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A Unique Mountain Trip in Franche-Comté
Known as the Monkey Bridges, scale the mountains using over hangings and bridges along the rocky route sites of the Via Ferratas in Franche-Comté. These challenges are perfect for all the family adding that bit of fun and sport to the rugged but impressive scenery.
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Nature Watch in Brittany
Brittany is famous for its coastal marshes. The marshes are formed in depressions, behind a coastal belt of sand or stones, or a manmade dyke. The degree of salinity of the water varies depending on infiltration of the sea and affects the vegetation and the fauna.
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Climbing in Provence/Cote D'azur
Climbers can devote themselves to their favourite pastime in total safety at several sites with full amenities. They come from all over the world to conquer the steep walls. The ones in Verdon, for example, have no fewer than 933 routes.
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Flying High in Provence/Cote D'Azur
Make your debut in the air, discover the sensations of flying, learn to master piloting techniques, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur pulls out all the stops for everyone to share in the experience of flying.
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The Parc Naturel Regional de la Montagne de Reims
The Parc Naturel Regional de la Montagne de Reims is very famous as it encompasses the greater part of the vineyards of Champagne. There are great trails for horseriders, hikers, ramblers and cyclists, along the River Marne and the ‘Faux de Verzy’ trail is known for the twisted beech trees along its course.
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Mountain Views in Lorraine
Lorraine has two impressive mountain ranges; Argonne in Meuse and the Vosges. The region also boasts areas of lower hills, namely the Côtes de Meuse and Côtes de Toul which overlook a delightful landscape of vineyards and Mirabelle plum orchards.
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Between Lakes and Volcanoes in Auvergne
Lakes and volcanoes share the West of Auvergne. Between the Chaîne des Dômes, the Monts Dore and the huge Massif Cantalien, it is an impressive yet idyllic environment that welcomes nature lovers.
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Nature of Corsica
Corsica is nothing like the image we have of a Mediterranean island. In fact, no other Mediterranean island has Corsica's lushness. With its conservation areas and nature reserves which have been given national recognition or registered on UNESCO's World Heritage List, its international marine reserve, and regional Nature Reserve, stretches from one side to the other of its mountain range.
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See Alsace from the Air
Discover the Alsatian plain at first hand, get a bird's eye view of the
Vosges
Forest or glide across the vineyards... There are many excellent reasons to discover
Alsace from the air.
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Unique Natural Languedoc-Roussillon
Languedoc-Roussillon has an outstandingly diverse coastline. It stretches out in an arc for 200km giving tourists and locals so many choices and locations worth visiting.
Because the locals passionately love this region, they fiercely defend it: the Mediterranean coast is a protected area. Languedoc-Roussillon has resisted urbanisation of this outstanding area’s 40,000 wild hectares, where human activities respect nature’s balance.
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The Brenne, a Haven for Unspoilt Wildlife
On the edge of the Berry region, discover the Brenne, an exceptional ‘land of a thousand lakes’ with many rare aquatic species of plants and animals and over 2,000 ‘fishponds’.
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Nature Parks in Midi-Pyrénées
The Midi-Pyrénées boasts one National nature park and three Regional nature parks: rural territories with a remarkable but fragile natural and cultural heritage. To preserve the diversity of its flora and fauna, many local activists have joined their efforts in order to aim for harmonious and sustainable tourism development.
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Nature at its Best
Known for its historical and architectural heritage, the Loire Valley is also the ideal naturalist’s destination. Take a deep breath and dive into a land full of opportunities and adventures.
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The Charm of the Mountain Lakes of Rhône-Alpes
Lake Roselend, in the Beaufort area of the Savoie département, is an artificial lake, at the bottom of which lies the village of Roselend, which was drowned when a damn was built. An identical copy of Roselend's chapel, which lies beneath the water, was built on the shore of the lake.
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Produce of Loire (Western)
The salt marshes of the Presqu'île de Guérande. White Gold: Classified as one of the 100 ‘Sites of Remarkable Taste’ in
France, this magical place, where seawater circulates through a complex network of canals and basins, is the pride of Guérande, and has furnished its wealth since the iron age.
