What makes Bonne Anse Bay so special?

Probably a lot of things. Firstly the unique location. its a natural bay overlooking the Atlantic ocean set in a maritime pine forest . Set strategically between the tourist village of la Palmyre 800m on one side and the 20km of golden sands that form la Cote Sauvage 800m on the other, things don’t get much better than this!

Its a bit like Arcachon then?

Yes but much smaller and much less touristy. And the bay is actually moving all the time, being constantly shaped by the movement of the tides.

What about the forest

The 10000 acres of forest, which comprise the Forest of La Coubre provide the stunning backdrop to Bonne Anse Bay. Planted in the 19th century to stop the erosion of the sea this forest is quite unique in France and is undoubtedly the jewel of the region. It hides some buried villages from another time and blockhaus, the last remnants of the Second World War. Its now a protected forest, run by the ONF, office national des forets. Set against a relief of dunes, airy, clear and penetrated by shafts of sunlight, it is pleasant to explore the forest at any time of the year, either walking, riding by car but preferably by bike.

Why is the area so popular with cyclists?

There are a network of cycle tracks leading along the edge of the bay. You can either head out towards la cote sauvage or towards la Palmyre or inland towards Les Mathes You can explore the nearby beaches, the forest and neighbouring towns and villages. In fact you really don’t need a car once you have arrived.

Do you have to stick to the cycle tracks?

Technically yes, because if you fall off nobody will come and save you! But in practice thousands of people roam the criss cross of tracks which divide the forest up. This means, even in the height of summer you can find some peace and solitude,

Is there a lot of wildlife in the forest?

Yes a surprising amount, but you have to be canny to see them, There are wild boar, deer, roe deer, foxes, rabbits and hare, to name but a few. But you will have to spend some time observing to see any of this, unless of course you are lucky.

What kind of other sports can we do in the bay of Bonne Anse?

Bonne Anse bay is a natural reserve. Nature lovers will be able to do some bird watching as many different species live here, guided visits will allow you to discover this exceptional site. Because its sheltered from the Atlantic it’s particularly suited to sailing, windsurfing, sea kayak, the bay’s sailing club can hire all you need to practice these sports . Also very popular is kite surfing and several national kite surf events are held here through the summer.

Which kind of sports can we practice within a range of 10kms?

The real fans will have to deal with one problem: make a choice out of the huge offer: fishing, water skiing, , jet skiing, go-carting, horse riding, tennis, golf, , etc. La Cote Sauvage is renowned for its great surf, and you can enrol in one of the many surf clubs if you would like to try this sport or brush up on it.

Is there a special beach for nudists?

Yes, there is a section of La Cote Sauvage dedicated to Naturists, about 1km from the bay.

What else is there to see in the area?

Nearby you can visit the Zoo de la Palmyre, la Rochelle, the islands of Re and la Rochelle, Cognac and the vineyards of Bordeaux.

What is the distance to the nearest airport?

La Rochelle airport operates with Ryanair and is 80km from the bay. Bordeaux, 120km, operates with Air France, British Airways, and other operators flying from London, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester.

Where is La Palmyre?

It overlooks the bay of Bonne Anse. On the Atlantic Coast, between La Rochelle and Bordeaux, 16 km from Royan.

Whats new to the area?

There is a 9 hole golf course currently being developed on the edge of la Palmyre, overlooking the sea, due to be opened very soon.

Where is the nearest railway station?

Royan railway station is 16 kms from the bay., the TGV stops at La Rochelle, 80kms.

Probably one of the most well known French Museums in Paris is The Louvre, which is famous for the Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinchi and this place can take at least a day or more to get round to see all the exhibits and you need a pair of walking shoes for this one!  But the popular Musee d’Orsay situated in the former Paris railway station on the left bank of the River Seine picks up where The Louvre leaves off and features mainly French art.

The Palais de Tokyo is another popular museum especially with the younger generation and situated in an art-deco palace holding only temporary exhibitions, it is open until midnight and has become known as the most creative and fun museum in Paris.

But you can also get to visit a traditional home of one of the famous artists or authors, like the home of Victor Hugo who wrote The Hunchback of Notre dame, or seeing Honor Balzac’s house where he made it a place of refuge and it even had an escape hatch to get away from the debtors that he owed money to, which is now part of the Musee du Vin wine museum.

