Employment Law In France - Vive La Difference!

The Law for Employment, followed in France is different! It is unique in its own manner. An ideal law, found nowhere else in this world. This is just a synopsis on what is all the hue about.

You are fired! These three words are not to be made common according to this law. This means that, the circumstances and the boundary line for throwing out an employee are more restricted. Employment law in France is not out of their wish, not as one opts for. The reasons for the employee being thrown out ought to be brought to his or her notice.

On an over view, the law implies that, firing or dismissing an employee is a formal practice and is no melodrama! There a certain set of very complex procedures and rules to be followed, to sack the person.

Apart from dismissing the employee, the second eye catching regulation that makes the Law for Employment in France, ideal from other countries is lay offs. These lay offs are also known as redundancies. Considering the constraints of the regime's economy, lay offs also has a set of convoluted restraints and principles to be followed. These are provided exclusively for the effect of lay offs in mass in particular.

A peculiar fact in this Labor Law of France is their processing towards legitimacy, in which, the entity of France, should be financially in debt, to justify their actions in firing one of the staffs or rendering them superfluous. Due to this, as such, certain agencies of the State of France have the authority to get the info on the laying off of any of the faculty members of private sector units.

This methodology or the tradition followed, is beneficial in one way, and secures the state as well, by the fact that the organizations that want to process the laying off of the staffs, have to rely on other agencies that are run independently. In this way, it also paves the way for a second opportunity for them.

A not so expensive and not very difficult task for an employee is, starting a law suit in opposition to her or her previous employer. The courts file their complaint and the judges are elected by the employees or the employer, themselves. The courts that deal with relationships between the labourers and their employers is called Conseils de Prud'homme. As compared to the United States, where you become a pauper if you file a law suit, France legitimacy is more acceptable and reasonable.

In France it is a rare sight for dismissing claims without the employer being awarded in opposition to him or her. This is so unlike the law followed in US. These kinds of claims are generally made on consideration of each case.

Supermarkets in France

There are some 30 large chains of supermarket in France, from the budget to the bijoux, there is something for everyone's taste and pocket.

Most are one stop shops, but, especially at the cheaper end, it's the brand name and fresh produce items that you might have to shop around for.

From Aldi and Netto at one end to Geant at the other, there is every conceivable type of good for sale, it's just perhaps at the budget end you might not be offered the choice of 20 breakfast cereal, just five, but of course this is the point of shopping around to find what best suits you.

Generally most small towns will be served by at least one of the chains, but in reality it is more likely to be a number far higher than this, with many grouped on a trading estate on the outskirts of town.

These are great places to pull up in and do the weekly shop, parking is usually free in these estates as there is not such a premium on space however in cities what with given space restrictions it is likely a fee will be charged and you will generally be limited to that operator's store.

It is not just French brands that are trading, Sainsbury's and Tesco have now got a toehold in Calais, but mostly catering to visiting Brits seeking to stock up on liquid refreshment before hopping back over the English Channel. But it is a start.

Many chains also offer some form of loyalty card scheme, so it can pay off if you are likely to be traveling around the country for some time to investigate this as an option.

It's just a question of taste and in France all tastes are served.

Football in France

France is a beautiful country famous for its world renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Musée du Louvre, and Notre Dame de Paris. However, aside from these famous places, France is also home to the most prestigious sports events in the world such as Tour de France, Six Nations Rugby, Andros Trophy, French Open, and much more. With these sports events, it is only expected that various sports can also be observed in France. Some of the popular sport in France, rugby, cycling and football of course.

Football in France can be traced back to the beginning of 1872 as well. The sport was introduced Havre in France by British sailors in the port of Le. Over the years, France has one of the best countries in 1998, when it comes to football. History of France in the world of football, July 12, the day defeated Brazil 3-0 with a goal and won the girls championship. Inaddition, France also achieved two other European Championships. Also, in 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, United States, France won the gold for football, which gave major boost to the country.

In addition, France is also home to various foot ball clubs such as AJ Auxerre, AS Monaco FC, Marseille, and Lyon. There are also famous football players that came from France like Patrick Viera, Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram. The domestic football league in France is called the Ligue de Football Professionnel. At present, football is the most watched sport among all French people.

Get Mediterranean Cruise Packages to France, Spain, Greece and Monte Carlo

France

A French Mediterranean cruise itinerary will generally be determined by one's choice of cruise line since France has so many ports of call. One of themost popular ports of call is the second largest city -- Marseille. Considered to be the largest port of the entire Mediterranean Sea, Marseille is the departure point for many visits to the Provence region of the country. It is also one of the starting off points towards the French Riviera such as Nice or Cannes. Cruisers will have the option to do some shopping activities at any of the high fashion boutiques, take a visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame or Aix, or even walk along the famously relaxing beaches of Cannes.

Greece

People can also take any of the numerous cruises that come from Athens and sail around the Greek Isles and the Mediterranean Sea. They are a great opportunity to enjoy all of the awesome natural beauty and exciting nightlife of the Greek Islands.

Barcelona

Barcelona cruises are another one of the more popular options. In point of fact, more than a million travelers a year will take this route due to the city's amazing shopping, food, nightlife, and famous architecture. A lot of people agree that Barcelona in Spain is one of the best departure ports.

Monte Carlo

Situated between the mountainous Alps and the Mediterranean, a cruise from Monte Carlo can be another great option. It is where one can find the stunning Cote d'Azur, which is adorned by yachts and luxurious beach houses by the rich and famous people of the French Riviera.

