 The Maginot Line in Alsace
History to Experience Following its experience during the First World War, the French government took the decision to modernise the country's defences with the building of the Maginot Line. The "Four à Chaux" (lime kiln) in Lembach was created specifically for this purpose. Its construction began in 1929, and ended 10 years later on the eve of the Second World War. Severely bombed by the stukas, the fortress stood up to the assault well, and it was only 6 days after the signature of the Armistice that the garrison surrendered. Since then, the fortress has been restored and is today home to a small museum containing period weapons, uniforms and propaganda posters. A Fortress Built Like a Submarine The structure actually worked similar to a submarine. It enabled its occupants to live self-sufficiently for up to three months, with ample stocks of foodstuffs and fuel. Electrical generators supplied the necessary energy in the event of a war, and contact with the outside was limited to radio communication. Additionally, just like in a submarine, the units manning the fort were referred to as the "crew". To guarantee its total autonomy, the fortress had all necessary comforts including a multipurpose room which could be used as a cinema or a chapel, an electrical generating station, a well, an operating theatre and even a morgue.
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What's happening in Paris/Ile De France? |
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| 09/04/2010 ABTOF Conference delegate list |
A regularly updated lisiting on delegates booked for the Lille conference, 23rd-25th April
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| 09/04/2010 ABTOF Conference 2010 Programme |
The definitive programme for the Lille Conference, 23rd-25th April
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| 03/10/2008 Grasse's International Perfume museum reopens its doors |
After a four-year renovation project, Grasse's international perfume museum will reopen its door for business on 18 October.
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| 26/08/2008 Go Grand For a Massif French Ski Holiday |
Overlooked in the past in favour of more popular holiday spots such as Provence and Brittany, the rugged interior of France’s Grand Massif holds much appeal for tourists, whatever time of year you visit.
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| 22/12/2008 Portrayal of France in the travel sections of this weekend's national newspapers |
Ski, ski and more ski. Huge snowfalls in the Alps and Pyrenees mean ski conditions in France are the best for many, many years
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| Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe |
| October (Annual) |
Paris
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| Held at the world-renowned Longchamp racecourse, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees equine athletes from around the world competing to take away the €4 million prize fund, making it the world's most richly rewarded turf race. |
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| Paris Gay Pride |
| June (Annual) |
Paris
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| The romantic, enchanting city of Paris celebrates Gay Pride at the end of June with a massive parade that draws more than 500,000 spectators and participants as well as a series of parties, balls, and other lively events. |
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| Rallye Paris - Deauville |
| October (Annual) |
Paris
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| The Paris - Deauville rally is an annual event which sees the gathering and exhibition of pre-1940s vintage cars, cabriolets and coupés. |
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| Carnaval de Paris |
| February |
Paris, Ile-de-France
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Parisians ome out in force to participate in this cheerful annual procession, which runs from the Rue le Vau to the Hôtel de Ville.
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| Banlieues Bleues-Jazz in Seine-Saint-Denis |
| March - April (annual) |
Seine-St-Denis
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More than a simple blues or jazz festival, Banlieues Bleues brings together the old and the new in a celebration of music in Paris' Seine St Denis suburb. Every year the festival attracts big names to venues throughout the area.
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Newsletter
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| Offers |
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INTERHOME - APARTMENTS IN PARIS FROM £25 PERS/NIGHT
Quality private apartments for rent in Central Paris for short breaks. Live the city like a local.
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Canvas Holidays - September from £199 per party
Enjoy 7 nights in a mobile home from £199 per party - inlcuding your Dover to Calais ferry crossing.
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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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Driveline Great Getaways - Disneyland® Resort Paris breaks
Discover Disneyland® Resort Paris with Driveline Great Getaways. Choose from a wide range of accommodation, take the plane, take your own car or go by Eurostar
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Disneyland Paris with Adagio
PV-Holidays.com Adagio Val d'Europe the easiest way to save money on a self catered disney break
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The Villa Book Limited
The Villa Book specialises in the rental of luxury villas and apartments worldwide. France is our most popular destination and we have properties in Provence, Cote d'Azur, St Tropez, the Atlantic coast, Corsica, the Alps, the French Caribbean and in Paris
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Kirker Holidays - Selected Cities
Kirker Holidays specialises in Shortbreaks for the most discerning clients to the cities and country areas of France. We give very personalised service, and will tailor make the holiday to individual requirements.
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Alan Rogers Guides & Travel Service
Pitch reservations & mobile home holidays across France & Spain. Pay at-the-gate prices, with a small, one-off admin fee and we'll organise it all for you. Free Child Places and Special Offers available. Alan Rogers Guides have been the market leading campsite guides since 1968. Also Camping Cheque programme (www.campingcheque.co.uk) for low season touring with savings up to 60%.
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