Or for a completely different scene, why not visit the Musée Cernuschi with its collection of Asian art, or the more modern Fondation Le Corbusier who became a pioneer in modern design and dedicated time to plans for providing better living conditions for people living in crowded cities.

There are lots of museums that are dedicated to famous artists and sculptors such as Musee Rodin and the Picasso Museum, but to step back in time and get a feel for how some of them lived and worked a visit to the Musee Bourdelle or the Gustave Moureau museum is well worth the time.

However, just in the city of Paris there are lots of museums dedicated to specific topics, such as the Musée des Egouts or Paris Sewers Museum, where you go beneath the city to discover their history and how they work, or you have the catacombs, which are again underground.

But keeping above ground, there are other museums in Paris dedicated to specific themes like the Musée de la Musique, dedicated to music and musical instruments that even has a Stradivarius violin and the Musee de la Poste, dedicated to the French Postal Service.  Or perhaps you have an interest in dolls, as the Musée de la Poupée is all about dolls and their history, plus they even do valuations and repairs to antique dolls and teddy bears.  The Musee du Vin is dedicated to the French past-time of wine and wine making and here you can even have wine tasting sessions and enjoy a meal in their restaurant.

Paris has such a wide variety of museums for all the family to enjoy like going inside a decommissioned submarine, visiting the air and space museum and going inside a Boeing 747 or Concorde or going up the tower at the Notre Dame Cathedral to see the gargoyles.

There is so much more on offer than just the traditional art scene and you could spend months just visiting museums, without even contemplating any other monuments and landmarks in Paris, which is another major part of the French History that this incredible city is so proud of.

Yet we would like to point out that all the museums are closed for at least one day of the week and this is usually on a Monday or Tuesday, for instance The Louvre is closed on a Tuesday and therefore other popular museums get exceedingly busy on this day.

Also at certain state run museums you can gain free entry on the first Sunday of every month, however, if you do decide to choose this option, be prepared for the large crowds and long queues, especially at some of the more well known and famous museums!  But one option for jumping the queues is to purchase a Paris Pass that gains you entry into more than sixty different museums and attractions.

But we have found that you really do need to plan in advance exactly where you wish to go, otherwise you will definitely run out of time, mind you, this could be a good excuse for returning to Paris on another holiday in France!

Most people see Tokyo and Paris or other more exotic points – but why not try something new and different? Boulogne, France is an unusual place that has several attractions that are both historic and artsy. There is incessantly something to see and do whether you are there for a romantic getaway or with the whole family.

As you travel around the streets of Boulogne you will be surrounded by the numerous smells of the restaurants that are around you. It will be difficult to resist trying the fabulous food that they provide so why not have breakfast at one of them? When you are finished you may want to see one of the most notable historical places that it holds – the Basilique Notre-Dame.

This is one of the smaller sized cathedrals when compared to the more brilliant and tremendous one that resides in Canada. But it is still very stunning and a wonder to behold. It was developed between 1827 and 1875 where the individuals found a crypt that had been underneath it for centuries without anyone’s knowledge.

Numerous think that this crypt was built around the time of 1544 during the battle of Boulogne that was carried out by Henry VIII of England. It is the longest crypt that you will be able to observe in France and has pleasant Romanesque columns that are considered to date back to the 11th century. Inside it likewise carries a chapel where the South American liberator – Jose de San Martin – was buried.

Another great place to visit is the Château Musée – which possesses numerous funerary items from Egypt and Greek pots. Also Boulogne, France has the all new aquarium Nausicaa and the Colonne de la Grande Armee. This is the spot where Napoleon resolved to invade Austria instead of Britain.

La Bastille: These fortifications sit on top of a mountain over looking the city. They are visible from all over Grenoble and are one of the most visited attractions in the city. At the top of Bastille Hill there are two restaurants where you can enjoy dining and admire the view of the city below you. Be sure to also visit the Mandrin Caves which were secret underground passes leading from the entrance of the fort to the second restaurant on the hill. It’s a great walk and will give you an idea of how the fortification worked.

