Photo by Wolfgang Staudt

It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Both the Pont du Gard and the surrounding countryside are absolutely stunning.

The Pont du Gard was built shortly before the Christian era to allow the aqueduct of Nîmes (which is almost 50 km long) to cross the Gard river. The Roman architects and hydraulic engineers who designed this bridge, which stands almost 50 m high and is on three levels — the longest measuring 275 m — created a technical as well as an artistic masterpiece.

France is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The country attracts more than 70 million overseas visitors every year. The stunning architecture, beautiful landscape, exotic culture, mouth-watering cuisine and friendly people ensure that your French holiday is a memorable one.

Top Destinations
France features a diverse landscape. There are lush green country sides, rocky and wild cliffs, quaint little villages, huge bustling commercial cities as well as pristine beaches. As such, choosing a French holiday destination is a tricky task. Paris is the first choice for many. The capital city of France has a lot to offer. Some of the must visit places in Paris include the Eiffel tower, Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, Montmartre – Sacre Coeur and Versailles.

Other popular French destinations include Cannes, Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to name a few. At Cannes you will find lively markets, amazing restaurants, beautiful beaches and great entertainment. The city also offers a number of gorgeous villas that you can rent for the duration of your holiday. The freedom and the overall experience offered by these properties make Cannes villa rental a popular option among holidayers. The demand for apartment and villa rental services are particularly high during the Cannes Film Festival.

France has much to offer for adventure lovers as well. The Alps are a great holiday destination during summers as well as winters. During summers they are ideal for hiking, while you can plan a memorable skiing holiday here during winter months. If you are more of a beach person, you should head out towards the south. The stunning landscape and marvellous golden beaches in the south of France attract millions of tourists across the year. The list of great French holiday destinations is a long one. You need to decide what you want for your holiday and choose a destination based on it.

Other Considerations
Domestic as well as international transport facility in France is well developed. Charles de Gaulles and Orly – these are the two main international airports in the country. They offer regular domestic and international air transport services. France is well connected with other European countries by road as well. Many people prefer train journey as it allows them enjoy the beautiful landscape on the way. Sea transport is also popular, especially during summers.

For accommodation, rentals are a great option, apart from local hotels. Regardless of the French holiday destination you choose, you are sure to be amazed by the lovely landscape, elegant culture and art and mouth watering cuisine offered by this beautiful country.

Travel through the Verdon Gorges – Video:

• You did not research your neighborhood.
• You did not find out how much house you can afford.
• You did not get pre-approved for a mortgage
• You did not check your credit.
• You chose your real estate agent from the phone directory.
• You paid premium for the biggest and fanciest house in the neighborhood.
• You did not think about the resale potential of the house.
• You did not do a home inspection on the house.
• You were dazzled by how the house was decorated, but did not look at the functionally of the house.
• You forgot about the closing costs.

These mistakes can be costly if you are not mindful of them. Do not let these mistakes spoil your dream of owning your home. It can also be an frustrating and baffling experience, especially if you have never  purchased a home / real estate before. Consequently, if you’re about to buy a property, it’s in your best interest to know the legal/closing process and costs before you commit to making an offer.

When buying a home you will meet lots of brokers, agents, mortgage representatives, currency exchange specialists, MD of this, MD of that, the list goes on. But keep in mind that every one of these titles should be renamed a “salesperson”. Every one of these people makes their living selling you something, so tread carefully.

1st for French Property have found 100os of properties for their clients since 2001 . They have an extensive network of Estate Agents across France with English speaking members of staff. With a wide selection of French Cottages for Sale.

• Keep an emergency credit card
• Purchase travelers checks, and don’t carry a lot of cash
• Make a note of your country’s Embassy or Consulate
• Keep you passport and valuables in a safe at the hotel
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Never leave anything unattended
• Purchase travel insurance

With these tips, you will be able to cope with problems that may happen when you are abroad. Just remember that there are certain people who prey on tourists, so stay aware at all times.

Since the pre-Roman period, a fortified settlement has existed on the hill where Carcassonne now stands. In its present form it is an outstanding example of a medieval fortified town, with its massive defences encircling the castle and the surrounding buildings, its streets and its fine Gothic cathedral.

Photo by wrayckage

It’s many kids dream to visit Disneyland Paris, seeing Mickey Mouse and his friends or going for the thrilling roller coaster rides. People come here from all across the world, speaking in a variety of languages and all different religions, making Disneyland Paris a more interesting place to visit.

Each year it is estimated that around 15 million people visit the attraction, in which each year it is increasing the visitor numbers, whilst expanding and improving the attraction.

With many activities available, we will give you a quick low down as to where to go, what to do and when you should do it. Aiming to maximise your enjoyment!

