area in all of Europe – Portes du Soleil. With 650 kilometres (404 miles) of pistes spanning France and Switzerland, 240 kilometres (148 miles) of cross-country ski trails, 200 kilometres (125 miles) of snowshoe trails, fifty peaks and 208 interconnected ski lifts connecting summit to summit, the choices for skiing and snowboarding alone may make deciding what to do first quite difficult.

For beginners, chances are you will find some of the best trails for new skiers not very far from your catered chalet. Morzine offers some of the best nursery slopes, as well as some of the most conscientious instructors who will ensure a wonderful learning experience so students can acquire the basics thoroughly and safely.

Intermediate and expert skiers will want to go to Avoriaz, the car-free sister resort set in the rocky steep cliffs high above Morzine. Transportation is readily available practically from the doorstep of your catered chalet in Morzine. Once you get there, you will find a variety of ski runs to choose from based on your temperament and skill level; from lovely blue runs perfect for finding your legs, to more demanding reds, and even exciting black runs for the expert who is eager for a steep challenge.

Other Snow Activities

If skiing is not your cup of tea, or for the days you’re just not in the mood for it, there are still many options for a great time outside your catered chalet. Morzine and its surroundings, including the wonderful powdery snow, can be enjoyed in other ways. Go night sledding through the forest trails, or rent a snowmobile to explore. You can even take a sleigh ride through the town, and then skate on the outdoor skating rink.

Historical and Cultural Tours

If history and culture are on top of your agenda, a tour through the town’s age-old attractions will make for a fun-filled day outside your catered chalet. Morzine, being a 200-year old quaint town that has retained its old-world charm, has no shortage of sights including the Morzine Cheese Dairy, La Falaise de la Vallée des Ardoisières (a working slate quarry) and more.

Drop by the Office de Tourisme right in the centre of town on Rue de Bourg on the main road and pick up a handy pamphlet for your exploration, or take a tour with official Savoyard guides who can take you through the town’s evolution throughout the centuries.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a specialist Morzine Tour Operator, based in Weybridge in Surrey offering tailor-made holidays in a catered chalet, Morzine is the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday in a catered chalet, Morzine is the ideal choice.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Life’s negative experiences

Perhaps you’ve been there? Arriving at your resort and thinking how great everything looks – a feeling that lasts right up until you pull up outside your exact accommodation. Then you’ve that sinking feeling as you realise that from the outside alone you can tell immediately that this is just not going to be for you. Sometimes that experience is slightly different. Outside your chalet looks picture-postcard perfect then when you step inside, you feel you’ve just instantly been transported to a 19th century Dickensian hovel. There is no reason or need to take such chances with your accommodation. It doesn’t matter how good the skiing is, if your chalet isn’t right for you then it may affect the enjoyment of your holiday. That’s why taking the time to allow the experts to help you select your luxury Verbier ski chalet may be advisable.

Verbier – a low risk destination

Verbier sits in the Swiss Alps around 2 hours’ drive from Geneva. It is a resort known for the quality of its skiing, comprising runs to stretch even the top professionals down to the gentlest of slopes for beginners. It also has a vast range of other winter activities, including ice climbing on glaciers, cross-country, and paragliding. Verbier is a location that has an excellent reputation for après-ski opportunities and a wide selection to choose from. For example, there are currently over 60 restaurants there and a very large range of cuisines to chose from. You’ll also find some great boutiques if you just have to indulge yourself a little with some retail therapy. Although it caters for a range of people, in general it is regarded as a quality skiing break destination rather than mass-market.

So, what can you expect to find in your Verbier ski chalet?

Verbier and accommodation

As you would expect, Verbier offers a large selection of accommodation types designed to suit the requirements of individual, group or family travellers. Ski chalets are available in all sizes and types; from those that have a slightly ‘collective’ orientation, right up to exclusive chalets that can be privately hired. You can, of course, also arrange for entirely serviced accommodation where although the chalet is dedicated to you, everything else such as cooking and cleaning, is done for you.

Your Verbier ski chalet can be as comfortable and luxurious as you wish. Some people prefer a slightly simpler style, and that can be arranged. Others prefer rather more by way of luxury fittings and contents and if so, once again that won’t be a problem. Luxury chalets typically will come with those little touches that can make the evenings so much more appealing; including open fires, entertainment centres and even heat/sauna rooms if that’s how you like to finish off your day. There is also an excellent selection of top-class hotel accommodation to choose from if that’s more to your liking.

Being sure

Ultimately, taking chances with your accommodation may be a big gamble. Given the cost of a typical ‘serious’ ski holiday, the incremental cost of going for luxury in terms of your Verbier ski chalet may prove insignificant. In fact, it may be worth it simply for the peace of mind.

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service, that are experts in finding you the perfect Verbier ski chalet and many other chalets and hotels in great locations.

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In the current market anything that saves a company money, as well as energy, is going to be a welcome idea. Saving the environment not only helps the earth but also saves money, so owners can see a reduction in the cost of their self-catered or catered chalet. Morzine is keen to get on the cleaner living track and is hoping that other ski resorts across the world will jump on board.

Your Input

You can also help save the planet while you are staying in your self-catered or catered chalet. Morzine has many activities and fun events for you to participate in; but wouldn’t it be great if you could make sure while you are partying that you are doing your bit for the planet too? Most of these tips only take a second or two, and are easy to add into your routine.

1: Switch off the lights – Make sure that when you are not using a room in your chalet that you switch off the light.

2: Use the bins – If your chalet is equipped with recycling facilities, make sure that you use them. If they don’t have any, maybe suggest in their feedback questionnaire that this might be something they could think about doing.

3: Showers – We know after tearing down the piste all day, that you may be in the mood to let your muscles unwind and relax; but try to soothe them under the healing power of the shower, rather than the bath. And try not to fall asleep with the tap still running!

4: Appliances – Remember to switch off appliances in your chalet by the plug, instead of leaving them on standby.

5: Heating – Turn down your thermostat by one degree and wear a cardigan or a jumper while spending time in your chalet, and close your curtains to keep the heat in.

