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France provides an ideal location for a weekend away with friends, a special occasion, a sports club trip or any organised trip. The choice is endless - wine tasting in beautiful vineyards, famous and glamorous resorts such as St.Tropez, skiing in the Alps, shopping till you drop in Paris or surfing in Biarritz.

Les Labyrinthus in Alsace


The Maze Leisure Park


Very popular in times gone by, mazes are today enjoying something of a comeback. Designed in 1996, "Les Labyrinthus" are temporary mazes made from corn which are pulled up or harvested at the end of the summer.


Ice-Driving in Rhoné-Alpes
A unique experience awaits you in the region of Rhoné-Alpes. Driving is taken to the extreme with ice circuits carved out of glaciers for you to drive on. Alpe d'Huez is the place to be if you want the challenge of controlling a Porsche on ice.

Cross Country Skiing in Rhône-Alpes

The region’s range of winter sports is further complemented by other resorts in the south of the Jura, the Vercors, the Chartreuse, the Monts du Forez, the Drôme, the Isère and the Ain, which are more adapted to activities such as cross-country skiing and snow-shoes.


Beach Towns

Nice Surprises at Saint-Nazaire: A charming port of call

In the shade of the liners, this town is lively and passionate. What to see: the Chantiers de l'Atlantique, the Espadon (the only fleet submarine in France that is open to visitors), Airbus and Escal'Atlantic – a new kind of museum on board a transatlantic liner – and experience the ambience of the great ships of yesteryear.


Rhône-Alpes – The Largest Ski Area in the World

The Rhone Alpes, with its 180 ski resorts and 18 linked ski areas, boasts the largest ski area in the world. Every winter millions of holidaymakers are drawn to its slopes, and in the summer its mountains become a magnet for enthusiasts of sports such as mountain climbing, rock climbing, glacier hiking and paragliding.


Sailing in Loire (Western)

Sailing in Pays de la Loire


Novice and experienced sailors alike will find ideal conditions in the Pays de la Loire for the full practice of sailing in absolute safety. From La Baule to Sables-d'Olonne, the wide bays, creeks and islands lend themselves wonderfully to the practice of sailing.


Adventure Parks in Alsace


Located in a forest of 200-year-old oak trees, this treetop adventure park combines a chance to discover nature with the opportunity to enjoy fun and adventure up in the treetops.


Bobsleigh Run in Rhoné-Alpes

One of the most trilling and unique experiences in France awaits you in Rhoné-Alpes. Known as the most technical piste in the world, the run is really frightening as you reach speeds of 90km/h to over 100km/h. This isn’t just for adults as families can go in four-man bobsleighs.


Forest Acrobatic Parks in Rhône-Alpes

Among the numerous forest acrobatic parks scattered almost everywhere since the 90s', there are about a hundred throughout the Rhône-Alpes region, scattered within resorts, mountains, towns and the countryside.Explore via monkey bridges, Texan clamps, and lots of other suspended games for a unique experience!


Formula 1 Experience in Burgundy

Take the drive of your life in Burgundy where a Formula 1 track is at your disposal with a wide variety of different vehicles. Karting, driving a Porsche and other sports cars or Formula 3 and 1 cars are the options to choose from at Magny-Cours in Burgundy.

Horse Riding Auvergne

Auvergne is a great region for horses and riding and is a wonderful destination for riding holidays. The layout of the fields, the patterns of crops and woodlands, the layout of the towns and villages and the unique building structures create the perfect horse riding experience.

Boating in Poitou-Charentes

From Angoulême to the ocean, the Charente winds its way through the ancient provinces of Angoumois and Saintonge. Boats equipped for river cruises perpetuate the traditions of the gabares, who used to transport paper and Cognac. You will be immersed amidst the zone known for its eau de vie (water of life).

Le Labyrinthe - Gueret

This giant maze (the largest in the world) covers two hectares and borders a 3000 hectare forest. There are 14 questions in the maze which, if answered correctly, enable you to exit more easily. There are also picnic areas in the park and giant games, including a giant chess board with pieces.

To the Air

The Loire Valley is extremely large. Exploring it all would take quite some time by conventional means. For a more original and unique vantage point of this remarkable land, hot air balloon rides are available to transport you over the valley.

Sailing in Brittany

Whether for competitions, regattas or simple sailing trips, Brittany is an ideal location for water sports and activities, thanks to its 3500 kilometres of coastline together with its many rivers and lakes. Today there are 120 sailing schools and 230 water sports centres.

Hot Air Ballooning - Lubersac

View the Correze region from a hot air balloon! Journeys take 30 minutes or 1 hour and each flight can take a maximum of 4 passengers.