Museum of Grenoble: The museum was founded in 1798 by Louis-Joseph Jay. The museum is now considered one of the finest in Europe with wonderful Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiques on display it is a great day out for all. When you visit, it’s like you will be taking a tour through history with paintings!

Palace of Parliament: Constructed between 1478 and 1539 it was the parliament of Dauphine until the French Revolution. Today the building is part of the Idere Council and there is an on going project of renovation to make it modern but trying to preserve its character from the 15th century.

Archaeological Museum of Saint Laurent: This museum has collections from the many archaeological excavations that were done on the site of Place Saint Laurent throughout the 3rd century A.D. The museum is actually a Benedictine church which was built in the 12th century, which was actually one of the first monuments classified in France.

As you can see skiing is not the only great thing to do when you stay in Grenoble, so why not consider picking up a hire car at Grenoble Airport and see what other wonderful things this great city has to offer!

This does not only apply to France of course; it could be in any country where the website owner is trying to reach a wider audience. You may have a combined English/French site to produce but this could easily be English/Spanish, Portuguese/Spanish or any other combination for that matter.

Also it does not necessarily follow that English will be the lead language e.g. you could be producing a French/English arrangement.

So now the question arises of how the site should be structured in order to be discovered by the search engines in a way that gives the site proper recognition and appropriate ranking so that it gets listed appropriately in search engine results.

There are a few general rules of thumb to adhere to:

try not to mix languages in side by side or above below translations
identify individual pages in the language they represent
use the metatag for language to tell the search engine what language is being presented
provide links from one language to the other that are easy to follow
for sites that are multiple language sites consider an entrance page as the ‘index’ page that offers all the available languages so that the visitor can decide which set of pages they would like to visit i.e. they select their language of choice

Expanding on the ‘linking from one language to another’ statement a little, there are a couple of options available. You could provide a link that takes the visitor from the page they are on to the replica page in the alternative language, or you could just take them to the ‘index’ page equivalent for the alternative language and let them navigate from there.

The latter is obviously easier and has some benefits in that it takes the visitor to the main welcome page for the site so that they get the site message before moving on to the detail.

But this may not always suit the visitor who may see it as an unnecessary click. This is really a judgment call and probably a decision that needs to made by the customer. Either approach works for multilingual sites as well, although the navigation is a little more complex.

There are a couple of preferred ways of approaching how the language pages are collected together. Folders can be created for the alternative languages or alternatively sub domains can be created for the alternative languages e.g. fr.mydomain.com

This general approach to bilingual or multilingual sites does mean that the web designer needs to be fastidious in his site updates and to ensure that all pages where required get updated appropriately in all languages.

With respect to Google there are assumptions that are made on a sites geographic location based on the domain name that is used, what server the site is located on and to an extent the language used. To ensure that the site is targeted to the correct geographic location you can use Google’s webmaster tools to define a location. But this feature does need to be used appropriately and this makes it worth searching their help files for information on how and when to do this.

So if you are planning a website design in France or any other country that is going to be bilingual or multilingual make sure that the design is being approached in the correct way.

Essentially, a western Europe cruise allows passengers to travel on a small riverboat or barge, up and down the canals and rivers of a specific country, or countries. It is a great opportunity to take in some sights that would otherwise have passed you by. Small villages are often on the itinerary sheet which gives passengers the chance to see how the residents truly live. Of course, the riverboats can also access many of the famous cities and towns where you can visit the major tourist attractions and activities on offer. Just imagine cruising along at a delicate pace and being able to admire castle ruins, ripening vineyards and stunning woodland scenery. Taking any of the river cruises in France really means experiencing the very best that this country has to offer.

Generally, there are two main ways to see the hidden treasures of France. Cruise companies will either offer a trip along the River Seine or along the Rhone and Saone Rivers. Whichever waterway you choose, you will encounter numerous idyllic landmarks and breathtaking scenery to escape into. It is sometimes possible to transfer from one option to the other if you fancy giving both waterways a go.

Many of the cruises can be tailored to certain themes. For example, you may enjoy cooking and some cruises have classes where you can brush up on your culinary skills. A family theme will have lots of activities on board for the children to enjoy and may have activities such as pony trekking and treasure hunts when the boat docks.

