France Travel Net

While we are all familiar with the croissant as a staple cliché of French cuisine, its actual history is mysterious and the subject of considerable dispute, with those who have researched the subject discovering a number of differing versions of how the croissant came to be invented.

The earliest date that has been provided for the existence of the croissant is 1683, in the midst of the siege of Vienna undertaken by the Ottoman Turks. According to this version of the history, the underground tunnelling by the Ottomans beneath the city walls was heard by a baker working in his shop at night. He then told the military, who destroyed the tunnel from above, preventing them from attacking the city. The baker at the centre of the story then created a pastry shaped like a crescent moon – the Islamic symbol of the Turks – in order that, when the Austrians ate the pastry, they would be symbolically destroying the Turkish invaders.

There are slightly different versions of this origins story, although there are few actual differences in the story itself – only in the nationalities of the protagonists. However another alternative history of the delicacy has the croissant being made popular in France by Marie Antoinette, following her arrival in Versailles from Austria, when she requested that the bakers at the palace reproduce her favourite food. The likelihood is that, the food referred to in this story is the ‘kipfel’, which is a standard part of the Austrian diet and this particular story credits the copy with becoming so popular that it became known around the world as a French invention.

However the version of the history which is most likely to be true, is one which credits the arrival of the pastry in France to an Austrian military officer, who opened a bakery there in which he sold a number of Austrian delicacies, with the kipfel being one of them.

The collection of art housed in the famous Musee du Louvre in Paris is considered to be amongst the finest in the world. Alongside such other attractions as the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Elysees, it has contributed to the almost magnetic attraction Paris has for visitors. Those attending the Louvre enter the building through the glass pyramid designed by I.M Pei. This structure proved a controversial addition to the Louvre when then-president Francois Mitterrand commissioned it in 1989, but it can be argued that it provides an interesting contrast between the classical architectural structure of the Louvre itself and the modernity of the reception area, with its restaurants and shops.

Perhaps the two most famed artworks the Louvre has are the mysterious Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. However, beyond this it also houses around 30,000 other works from around the world – making it a challenging task to take everything in on a single visit. These include Winged Victory, which dates back to 200 B.C. and was originally found at Samothrace; and the paintings Coronation of Napoleon, depicting the emperor poised with the crown above his head with Josephine kneeling, and the Portrait of Madame Recamier.

The Louvre was originally built as a fortress during the reign of Charles V, before being destroyed and rebuilt as a residence for the royal family by Francoise I. It’s current status as a public museum is due to the French Revolution, with the Revolutionary Committee declaring that the private royal art collection should be available to the general public. At one point in the history of the Louvre, the building served as a kind of glorified squat, before being restored to former glories by Napoleon.

For those wishing to visit it and the other tourist attractions Paris has to offer, it is advisable to make sure that you are protected by adequate travel insurance. Further information on this is easily accessible via the websites of the major insurance companies, such as http://endsleigh.co.uk

The South of France is a place of stark contrasts. From the millionaires’ harbours to the medieval towns, it ranges from high society to unspoilt rustic charm. It consists of the Provence/Cote d’Azur region in the South East, and the Languedoc region towards Spain.
Nice is situated at the heart of the Riviera and is certainly the main city. Its bustling centre is an endearing mixture of modern commerce and old world charm. The main boulevard leads you towards the sea and the impressive Place Massena square. Further towards the beach is a section of the city marked ‘Vieux Ville’ (old town). This consists of narrow atmospheric streets where places to eat and drink are plentiful. Nice can rival Paris as a French holiday destination.

Other cities on the Cote d’Azur are less suited to the average holidaymaker, although equally renowned. Cannes, St Tropez and Monaco are set amongst the beautiful rolling countryside but have become havens for the super rich. Designer shops sit behind the exclusive harbours where celebrities and the rich and famous moor their yachts. These are places that it is good to witness and are easily accessible by a reasonable and efficient train line running from Marseille to the Italian border. Nice, Provence or the Languedoc region are probably better bets for more natural French charm.

Carcassonne is a medieval walled city in Languedoc which is a worthy holiday spot due to its old world charm and fine selection of bars and shops.

If the rich have colonised much of the waterfront, the medieval towns that sit behind here are a world apart. Places like Roquebrune and Frejus are small rustic villages which are entirely unspoilt. They represent an authentic side of France, and seem untouched by the modern world. Their laid back sense of isolation and lovely small restaurants offer a genuine respite from modern living.

The countryside in the South of France is some of the most stunning there is. The high mountain peaks reveal panoramic vistas of a lush rolling green wilderness which is hard to find anywhere else in Europe. Car hire is a great idea for this kind of area – the South of France is a treasure trove of towns and cities and it can be a good idea to book a couple of different hotels and see the place as a whole.