6: Local Transport – Rather than renting your own transport, try using the local transport. This will not only reduce your carbon footprint, but will also help boost the local economy.

Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Ski and Summer Morzine, a specialist Morzine Tour Operator, based in Weybridge in Surrey offering tailor-made holidays in a catered chalet; Morzine is the perfect location to explore the French Alps. For a great-value Alpine holiday in a catered chalet, Morzine is the ideal location.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Ruth Wilson

28-year-old Ruth Wilson is known for her BAFTA nominated portrayal of Jane Eyre in the television series of the same name. Although Ruth was born in Surrey her parents now own their own chalets in La Tania. Therefore when Ruth decided to take six months off to relax, there was no question about where she would take her holiday. Nigel and Mary Wilson, her parents, own the La Sebastien chalets in the centre of town. Ruth admitted to getting a little star struck whenever she spots a celebrity in the same audition room as her, so we wonder what she thinks of all the celebrities that come here and own or rent chalets? La Tania it seems, is full of them!

Keira Knightley

Although not confirmed by the starlet herself, sources say that they spotted Keira skiing at the resort during March 2007. This holiday would have coincided with a break between the release of Atonement and Pirates of the Caribbean, and it’s likely that after the gruelling schedule Keira could have enjoyed a recuperating stay, with many luxury chalets. La Tania could easily cater to her a-list demands. However, with the 25-year-old regularly assuring interviewers that she’s far more at home when she’s with her friends then when on the red-carpet, we imagine that of all the chalets in La Tania, Keira’s chalet with a nice bottle of red wine is the place to be.

Jason Donovan

Not content with just being a popular Aussie soap-star, Jason Donovan is now also known for his many other careers. He’s had a successful singing career, appeared in West-end shows, and who could forget that Iceland advert? It seems that Jason’s talents also extend outside of the showbiz world, as he’s also a pretty good skier. We just hope that Jason didn’t resort to eating Iceland frozen meals while staying in the resort’s chalets! La Tania has a host of gourmet restaurants that we’re sure Jason could afford on his a-list budget.

Emma Watson

Emma is best known for playing Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, a role that reportedly earnt her £10million. Although she has been extremely careful with her cash, one of the first things that she did upon receiving her windfall was to view La Tania chalets as well as others around the region. Emma finally found her dream property in the Meribel area, which she snapped up for a cool £1million. Emma is reported to be a very competent skier, so who knows, you might find yourself whizzing past her on a ski break.

Rob Brydon

The Altitude Festival takes place every year in February, and in 2010 Rob Brydon, the British actor from Gavin and Stacey, made an appearance at the festival. As the festival showcases the best in music and comedy we imagine that Rob felt right at home during the event. Rob and his family live together in the London Borough of Richmond, where Rob admits to often being mistaken for the actor Ben Miller, and the family obviously enjoy their ski holidays!

Danielle Hodges is Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays staying in a catered or self-catered chalet; La Tania is included with other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday in the best chalets, La Tania is an ideal location.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Donkey Trekking

Leave the safety of the chalets – Val d’Isere is all about experiencing new things! If you are after something different then donkey trekking is one of the most popular activities for kids and families in Val d’Isere. There are lots of walks to choose from, and the experienced guides will accompany you all the way. You’ll get to see the beautiful alpine scenery as you sit on top of friendly donkeys, which the kids will absolutely love. This is a real adventure that is even suitable for quite small children.

Canyoning

If you really want to have an adventure to get you out of the chalets, Val d’Isere can provide you with the ultimate outside adventure – canyoning. It sounds dangerous, but as long as children are accompanied by adults it is fantastic fun and a great way to spend the day. However, it’s not generally recommended for children under eight years old, and a good swimming level is essential. Canyoning consists of a combination of abseiling, cliff jumping and navigating natural water slides as you try to scramble your way along rivers. It can be cold so it’s best if you try to go on a warm day if you want to really enjoy the experience. You’ll have experienced guides to help you all the time, and this makes for a really unique way to see the surrounding countryside.

Husky Sledding

This is a fantastic way to see the region when you venture outside of your chalets. Val d’Isere has some truly beautiful natural scenery to explore, and what better way to do so than on the back of a sled being pulled along by excited huskies? You can either take charge of your own team of dogs, or sit in the back with a guide in charge, which might be a better option for younger children. Then just enjoy the exhilarating thrill of being pulled along the pathways by your dedicated team of huskies.

Great Choice of Family Chalets

You may think that if you’re not skiing you’ll just be hanging out in your chalets. Val d’Isere, however, has plenty to keep the whole family busy, and these three activities are just the start. Whatever you want to do, if it involves being outside and having an adventure then you’ll find it in Val d’Isere. As well these great activities, if you’re visiting as a family you can choose from a wide range of family chalets. Val d’Isere is ideal for families as there are lots of chalets to choose from, making it the perfect holiday escape whether you are skiing or not.

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service offering bonded package holidays at chalets Val d’Isere, and other tailor-made itineraries. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday in chalets, Val d’Isere is an ideal location.

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All ski boots use three or four buckles to control the amount of tension over your forefoot, and around your ankle. One feature to look out for on a boot is ‘micro-adjustment’ – on the buckles, ‘micro-adjustments’ provide a very high degree of control over how your boots fit. The right pair fit like a slipper and they might even be comfortable enough to wear around your Les Menuires ski chalet! Around the ankles of your ski boots, you’ll find the power strap, a 30-40 millimetre Velcro enclosure that provides upper ankle and lower leg support; it is one of the most important aspects of the boot in injury prevention. As most skiers can tell you, one of their major worries is that a leg injury will curtail their skiing during the duration of their holiday.

Liners

Ski boots also come with a wide variety of replaceable liners. The ones you choose might depend on many factors, including the model of your boots, and your individual needs as a skier. Boots using a ‘high volume’ liner are the best for narrow feet, and often the most comfortable. ‘Low volume’ liners are used for people with wider feet. It can be a good idea to select and purchase ski boots well ahead of your Les Menuires ski holiday – proper care when choosing the fitting can save you a lot of pain in the chalet! Les Menuires has many shops that can ensure you get a good fit – after determining the proper shell size, liners are injected with liquid plastic that forms around the individual shape of your feet.