Affordable Shopping In Paris France

Feeling the Paris pinch? Take a stroll down the rue Saint-Placide in the heart of the tres cher 6th arrondissiment. At the end of the road, you'll find one of Paris's most famous department stores, Le Bon Marché, and foodie's paradise, Le Grand Epicerie. But on your way to splash the cash, you can check out a street that's a treat for bargain hunters.

No. 58 La Generale de Pharmacie sells many French cosmetics and beauty products at 40% cheaper than a normal drugstore. Look for Roche Posay, a French brand for sensitive skins -- easily as good as Clinique and 1/3 price. Stock up.

At no. 45 is a clandestine chausseure operation, depicted above, going by the name of Moda. The exterior windows are stacked high with shoe boxes; the owner does not want any publicity because they have an agreement with the big names to keep schtum about their wares. Inside, you'll find cute and colorful Marc Jacobs, Cacharel, Chloe loafers, and sexy Viktor and Rolf high heels. They also have men's shoes, including Prada sneakers and good-quality formalwear shoes. All this at 50-60% less than normal price.

At no. 35, Pullsion sells cut-price classic French brand Petit Bateau, a brand for kids but worn by everyone from French teenagers to grandmothers, priced from EUR9 euros -- a fraction of the cost at the shop on the Champs Elysées.

The Latin Quarter adopted its name from the early Latin speaking students that lived there and has been inhabited since the early Middle Ages. You will generally find artists, intellectuals, and others who have adopted a Bohemian lifestyle. This area include various Paris landmarks like the Musée de Cluny, the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Muséum National d'histoire Naturelle, and the Jardin des Plantes. At the heart of Latin Quarter, as its symbol, stands famous University La Sorbonne . It's a vibrant neighborhood with both historical buildings and fine shops. At night, enjoy the smoky pubs and jazz clubs.

This quarter has a vast array of stores that are beautiful and with a good quality at a price that fits on our budget.

Directory of Flea & Antique Markets

Marché d'Aligre
Address: Place d'Aligre, 75012 Paris
One of the city's most interesting markets, made up of the covered Marché Beauvau (open since 1777) and an open-air market in the surrounding square with produce as well as flea-market stalls. Aligre is both well supplied and typically Parisian. It's a great place to get an insight into life in the capital, and shows off its cosmopolitan side with numerous Asian and North African shops located around the market. Don't get there too late, or you'll find all the good things have gone.
Hours: Tues. - Sat., 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.; Sun., 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ledru Rollin (line 8)

Marché aux Puces de Montreuil
Address: avenue de la Porte de Montreuil, 75020 Paris / 93100 Montreuil-sous-Bois
Like one vast car boot sale, this market disgorges mountains of second-hand clothing, parts for cars, showers and sundry machines, and a jumble of miscellaneous rubbish from its dusty, grungy bowels. You'll find little pre-1900, but there are fun collectables like branded pastis water jugs.
Hours: Sat. - Mon., 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Porte de Montreuil (line 9)

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves
Addresses: avenue Georges Lafenestre & avenue Marc Sangnier, 75014 Paris
Phone: (+33) 06.88.64.82.77; E-mail: pucesdevanves@free.fr
Every weekend of the year, 350 stall holders await you: furniture, trinkets, paintings, fabric, glassware, time pieces, jewelry, military objects, photography, music, and curios. In the heart of Paris, an exciting place that will capture your imagination. It's the place to visit for flea market enthusiasts.
Hours: Weekends; avenue Marc Sangnier until 1 p.m.; avenue Georges Lafenestre all day.
Porte de Vanves (line 13)

Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
Address: 48, rue Jules Vallès (Marché des Antiquaires), 93400 Saint-Ouen
(between the Porte de St-Ouen and Porte de Clignancourt, just outside 18th arrondissement)
The world's biggest flea market welcomes 200,000 visitors each weekend. You name it, this place has it: furniture, pictures, new and second-hand clothes - all at rock-bottom prices (especially if you're adept at haggling). There's a jovial fairground atmosphere, with the aroma of food wafting in the air and people crowding round the stalls, hoping to pick up a 1970s leather jacket or rare Louis XV chest of drawers. Make sure to bring cash, as stallholders seldom accept credit cards and the nearest available ATM always has a line.
Hours: Sat. - Mon., 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Porte de Clignancourt (line 4), Porte de St-Ouen (line 13)

Paris, France - Arc De Triomphe - Triumphal Arch

The Arc de Triomphe stands majestically in the centre of the Etoile, a large roundabout designed by Baron Haussmann, from which 12 avenues, including the Champs-Elysees, emanate. It is celebrated as one of the greatest - if not the greatest - triumphal arches in the world.

The arch was commissioned by Napoleon to commemorate his victorious battles. He had already built an arch at the place du Carrousel, but was disappointed with its final size and went on to supercede it with the much larger and grander Arc de Triomphe. Work on the 50m (164-foot) tall structure began in 1806, but was not completed until 30 years later under Louis-Phillippe, largely because of Napoleon's defeat and fall from power. Fittingly, his funeral procession passed under the arch on its way to its final resting place at Les Invalides.

Today, the arch remains a symbol of pride and regularly hosts national commemorations. On May 8 each year it plays a central role in the VE Day celebrations; on July 14 it hosts an event to mark Bastille Day; and Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerliltz in 1805 is marked at the foot of the arch on December 2. Beneath the arch is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a victim of World War I, who was buried on November 11 1920, and where Remembrance Day events are held every year. A Memorial Flame above the tomb is lit at 6:30pm every day.