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Opal Light
Opal Light is 800,000 years old. The rolling plane caved in and metres the North Sea and the Channel surged into the passage. Now, on the other side of the submerged valley the English coast forms a white barrier visible to the naked eye.
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Hiking & Rambling in Alsace
Whether you're a sports fanatic or simply looking for a change, why not discover
Alsace on foot! The region offers many hiking and rambling trails, from the Vosges hills to the banks of the
Rhine, and throughout the Alsatian plain.
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Loire-Anjou–Touraine, a world heritage site by UNESCO
As well as its architectural and historical treasures, the Park located in the heart of the Loire, boasts beautiful scenery. It encompasses landscapes and diverse natural habitats of great value.
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Discover Lorraine
The natural environment is Lorraine’s trump card but the variety of landscapes is just one ingredient. Even more important is the quality and sheer density of natural beauty spots. There are three regional country parks lying wholly or partly within Lorraine.
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Nature Reserves in Provence/Cote D'Azur
In this mosaic of landscapes, you can choose to ride a horse in the wild pools of the Camargue, admire the underwater depths on a dive off the island of Port Cros, follow the bicycle trails in the Luberon, or hike through the Verdon countryside.
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Welcome aboard Planet NAUSICAA
Visit giant aquariums, discovery areas, attractions and animal reserves for an unforgettable deep sea adventure – a unique and inspiring opportunity to learn more about the magical world of marine life.
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Organic Drôme
When Organic, life style and sustainable development meet in the Drôme. 'We don't inherit the earth fom our parents, we borrow it from our children'...
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The Bioscope in Alsace
An Innovative Leisure and Discovery Park. A cross between an amusement park and a scientific museum, the Bioscope is a completely new kind of leisure and discovery park, where visitors can learn more about the relationship between man and his environment.
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Parks and Gardens in Normandy
Normandy is a horticultural heaven and boasts an extraordinary number of parks and gardens open to the public. A wide range of garden styles are displayed, from simple cottage gardens to grand, formal schemes via walled kitchen gardens, botanical collections, subtropical plantations, landscaped “English” style gardens and authentic French Gardens.
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The Cliffs in Brittany
The most evocative image of Brittany is a high cliff battered by waves, even though this type of landscape is not continuous along the entire coastline. However, the whole of the peninsula is bordered by rocky coastal outcrops which vary in colour and shape from north to south.
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Pornic
This pretty fishing port is built on rock, and has everything going for it: beaches and creeks, quays and boats, a castle, little narrow streets criss-crossed by flights of steps and an indoor market. It's full of life and activity both day and night.
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Les Sables-d'Olonne
Les Sables-d'Olonne: The world tour starts here. This is the most famous of Vendée's beaches. Home of the mythical high seas race, the Vendée Globe – Les Sables-d'Olonne marina is also home to over a thousand vessels.
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Regional Natural Parks in Normandy
With four Regional Natural Parks to choose from in Normandy, you will be spoilt for choice, space and scenery. Natural environments are protected and preserved in these splendid parks, with fabulous views of forests, valleys or maritime wetlands with extensive wildlife.
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The Great Dune of Pilat Aquitaine - Europe's highest dune
The natural phenomenan that is the Dune du Pyla or 'Dune du Pilat' is the largest natural sand dune in the world and sits 60km from Bordeaux in the South of the Arcachon Bay.
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Chamonix - A voyage through the Mont-Blanc range
Chamonix has been welcoming travellers and adventurers for over two and a half centuries and can be truly described as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The mountain scenery surpasses one's wildest expectations and the Mont-Blanc, jewel in the crown, thrones silently over the Chamonix valley.
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Limousin Nature Parks
There are two regional nature parks in Limousin : The Millevaches and the Limousin-Perigord regional parks. Villages, streams, pathways, little winding roads stretch into the distance in this natural landscape - a joy for anglers, golfers and ramblers to discover.
