History of Paris/ Ile de France Paris was first founded around 52BC and has had a very turbulent history throughout the centuries. Paris first started as an island in the river Seine and its structure developed through many rulers, not least Napoleon who struggled to capture the city because of its narrow streets which made life difficult for his troops and horse drawn artillery. Napoleon set out to re-build the city, including modern sewage systems, wide boulevards and parks. He entrusted a Baron Haussman to complete the works for him, one of the many legacies of their work is the Parc des Buttes-Chaumant which opened in 1867 and is often compared to New York’s Central Park. The park is a popular retreat from the hectic city centre pace and it offers stunning views from the hilltop “temple”, reached by a suspension bridge.
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| News |
What's happening in Don't Mind? |
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| 29/09/2011 Freedom of the city of London for ABTOF Member |
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| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Online |
The winning article from the online category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Sharron Livingston
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| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Magazines |
Winner of the magazine category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Eve Kerswill
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| 24/08/2011 Le Weekend 20 & 21 August 2011 |
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| 02/11/2010 Collection of Snippets from ABTOF members 1st Nov |
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Montgolfière en Velay
November 2009
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Le Puy-en-Velay
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| The sky above Le Puy-en-Velay will be dotted with multicoloured hot-air balloons for this international ballooning event. |
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Chicken Festival Saint Sever
December (Annual)
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Clôtres Jacobins, Saint-Sever
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The medieval town of Saint-Sever is very proud of its chicken population, which it celebrates every year at the Clôtre des Jacobins during Festivolailles. Visitors can taste the town's famous…
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Festival du Boudin - The black pudding festival
March
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Mortagne-au-Perche, Orne
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| The black pudding festival celebrates everything to do with the great blood sausage. |
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Marathon des Grands Crus
October 2009
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Marsannay la Côte
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| Following the picturesque wine routes of Dijon, the Grand Crus Marathon has to be one of the world's most scenic races, with the added bonus of a top class glass of vin at the end! |
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ASP World Qualifying Series - Rip Curl Pro
August (Annual)
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Hossegor
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The Plage de la Graviere in Hossegor, one of the west coast's largest surf destinations, hosts the Rip Curl Pro, part of the ASP World Qualifying Series. The waves here are mostly beach…
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VFB Holidays Paris and the Seine - An Impressionist River Cruise
4 day/3 night river cruise starting in Paris from £396pp. Departures in March & October 2010.
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Skiing holidays from Drive-Alive
Skiing for independent travellers. Hotels, apartments, chalets, ferry, Eurotunnel or Eurostar.
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Grape Escapes
Grape Escapes are the leading wine tour company specialising in the premium regions of France, especially Champagne. We provide a range of short breaks incorporating wine tasting and gourmet dining.
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Arblaster & Clarke Wine Tours by Train & Coach
The worldwide leaders in wine tours present a greener approach to wine touring, travelling to the great vineyards by coach and train
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Belle France - Cycling & Walking
Delightful cycling and walking holidays through beautiful parts of France. Venture at your own pace.
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Great Escapes - Short Breaks
Great value short breaks - by car, ferrry our Eurostar, the choice is yours
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