The arch is lavishly adorned with sculptures by Jean-Pierre Cortot, Antoine Etex and Francois Rude. Among them is Rude's famous liberty sculpture, La Marseillaise. Above the sculptures is a frieze depicting Napoleon's troops leaving for battle and their victorious return, along with 30 shields, each of which bears the name of a revolutionary or Imperial victory. Cortot's relief depicts the Treaty of Vienna peace agreement of 1810, while others portray Battle of Aboukir by Seurre the Elder and the Battle of Austerlitz by Gechter. General Marceau's funeral is shown above the entrance to the arch's museum.

Crowning the Arc de Triomphe is a viewing platform from where you can see Haussmann's design of 12 avenues and the world-renowned axis, or line of vision, known as the Axe Historique. This runs from the Grande Arche at La Defense to the Arc de Triomphe, along the Champs-Elysees to the obelisk in the centre of the place de la Concorde, and on to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Musee du Louvre. Placed in a perfect straight line, they constitute a grand panorama.

Inside the arch is a museum that tells the fascinating history of the structure, and details of Napoleon's victories. If you feel energetic enough, you can walk up the 184 steps to the viewing platform.

Cassis France - A Jewel on the Mediterranean

Cassis is a charming little fishing village in the south of France, near Marseille. If you'd like to spend some time on the Riviera but want something a little more down to earth, come to Cassis. You won't be disappointed!

A stroll through this picture-postcard village will reward with the sight of some beautiful buildings, many of which have been restored. Old fountains are the centerpiece of the squares, adding a graceful look and a cool sound to the surrounding activities. Many of the Cassis houses are painted in pastel colours which adds to the local charm.

Cassis is famous for its white wine. The blanc de blanc complements the fresh local seafood, or try the local rosé. This should not be confused with the blackcurrant brandy of the same name!

What to do in Cassis
Cassis has a regular open-air artists' market which is delightful to wander around. Paintings make great gifts and affordable souvenirs of time spent here.

The prettiest part of Cassis is the old harbor and a gentle stroll in the sunshine is the best way to enjoy this historic district. Sitting in one of the harbourside cafes is also alot of fun, especially when the local fisherman bring in their fresh catch of the day.

There are plenty of local boats called 'pointus' with their traditional bow posts. These boats advertise trips to the nearby Calanques, or cliffs, famous for their Cassis stone quarries. Rock climbers also like to be dropped at the foot of the calanques for a challenging climb.

Pick up a walking route map from the local Office de Tourisme and take one of the scenic walks around the area, or amble down to the lovely sandy beaches. The Plage de la Grande Mer is just beyond the port, or try the Plage du Corton and the Plage de l'Arène nearby. Some beaches to the west of the port are popular nudist beaches.

Wednesday is market day in Cassis, a great opportunity to buy some local produce or flowers. Cassis is also a great place to dine at one of the terrace cafés and restaurants. Away from the port there are several bistros full of local character serving excellent fixed price lunches.

Cassis is a delightful village to head for if you are staying in the region. Enjoy the laid back lifestyle and the sunny climate whatever you choose to do here.

France Got Game

September 25, 2000: The French national basketball team was in its final game in the Group "A" preliminary round of 2000 Sydney Olympics Basketball Tournament. France was sporting a 2-2 record, besting both China and New Zealand but losing to both Lithuania and Italy. And as luck would have it, though in a bad way, they were going up against the mighty Team USA, led by the likes of NBA superstars Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Gary Payton and Ray Allen, who were carrying a perfect 4-0 record after obliterating their opponents. It was really a foregone conclusion that France would be their fifth victim in their quest for another basketball gold medal.

But it would only get worse. With just 16 minutes to go in the second half of what would be a 106-94 thumping of France, Team USA's Vince Carter, who just won the 2000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest seven months ago, stole a pass from almost the midcourt line. Going for a sure rim-rattling dunk, he was confronted by Frédéric Weis, a gangly, 7'2" Frenchman trying to hopelessly draw an offensive foul just a few feet from the basket. Carter dribbled once and leapt. He amazingly leapfrogged over Weis, scraping the Frenchman's head for balance, and viciously slammed the ball for two points. The whole Sydney SuperDome shook in awe. And though they eventually got the silver medal in the tournament, France was unabashedly posterized for the whole world to see.

But notwithstanding this unpleasant moment for the French flag, things stared to look up for basketball in France. It began with the 2001 NBA drafting of sensational point guard Tony Parker by the San Antonio Spurs, who then won a string of championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Parker was also adjudged the Finals MVP in 2007, wiping off the sour taste of that Weis debacle and paving the way for the NBA to fully recognize the wealth of talent coming in from France.

Boris Diaw of the Charlotte Bobcats, whose versatility was showcased while playing for the Phoenix Suns from 2005-2008; Ronny Turiaf of the Golden State Warriors, who took part in the 2008 NBA Finals playing for the Los Angeles Lakers; Mickaël Piétrus of the Orlando Magic, who helped the Magic reach the 2009 Finals; and Joachim Noah of the Chicago Bulls, who was instrumental in the Bulls' tough stand against the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2009 Playoffs, are some of the notable players that elevated the French flag in terms of playing in the NBA. Not to be forgotten, though, Tariq Abdul-Wahad, born Olivier Michael Saint-Jean, was the first French-born player to ever play in the NBA, suiting up for the Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks from 1997-2005.

So, in surmising these players, it can be truly said that not only with their sheer talent but also with the passion they bring to the game, they are worthy enough of playing basketball at the highest possible level. And even with that "le dunk de la mort" almost a decade ago, France clearly got some serious game.

Holidays in France Will Provide Memorable Experiences

Choosing to take your holidays in France is a wonderful opportunity and an adventure filled with memories sure to last a lifetime. When choosing where to spend a holiday, there are many places that offer exciting tour destinations, great cuisine, and wonderful history.