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Champagne Powder
You’ve had a great day learning about skiing on the slopes and are now looking for some evening entertainment to tempt you out of your chalet.  La Tania has a great nightlife and the people who visit the resort love to socialise.  So, you find yourself at a gathering with fellow skiers and lovely guy/girl next to you says;

“I wanted to start a snowball fight but there is only champagne powder out there.”

You are probably wondering what alcohol has to do with a snowball fight and what kind of champagne comes in powder form.  Both these questions, if voiced to the speaker, will single you out as a novice.  Champagne powder is actually very dry snow that is actually so light you can’t even make a good snowball out of it.

Hurl Carcass
You are doing well: you have a great ski outfit, a lovely chalet, La Tania ski elite are being friendly, and you have been invited to a BBQ at a new acquaintance’s chalet.  When you’re there, while in conversation with a few people around the grill, you hear the sentence;

“Did you see Dave hurl carcass off that cliff this morning?”

Before you become horrified by images of Dave hurling dead bodies off a cliff in a mafia style scenario – stop! This sentence only means that Dave was skiing off a cliff and catching big air.

Chocolate Chips
You’ve been having a great time making friends and now you are hosting a party in your chalet.  La Tania ski elite arrive and you find yourself in conversation with three people.  One of the group says;

“I nearly died when I hit some chocolate chips today!”

Please don’t assume that this person is talking about yummy cocoa treats.  They are actually talking about a cluster of rocks that stick up out of the snow to hamper your skiing progress.

Lunch Tray
You have just finished your run and some friends wave you over to their table in the lodge.  You make your way over there and while drinking and laughing with your new-found chums, one calls you from a few metres away and asks you;

“Can you bring my lunch tray over”

Please don’t pick up a lunch tray and take it to them or you’ll have to spend the next few days hiding out in shame in your chalet. La Tania elite refer to their snowboards as ‘lunch trays’, so pick up the person’s board and bring that to them!

But whatever you do, don’t feel intimidated by all this in-speak and hole yourself up in your chalet.  La Tania ski elite are not scary people, but if you want to understand the conversation and avoid many embarrassing conversations, pick up a ski slang dictionary and start practicing.

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Here’s one treat where you don’t have to leave your chalet; La Tania is home to the perfect way to get you ready for a day on the slopes. Pamper Off Piste, is a mobile unit that provides mobile physiotherapy, massage and pamper treatments direct to your chalet in La Tania. If you’d like to pamper yourself ahead of a day’s skiing then we recommend the aptly named, Skiers Tonic, designed to benefit both skiers and snowboarders alike. The mobile beauticians offer a range of beauty treatments and there are even special services for men – a fireman’s facial, policeman’s pedicure and mechanic’s manicure!

Work Out in Wonderland

Just because you’re spending a wekk on the slopes doesn’t mean that you should let your gym routine go to pot. The Hotel Montana fitness club is within easy walking distance to your chalet -  La Tania is a compact convenient resort – and details on daily classes and work out sessions are available from the Tourist Office. There’s also a heated swimming pool so that you can catch up on your laps and the gym is equipped with all the modern equipment.

Seasoned Hair for a Seasonaire
All that snow and wind can play havoc to a girl’s hair, so if you’re worried about looking less than perfect when leaving your chalet, La Tania has the ideal solution. Season Hair is a mobile hairdressing salon operating in the Courcheval, La Tania and Meribel areas. Relax with a head massage and enjoy a cut and blow-dry while getting your make-up re-touched by one of the qualified beauticians.

Yoga and Ski Fit

For some invigorating exercise close to your chalet, La Tania can offer you a ski physique class with Rhian to tone your body. Let’s face it, after a week of hot chocolate and delicious French cuisine you’ll be grateful for the exercise. Rhian even runs salsa classes in the evenings, which are always popular with tourists and a great way to meet other people. They also offer tailored fitness programs that combine your daily ski with an après ski fitness class tailored to build up your muscular strength and endurance.

Shopping the Slopes

If you can’t leave your chalet in La Tania without the perfect outfit, luckily there are number of ski and board shops selling the latest gear. Ski Higher, Ski Wave, Alpiski and Intersport all have an excellent range of ski clothing and accessories. Ski Higher is perhaps the best stocked and has a great range of clothing from brands such as Think Pink, Saloman and Da Kine. If you don’t want to splash out on new skis and kit then the shop runs a great hire service for boots, board and skis.

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Bowling in Meribel

Why spend the evening watching TV in your ski chalet? Meribel offers something much more fun for your family at the ultra-modern Canadian bowling alley. The bowling centre is open from 2pm daily and closes at 2am the following morning. However, with only 6 lanes you’ll need to make sure that you book in advance to secure yourself a time slot. With snake bumpers, children have a better than average chance of securing a hit; although it’s technically cheating when Dad decides that he wants to keep the barriers up! If you can get to the bowling alley on Tuesday or Thursday night, then your children can take advantage of the famous fluorescent nights, when the lights go out and children can compete to win prizes.

The family can make use of the bowling alley’s other facilities too. A sleek sports bar and giant screen TV are perfect for sports fans wanting to catch up on the games back home; while video games and pool tables make the bowling alley the perfect venue for a family night out.

Dog Sledding

Hold on tight! Dog tours can be booked from your ski chalet Meribel and whether your child is an animal lover or an adventurer he’s bound to have the time of his life. A team of six huskies will pull a sleigh through the snow-covered slopes and past your ski chalet to Meribel’s forested area, where your guide will let the huskies run wild while you enjoy the ride of your life. Guests can choose from one hour to half day tours and the company also offers a specialised night outing where guests can whizz over the snow covered terrain at night when the slopes are empty. If you’re feeling brave, a friendly word with the guide will get you a turn on the reins, but be warned that the dogs are a lot stronger than they look. Of course, there’s always time after the ride to pose for photographs with the husky pack, so if your children would like to pretend that they’re leading passengers on their husky driven sleigh, that’s also good.