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Walking in Burgundy
Throughout the region there are 3800 miles of marked paths for walkers which provide an ideal opportunity to discover the nature, culture, history and architecture of the region.
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Visit Chateau de Chenonceau
Chenonceau is, after Versailles, the most visited French castle. Aside from the visit to the castle, the chateau de Chenonceau provides a large range of activities and services like: a gastronomic restaurant l'Orangerie, a buffet restaurant, a tea room, the Ladies Galery (wax museum) and sailing in small boats during summer months. You can also discovery the vegetable garden, the 16th century farm and the flower workshop where incredible flower displays are created and displayed in the castle.
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Horse Riding in Aquitaine
Aquitaine is a dream for those who practice all sorts of equestrian activities or wish to include riding among other activities during their holidays.
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The Valley of the impressionists
In the middle of the 19th century, hundreds of Parisian painters, following the lead set by Claude Monet, left their Paris studios and came to set up their easels along the valley of the Creuse.
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Wide Open Spaces Aquitaine
The forces of water, sand and plant-life...the combat between these three elements over the last 15,000 years or so has shaped the face of the Aquitaine coast as it is today with a beach two hundred and fifty kilomertres long, the Europe's largest forest and the Arcachon Bay.
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Nature Parks in Auvergne
The Auvergne contains two of the largest regional nature parks in France, the 'Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne' and it's smaller neighbour the 'Parc Naturel Régional des Livradois-Forez' - making this area the largest environmentally protected area in France.
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National and Regional Parks - Aquitaine
Aquitaine also has various National and Regional Parks such as The Pyrénées National Park, The Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, The Périgord-Limousin Regional Park.
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Camargue is a land of men, horses and bulls
Camargue is synonymous with nature and wide open spaces. Flora and fauna have pride of place in this area which is still home to countless old ranches, tended by traditional horseback herdsman or "gardians".
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A world of water - Aquitaine
From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. The valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast...ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and cycling.
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Montpellier in Languedoc-Roussillon
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Saint-Etienne in Rhône-Alpes
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Not to be missed in Paris
Some cities call to mind lovers, others architecture, yet others an intellectual, cultural or appealing popular atmosphere. Paris has all these faces, plus lots more to discover depending on your particular interest.
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Not to be missed in Franche-Comté
This is a region with distinct faces. In the north, the valleys of the Haute-Saône which, from the Grays region to the Saône Vosges, passing through Vesoul, back onto the region of Belfort. Châteaux and churches give added attraction to its towns and villages, and a great many museums house specimens showing the traditional craftmanship related to wood, but also to clock making.
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Not to be missed in Poitou-Charentes
The dispute between Ancient and Modern is not on the agenda in this region where the vestiges of the past are keyed neatly into an openness to the future.
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Not to be missed in Auvergne
If it were possible, the best way to travel in this region would be on the back of a donkey, just as the writer Stevenson did. It is indeed probably the pleasantest way to see this land of volcanoes, fashioned by their eruptions. Inactive for centuries, they gave birth to a strange and majestic landscape.
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Avignon in Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur
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Not to be missed in Brittany
A land of seafaring people, and the aspect that makes Brittany the daughter of Neptune. Its thousands of kilometres of coastline, from Cancale to Saint-Nazaire, give it a prodigiously varied relief, with the strange rocks of the Pink Granite coast and the idyllic beaches of the Morbihan following on from one another.
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Lille in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
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Not to be missed in Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Traditionally an industrial region, it has now turned to tourism, a natural choice in a landscape where forests predominate, and where the Opal Coast has a host of beaches dedicated to surfing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, and more.
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Not to be missed in Lorraine
Bordered by the three countries, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, Lorraine is a strategic region which today exudes a peaceful charm. There is no shortage of reasons to explore it. For lovers of architecture and the arts, Mirecourt, Bar-le-Duc and Epinal possess many wonders. Enthusiasts for footpaths, will find routes dotted with lakes, forests and green valleys in the Lorraine Regional Park. Another excellent reason to come is for its springs and to stay in one of the well-known spa establishments in Contrexéville or Vittel, where the gastronomy is not to be outdone.