The top of the list of places to go for many people includes France as a destination. Read on to discover why you should consider going there for your next vacation to discover all of the wonderful things this incredible destination has to offer.

Many who have taken holidays in France are thrilled with everything the trip has to offer: from the indisputable local food all over the country, to the incredibly rich and detailed history that pervades the whole country. There are countless wonderful ways to pass the time, from enjoying tours of historical sites, to experiencing local foods no matter where you are located. Several of the best known sites in the capital city, Paris, are the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. While you are at it, why not stop in a le Louvre and see the actual Mona Lisa?

When spending time in France, it is also important to spend some time in the world-renowned countryside. No trip is complete without spending time in France's famous cities, but the country has something special to offer even the most seasoned traveler. There are incredible, ancient homes and even castles that one can rent overnight or for months at a time. Spending time living in the French countryside is an experience that is hard to describe, but it is certainly something that you will want to experience when you travel there, even if only for a few days.

One of the undisputed delights of traveling in France is the incredible array of culinary delights that await you, no matter which part of the country you settle into. In this country food is taken very seriously, which means that you, as a guest, will undoubtedly be treated to the best of what they have to offer. From fresh baked breads and pastries to local wines and champagnes, there will certainly be an endless variety of foods to please you.

Overall, there are many things that make taking holidays in France an excellent idea. From the incredible history that the country has, to all of the wonderful tourist sites it offers, it is an amazing place to visit. The food is beyond wonderful, and the people themselves are warm, hospitable, and very proud to share all that they have to offer. So choose France as your next travel destination. You will be glad that you did.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit France

With over 80 million tourists a year, France is the most visited country in the world. Here are the top five reasons why people from all over the world visit France - the very same reasons you should be planning your own French holidays, too.

1. The Most Romantic Place on Earth

France arguably has more romantic spots than anywhere else in the world. These include stunning gardens such as the world-famous gardens of Versailles, where kings and queens once walked, the gardens of Latour-Marliac in Giverny, which provided the inspiration for one of Claude Monet's most famous paintings and the Loire Valley, which, with all its golden sunflowers, is a huge garden in itself - all of which are perfect places for a stroll with your loved one. There are also many fairy tale castles for you to tour, such as the Chateau de Chambord, Cheverny Castle and Fontainebleau Castle and you can even spend the night in one if you like.

Of course, you should also spend some time in Paris when you visit France on a romantic getaway. After all, the city is synonymous with romance. Savor the breathtaking views from the top of the Eiffel Tower, walk hand in hand along the Seine - while stealing a French kiss or two, or simply sit side by side in a small cafe and watch the city go by.

2. Gourmet Dining

It is a well-known fact that French cuisine is one of the world's most popular cuisines, as well as one of the most refined. True, you can easily find a French restaurant in many corners of the world, but nothing still compares to eating fois gras, coq au vin, ratatouille, bouillabaisse, souffle, eclairs or ganache in one of the best restaurants in France. For a truly gourmet dining experience, reserve a table at one of the country's Michelin three-starred restaurants, like Guy Savoy, Le Meurice or Plaza Athenee.

Be sure to order wine with your meal, since France also produces the best wines - whether red, white, or sparkling wines. You can also visit various wine estates and cellars during your French holidays in the regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne so you can see how wines are made while treating your tastebuds to a wine-tasting escapade. And if you like cognac, you should try it at the town where it originated.

3. World-Class Art Museums

France is home to the Louvre, the world's most famous museum, which, in turn, is home to over 30,000 priceless works of art. Its collection of paintings is the most impressive, containing masterpieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio and Rembrandt, although it also has various sculptures and artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece. Aside from the Louvre, you should also drop by the Musee d'Orsay, which houses Monet and Renoir masterpieces among others, as well as the Musée National d'Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou, when you visit France. You can view exceptional works of art at the Palace of Versailles, too, and in many galleries outside Paris such as the Musee d'Unterlinden in Colmar.

4. Shopping

For the ultimate shopping experience, you should definitely come visit France. You will find many fashionable shops on the streets of Paris, particularly world-famous boutiques selling the best and latest in shoes, bags and clothes and fashion accessories. The specialty food shops are just as popular, such as the pastry and cheese shops, although you won't be able to bring these home as souvenirs. For more unique finds and better bargains, don't be afraid to try the Saint Ouen Flea Market and other flea markets in Paris and other cities, though you should be mindful to come early and be on guard against pickpockets.

5. Beautiful Beaches

Many tourists visit France for its beaches, and why not, when its beaches offer fine sands, sparkling Mediterranean waters, spectacular scenery and great facilities? Most of the fine beaches in France can be found on the Cote d'Azur or the French Riviera, particularly near the cities of Cannes and Nice, such as the St. Tropez Beach and the Villefranche sur Mer, although you can also find great beaches on the coasts of Brittany and Normandy, as well as on the Atlantic coast, like Biarritz.

Birth Of Christianity In France Was A Love Story

Do not believe that events which upset History must always begin with serious causes.

More than one king fought the war because he fell in love with some lady or conquered an country because he loved a woman who was living there.

A woman is hidden behind each great character. Women are constantly present in the History: they made the kings, offered their crown to them or made them lose it. They encouraged kings to conquer countries, destroy cities, build castles, appreciate artists...

During the Vth century, France was still a Barbarian country. The worship of several Gods was its people religion at that time. Christianity had not joined us yet.

In the year 492, Clovis was King of the Franks and only 25 years old and was looking for his second wife - his first wife was a Scandinavian princess. His emissaries were seeking through Europe the most beautiful woman.

