10 Reasons to Love France

10 Reasons to Take a Vacation in France

France is world renowned for its historical culture and for being one of the most romantic places on Earth which is why many people plan their holidays in France throughout the year. If you are looking to plan a vacation for you and your loved one then France is the country that you have to visit. With its deep cultural roots, beautiful wines, gorgeous sceneries and lovingly natured residents, France will envelope you in mystery and decadence within a matter of minutes. Planning your trips to France can prove to be exponentially simple, not to mention that there are an abundance of hotels in France. There are a copious amount of reasons as to why France should be at the top of your "To Visit" list and below is a compiled list of why.

1. Romance

If you are looking for a place to share love, France is where you should do it solely because it is renowned for having some of the most romantic places in the world. With their luxurious gardens of Versailles that were once walked through by royalty, you will not only feel like royalty yourself but you will experience emotions that you have never felt before.

2. Gourmet Food

One of the best places to obtain food is France. Whether you are looking for the higher end of food, for example escargot, or if you are simply looking for a cheeseburger, all of the food tastes differently due to the fact that passion is put into it. With the wide selection of gourmet food ranging from fois gras to ratatouille, there will always be something for you and your loved one to experience.

3. Art Museums

Whether you are an art buff or a beginner to the world of artistic expression, France has some of the best pieces of art in the world including works by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.

4. Shopping

With the abundance of higher end retailers and world-famous fashion boutiques you will undoubtably be wrapped in fashion by the time that you leave the country.

5. Beaches

Although many people think that France is without beaches, they are wrong. The majority of tourists in France visit the city solely for their gorgeous fine sand beaches.

6. Outdoor Cafes

If you are looking for a way to soak in unique culture while reading a novel and drinking a coffee or a glass of wine, the copious amount of outdoor cafes are ready to welcome you with open arms.

7. The French

If you are looking for a bunch of good laughs and ways for you to sharpen on your French skills, the French people have a way with welcoming their visitors, contrary to their reputation.

8. The Wines

Wine is one of the highest delicacies throughout the country which is why many people visit the vineyards that are placed all over France. From Merlot to Rose, you will be able to taste even the most delicious wine that you have ever experienced.

9. Fresh Markets

The farmers' markets in France are outstanding and you will be able to acquire some of the most fresh fruits and vegetables that you may ever experience in your entire life. Whether you are planning a romantic picnic or simply picking up groceries, you will have an abundant amount of food to choose from.

10. Salads

If you thought that salad was purely greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers you are severely wrong. In France you will experience some of the most unique salads in the world. Not only are they nutritious but they are notoriously delicious even for those who are on a diet!

The author runs the blog LovingFrance.com which covers everything you need to know about taking vacations in France, from places to see, where to stay and what to do - we aim to make your french holiday perfect.

Original article

Chalet Holidays in France

France is a fantastic country to experience an authentic chalet holiday. From idyllic coastal retreats to mountain top hideaways, France really does have something for everyone. The landscape is scenic and varied, from the stunning beaches of Marseille and Brittany to the snowy peaks of Samoens and Le Grand Massif. France has a rich history which is well documented and preserved in the country's many museums and historic site, from the cave paintings of Lascaux to their role in World War Two. Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, reaching just under 16,000 feet in height. The House of Savoie from whom the Savoyard region gets it's name, was the longest reigning dynasty in the whole of Europe. With a wealth of sports and activities from skiing to hiking, paragliding to white water rafting, a chalet holiday in France really will have something for all the family.

Once you have decided you would like to try a chalet holiday deciding which type of holiday you'd like to try can be hard. The wide variety of destinations and chalet types can leave some wondering where to start. To help, here's some pointers.

Firstly, what kind of holiday location appeals to you?

Town based chalet

Village chalet

Seafront/Beach chalet

Resort chalet

Rural chalet

Mountain chalet

Each French chalet type has it's own appeal, and it can be hard to narrow down to just one option. In order to narrow your selection think about what you would like to do while on your holiday. Your choice of activities can be greatly affected by location, so consider...

What do you want to experience on your chalet holiday?

Golf

Horse Riding

Cycling

Water Sports

Walking

Hiking

Relaxing

Rafting

Skiing

Snowboarding

There are few areas of France which can cater for all of the above, though surprisingly Alpine mountain chalets can cater for all of the above and much more. You may not have considered the possibility of white water rafting in the French Alps but it is an activity open to holiday makers in the summer, as well as a wide range of other activities from meditation and spiritual endeavours through to extreme sports..

What kind of chalet would you like?

Self Catering chalet

Fully Catered chalet

Luxury chalet

When choosing your level of chalet and service think very carefully about what you need and check the chalet you are looking at can provide for you. Some French luxury chalets will include WiFi, a hot tub, a BBQ, DVD player, games consoles, open fires, and even private shuttle services.

What time of year are you going on holiday?

Spring

Summer

Autumn/Fall

Winter

Some chalets and resorts in France are not open all year round depending on their location. Again surprisingly, chalets in the Alps in some locations such as Samoens, are open in both summer an winter. In the winter they serve as ski chalets to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps, the Grand Massif. In the summer they serve as excellently located accommodation with access to a wide range of summer sports and activities for all the family.

If you are considering a ski chalet or other chalet holiday make sure you consider all affecting factors, from location to menu, season to local amenities. By checking you will have everything you wanted from your chalet holiday, you can expect to have a fantastic time and may even wish to return in another season.

Happy Holidays!

Philip Loughran is a freelance author who writes about a variety of subjects. For Ski Chalets he recommends Absolute Alpine

Original article