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Not to be missed in Midi-Pyrénées
Few regions offer such a variety of landscapes, climates and architecture. This is because the region is huge, it runs from Aveyron to Gers and from Ariège to the edges of the Dordogne.
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Not to be missed in Burgundy
From the vineyards of Chablis to those of the Mâconnais passing through the Côte de Beaune and Côtes de Nuits, from the luminous Loire Valley to the opulent Bresse region passing through the mysterious forests of the Morvan, Burgundy is beautiful in its natural state and in every season.
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Not to be missed in the Loire (centre)
It is western Europe's last wild river, over 1,000 km long, that shapes the region : The Loire. On its banks the aristocracy built châteaux that are among the jewels of French architecture. Amboise, Chambord, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau are all extraordinary.
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Not to be missed in Limousin
Nature lovers who like to punctuate their walks with seeing the old craft traditions develop an immediate attachment to this region. Green woods and forests, it is also criss-crossed by water, the Creuse, Vienne and Dordogne rivers...
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Not to be missed in Normandy
Combining in the same land the pleasures of an extraordinary coastline and those of a green and blossoming countryside, Normandy is a very fortunate region.
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Angers in Pays de la Loire
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Not to be missed in Ile-de-France
Around Paris, Ile-de-France offers the joys of discovering both nature and culture. With 9 royal towns, 400 listed gardens and châteaux including 24 masterpieces of landscape art, medieval villages or Cistercian abbeys, the Ile-de-France region boasts a unique and fascinating heritage.
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Not to be missed in Alsace
Very long and narrow and backing onto the Rhine, Alsace has seen its borders moved on many occasions. The ups and downs of history have caused it to hang on to a very strong regional tradition. This can be seen in its language, its folk traditions and its cuisine. Its countryside beckons the walker, with its hillsides streaked with vineyards in the Munster valley and the flower-decked valleys of the Florival.
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Not to be missed in Aquitaine
If you had to define this land by one word, il would be 'generous'. A generosity that can be seen in its variety of landscapes with hills, valleys, sandy moors and a coast that is almost wild. The Bordeaux vineyards, the Basque Country, the plateaux of Périgord...
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Not to be missed in Rhône-Alpes
A great river and a chain of mountains give the region its name and create the pattern of life here. The Alps crowned by Mont Blanc provide a skiing area that is unique in the world. Hiking enthusiasts are becoming increasingly numerous in the summertime, walking the waymarked trails through the region's nature parks (La Vanoise, Les Ecrins, Les Bauges), and around the lakes (Lake Geneva, Annecy, Le Bourget). Nearer the Rhône, the Ardèche gorges are a paradise for canoeing.
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Nîmes in Languedoc-Roussillon
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Not to be missed in the Loire (western)
A land of water traversed by the Loire, the region is bathed in the north by the spray of the Atlantic Ocean. While Saint-Nazaire is an important merchant navy port, Nantes is the regional capital, and Saumur, Le Mans and Angers offer visitors a cultural heritage dominated by Gothic art and the Renaissance.
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Not to be missed in Corsica
Mountains in the sea, pierced with torrents, Corsica, an island of rare beauty, has the full spectrum of landscapes. Dry in the south, it makes up for it with long beaches of white sand, where lazing around can be enhanced by sightseeing tours.
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Not to be missed in Picardy
With its exceptionally rich architectural heritage, this province is a preserve of Gothic art. Famous for its cathedrals, it offers the discerning an opportunity to explore its towns and their medieval wonders.
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Not to be missed in Champagne-Ardenne
The fruit of its vineyards is so famous that the first thing you think of in this region is a glass of champagne. You can of course begin the journey underground and visit the wine cellars. Reims, its magnificient cathedral or its museum of fine arts, should not make you forget the 'vine-growers' villages spread around the region. There is also the Ardennes with its wild forests, populated by roe deer and hares.