France is a popular destination for couples wanting to get away from it all. The French culture seems to be conducive to creating a romantic atmosphere. Some of France’s most popular travel destinations are perfect for couples.

One destination that many couples enjoy is that of the Loire Valley. This area of France surrounds the banks of the Loire River which is the home of numerous romantic French chateaus. What could be more romantic that a French castle? Some of these castles have even been converted into inns. Another reason to visit this region is for their outstanding wine and cuisine.

Another French venue that is popular for couples is the City of Lights, Paris. The capital city has long been a favourite for lovers. With charming shops, cafes and bridges, Paris provides a romantic backdrop for a couple’s getaway. Don’t forget the breathtaking Eiffel Tower. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why many couples enjoy their visit to Paris.

Before a couple departs for their French holiday, obtaining travel insurance is key. It’s quite simple to get a travel insurance quote from a variety of insurers. Travel insurance will provide protection for both you and your mate while enjoying all that France has to offer. While travel insurance protects your person in the event of injury or illness, it does much more.

Travel insurance covers various aspects of your holiday in the event something doesn’t go according to plan. For instance, many travel agencies will not refund your expenses for flights or hotels. However, you might need to cancel these reservations due to unforeseen events. With travel insurance, you will be reimbursed by the insurance company for these expenses. Your insurance company will provide specific situations that are valid reasons for cancellation and eligible for reimbursement. Check to find out what expenses are covered and what reasons your insurer will accept. Without coverage, if you should need to cancel your trip, you could be out quite a bit of money.

The obvious advice is to shop around and make sure you get the best deal available. There are many sites online that offer cheap car hire in France itself and others that suggest hiring a car in the UK and travelling over with it. Think about what would be the least stressful for you?

Some companies have extra charges and a lot will not accept cash, so make sure your credit card is with you and research the hire company thoroughly. Remember, French is the official language and although English is widely spoken in major cities, politeness is appreciated.

To hire a car in most French locations you have to be twenty-one or over and have to have been driving for at least one year. However, this is not always the case so be sure to ask. There are various options such as hiring a car for a day, a weekend or even a much longer period of time, make sure to take these into consideration for the most relaxing break possible.

When driving, road maps can be found in bookstores and service stations and SatNav is available from most hire sites on request. Drivers licence, insurance documents and registration must be produced at roadside checks so be sure to keep these in the car with you at all times.

Parking is regulated in many areas and remember that you can only park on white spaces, green signs mean the road is free and watch out for ones saying “peage” – These are toll roads.

Everyone knows there is no end to Parisian history, elegance and art. But where to start? From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the gastronomic treats of restaurants to trying it yourself, the Paris Jazz festival to the Tour de France, you would be forgiven for being overwhelmed.

See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre and take the Da Vinci code tour. This maze of paintings, passageways and escalators, the treasures of bygone ages and the building itself being constantly renewed is not to be missed.

French cuisine is infamous and with the amount of restaurants to choose from, you’ll be wishing you had brought a few outfits in a slightly bigger size. The Angelina – just a few steps from the Louvre itself – has exquisite desserts, including a hot chocolate so thick it has to be consumed with a spoon. It even has a selection of sugar and butter free treats – a win-win situation.

On a family holiday, keeping the kids amused is as easy as a journey to eastern Paris. The Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione has the crowds flocking to see the big cats, horses and clowns that will have them rolling in the aisles. For the adults, a slightly more risque show is the Crazy Horse Saloon where the feminine form is celebrated in all its glory and not much is left to the imagination.

If comedy is more your thing, Paris offers a handful of Comedy Clubs where you can snort into your perfectly prepared meal. Le Grenier has stand-up comedians and magic acts in an eclectic mix that is bound to leave you smiling.

Endsleigh insurance offers a variety of policies to suit everyone including single and multi trip, gap year and career break and school trip. If you sign up online, your policy details are viewable, quotes can be seen and changes can be made. Ideal for todays busy lifestyle.

When you think of Normandy the first thing that springs to mind is the Second World War. There are remnants of this era across Normandy as this strip of northern France between Brittany and the Pays du Nord was chosen by the allies as the landing point from which to take back Europe and end the Second World War. Throughout this area there are many attractions you should see if this period of history interests you, first there is the educational D Day museum at Bayeux and at Courseulles–sur-Mer there is the only Canadian museum in Normandy as well as the moving American Military cemetery with its rows of gravestones stretching as far as the eye can see.