Snow Biking

If trudging around in the snow around your ski chalet in Meribel in heavy boots just isn’t your idea of a good time, then why not whizz past it on a snow bike. Children can borrow miniature scooter, and the afternoon and evening tours offered at Meribel are suitable for drivers of all levels of experience. A bike with skis in place of wheels may look like an unusual way to get around, but the bikes were designed especially with snow in mind. While professionals might get their kicks riding up and down black level ski slopes, the trails selected by our knowledgeable ski guides are better suited for family adventurers.

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There’s nothing that sets you up better for a day on the slopes than a hearty breakfast. Of course, you could try recreating this in your ski chalets, Meribel has some wonderful grocery stores, but it wouldn’t be as good as the breakfast offered at Evolution. Located directly opposite the popular Jack’s Bar, the breakfast at Evolution really fires you up for a day in the snow. Don’t be put off by the insulting names on the menu: skinflints might opt for the cheapskate, a breakfast that consists of an egg butty, while vegetarians might be hesitant to order the lesbian, a breakfast with vegetarian sausages and hash browns. Show-offs will need to phone in advance to order the Big Spender, an English breakfast served with foie gras, fillet mignon, champagne, a cigar and an obligatory top hat to wear while eating it.

Hot Chocolate

Usually you don’t have to leave your Meribel ski chalets to enjoy a delicious cup of warm chocolate, but the hot chocolate at Grand Marnier is so much more than just a warming beverage. It’s a cream-topped meal in a glass, a warm fuzzy feeling and a welcome change from your standard après ski beverage. Grab a hot chocolate to warm your hands up on the way back to your ski chalets in Meribel, but be careful not to ruin your appetite before dinner.

Lunch

Meribel’s best kept secret has only been known to the locals up until now. However, the best sandwiches in the valley deserve to be shouted about. Juicy Montagne burgers and raclette sandwiches topped with cheese, gherkins and spicy sauce are all served through a small hole in the wall next to the mini supermarket at Mottaret. At less than 6 euros a sandwich, the hole in the wall is a complete bargain that will fill you up well into the afternoon.

Dinner

If you want a meal away from your ski chalets, Meribel fills up for dinner reservations early, so you’ll need to book in advance. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are the busiest evenings in the resort, so if you’ve opted for a catered chalet, then it’s probably best to enjoy a quiet evening in on these three nights. Meribel has a wide range of restaurants from family favourites like Pizza Express to five-star French favourites, like L’Epicuriade at the Hotel Chaudanne. Meals at L’Epicuriade may be a little on the pricy side, but they’re far more creative than anything you could cook up in your ski chalets. Meribel’s chicest restaurant will serve you up a delicious a la carte meal, and with the addition of a roaring fire to keep you warm, it can make for a very romantic dining experience.

A less extravagant and more traditional option for dinner would be Chez Kiki. The chef at this Meribel restaurant is something of a legend and known for his melt-in-the-mouth steaks and fantastic fondues. His steaks are cooked over an open fire and the place is always buzzing with visitors.

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Clothing

With all the unavoidable falling down and getting back up, as well as the effort and physicality of snowboarding, you will be sweating on your first day, despite the cold. You’ll warm up a lot quicker than you think, and it’s not easy to shed layers when you’re out on the slopes. Choose wisely to save yourselves running back to your hotels – Val d’Isere has plenty of options for buying clothing, or if you want to choose your own beforehand, wear an outer layer that’s water resistant, and maybe one or two thinner layers underneath. Durable, water resistant mittens or gloves are also a wise choice.

Gear

Falling forward, you’ll likely be landing on your hands and knees. Falling backwards, you’ll either land on your bum and wrists, or end up with your back and the back of your head hitting the snow. Making sure you come equipped with protective gear such as a helmet, knee-pads, and wrist-guards can save a lot of injuries, and stop you from aching once you go back to your hotels! Val d’Isere is famous for its snowboarding and skiing, but it’s not much fun if you’re sitting on the side and watching everyone else have all the fun.

Tuition

Investing in proper lessons or tuition is always a wise investment, and can end up paying for itself in the amount of enjoyment you’ll get with better basics over a long stretch of time spent snowboarding. The same holds true for any sport, and although Val d’Isere hosts many good ski and snowboarding schools and teachers, many beginners wind up simply experimenting to teach themselves, or setting off with only the barest instruction from fellow snowboarders in the bars and hotels. Val d’Isere’s slopes are definitely best experienced while actually snowboarding, not struggling with basics such as stance and balance. Propter tuition will take you through the movements required for snowboarding, enhance your understanding, and will let you share the experience of your instructor. Not a bad way to start at all!

Fatigue

It’s important not to run before you can walk, and sometimes not to go snowboarding before you can run! It can definitely be tiring to learn a new sport, and although snowboarding can be enjoyed at all levels, with a greater level of fitness will come a greater enjoyment of the experience. If you’re taking a full day lesson, or spending an entire day on the slopes, it’s important to manage your time to avoid burning out. Becoming tired and dehydrated will increase your risk of injury, and it’s much better to go snowboarding than spend a holiday stuck in the hotels. Val d’Isere has many great restaurants and bars for relaxation and eating, and it’s important to give yourself time to rest to revitalize yourself for the afternoon.

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Clothing

With all the unavoidable falling down and getting back up, as well as the effort and physicality of snowboarding, you will be sweating on your first day, despite the cold. You’ll warm up a lot quicker than you think, and it’s not easy to shed layers when you’re out on the slopes. Choose wisely to save yourselves running back to your hotels – Val d’Isere has plenty of options for buying clothing, or if you want to choose your own beforehand, wear an outer layer that’s water resistant, and maybe one or two thinner layers underneath. Durable, water resistant mittens or gloves are also a wise choice.

Gear

Falling forward, you’ll likely be landing on your hands and knees. Falling backwards, you’ll either land on your bum and wrists, or end up with your back and the back of your head hitting the snow. Making sure you come equipped with protective gear such as a helmet, knee-pads, and wrist-guards can save a lot of injuries, and stop you from aching once you go back to your hotels! Val d’Isere is famous for its snowboarding and skiing, but it’s not much fun if you’re sitting on the side and watching everyone else have all the fun.