In these times, an important character did not that kind of task by himself.

The beauty of a person being a personal appreciation, we wonder whether if indeed Clotilde was beautiful, but the continuation of the story will prove that the King of Barbarians fell in love with her.

Clovis emissaries found "the most beautiful woman in the world": Clotilde - Chilperic's daughter (King of Burgundy) which reigned in Lyon before being assassinated by his brother. Clotilde was 18 years old and lived in her uncle Gondebaud's castle when she was distinguished by the emissaries. Clovis charged his friend Aurelius to obtain Clotilde and Gondebaud's assent. Clotilde accepted immediately. Gondebaud was shocked but did not refuse.

Thus Clotilde and the objects constituting her dowry went away towards Clotilde's fiance.

The run wasn't calm: Gondebaud having meanwhile changed his opinion, he wanted his niece returns and the poor one, to escape to him, had to give up her dowry, jump on a horse and leave the limits of Burgundy.

Once arrived in the city of Senlis she married Clovis who, apparently, did not like to wait.

Clotilde, helped by Saint-Remi, wanted to convert Clovis to Christianity. He adored the Barbarian Gods. Disavowing his fathers Gods was a great risk for him and his authority.

Indeed, Barbarians were descendants of the Gods and to convert to Christianity was deprive himself of his right to reign. However, Clotilde obtained that their first child, Ingomir, received the baptism.

Unfortunately, the baby died a few days later and Clovis blamed it on the Christian religion. Their second child was called Chlodomer and baptized according to the Christian rite too.

Clovis agreed to convert and in Christmas day of the year 496, he accepted the baptism in Rheims. This conversion had very important consequences in the Gallic policy. Clovis was recognized as chief by millions of Catholic in Gaule.

Thus was born the dynasty from "the Catholic Kings". And it is thanks to Clotilde, a woman. Without the love Clovis had for her, he never had converted.

After the conquest of the Visigoths, Clovis and Clotilde settled in Paris and made their capital of this town.

Clovis died november 27th in the year 511 and Clotilde retired in Tours at the time of her widowhood. She died in the year 545.

France - Region Centre - Val De Loire

Despite named Centre, this region is not geographically in the centre of France. The name was chosen by the French government, but has been criticized as being dull and non-descript. There are suggestions to change the name to Val de Loire (Valley of the Loire) to provide it with a more romantic feel.

It comprises of six departments, Cher, Eure-et-Loir, Indre, Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher and Loiret. Its capital is Orleans despite Tours being the largest city in the region.

It is the ninth most populated region of France with some 2.5 million residents. Spread over the wide area of the six departments it contains, the countryside is certainly not hampered by habitations and towns.

Property prices are generally lower than the national average, so a new lifestyle in a beautiful historic setting can be attained very easily. Many properties are built of the local stone and the architecture is quite different to other regions of France. Typically medium-steep slate roofs, stone built with a chaux render and corner blocks, houses here are charming and quaint.

As with most other regions of France, transportation in the area is excellent. With several motorways cris-crossing the region, travel is simple and quick. Tours has a small international airport making trips to the UK or elsewhere easy.

Rich with history and very popular with the old royal families of France, it is quite bizarre that it hasn't been the major attraction that some other regions of France have been for immigrants. However, this region still provides many lower priced properties in comparison with the more popular areas and offers no less in the way of countryside, lifestyle, wines and cheeses. And of course, being a maximum of 4 hours away from Paris, the advantages are numerous.

Indeed, the region contains more chateaux per square kilometer than any other region of France. For history lovers, there is no better place to move to. The chateau in Loches where Joan of Arc made her plea to Charles VII to claim the French throne; Amboise near Tours where the great Leonardo Da Vinci lived out his final days with complete support of the king; the magnificent chateaux of Chenonceau and the largest chateau in France, Chambord. These are just a few of the many historical highlights the region has been host to.

It is difficult to describe the climate as the region is so large, but suffice to say, there are areas of the region that rarely ever see snow when the remainder of France is covered with it and the summers are warm and friendly.

Eurostar Deals to Avignon, France

€ Star offers direct trains from London to Avignon

This article is one of the best deals of more than € Star for Avignon France, the United Kingdom is a direct bus service from London. Now it is much easier to achieve high-speed train Avignon € star under the English Channel. Between July and September, the train departs London St Pancras and not stop until you reach Avignon, with an average journey time of six hours. In eachother time of the year, you can simply change at Paris and travel onwards to Avignon with the normal French TGV service.

Avignon Station

Avignon TGV Station, where the eurostar 'lands' is just on the outskirts of town, under two miles away to the south. The best way to get into town is probably on the shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes but you could also walk, catch a taxi or hire a rental car from the station.

Why choose Avignon for Eurostar Deals?

Avignon is a medieval city in central southern France, and one of the most delightfully located cities in Europe, standing over the River Rhone and surrounded by huge rocky cliffs and outcrops. The geography is really quite stunning and there's also plenty of history with Avignon being a medieval city which was once the seat of the Roman Catholic Pope. Yes, Pope Clement V (1305-1314), who was a friend of the French King, at a difficult time for the roman papacy was selected by Roman cardinals and crowned in France. He then proceeded to relocate the entire papal court to Avignon. At that time Avignon was actually outside of the official French borders and technically part of the papal territory but the regime was close enough for the French influence to build its strength and the papacy remained in Avignon for almost seventy years.