Wine Tours

Bourges is an ideal point of departure to explore the vineyards. The medieval town of Sancerre, with its stone tower, perched atop its ancient flint hill and cloaked all around with vineyards, will really impress you.

The Caves of Lascaux Aquitaine

The caves of Lascaux were discovered by a group of teenagers out walking their dog in 1940. They are one the world's finest examples of prehistoric cave dwellings and their walls are adorned with colourful artworks painted by early man.

Water Sports in Loire (Western)

A Whole Range of Sports

All of your nautical desires can be satisfied on our coast: Sea-Kayaking near the rocky creeks of Piriac and Pornic, wave skiing at Sables-d'Olonne, kite surfing at La Baule, diving off the Île d'Yeu, waterskiing at Noirmoutier, jet skiing at Pornichet. With such a wide choice, there's no excuse for inactivity.


Steam Train Journeys - Limoges

With a variety of routes from Limoges to Eyemoutiers and Ussel this is a great day out travelling back in time to the days of real trains! Weave your way through the gorges of the Haute Vienne with some spectacular viaducts.

Volcania Auvergne

Thousands of years of volcanism have forged the landscape of Auvergne giving it the special strength and character that make it a unique place in Europe.

Golf in Poitou-Charentes

The delightful sound as the club hits the white green-tinted ball that flies away surrounded by amazing scenery awaits you. No doubt about it, you are on one of the numerous greens of Poitou-Charentes: Royan, Angoulême, Niort and Poitiers.


Short Breaks in Nord-Pas de Calais

Enticing sandy beaches run for an astonishing 120 kilometres from Dunkerque to Berck-sur-Mer, lined with dunes and majestic cliffs. On the most glorious headlands, Les Deux Caps, in the national regional park of outstanding natural beauty, hikers are excellently catered for.

Horse Riding in Rhône-Alpes

Nothing is more pleasant than horse riding to discover the Southern Ardèche and Vallon Pont d'Arc region. You will pass through forests, on bridle paths and will end by crossing rivers.


Park Activities

Each time you visit you will see a different Picardy depending on the time, light and season. Each place is different and extraordinary, just like each encounter. Picardy’s theme parks will thrill you with shows and rides for the whole family.


Wartime Memorials

The clash of battles and cries of the wounded is replaced by the silence of remembrance. The memory of the wars of the 20th Century is one of the principal elements of the region’s identity. Although there are places where you are simply left to your imagination, others are intrinsically devoted to commemoration.


Hydrotherapy in Auvergne

Auvergne is the most important region for hydrotherapy treatment in France. Every year its 10 resorts welcome nearly 70,000 curists making Auvergne a major European health centre. The spa centres of Vichy, Le Mont-Dore, Saint-Nectaire, Châteauneuf-les-Bains, Châtel-Guyon, La Bourboule, Royat-Chamalières, Chaudes-Aigues, Néris-les-Bains and Bourbon-l’Archambault, together make up a unique group.

Cruises in Rhône-Alpes

A Cajun-Themed Cruise around La Sône on the Isère River

For an original journey, chose a cruise around La Sône, on board a magnificent Mississipi-style paddle-boat, departing from Saint Nazaire en Royans. On the calm waters of the Isère and in a verdant setting, nature meets history here. Marshes and reed beds are the link between the earth and the water.


An Authentic Open Air Village Museum


Created in 1984, the Ecomusée d'Alsace comprises almost 70 authentic rural homes, dismantled in their original village where they were due for demolition, and rebuilt it here brick by brick.


Watersports Auvergne

Auvergne, being known as the "land of lakes and volcanoes" is rich with numerous water sports. Natural and artificial lakes are in use all year round for sporting activities. From fishing and swimming to water skiing and kayaking, there is no limit to what can be done.

Saines Saveurs Bourgogne, Naturally Good

In November 2005, Burgundy made an innovative move by launching 'Saines Saveurs, Naturally good in Burgundy'.
This new label is a commitment from Burgundy's catering professionals to provide healthy natural foods wherever possible.

Water Sports in Burgundy

With 1200km of rivers and 20,000 hectares of lakes, Burgundy has a lot to offer the watersports enthusiast. The region is ideally suited for those who enjoy sailing, fishing, canoeing or kayaking.

Nature and Leisure Pursuits in Burgundy

Burgundy's green spaces are ideal for a range of leisure pursuits and getting close to nature. The beautiful landscape is ideally suited for hiking, horse riding, golf cycling and even hot air balooning for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Not to be missed in Burgundy

There are sites to behold all over Burgundy including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five villages listed as the 'prettiest villages of France' and a unique medieval building site.