Tuition

Investing in proper lessons or tuition is always a wise investment, and can end up paying for itself in the amount of enjoyment you’ll get with better basics over a long stretch of time spent snowboarding. The same holds true for any sport, and although Val d’Isere hosts many good ski and snowboarding schools and teachers, many beginners wind up simply experimenting to teach themselves, or setting off with only the barest instruction from fellow snowboarders in the bars and hotels. Val d’Isere’s slopes are definitely best experienced while actually snowboarding, not struggling with basics such as stance and balance. Propter tuition will take you through the movements required for snowboarding, enhance your understanding, and will let you share the experience of your instructor. Not a bad way to start at all!

Fatigue

It’s important not to run before you can walk, and sometimes not to go snowboarding before you can run! It can definitely be tiring to learn a new sport, and although snowboarding can be enjoyed at all levels, with a greater level of fitness will come a greater enjoyment of the experience. If you’re taking a full day lesson, or spending an entire day on the slopes, it’s important to manage your time to avoid burning out. Becoming tired and dehydrated will increase your risk of injury, and it’s much better to go snowboarding than spend a holiday stuck in the hotels. Val d’Isere has many great restaurants and bars for relaxation and eating, and it’s important to give yourself time to rest to revitalize yourself for the afternoon.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

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Family matters

Choosing accommodation when you’re on holiday with a family can be a handful. The chalet’s location is very important – young children can’t always manage long distances to a piste over slippery surfaces, and might be much happier flinging snowballs than trekking to the start of a slope. You may not want to carry their equipment around as well as your own either! Another consideration when the family is in mind, is if the amenities are close to your chalets. Val d’Isere has several ski schools and childcare options for families with younger or less enthusiastic skiers; although a good plan might be to compromise when spending days together. Time spent holidaying together can result in very precious memories, after all. One option is skiing together in the mornings, while everyone is fresh, rested, and ready to go, and making use of childcare facilities in the afternoon.

The size

Smaller chalets will be ideal for couples on a short break, while larger parties may require more spacious chalets. Val d’Isere has a wide range available, in plenty of different locations. Depending on experience or mobility, you may or may not need a chalet close to the pistes of the resort. For those that prefer chalets a little distance from the slopes, Val d’Isere features locations that are a short bus-journey or walk away, and many that are almost ski-in-ski-out, allowing you to maximise your time spent on the slopes, then ski back almost to the doorstep.

What’s cooking

Between catered and non-catered chalets, Val d’Isere has a wide range of options for your stay. If you want to choose where and when you eat, self-catered may be a better choice, allowing you to keep to a strict diet, or eat when it’s convenient. A good morning’s skiing may leave you reluctant to stop for lunch! A catered chalet takes the heat off when it comes to the kitchen, letting you relax a little more in the evenings after an exhausting day, as well as enabling you to try something new. Being catered for will allow you to experience a little international flavour while dining in your chalets! Val d’Isere is known for its blend of French and Italian cuisines – perfect for after a long day working up an appetite on the slopes.

Hot selections

The choice of a chalet with a sauna, jacuzzi, or pool can also have a huge impact on your holiday. They are a great way to relax and unwind, as well as refreshing tired muscles for the next day’s events. If you’re sharing a chalet with friends or other skiers, a sauna or Jacuzzi can also be a fun way to socialize and share your love of the sport.

One final little detail can make or break even the biggest decision: boot warmers in your chalets. Val ‘dIsere is best experienced with a warm pair of boots, first thing in the morning!

Earl Knudsen is Marketing Manager for Alpine Answers, a specialist ski travel agency, tour operator, and booking service offering bonded package holidays at chalets Val d’Isere, and other tailor-made itineraries. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday in chalets; Val d’Isere is an ideal location.

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When you hear the sexuality liberated refer to le Cap d’Agde there’s only one place that they’re referring to – the nude quarter! Le Cap d’Agde is the world’s only nudist city with a population of 40,000 sexy souls looking to party in the sun and meet like-minded individuals. The resort is popular with bold Bavarians and frisky French, most speak basic English but learning the lingo can do wonders in securing you an invitation to a moonlight ménage later on in the evening.

A veritable sea of naked flesh, le Cap d’Agde has bodies of all shapes and sizes. Naturism isn’t about what you look like, and once you realise that everyone around you is in the same situation you won’t feel so self-conscious. With so many beautiful, nude people things can get pretty steamy. However, police do control the area until 6pm in order to prevent any sexual activity from taking place; but as soon as the sun sets the police return home for the evening things and start to get interesting. At twilight, you’ll see small crowds forming around couples determined to make an exhibition of themselves. If a couple takes your fancy and you’re not ready to join them just yet then invite them to one of the Cap’s many liberty clubs or over to L’Extasia, one of the best swingers’ clubs in the world.

Getting frisky on the plage is much easier outside of the summer season, as the police only patrol the beach from July to September and beyond these months the beach returns to its former glory.

Don’t be alarmed if someone hands you a flyer or invites you to a non-conformist event. They aren’t inviting you to a revolt or rally, non-conformist is quite simply a French euphemism for swinger. If you don’t want to be bold and ask a French couple straight out if they want to swing with you later, you could always ask if they’re Libertines or L’Exchangists; the French words for swingers.

At night, the party continues at L’Exstasia. The world’s largest swingers club is a 20 minute drive from le Cap d’Agde by taxi, and hidden from unsuspecting guests by a forest known as the Little Rascals Wood. Many couples like to make the most of the al fresco opportunities that await them at the Little Rascals Wood, and sneaking off into the clearing with another couple is a common activity.

If the sexy couple from the beach haven’t shown up, the nightclub is a great place to meet like minded individuals. Wear your sexiest outfit and then slowly peel it off inside one of the cages on the dance floor; the cages were built for this purpose and energetic stripteases are common.

Fridays and Saturdays at L’Exstasia attract the big crowd. Get involved with any of the club’s sexy games and you could come home with champagne, free drinks, t-shirts, underwear and a whole lot more notches on your bedpost.