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Nantes in Pays-de-la-Loire
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Not to be missed in Languedoc-Roussillon
The Mediterranean on one side, the eastern Pyrenees to the south and Lozère to the north, Languedoc-Roussillon takes pleasure in the contrats if its stepped relief.
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Not to be missed in the French Riviera
It is the blue of the south that defines this land. Its climate is so mild, its nature so filled with flowers that thousands of years after the Romans, English aristocrats, fed up with the greyness, fell in love with it. Since then, the Côte d'Azur has been entirely given over to summer pleasures.
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Nice in Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur
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Marseille in Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur
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Not to be missed in Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Everything in this region sings, even the wind, when it is called the Mistral or the Tramontana. The great poets were able to convey its music, and painters from Cézanne to Picasso, captured its light. Provence is magical, it smells wonderfully of olive oil, lavender and thyme.
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Aix-en-Provence in Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur
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Loire Valley (Centre) / Centre Val-de-Loire
The Loire Valley is made up of six départements (counties): Eure-et-Loir, Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Cher, Indre, Indre-et-Loire.
Explore over 800 magnificent chateaux. Discover charming towns of art and history. Take a stroll through the lush gardens. And don’t miss a chance to visit one of the numerous museums and cathedrals. Escape into the enchanting countryside and enjoy cycle tours, bird-watching, golf, hot-air ballooning, canoeing and kayaking. If you are a food lover then the Loire Valley is the place for you from fresh fish to goat’s cheese, delicious wines and more delicious local specialities. An hour's drive South of Paris, the Loire Valley offers holiday experiences to suit everyone. Experience its astonishing châteaux open to the public, many with extensive, lush gardens. Be seduced by 740 religious monuments such as the impressive Chartres and Bourges cathedrals. The Loire Valley boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Bouches-du-Rhône
This departement (county) is one of vast contrasts, It ranges from mountains (the Alpilles to the north, the Saint Baume and the Saint Victoire to the east) to plains and flat country (Camargue). The city of Marseille is a busy urban center but the creeks, beaches and ports have a more restful rhythme on this changing coastline.
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Yvelines in Ile-de-France
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Tarn-et-Garonne in Midi-Pyrénées
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Mayenne
If you are after unspoilt countryside, rich cultural heritage or outdoor adventure, the Mayenne departement/county is the place to be.
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Seine-Saint-Denis in Ile-de-France
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Hautes-Alpes in Provence Alpes Côte-d’Azur
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Hautes-Pyrénées in Midi-Pyrénées
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Deux-Sèvres in Poitou-Charentes
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Val d'Oise in Ile-de-France
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Savoie - Mont Blanc
Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging or dog-sledding, all our areas have come up with inventive ideas to ensure you don't have to be a fanatical skier to have an invigorating but relaxing winter holiday. In Savoie Mont Blanc, there are many fun and healthy ways to explore and enjoy the countryside.
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Pas de Calais in Nord-pas-de-Calais
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Eure-et-Loir in Loire (Centre)
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Charente in Poitou-Charentes
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Alpes de Hautes Provence in Provence Alpes Côte-d’Azur
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Haute-Saône in Franche-Comté
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Seine-et-Marne in Ile-de-France
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Haute-Garonne in Midi-Pyrénées
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Nièvre
An area of outstanding natural beauty. The Nièvre boasts a rich cultural & architectural heritage with the Morvan offering a variety of activities such as canoeing, skiing, horse riding, cycling, climbing & fishing.
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Nord in Nord-pas-de-Calais
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Loir-et-Cher in Loire (Centre)
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Val-de-Marne in Ile-de-France
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Alpes Maritimes in Provence Alpes Côte-d’Azur
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Meurthe-et-Moselle in Lorraine
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Territoire de Belfort in Franche-Comté
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Hauts-de-Seine in Ile-de-France
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Var in Provence Alpes Côte-d’Azur
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Yonne
Just an hour south of Paris, here you are in the land of canals and vineyards, fertile hills and huge forests. A land, named after a river, that features a seldom-seen natural diversity.