The cabins on board riverboats and barges are as luxurious as any large cruise liner. Some cabins may have a balcony or large French doors so you can enjoy the spectacular views as and when you wish. Many ships have facilities such as hairdressers, laundry services, steamrooms and gymnasiums. The dining areas are superbly kept and offer a great range of tasty food and drink.

River cruises in France offer a variety of duration, so no matter how long you have to relax, you can take advantage of many things that this beautiful country has to offer. Many companies that offer a western Europe cruise are flexible when it comes to the duration and itinerary of your trip and so you can be sure that you will find a break that suits your needs.

Sourcing and reserving river cruises in France is a straightforward and hassle free process and can usually be done on the internet or over the phone. It is paramount that you read all of the conditions and terms of service before making your booking as some companies may charge extra for items such as single supplements and internet access aboard the boat.

It is normally the case that when you start to book a western Europe cruise you will need to provide certain details to ensure your reservation is kept. This may include details such as how many people will be travelling and what you insurance details are. You may also wish to mention any special requirements you need at the time of making your booking.

If you are ready for a change in cruising experience and want to embark on an exciting adventure then river cruises in France are definitely worth a look. Who would pass up the opportunity to discover the hidden treasures and people of this interesting and passionate country?

However, if you are like many travelers who have discovered that the only way to see France is to live it, you’ll need to apply for a long-stay visa. Start saving up you money, however, as a long-stay visa doesn’t mean you’ll be allowed to work in France. But then again, while in France, who wants to work?

After starting a savings plan, set up an interview at one of the 10 U.S. based General Consulate of France offices closest to your home. They each share responsibility for a range of states and are located in New York NY, Atlanta GA, San Francisco CA, Houston TX, Boston MA, Chicago IL, Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, New Orleans LA, and Washington DC.

Did I mention you’d need to save up your pennies? The French government will want to know how many you’ve saved. You’ll have to submit at least the last 3-month’s worth of bank statements to prove your financial independence. You’ll also need to show that you have insurance to cover your medical expenses and have a background check done to prove you’re not some criminal looking to hide away in Paris.

Get your credit card out, as the $148.00 processing fee can only be paid by saying “Charge It!”  Start your application as soon as you know of your travel plans. Visas can take, on average, 2 months to be approved.  Check with the Consulate office near you to find out how soon you can expect to receive your long-stay visa to France and how much of backlog they have.

Pouvez-vous écrire en français? If not, then you’ll have to hire a translator to translate all your documents into French before sending them in.   

When you finally find yourself gazing up at the Eiffel Tower or passing under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll know that all that trouble you went to for your long stay visa was worth the effort.

The beautiful areas of southern France captivate and seduce travelers every year, and appeal to many who’ve yet to find the way over. However, trips to anywhere in Europe can be straining on the pocket book, especially in these difficult economic times.

What is a desperate traveler to do? First things first?investigate!

Take the time to find the best possible travel arrangements. On the web, sites such as South-of-France or France This Way are there to help with information on how and where to find the cheapest flights. Don’t rush into a ticket, and remember that commercial airlines may not necessarily have the best deals available.

But before you can find the best travel itinerary, do your research, and determine where it is you’d like to go. If visiting the south of France, try out these excellent locations as well as these affordable suggestions for building memories that will last you a lifetime.

Aquitaine

Follow its Atlantic coastline to the Spanish frontier and discover worlds of adventure. Visit medieval villages and castles, or spend all your time surfing or lounging on the beach, during the day. At night, take in authentic French restaurants and the fast-paced nightlife of Bordeaux and other major cities in the area.

Northern Languedoc

Take a stroll through the Gard department and visit some of the ruins of Rome. Explore the cosmopolitan town of Montpellier, or, if you’re a fan of French literature, check out Pezenas, a town that is a living shrine to the great writer Molieres. From Cathar castle country to the sea and mountains, this region continues a tradition common in the south of France?having something for everyone.

La Couvertoirade

One of the most beautiful villages in France, La Couvertoirade housed a chapter of the Knights Templar in the 13th Century. It boasts historical significance and natural beauty. While there, you may consider visiting the castle and its ramparts, which remain in good condition, despite hundreds of years having passed since its origin. In addition to this, there is the Saint-Christophe church, which dates back to the Knights of Saint John (14th century). If visited outside the peak of summer or early in the morning, a traveler can really get a sense of what this village was like ages ago. Highlight: a view from the watchtower gives travelers an excellent look at the community, and all its neighboring villages!