Janne Smith is Product Director of EXcapes Holidays, a specialist provider of lifestyle holidays to le Cap d’Agde and many other luxury lifestyle resorts worldwide. Our range of holidays is unmatched by any other British Tour Operator.

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Some of you may think that I have one of the best jobs in the world: as a driver of the Paris airport shuttle, I get to spend my days passing the sights in the world’s most beautiful city. On the journey into the city, the passengers on my Paris shuttles will chatter about the attractions they are planning to see. They will be excited to walk underneath la Tour Eiffel, and perhaps climb up to see the city from a height of 270 metres at the top floor. A walk along the wide avenues of the Champs-Élysées makes the itinerary of most tourists, including a look at the Arc de Triomphe.

The usual route the Paris airport shuttle takes into the city will follow the River Seine from the South towards the centre. If your driver takes the Quai de Bercy, you will pass the Parc De Bercy on the way. A pleasant place to take a stroll, the Parc is a lattice of pathways through nine gardens with features including trellised vines, a labyrinth, a fragrance garden, and the ‘House of Gardening’ where children can learn about growing vegetables. The gardens are home to the unusual Musée des Arts Forains, which is a museum of old fairground rides and toys. You can see some very old bicycles and merry-go-rounds here, but you will have to book because entrance is by appointment only.

The last of the Parc you’ll see from your Paris shuttle is the remarkable stadium called the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy. It is an indoor arena that hosts events like cycling and tennis tournaments. Part pyramid, part bunker, the POPB in an angular structure clothed in grass to help it blend in. In contrast, the next building the Paris shuttle passes is the huge metal archway of the Ministry of Finances.

The Paris shuttles following the Seine will drive in the direction of the famous Notre Dame de Paris. The cathedral is over eight hundred years old, and at its time of construction, represented pioneering architectural design. It has since been restored many times and preserved for visitors. Like many of Paris’s buildings, the cathedral looks especially good at night, illuminated with golden lights. From Notre Dame, which is central, the Eiffel Tower is to the west, the Arc de Triomphe to the north west and the Sacré Cœur is to the North.

All this is very well if you are intending to base your holiday in the city, but perhaps you are looking to stay on the outskirts of the city. One of the Paris airport shuttle routes will take you from Charles de Gaulle directly to Disneyland Paris in the Seine et Marne department to the east of Paris. Believe it or not, 2009 is Disney’s fifteenth anniversary in Paris, so you and your family will have the chance to dance and celebrate with goofy and friends at the special events held throughout the year. Fans of Mickey will be pleased to hear that Paris shuttles run to Disneyland from the Paris Beauvauis, Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.

Henri Barbusse is a driver of a Paris shuttle for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

The Cote d’Azur, or the French Riviera as it is referred to in English, is a magnificent stretch of coastline running between Menton, near the Italian border, and Hyéres. 115km of coastline makes up the region, and the Mediterranean climate provides 300 days of sunshine. It is a perfect place for a French walking holiday, where you can ramble beside the bright blue sea and sandy beaches.

The name Cote d’Azur, refers to the colours blue and gold, with the blue being that of the Mediterranean ocean and the gold referring to the region’s rising economy.

Early European Influences

Being an area of such great beauty with an excellent climate, it is no small wonder that many European countries wanted to have a share in the area. In the 7^th century BC, Greek sailors travelling from Asia Minor began visiting and establishing trading posts in the area. Settlements were developed and trading began with the inhabitants of the interior. This has seen a visible Greek influence in the region, and a great way to learn the history while you enjoy the scenery is on a hiking tour in France.

Roman influence began in 8 BC, when Emperor Augustus built La Turbie (Trophy of the Alps) and began building towns, monuments and amphitheatres along the coast, many of which you will still be able to stumble over on your French walking holiday. Two notable amphitheatres which still remain standing are the amphitheatre and bath at Cimiez, and the amphitheatre and Roman walls at Frejus. These ancient sites add a Roman twist to the ground you will tread on your walking holiday in France.

The Early Days of the Resort

The French Riviera was one of the first modern resorts to be established in the south of France, and hiking in this area will clearly show you why. Its beauty is unrivalled, and its climate is gentle, making it the perfect retreat to escape the British winter.

It was originally established as a winter health resort for sickly British tourists, where they could escape the cold and return to health. Until the end of the 18^th century, the area consisted of local people leading simple lives, where the focus was on growing olives, fishing, and producing flowers for perfume.

The French Riviera first started to gain attention when Tobias Smollett, a British traveller, described the benefits of the health resort in his book, ‘Travels Through France and Italy,’ in 1765. This was the beginning of spreading the idea of the French Riviera as an ideal place for a French walking holiday.

At the same time, Scottish doctor John Brown gained fame when he prescribed climato-therapy, a therapy based on climate change to cure a range of illnesses such as tuberculosis. A trip to the French Riviera was the ideal place for this therapy to occur, as the climate was perfect in the south of France. Hiking in this region could have a similar effect on a holiday, where the fresh sea air, exercise and warm weather will revitalise you.

A Perfect Holiday Destination

Once attention was drawn to the area, it became a favourite destination of the aristocracy. British nobleman Henry Peter Broughman loved the area so much after travelling through the region with his ill sister that he bought land a  built a villa there, where he spent most of his summers. Other members of the British aristocracy followed suit, recognising the benefits of a French walking holiday.

With the development of the railway in the 19^th century, the area became easily accessible to Europe, and in 1865, one hundred thousand visitors flocked to the area. Casino resorts were built, the most notable being Monte Carlo, established by Charles III. Gradually the area became more popular with tourists from America and Europe, and no longer belonged to the aristocracy.

The perfect place for hiking in France or simply sitting by the sea, the area quickly became popular celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot, Elton John, and Princess Diana. With so many people attesting to its beauty, it must be an ideal destination for a French walking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest French Walking Holidays at the best value prices.

A walking holiday in France is incredibly easy thanks to the advanced trail system that leads from one end of the country to the other. The system is 110,000 miles long and is made up of three distinctly different types of path.