The historical presence of Normandy stretches back further than the Second World War, at Centre Guillaume le Conquérant you can see the delight that is the Bayeux Tapestry. Known to school children across the land this Norman wonder is a must see for everyone who visits Normandy.

For something a bit less serious Festyland is a great day trip for the younger generation. This theme park is based around the 1066 era and concentrates on the architecture and stereotypes of this period in time. This theme park contains all the typical rides and restaurants that are to be expected from a park. The logo of Festyland has caused some debate about its suitability, it’s friendly, grinning dragon in a Viking hat, but it’s is felt by all its visitors that this is a suitable image to greet new visitors.

No visit to Normandy is complete without a pilgrimage to Claude Monet’s House and gardens. This opportunity to visit these breath taking gardens that inspired Monet’s most famous works is one not to be missed, why not try your hand at sketching out those famous scenes or simply take in the beautiful surroundings that have inspired so many.

These are just a few of the main attractions in Normandy, with so much going on you’ll find no matter how long you plan to spend there it will not be enough time in just one trip.

France has always been a popular holiday destination because of it’s fine weather, fantastic skiing and beaches and of course it’s tasty cuisine. This is true even more so for Brits as it’s just a short hop away either by flight, ferry or underground via the Eurostar. If you are thinking of making a trip to France, or any country, it is a good idea to shop around for a travel insurance quote to give you peace of mind before going on your holiday.

Here are a few of the most popular holiday destinations in France:

Paris
It would be silly to leave Paris out of a list of France’s most popular destinations. Hailed as the city of love and home to world famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the River Seine, Notre Dame, the Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge – this should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a great city with a revamped pedestrian area that’s filled with lively cafes and bars. There are plenty of historical and architectural sights to see too, but of course the one thing that draws in the crowds is the wine the region is famous for!

Orleans
Orleans is home to one of France’s most famous historical figures – Joan of Arc. Of course Joan didn’t actually come from Arc and this is her hometown. Discover her fascinating history or visit the sublime 9th century cathedral.

Normandy
Normandy is a fantastic place to visit and it’s a city that has a rich culture and history. It is famous for its part in the D-Day landings, that put an end to World War II, and you can visit the beaches where the troops landed and the memorial cemeteries, filled with soldiers who fell. Just outside of the city is the Mont Saint-Michel – a world heritage site. The Benedictine Abbey sits atop a rocky outcrop, which can be seen for miles around. As well as exploring the beautiful Abbey you can also explore the surrounding village and ramparts.

Without doubt Disneyland resorts are popular locations for family holidays. The Disneyland Resort Paris, built in 1992, has brought a piece of Disney closer to home and given more and more Europeans the chance to indulge in a taste of magic.

Once known as Euro Disney, the Disneyland Resort in Paris has new attractions and events taking place all year round. It comprises of 15 square miles of entertainment and provides fun for all the family no matter what age you may be.

There are three parks in Disneyland Paris and seven hotels each with its very own theme. The first park is the Disneyland Paris Park which is designed in a classic Disney way. Here you will see all the favourite Disney characters and all the famous fairy tale stories. The Main Street is designed to reflect the USA in the 1900’s as everything you see has that all-American theme.

The second Park is the Walt Disney Studios Park which gives an insight into the fabulous world of movies and movie making. The third park is Disney Village. This park will give you the ultimate American experience that you will find nowhere else in Europe. Here you will find plenty of entertainment and American style restaurants. Throughout the year there are many wonderful music shows and festivals, including discos and nightclubs.

Before booking a holiday in Disneyland Paris, it is a good idea to check what events are being held when so that you don’t miss your favourite characters and themes. The resort is open all year round and many of the themes and event reflect the season they are held in.

With so many cheap flights departing daily to Paris a weekend break away staying two nights has become a popular “mini-break” choice amongst the Brits. Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend away or a short shopping spree with style, Paris could not be easier to access.

The Eurostar has proved to be an increasingly popular form of transport to get to the heart of France. In just 2 hours 15 minutes you can travel on a high speed train departing London and cover the 495km through the Eurotunnel to arrive in Paris in time for lunch.

Paris is said to be the most beautiful capital city in the world and without doubt this is not far from the truth. With so many historical buildings and monuments and a fabulous array of museums and boutiques, Paris is a definite must on the list of places to visit. There are many bed and breakfast hotels close to the city centre along with numerous guest houses that you can book for as little as £40 a night.

Travelling around in Paris could not be easier with the Metro running every 3 minutes all over the city. There is a direct link to the city centre from Gare du Nord where the Eurostar pulls in and Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly. Taxis are also in abundance and there is also a reputable bus service.

A weekend break in Paris does not have to be expensive and would certainly be a weekend away to remember.