The famous bridge and the festival

Avignon Festival

With the direct eurostar deals available, the summer and early autumn months are the perfect time visit Avignon, especially in July. Every year in July Avignon is home to a great theatre festival called "Festival IN" and a sprawling fringe festival event called the "Festival Off". Founded in 1947 by Jean Vilar, the Avignon Festival is the oldest continuing arts festival in France and has become one of the world's greatest. There are traditional theatre performances and also dance, music, and cinema. Some of the events and performances make good use of the town's historical monuments to provide powerful stages and settings and every summer approximately 100,000 people attend.

Sur le pont d'Avignon

"Sur le pont d'Avignon" is a well known nursery rhyme in the UK, stemming from a French song about the old bridge at Avignon - le Pont d'Avignon, a bridge that dates back to the 15th century. "Sur le pont d'Avignon L'on y danse, l'on y danse..." the origins of which are lost in folklore but this is the main way in which many people will have first heard of this city and it creates a peculiar sort of curiosity to see the bridge and visit Avignon, the place from the song.

The future for eurostar deals to France

In 2010 the monopoly on the London to Paris route is due to be broken, with Europe's high-speed rail network open to competing operators which means that other train companies can provide alternative services to the current eurostar deals. There is even speculation that Air France might run a rail service from London St Pancras to Charles de Gaule Airport, near Paris for onward international flights in an attempt to lure customers from London's troubled Heathrow terminals.

Conclusion

Eurostar is set to become ever more popular as trends away from short haul air transport continue and the new through destination deals will only add to UK based travellers opportunity. Paris and Brussels will no doubt remain the most popular short hops but places like Avignon, Orleans, Berlin, Biarritz and Amsterdam will also become known as places you can get to relatively easily by train with Eurostar deals from London.

Staying In France Le Mont St Michael

France is a wonderful country to visit with every single region having its own distinct look and feel and I think only Italy in Europe can come close to France for the wonderful cuisine. Again the food in France differs from town to town with each centre seemingly having its own speciality dish, this washed down with some of the best and most affordable wine in the world makes for a truly great experience.

The French prize themselves quite rightly on their Food and wine for his humble rarely somewhere at a very good Tobacco to find the Michelin restaurant.

I once visited France and traveled very extensively by many, but I will highlight the occasion, the only place I visited in a row.

Located on the border between Normandy and Brittany is the town of Le Mont St Michael. This is almost like a fairy-tale castle is a walled city, sitting on a huge rock in the middle of anatural harbour and only accessible by a permanent causeway. At high tide it is almost completely cut off from the mainland with surrounding country flat and low lying Le Mont St Michael can be seen from miles inland. I'm a keen cyclist so highly recommend staying within 10 km of Mont st Michael and riding to it the land is quite flat but very rural and scenic and the views as you close in on Le Mont St Michael is truly amazing.

The Border region between Normandy and Brittany is famed for its apples and many local delicacies are made from Apples such as Normandy Calvados, Cider and the wonderful Tarte de Normandy a delicious pastry filled with a set custard and Apple slices all laced with Calvados. The surrounding region is about an hours drive from the port of Cherbourg, Normandy or half an hour's drive from the Port of St Malo, Brittany. Faeries run regularly from Poole in Dorset to either of these ports, If your thinking of going I can recommend the night faerie to Cherbourg with a very comfortable car for a cheap pint of beer before going to bed you wake up and your there. Accommodation is also very sensitive to the whole of France to more cheap hotels in France.

Festivals in France - Autumn 2009

Autumn Festival in Normandy 11th Oct - 2nd Dec 2009
The Autumn Festival in Normandy will feature 60 performances in cities such as Dieppe, Rouen and Le Havre as well as other smaller towns in the province. The highlight of the 2009 event will be a celebration of Argentinean culture. Other festival attractions include concerts in the classical music genre, live DJs and theatrical performances.

Festival de Beaulieu-sur-Mer & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 18th - 25th September 2009
The "Legendary Violins" Festival first took place in 2008 and it recounts tales about violins and cellos. For 2009 the festival features the talents of the Stradivarius of Eugène 'Ysaÿe violin. The Vienna Philharmonic solo violin is also celebrated. There will be performances throughout the region.
American Film Festival - Normandy 4th - 13th September 2009
Not only is it a scenic and beautiful seaside resort, every September the Normandy town of Deauville holds a festival that rivals Cannes. The very best American films of the year are previewed here. Now in its 35th year, the festival sees many Hollywood stars descending on Deauville to premiere their latest movies.

Besancon Music Festival 11th - 26th September 2009
Attend various concerts and live performances in the area of the Besancon Festival and be fascinated by the wonderful music! You will hear the music of composers of the Romantic Era who were inspired by Rome, Florence and Venice. The Festival also features the 51st International Competition for Young Orchestral Conductors with the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
The Ambronay Festival 11th September - 11th October 2009
Check out this wonderful celebration of classical music - this Festical celebrates 30 years in 2009! The festival is a celebration of the great musicians who left their legacy on the history of Ambronay and baroque music.

Festival d'Ile de France 4th September - 11th October 2009
The 2009 Festival d'Ile de France celebrates all things feminine - and is dedicated to all women who have fought for emancipation throughout generations. Musical repertoires will range from the Middle Ages to Baroque, to Classical Romanticism and music from all around the world. Now in its 31st year, the Festival takes place in 23 historical sites in the Paris area and in total features 33 concerts in total.
Grande Braderie de Lille
Known as one of the best flea markets on the continent, why not head to the annual Lille Market Festival and grab some bargains! The 2009 Market takes place on Saturday the 5th September. It is a celebration of the market trade that has been in existence in the city since medieval times.