The first type of path is called the sentiers de grande randonnee, or known as GR for short. These account for 38,000 miles of the trail system and are laid out in such a way that one point always connects to another. A GR path usually traverses long distances over the country, from border to border. The GR5 trail is one such example of this, and runs from the Luxembourg border, past the towering peaks of the Jura and Alp mountain ranges, all the way down to the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean coast.

The second type of trail is coloured red and yellow on a typical French map. These paths are known as GRPs or Grande Regional Paths, and are the most commonly followed on a typical walking holiday in France. There are 25,000 miles of GRP paths in the country and these often follow a circular motion, covering one particular region in detail. One of the most popular trails followed on a French walking holiday is the Chemin des Grands Crus de Bourgogne. This scenic trail follows Burgundy’s perfectly manicured vineyards and crumbling castles.

The smallest trails on a French ordnance survey map are simply coloured one consistent colour. These local paths are known as PRs and offer visitors on a French walking holiday the option of shorter, more relaxing trails. Generally it only takes a few hours to follow a PR trail, but some of the lengthier routes will need a good days trek. PRs usually lay out a scenic route from a traditional French village to a local beauty spot or place of historical importance. Villages often have more than one path leading from them, and with over 47,000 miles of PR paths, it is possible to combine a walking holiday in France with a number of scenic PR routes.

The GR and GRP paths cross through every region of France making a walking holiday such an easy prospect. It is possible to take a village-to-village route from anywhere in the country, and as almost all the land is privately owned, the trail you choose will pass through vineyards, orchards, forests and even people’s own backyards.

Gites and guesthouses are a common occurrence in even the most rural of French villages and it is always easy to find somewhere to settle down for the night. Alternatively you can book your French holiday with a specialist walking group, where routes and accommodation will be planned out for you well in advance.

If you decide to go it alone, The Féderation Française de la Randonnée Pédestre is responsible for maintaining the trail system and they publish a number of informative guidebooks with recommended restaurants and guesthouses for each trail. Sadly these books have yet to be translated to English but much of the practical information, such as addresses and contact numbers, can be understood by the English-only speaker.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holidays in France at the best value prices.

France is a classic walking holiday destination. Located just a short hop across the English Channel, France’s diverse countryside includes Mediterranean coastline, beautiful valleys, lush wine lands and the highest mountains in Western Europe. The cities can be just as attractive to explore as the countryside, with regional capitals such as Avignon and Dijon providing numerous architectural delights to enjoy on a walking tour.

Whether you want a tough walk through rugged mountain landscapes or a gentle stroll through the most picturesque parts of the country, here are some of the best regions to visit on a walking holiday in France…

The Loire Valley

‘The Garden of France’ is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and is understandably a popular choice for walking holidays in France. The Loire River itself meanders through rolling hills, lush landscapes and a seemingly endless succession of glorious 18^th century chateaux. Walkers and cyclists can follow the river itself or explore dozens of routes off the river into the heart of the Loire Valley.

The Alps

For anyone looking for high mountain adventure on their French walking holiday, the Alps is the place to go. Skiers dominate the region during the winter, but during the summer months the Alps become a Mecca for climbers and hikers from all over the globe. With some routes, such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route, regarded as being amongst the finest trekking routes in the world, this is an essential destination for European adventurers.

Provence

Provence features an enviable mixture of scenery – a spectacular coastline, sun drenched fields of wild flowers overlooked by mountains, and some beautiful historic towns. The countryside has inspired numerous artists, most notably Cezanne, and if your French walking holiday takes you to Provence, you can alternate between visits to the stunning countryside and fascinating towns such as Avignon, Arles, and Aix-en-Provence.

Burgundy

Wine lovers who want to combine a French walking holiday with the opportunity to sample some of the country’s finest vintages will inevitably be drawn to Burgundy. The region is justly famed as the heart of wine production in France, and a walking holiday here is likely to spend plenty of time exploring the beautiful landscapes around the vineyards. The regional capital, Dijon, is another highlight, with stunning architecture that is a delight to explore on foot.

The Cote d’Azur

Also known as the French Riviera, the Cote d’Azur is the finest stretch of coastline in France and is the natural destination of choice if you are looking to combine coastal walks with blazing sunshine. Picturesque Nice is an essential place to visit, and the numerous gardens, such as those found at La Villa Ephrusi de Rothschild and the Gardens of Eze, are a real highlight of the region.

Brittany

Brittany sometimes feels like an entirely different country within France, with its own language, unique culture and individual history. It also features some spectacular walking country, with the rocky coastline a real pleasure to explore on a French walking holiday. Don’t miss out on the spectacular Abbey at Mont-St-Michel, perched dramatically above the sea and accessible only at low tide.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holidays in France at the best value prices.

What do you need to pack for a walking holiday in France? This is what Robert Louis Stevenson pondered before undertaking his adventure. He settled on the fail-safe combination of a frying pan to be fried, a whip with egg, a sleeping bag, cooked gigot, a spirit lamp, a bottle of Beaujolais and a bottle of brandy.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s French walking holiday took 12 days, although he often stopped for half days en-route to write up his journals and swig from his bottle of brandy. It should therefore be possible to follow the same route on a nine day walking holiday in France.

Despite the fact that Stevenson’s book is entitled ‘Travels With a Donkey in the Cevennes’ he actually started his French walking holiday in the Velay region of France. The town of Le Puy en Velay was where he began his travels, and it’s also one of the main towns on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route to visit the shrine of St James. Stevenson started his adventures here as he was keen to visit the spectacular volcanic puys of the region. With Darwin’s theories recently emerging, volcanic cones were considered evidence that the Earth had been around much longer than it was originally thought. Robert Louis Stevenson considered himself an atheist and visited these puys to witness evidence against the literal and fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible.

As well as his atheist beliefs, Robert Louis Stevenson was also fascinated by the Cevenols, descendants of the Camisards who fought and were persecuted after the revocation of the edict of Nantes. He hoped this walking holiday in France would put him into contact with these noble people.