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Vienne in Poitou-Charentes
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Charente-Maritime in Poitou-Charentes
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Vaucluse in Provence Alpes Côte-d’Azur
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Manche
The Manche département/county forms the western coastline of Normandy. From the Landing Beach of Utah Beach, via the Cherbourg peninsula to the Bay of Mont St Michel, the sea has had a major influence on this part of the region.
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Hérault
The Hérault departement/county coastline is one of the most unpsoiled and protected on the Mediterranean but offers a large range of activities for all ages. An attractive alternative to the more ritzy and expensive Provence and Cote d'Azur, the Herault department is a real gem.
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City of Le Havre
Le Havre is multi-facetted, as important a commercial port as it is a popular yachting destination. Its 2 km of beach open onto the Seine estuary, once the backdrop for Impressionist artists who loved the effect of light and painted many famous paintings, including Monet’s “Sunrise at Le Havre”.
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Marne
The Marne is quite simply ‘Champagne Central’! The departement contains both Reims and Epernay, which between them are home to almost all of the well known Champagne houses. As you might imagine, the landscape is dominated by vines although part of the lac du Der-Chantecoq sneaks into the bottom south west corner. The Marne is also home to the administrative capital of the region, Chalons.
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City of Caen
Today Caen is a thriving commercial and university centre; with historical roots dating back even before William of Normandy in the 11th Cwntury. He commissioned the Abbaye aux Hommes as well as the Abbaye aux Dames, built for his wife Mathilde and now her final resting place. Both buildings survived the destruction of bombardments in 1944. The city was rebuilt after the War, and present day Caen offers an appealing mix of old and new with plenty of well-maintained green spaces. Various markets are held daily.
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Aube-en-Champagne
The Aube-en-Champagne departement/county is just a hop from London via the tunnel or the Ferry , one and a half hours from Paris and an hour south of Reims, you will find a tiny paradise with everything charming and relaxing about the French way of life.
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Vendée
The Vendée throws open its protected natural sites. Between rocky escarpments and beaches of divinely fine sand. Both along the coast and inland, a living heritage awaits your exploration – castles, humbler dwellings, tourist sites. Thanks to its position between land and sea the Vendée offers a comprehensive range of traditional flavours. A comprehensive network of walking and riding trails and of cycle paths covers the length of the coast and the hinterland.
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Seine Maritime
The Seine Maritime département/county fills the area between the Seine Valley and the Channel Coast. Dramatic cliff lines, rolling open countryside and the twists and turns of the River Seine are the main geographic features while the town of Rouen is the jewel in the crown.
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Pyrénées Orientales
The Pyrénées Orientales is a region in the southern most part of France, bordering with Spain. The department of Pyrénées Orientales, which includes the Languedoc, conceals many treasures: varied landscapes of rich beauty, an important architectural heritage, and traditions and a culture that have lasted for centuries.
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Loire-Atlantique
The Loire Atlantique departement/county boasts a magnificient coast and offers many additional interests to its visitors such as : picturesque fishing ports, canals and thatched cottages, forests, parks...
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Maine-et-Loire / Anjou
The landscapes of the Anjou département/county are ideal for every kind of outing. Walk the GR 3 footpath along the Loire Valley (a UNESCO heritage site), bike through the vineyards, ride on horseback through the forests, or float along the streams and rivers on longboats, canoes and kayaks. The highways and byways of Anjou will take you to delighful views over the countryside.
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Eure
The River Eure gives its name to the county/département which lies south of the Seine and between the Auge Valley and the western outskirts of Paris.
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City of Alençon
Situated on the crossroads between the routes from Brittany to Paris and from Belgium to the Loire Valley, Alençon is an ideal stopover point for visitors travelling further afield, yet also offers much worth spending time to visit. Once known as the “Cité des Ducs”, the town boasts a fine old town hall, 15th Century church as well as the Dukes’ Palace dating from the 14th and 15th Centuries.