The Bird King Festival
Every September in the Old Town of Le Puy-en-Velay, visitors can take in the Bird King Renaissance Festival (Fêtes Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau). Attending this Festival is like thrown back in a time warp to the 16th century - you will see the aristocracy in their fur lined velvet cloaks walking alongside peasants in plain clothes leading donkeys, and there are goods for sale on the streets! You will see musicians playing the tunes of the time through recorders and drums. Why not take part or watch the archery competition which pays tribute to the idea behind the festival, when the Bird King was decided by how many birds he shot with the bow and arrow. Then everyone will attend mass at the local cathedral. The Festival is a reminder of Le Puy-en-Velay's medieval and Renaissance heritage. The city lies 325 miles southwest of Paris in the Upper Loire region of south-central France.

Feria du Riz & Course de Satin Horse Race - Bouches-du-Rhone 11th - 13th September 2009
Visitors to this festival will see the cowboys of Camargue known as "Guardians" compete in this event. This annual event dates back to 1529. The "Guardians" are renowned for looking after the bulls and horses of the region. You will be astounded by the bull running, and their guarding by the Camargue horses, and enjoy all the music and festivities that go along with it! Find out more about the Feria du Riz Festival.

'Tapis Rouge' Red Carpet Antiques Festival - Rhone Valley Lyon 1st October 2009
This annual event takes place on the first Thursday of October. Visitors to Lyon will be astounded by the red carpet that envelops Rue Auguste Compte, which is located in the heart of Lyon's Former district. All participants of the festival have the opportunity to bring jewelry, textiles, antique furniture and porcelain, looking at the display in the quarter.

Lascaux Cave Paintings - Prehistoric Art in the Dordogne, France

Lascaux, in south west France, is home to a series of caves famous for their Paleolithic paintings. Located near the village of Montignac in the Dordogne, these amazing preserved artworks are estimated to be 16,000 years old. Art lovers, amateur archeologists and the plain curious will want to visit these unique cave paintings in Lascaux.

Like some of the best historic discoveries, these paleolithic cave paintings were discovered comparatively recently, and by accident. They were stumbled upon by four adventurous boys searching for their lost dog. They returned and reported their surprising find to their teacher who called in Henri Breuil, one of the best prehistory specialists.

The Lascaux Cave Paintings
These sizeable prehistoric cave paintings were drawn in a huge mural all over the cave walls, often larger than life. The paintings are very realistic images of large animals and amazingly they still retain their color. The series of caves are called the Great Hall of the Bulls, the Lateral Passage, the Shaft of the Dead Man, the Chamber of Engravings, the Painted Gallery and the Chamber of Felines. It makes quite a collection!

In total there are almost 2000 figures which include animals, human figures and abstract signs which may be star maps. Mineral pigments including ferrous and manganese oxides were used to color the images. To this day, it remains the subject of speculation why such remote places were chosen to create these symbolic representations. In the darkness of the caves it is believed some form of prehistoric lamp was used to light the walls as they were painted.

Deterioration of the Lascaux Cave Paintings
These astonishing paleolithic cave paintings were opened to the public and became popular after World War II with almost 1200 people a day visiting the caves. By 1955 the carbon dioxide emitted by visitors had visibly damaged the paintings. The caves were closed in 1963 and the paintings were restored. In 1983 Lascaux II was opened. This is a replica of two of the halls - the Great Hall of the Bulls and the Painted Gallery. The paintings were exactly reproduced and these can be visited today.

Further problems have beset the original caves despite these precautions. In the year 2000 the cave developed a black fungus, blamed on the air conditioning which had been installed, the use of high powered lights and too many visitors. In 2008 the caves were closed even to scientists and now just a few experts work inside the cave for a few days a month.

Lascaux was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1979 along with other prehistoric remains and cave art in the Vézère Valley.

Guided Visits to the Lascaux Cave Paintings II
For those planning to visit Lascaux, guided tours of Lascaux II take about 40 minutes. The centre is closed from January until early February. It also closes on Mondays out of season but is open daily in the summer months.

Restaurants in France

If you are looking for hotels in French, thinking of buying a vacation home or rent a water mill for the week is always a good idea to check local restaurants. It seems that France is certainly not devoid of decent places to get some grub after it was revealed that the country once more restaurants have received awards for the best in the world has less than 12 of the top 50 sites.

The United Kingdom on the other hand, had seven restaurants in the Top 50, while eight were inUS.

Fine French food

More than 20 judges had selected the winners of the prestigious awards which were announced at London's Science Museum this week.

Paris' Pierre Gagnaire restaurant was named best in France while the romantic city also appeared to be the best place for food enthusiasts, with nine restaurants in the top 50.

Joe Warwick, editor of Restaurant Magazine which organises the awards, said: "There's a consensus among people who know about restaurants that France is definitely the strongest country and probably deserves to be top of the list."

Eating in or out in France

Whether you decided to head to an expensive restaurant or choose to eat in the comfort of your own home, when it comes to mealtimes there are certain differences between the French and the Brits.

The French tend to eat a smaller breakfast than their English counterparts and tend to have dinner a little later.

They are also big fans of bottled water despite tap water usually being fine to drink and although France is a wine-growing country, local people rarely drink it all the time.

All regions of Francehave a version of their own special dish, cheese and wine, making every place you visit that little more exciting.

A Guide To Cap D'agde Naturism Resort In France

At this time of year many people are thinking about booking their holidays and for naturism, the biggest resort in the world is based in Agde in the South of France, on the Cap of Agde. Below we look at the resort on more detail.