Burgundy Gastronomy

Burgundy is one of the leading gastronomic regions in the world so why not build your holiday in Burgundy around the local food.

Dune du Pyla Aquitaine

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.

Bordeux Aquitaine

Bordeux is famous for it's wine production but that's no the only business to have left it's mark on the city. Nicknamed the 'Port de la Lune' (Port of the Moon) due to the enormous curve of the river in the city centre the port of Bordeux has always been very active.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Caves in Franche-Comté

Journey to the Centre of the Earth

4,500 caves or chasms, which in this region often go by the name of 'baumes' or 'puits' are known to sports lovers, such as the Verneau caves in the Lison valley, for example are considered to form the world's longest post-siphon network (28,000 m).


News What's happening in France?
15/12/2007 A gastro river cruise in France


Chef Jill Dupleix gets to grips with burgundies and beaujolais on a gastronomic river cruise from Lyons on the Saone. We are here for the food and the wine, and fully expect to eat too much and drink too much,” says Ben, 80, from Cornwall, sipping his welcome cocktail of sparkling wine. “And we would be very disappointed if we didn’t.”


15/12/2007 First route to France from Eastern Airways takes off


Eastern Airways launched its first route to France yesterday (November 15) with its latest service departing from Southampton International Airport to Angers Loire. The three times a week service will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.


15/12/2007 Recharge your batteries in Brittany


After the stress and rich food during the weeks leading up to Christmas, a 50 minute flight across the channel to Brittany situated on the west coast of France can restore your body and mind.

Leave all the stresses and strains behind and discover the mystical, heritage rich region of Brittany with its year round mild climate, listen to the sound of the ocean and breathe in the fresh, salty air for as little as £100 per person on half board including treatments and excluding flights


15/12/2007 Snail caviar! The new frontier


Snail’s egg caviar anyone? It may sound like a challenge to the taste buds, but the salty, pink-white delicacy could be gracing hundreds of French tables this Christmas. Caviar and champagne are a byword for the festive season in France, while a dozen "escargots" - or snails - cooked in garlic and parsley butter and served in or out of their grey-brown spiralled shells, are a much-loved staple.


15/12/2007 Christmas shopping in France


Posh poultry, foie gras, fizz and fine cheese: we take a festive tour of France so you can bring the Continent to your Christmas table. It was reported last week that the price of brussels sprouts has risen by 203% since last Christmas. Almost simultaneously, we learnt that more Britons are moving abroad than at any time in recent history.


Bordeaux Wedding Fair

18 - 20 Jan 2008 (annual)
Palais des Congrès, Bordeaux
Blushing Bordeaux brides (and grooms) head for this fair at the Palais des Congrès. Over 100 stands help couples plan the big day down to the smallest detail. Dresses, flowers, catering and…

Twins Festival

Aug 2008 (annual)
Pleucadeuc
There's double trouble in the small town of Pleucadeuc in Brittany during the annual Jumeaux festival, Europe's biggest gathering of twins.

Bellows Festival

Apr 26-27, 2008 (biennial)
Nontron
It's no April Fool - in early April, the townspeople of Nontron celebrate the Bellows Festival (le Carnaval des Soufflets) by dressing up in nightshirts, cotton caps, clogs, masks and, last…


Video art and new media international event - Vidéoformes
11 March - 30 March

CLERMONT-FERRAND [Puy-de-Dôme]

Panorama of international video and new media creation

Bordeaux Fête le Vin

Jun 26-29, 2008 (biennial)
Bordeaux
Renowned worldwide for its fine wines, the Bordeaux region celebrates its major export with a three-day extravaganza of drink, food and music. Sample the vintages and test your skills at…


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Prestige Champagne Weekend August
Visit 3 Champagne Houses for tour & tastings, ferry, hotel. Last few spaces. 1-3, 8-10 or 15-17 Aug

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Lagrange Prestige apts & chalets in Samoëns, French Alps
Luxury apts & chalets with communal swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna & steam room.

The foothills of the Pyrenees Escorted Tour
7 night Classic Interlude tour. Discover this beautiful area in the company of like-minded people.

Strasbourg - Capital of Alsace, Crossroads of Europe
Strasbourg is now on the high speed European rail network. Enjoy a luxury short break.

Ski the Edge
Ski the Edge: Official booking agent for the ski & snowboard packages of the French Youth Hostels.

Top quality villas and apartments on the Côte d'Azur
Just France offers excellent self-catering properties mostly with pools.

Harris Holidays-Ski Weekends
The market leader in Ski Weekends to Europe. Travel by coach or air (transfers included). Ski areas include The 3 Valleys& Chamonix

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