After a month’s stay in Velay, Stevenson set off on his French walking holiday from the town of La Monastier Sur Gazelle with his lone companion, Mondestine, a stubborn and temperamental donkey, who occasionally carried Stevenson’s baggage. You will find on your French walking holiday that the first day’s walk is anything but flat; the upper Loire Valley is gouged deep into the plateau and the descent into the valley at Goudet is quite steep. The second day is a lot more leisurely as you continue across volcanic plateaux via the market town of Landos.

The next region is the Gevaudan area, known as the region of the beast, which giant man-eating wolves are said to frequent. Stevenson wrote about these wolves in ‘Travels With a Donkey in the Cevennes’, and claimed to have spotted at least one of these fabled animals on his French walking holiday.

The next highlight is the region of Mont Lozère, where yellow broom announce the start of the earth’s climatic cycle, and are later replaced by the violet heather and blue myrtles of late summer. The summit of Finiels is a hiker’s paradise, from where the Alps or the Pyrenees are visible on a clear day.

The Cevennes make up the fourth region of your walking holiday in France. These rolling mountains dart between chestnut forests and refreshing riverbeds, before clambering up to tree-covered summits.

After Saint-Germain, the trail follows the Gardon valley and after Saint-Etienne Vallée Française, the path climbs towards Saint-Pierre pass, where Modestine and Stevenson had their last meal together. The market town of St Jean marks the end of a memorable walking holiday in France, whether you have a donkey to carry your luggage or not.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing for Ramblers Countrywide Holidays. Ramblers Worldwide have been operating since 1946 and now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries.  They are dedicated to providing the very finest walking holidays in France at the best value prices.

Tie me up Tie Me Down

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear ready to pack, you will have plenty of opportunity to go shopping in Cap d’Agde. If bondage is your thing, or you’d like it to be, then you’re in for a treat at the exotic boutiques you will find here. Treat yourselves and pick up a his ‘n her’s set of erotic PVC outfits to don for a night out at one of Cap d’Agde’s five libertine clubs.

A Land of Leather

After dark, Cap d’Agde is a sea of leather and rubber and the effect is intoxicating! Be a part of the scene with the latest in fetish clothing and accessories. What about a rubber, front entry tom suit for him; or a crotchless leather basque for her? You are only limited by your courage and your imagination when it comes to dressing in leather, so let your inner sex god (or goddess) free and slip into something slippery. Cap d’Agde even has its own dedicated BDSM room where bondage, leather and rubber gear is obligatory!

Tea, Coffee, Me?

No-one ever tires of a French maid, but at Cap d’Agde you won’t have to cover up the naughty bits! Go as short and as flirty as you like; or why not just wear the apron? If being a maid doesn’t tickle your fancy how about a nurse or a touchy-feely teacher? The point is, any fantasy you can conjure up can become a reality in Cap d’Agde, and all your sauciest libertine dreams can come true.

Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise

We all know the importance of accessorising our outfits and this is no less relevant when on holiday at Cap d’Agde. What’s the point of dressing to impress in your bondage, S&M and rubber outfits if you don’t have the blindfolds, fantasy restraints, nipple jewellery, collars, masks and whips to go with them? Who knows, the more interesting accessories you parade, the more interesting new friends you may be likely to attract!

Every Day’s your Birthday

As one of the world’s premier clothing optional resorts, of course the de rigueur costume of choice by most people at Cap d’Agde is the birthday suit. The birthday suit comes in all shapes, sizes, ages and colours; and it is the one item in your wardrobe you’ll never have to iron and will always be your exact size – the perfect outfit for your hedonistic holiday to Cap d’Agde.

Jane Smith is the Product Director of EXcapes Holidays, a specialist provider of lifestyle holidays to Cap d’Agde and many other luxury lifestyle resorts worldwide. Our range of holidays is unmatched by any other British Tour Operator.

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Paris, also known as “The City of Light”, is one of the top tourist cities in the world, with over 30 million visitors every year. Having been a Paris shuttle driver for many years, it’s safe to say that I’ve got to know the city very well! I’ve written previously about visiting Paris on a shoestring budget – though the city is typically an expensive place to go, you can travel on relatively little if you plan carefully and know where to stay. But what if money is no object? Where do you go in Paris if you’ve got money to spend, and only the best will do? Fine restaurants, stunning hotels and fabulous spas are just the tip of the iceberg…

Restaurant – Pierre Gagnaire

French cuisine is justly world renowned, and Paris is liberally peppered with truly outstanding cafes, restaurants and patisseries; the larger and famous places in the main streets and the smaller, quieter eateries tucked away down the side streets. Asking a Parisian which restaurant is the best in the city is likely to ignite a fiery debate; everyone has a different opinion, but one name you’ll hear more often than the others is the Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant. Run by the legendary chef who has given his name to the establishment, this 3 Michelin Star restaurant offers up a feast of unusual flavours in truly stunning surroundings. The a la carte menu clocks in at a cool €300, but this is recognised as perhaps the finest restaurant in Paris…and one of the best in the world!

The Hotel – The Four Seasons George V

Whenever I pick up a customer for a Paris airport transfer and they are headed to the Four Seasons Hotel, I know they are in for a treat. Room prices can reach an eye-watering €1500 a night, but if you want to stay at the best hotel in town, this is the place for you – stunning décor, superb facilities and great service are the hallmarks of the Four Seasons chain, and this particular one has a premium location just off the Champs-Elysees. If you are looking for the most luxurious base imaginable for your holiday in Paris, you can’t beat a stay at the Four Seasons.

The Spa – The Ritz Health Club

The Four Seasons hotel is also home to one of the city’s finest spas, but judging from the reports of my Paris shuttle passengers, the spa over at the Ritz might just edge it out if you are looking for the finest pampering the city has to offer. Designed in a Greco-Roman style, the facilities are everything you’d expect from the Ritz – my passengers bring back reports of a spectacular array of treatments and high-tech facilities that need to be seen to be believed. Each of the top spas in Paris has its adherents, but I’ve heard the Ritz praised more highly than any of the rest.

There’s more to a holiday in this city than fine dining, grand hotels and luxurious spas, but take it from a Paris shuttle driver – these three places really do offer the last word in luxury, and are a great place to get started, so long as you can afford them!

Henri Barbusse is a driver of Paris shuttles for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.