So pinpoint the south of France for your next destination. Do your research and planning. Use the tools that are available online, such as those discussed in this article, and a cheap holiday in France will be an adventure you’ll never forget!

The Loire Valley is also known as the Garden of France and has a wealth of places and attractions to visit, many sports and leisure opportunities on offer and some delicious food and drink (not forgetting the wine!) to sample during your stay.

There is a good choice of self catering accommodation in the Loire Valley, so it’s a great location for a holiday property rental. A rented holiday home also makes an ideal base for your holiday in France.

Not surprisingly, there are some beautiful and historic cities and towns and picturesque villages you will want to discover during your vacation in the Loire Valley. For example, you could visit Amboise, Blois, Chartres, Orleans, Saumur or Tours.

Amboise is an attractive town. While you are there, be sure to visit Chateau d’Amboise, take an enjoyable walk by the river or check out the market, which is held on Friday and Sunday mornings.

If you’re interested in chateaux, then you should also try to make time to visit the famous Château de Blois which is located in the city of Blois.

Meanwhile, the city of Chartres and its beautiful Gothic cathedral is popular with tourists. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Chartres itself makes a good day out.

The Loire Valley is also famous for its wine and it is the third largest wine region in France. What’s more, a great variety of wines are produced here. Whether you prefer red, white, rosé, sweet or sparkling, you will find them all here in the Loire Valley!

If you’re feeling energetic, you can tour this lovely area on two wheels. Why not hire a bike and discover this beautiful part of France? Or if you prefer to hike, you can also enjoy the sights on foot. The River Loire (France’s longest river) runs through here, so the Loire Valley is ideal for an activity holiday.

Other activities you can do in the area include kayaking, canoeing, fishing and golf. If you want to see the beauty of Loire Valley from the air, you can even take a hot-air balloon trip!

The Loire Valley is also good for a family holiday, as there are plenty of things for the children to see and do. You will no doubt see plenty of chateaux during your stay. Well, the kids (and adults, too!) can get the opportunity to see them on a smaller scale at Le Parc des Mini-Chateaux, which has a collection of miniature replicas of the famous Loire Valley chateaux. Other family-friendly attractions in this area include Loire Valley Aquarium, ZooParc de Beauval and more!

The Loire Valley is a great place to spend a great holiday, whatever your age and taste. Whether you’re interested in just spending some quality time relaxing or if you’re planning an activity holiday, you will have fun in this area of France!

There are so many Italian islands that will take your breathe away and some of the islands that you should not miss out on during your yacht vacation are Elba, Capri, Giannutri and Ischia. These islands are considered to be the secret gems of Italy and they are waiting to be discovered by visitors traveling in a cruise or a yacht. I am sure it is not unknown to you that this country is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Once you reach its land, you can walk down the brick streets and you can also visit the many historical sites that this nation has. Elba is the favorite of many cruisers and it has a perfect combination of coasts and deserts. What’s more, the sceneries are simply breathtaking. Thus, yacht charter in Italy is something that you can consider if you are thinking about visiting the country in the near future.

France is one other country that has plenty to offer to visitors and you can consider the French Riviera yacht charter when you are in the country. It is no wonder that some famous artists in the world choose to live in France! In fact, the French Mediterranean is an extremely popular yacht charter destination in the world. It has stunning landscape, sublime climate and there are so many beautiful places where you can stop your yacht and discover these locations. Some popular locations that you can go to are Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez. The charter season starts from the month April and it extends till the month of October. You will find the water to be soothing and the currents and tides are almost negligible. There are also many ports in the country so if you opt for yacht charter in France, you will not have to worry about stopping in just a few ports.

I am sure you know how popular the French Riviera is so make sure you do not miss the opportunity to explore what it has to offer. If you are looking for places that can offer you a peaceful atmosphere then be sure to visit Eze-sur-Mer, Villefranche, the Esterel Cliffs and Lerins Islands.

Irrespective of whether you wish to opt for luxury yacht charter Italy or/and France, you will have a great time in the water. If you have decided to visit France and Italy, you will find that there are many companies that will offer their services to you.