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Gard
The departement/county of the Gard is bordered to the east by the Rhone Valley and to the north, the Cevenne mountains.To the south the Petite Camargue is nowadays a series of lakes and marshes. The short coastline has a superb beach at Espiguette and Le Grau-du-Roi is an important fishing port. The centre of the department is a world of dry limestone, the garrigue, of vines and olive trees and the perfumes of the Mediterranean.
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City of Dieppe
Dieppe is a seaside resort where the seafront has been developed with a promenade, grassy lawns and children’s play areas. Dieppe’s streets are busy with shops and restaurants, and the weekly market brings colour and tradition to the central square. The fishing port reaches right into the town itself, explaining its reputation for seafood, in particular the marmite dieppoise, a creamy fish stew. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with the range of cafés and restaurants.
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Haute-Marne
The Haute-Marne département/ county, is an intensely rural department, which has approximately 3 acres of forest per inhabitant, this area was the birthplace of the philosopher Diderot and is the final resting place of Charles de Gaulle. In the north west of the departement is the lac du Der-Chantecoq, which claims to be the largest man made lake in Europe and is a magnet for bird watchers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. The town of Langres also gives us one of France’s most distinctive cheeses, which tastes better than it looks!
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City of Bayeux
Essentially a medieval town, whose cathedral was dedicated in 1077 by William the Conqueror, Bayeux is also home to the famous tapestry depicting William’s epic journey to England and the Battle of Hastings. Intrinsically linked with the events of June 1944, the town provided headquarters for General de Gaulle after D-Day, now a museum.
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Sarthe
Sarthe offers a lot of open-air activities. The towns and villages bring together in one site a powerful historic and architectural heritage, while the many museums provide us with the keys necessary for understanding. Gourmets and connoisseurs of the good things in life will also, in one mouthful, be able to savour the wealth of the terroir and gastronomy of Sarthe.
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Orne
The Orne département/county lies in the south of the region and is Normandy in its most natural state. Green fields, deep river valleys and forests abound, punctuated by fine manor houses and estates. Some of these are home to well known stud farms for this is also the land of the horse.
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Lozère
The Lozère department covers the southern part of the Massif Central, including the mountainous regions of Aubrac, la Margeride, le Gevaudan and the Cevennes.
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City of Rouen
Rouen is the Capital of Normandy and the Seine-Maritime department. The city, also known as the ‘Ville aux cent clochers’ has preserved much of it’s historical centre which is now largely composed of pedestrian streets.
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Calvados
The Calvados département/county bears the name of its most famous spirit. The county covers much of the coastline of the D Day Landing Beaches and historic towns such as Caen, Bayeux, Honfleur and resorts of Deauville and Trouville.
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Aude
Aude is known for its wine, castles and abbeys. Often referred to as 'the land of the Cathars' it is here that you'll find the unconquerable mountain sites of Rennes-le-Chateau and Peyrepertuse. The coast provides a sharp contrast with miles of sandy beaches for family holidays and isolated inlets for those looking to escape the crowds.
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City of Cherbourg
Ideally situated as a port for both leisure craft and military ships, Cherbourg has long been a centre for the French navy as well as a popular destination with local and international yachtsmen who enjoy the choppy seas and challenging winds. The town was once also the centre for transatlantic liners and in its heyday saw many a famous celebrity arrive or depart from the Gare Maritime. Now transformed into the Cité de la Mer, an impressive museum dedicated to the world undersea and exhibiting the world’s largest submarine open to the public; this building is an architectural reminder of the town’s glamorous past.
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Ardennes
Bordering Belgium, the rural Ardennes departement/county is a nature lovers paradise. Largely covered by ancient deciduous forests it provides a fantastic playground for outdoor types. The emblem of the departement is the wild boar (Sanglier) which also features heavily in local dishes. The capital, Charleville-Mézières, has a very attractive main square modelled on the Place des Vosges in Paris (pictured).
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