Cap D'agde naturism resort has been a popular resort for naturism for the last 20 years and it now attracts up to forty thousand people at its peak and with a long, sandy mile plus long beach, a sizeable camping area with excellent facilities, its own shopping area, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotel, post office and more, it is easy to understand the popularity of this enclosed naturism resort. Add on to the facilities named above, the wonderful summer weather that normally can be found on the south of France in this area of the Languedoc region, and you might be tempted to be one of the many visitors.

In terms of accommodation, the naturism site offers a variety of places to stay with a hotel names Hotel Eve; a number of accommodation blocks including ones names Port Nature, Port Ambonne, Heliopolis and Port Venus; the camping area; and a number of villa style accommodations. The camping area itself offers not only areas for tents but also spaces for motor homes and caravans, in addition to the choice to stay in a number of different chalet types.

Cap D'agde is relatively easy to get to from countries across Europe, with Montpelier airport only about 80 kilometres from the resort, no more in other words than about 30 minutes drive from the airport. Carcassonne, Perpignan and Toulouse airports can also be used for flying into, to then get to the resort.

For restaurants, the resort has a wide choice of places to eat and dine, with places ranging from American style burger places, to traditional style French cuisines Restaurants include the excellent Le Calypso (in the Port Nature block) and Le Bistrot (also in the Port Nature block). These two restaurants debatably are two of the best restaurants on the resort and both with affordable but reasonable quality food.

You can also find a number of facilities including a hairdressers, garage, a number of bank machines, various clothes shops, a couple of saunas and also an Internet café. The resort really has everything a naturists could wish for, with everything enclosed within the resort itself

Hostels in France

France is a country of many faces, with experiences and sights to match every type of traveler's desires. And whether it's good food, its impressively recounted history and culture or its natural beauty, France can easily be enjoyed on a budget.

Cities

Paris, Marseille, Nice or Montpellier - every city offers its own unique visitor attractions. More importantly, most cities are walkable or offer cheap transport, which makes getting between hostels in France relatively hassle-free.

The capital, Paris, is an obvious addition to any backpacking itinerary, whether taking a quick hike up the Eiffel Tower, circling the impressive Arc de Triomphe or taking photos next to the stunning Sacre-Coeur cathedral atop Montmartre Hill, with its fantastic views of the city.

But equally, Nice's Promenade des Anglais and Le Chateau castle, or the historical fashion exhibits at the Musee de la Mode in Marseille are all just as appealing - depending on one's preferences.

There are also plenty of cheap hostels, restaurants and cafes in the cities, as well as comparatively cheap grocery shops offering fresh and varied domestic produce that make visiting on a budget easy for the forward thinking traveler.

Countryside

It may be the lesser-touted tourist destination of France, particularly for backpackers, but its countryside villages and small hamlets endow the country with much of its character. More importantly, it offers some of Europe's most dramatically beautiful scenery.

Travel is, of course, more of an issue for countryside backpacking, and out in the countryside, hostels in France are fewer and further between than in cities. Budget travel, though, is still remarkably simple.

For example, the awesome Ardeche River in the south and the surrounding towns of Ardeche, Lozere and Gard all offer plenty of places to stay, making it an easily accessible sightseeing and adventuring stop.

In fact, kayaking down the 120 kilometer river and stopping at the various towns along the way is a great way to see the natural side of France. The most scenic stretch of the Ardeche Gorges ends with the impressive 60 meter stone arch Pont d'Arc. Guided tours are available, but it is cheaper just to hire your own kayak.

Equally, the Mediterranean-lying cities along the French Riviera, such as the famous Cannes, provide the hardcore water sport enthusiasts scope to partake in a spot of surfing, sailing, windsurfing or snorkeling.

However, these southern destinations are popular with all manner of travelers, both domestic and international, in the high-season, so booking in advance is advised.

But regardless of whether it is the stretching landscape of vineyards interspersed with miniature communities or the cosmopolitan cultural explosions that are France's cities, there is plenty on offer for those with enough time to explore.

The Louvre Art Museum - Paris, France

Located in Paris, the Louvre has been one of the most famous and most visited museums in the world. Placed on the Right Bank in the First Arrondissement, the Louvre was built in an area between the Seine River and the Rue de Rivoli. This building was originally used as a fortress, and later was used to display art and transformed into a museum.

The museum was formally opened in 1750, and much of the building was used as a gallery to showcase artist's works. It allowed all common people from within France and abroad to view the gallery. Entrance to the museum in the form of a combined ticket (which grants admission to all permanent collections as well as any temporary exhibits) is 13 euros.

The Louvre has over 380,000 pieces of art within its collection. However, only 35,000 of it is on public display. Famous artworks like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo are two of the 11,900 pieces that is publicly displayed at the Louvre. Other lesser known but famous pieces include the Madonna on the Rocks and Oath of the Horatii.

Art enthusiasts can venture into the museum's different sections to view the mass amounts of art work on display. There are eight total sections in the museum: Islamic Art, Paintings, Sculptures, Prints and Drawings, Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, and Decorative Arts.

Amongst their collection, they have large collections of pieces from famous artists such as Rembrandt and David. Famous sculptures such as the Venus de Milo can be found on display within the museum. These famous pieces are some of the many works that visitors often ask about. Plus the Louvre holds one the largest collections of several popular artists, as well as a large collection of pictorials in the world.

While the Louvre is well known for its art collection, there are other collections within the museum that will surprise many people. Outside of the art, the museum has archeology, sculptures, and objest d'art from across the globe. They also have a permanent gallery showing large holdings of furniture, including the Bureau du Roi by Jean Henri Riesener. Some of these works are available in books that are sold at the museum. Temporary exhibits are also held throughout the year on various other elements of the various art movements, in which other parts of the hidden collection will be presented to the public.