What Activities To Participate In

So what gets your excited? Is it the big thrills, Family adventures or fun for the children?
At Disneyland Paris, there are so many fun and exciting thrill rides, including; Crushers Coaster, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, R C Racer and more.

From our experience, we feel that Thunder Mountain is a ride not to be missed. The ride, based around a railway track is a thrilling rollercoaster, with many twists and turns and highs and lows.

Family Adventures include treats such as Pirates Beach, Sleeping Beauty Castle and Peter Pans flight. These adventures make it fun for the little children, who won’t be allowed on the thrill rides.

Where To Eat

Eating out at Disneyland Paris, makes the whole experience, that more exciting. A whole range of food is available, so nobody will be disappointed with the options available. If anything there is too much range and customers won’t even know where to start.
Ranging from Italian to American Diners, buffets to 5 course meals, Disneyland Paris has an awful lot offer. Prices will vary from each establishment, but they again, will cater for all types of needs and requirements.

How To Get There

Train, Car, Plane are the main options, however, I have found many coach companies offer eurodisney coach trips, for example UK tour operator National Holidays do and have received many plaudits for doing so.

The idea of a coach trip, takes the stress out of getting there and organising tickets, which makes your experience that bit more enjoyable. This is something I have experienced on too many occasions.

Finding Your Ideal Offer

The impressive part of Disneyland Paris, is the fact you can customise your package to whatever deal suits you and your family. They also encourage and persuade you to stay longer, by offering some quite sensational deals. For example the present day deal is you get an extra day and night free of charge.

Although there is a small beach, most visitors come to enjoy the ambiance. You can walk around the port, dip your toes in the Mediterranean, enjoy a latte at a cafe or bar overlooking the port or beach. Stroll around the shops and artist’s studios behind the town walls. The narrow streets are cool and welcoming. Time for a lovely meal – the choice of restaurants is large and diverse. Do try some fish though!

Photo by secretagentmoof

If you are visiting Paris, ensure that the Catacombs in Paris, France are on the top of your agenda of things to see, even if it is not one of the more prominent things in your guidebook.

Known in French as the “Les carriers de Paris,” – translated to the quarries of Paris – the quarries were converted into a mass tomb near the end of the 18th Century.

Although the official tour only passes through one of the quarries, there are numerous others that span for miles under the city of Paris making it a bizarre and eerie spectacle.

Catacombs in Paris History

The storage of bones was begun in 1786 by the lieutenant general of police, M Thirous de Crosne. At the time, Paris was suffering from disease and due to the overpopulation of graves in churchyards – an area worst affected was in the large Saints Innocents Cemetery – it was decided that the bones would be removed discreetly and placed in the abandoned quarries.

Entrance to the Catacombs is restricted to one area of Paris in a complex system of tunnels, making it quite easy to get lost with some passages being extremely low or narrow and others that are partially flooded. Due to the extensive restoration work on the tunnels, many of them are not open to the public because of flooding, exposed telephone wires and the risk of cave-ins.

Catacombs in Paris Tours

Visits to the Catacombs can last between 45minutes and 1.5 hours, so be sure to allot enough time for this. It is also underground so even if it is warm outside it’s usually around 14 degrees in the Catacombs so come prepared. That said it Is a good place to escape extreme weather above ground – be it wet, hot or cold.

There are no bathrooms in the Caracombs so make sure you go before you embark on the tour, this also applies for valuables you have with you as there are no lockers available for storage.

You can reach the Catacombe entrance via 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol – Tanguy, Place Denfert Rochereau, 75014 Paris. Opening hours are from Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Admission is 8 Euros Adult, 4 Euros ages 14 – 26, 6 Euros 60+ and children under 13 are free.

The Musee Carnavalet oversees the Catacombs, and you can get more visitor information there (only in French). There is additional information about the history of the Catacombs available throughout all reputable travel agents in Paris.

Many advertisements for the Catacombs are available throughout Paris, but my last piece of advice would be to look around and plan  ahead as you can usually find good offers if you buy more than one tour at a time.

Written by Alex Corcoran, travel blogger and expert in finding Eurostar deals for those embarking on European weekend breaks.

Photo by Danilo Paissan

The Great Dune of Pyla is the tallest sand dune in Europe. It is located in La Teste-de-Buch close to Archachon, France and lies to the south of the entrance to Bay of Archachon on the Atlantic coast. Great Dune of Pyla is 60 km from the city of Bordeaux.

The dune is about 500 m wide from east to west and 3 km in length from north to south. Its height is 107 metres above sea level. At the summit, the view is spectacular with views of the ocean coast, the inlet to the Bay of Archachon, and inland the large pine forest. On a clear day you can see the Pyrenees in the distance!