Most of us have by now, driven across Europe, and taken in the varied ways of life associated with our neighbours. France and Spain are probably amongst the most visited tourist destinations in Europe by English people, although the two countries are very different in culture and climate. France has a great culture, many chateaux, museums, and the diversity of the land is immense, from great mountainous regions such as the Massive Centrale, the Pyrenees to the south, and The Alps to the east, to the exotic mediterranean coast running from Menton on the Cote d'Azur to Perpignan near the Spanish border.
The southeast region known as Ardeche and also Provence have their own particular flavours. Mountainous regions with beautiful views, that can be very hot in July and August, yet freezing and sometimes snowy in winter.
The north of France is completely another way of life. The capital, Paris has it own particular beauty and is in fact an extremely large, busy and sophisticated city. Many Parisians, and Brits take a holiday on the nearest coast, which is Normandy and Brittany. The countryside is a lot less interesting in the north of France and the climate always seems to be much colder than the south. There are however many popular holiday towns along this north coast, St. Malo, and Deauville to name just a few. There are many fine restaurants, often cooking with the local produce, mussells, crab, fish, and the resorts have a very relaxed and quaint feel, like Cornwall, but of course with a French flavour.
Travelling to France from England is very convenient, as there are several ships to and from Le Havre, Cherbourg, St. Mal and Dieppe. The costs are comparitively very reasonable, as the prices are usually the same as or less than the boat from Dover to Calais which takes around ninety minutes\an hour and a half. Although the Normandy and Brittany boats take four to eight hours and save a considerable amount of driving. Whilst mentioning ferry crossings, it should also be noted that a ship from Portsmouth sails the length of France and arrives just over the border in Santander. This is an overnight sailing, but can be useful for those who are holidaying in Bayonne as it will save a long drive and the expense of finding an overnight stay.
It must not go without mentioning the beautiful south west area of France called the Perigord. Over the years many British people have come to settle in this region, as they respect the culture and take pleasure in all that the department has to offer, which also includes long hot summers. Cepes (wild mushrooms) and Foie Gras are the regional specialities, and there are a lot of excellent restaurants serving an excellent selection of the highest quality cuisine. Although most of the area is agricultural, there are still numerous wild birds and animals that roam and fly across its land, buzzards, hawks, deer, and sometimes wild boar. Visit our Travel Center to plan your next vacation.
The southeast region known as Ardeche and also Provence have their own particular flavours. Mountainous regions with beautiful views, that can be very hot in July and August, yet freezing and sometimes snowy in winter.
The north of France is completely another way of life. The capital, Paris has it own particular beauty and is in fact an extremely large, busy and sophisticated city. Many Parisians, and Brits take a holiday on the nearest coast, which is Normandy and Brittany. The countryside is a lot less interesting in the north of France and the climate always seems to be much colder than the south. There are however many popular holiday towns along this north coast, St. Malo, and Deauville to name just a few. There are many fine restaurants, often cooking with the local produce, mussells, crab, fish, and the resorts have a very relaxed and quaint feel, like Cornwall, but of course with a French flavour.
Travelling to France from England is very convenient, as there are several ships to and from Le Havre, Cherbourg, St. Mal and Dieppe. The costs are comparitively very reasonable, as the prices are usually the same as or less than the boat from Dover to Calais which takes around ninety minutes\an hour and a half. Although the Normandy and Brittany boats take four to eight hours and save a considerable amount of driving. Whilst mentioning ferry crossings, it should also be noted that a ship from Portsmouth sails the length of France and arrives just over the border in Santander. This is an overnight sailing, but can be useful for those who are holidaying in Bayonne as it will save a long drive and the expense of finding an overnight stay.
It must not go without mentioning the beautiful south west area of France called the Perigord. Over the years many British people have come to settle in this region, as they respect the culture and take pleasure in all that the department has to offer, which also includes long hot summers. Cepes (wild mushrooms) and Foie Gras are the regional specialities, and there are a lot of excellent restaurants serving an excellent selection of the highest quality cuisine. Although most of the area is agricultural, there are still numerous wild birds and animals that roam and fly across its land, buzzards, hawks, deer, and sometimes wild boar. Visit our Travel Center to plan your next vacation.
