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Posts Tagged ‘france’
Adventure Ardèche: an active break for all the family
With spectacular mountains, clear blue rivers, picturesque villages and rolling hills, the Ardèche region in the South of France is a natural beauty. But it’s not just a pretty face, oh no: the gorgeous scenery is there to be climbed, hiked, biked, fished, swam, caved, canyoned and canoed! Located in the South West Rhone-Alpes the scenic triangle of the Ardèche’s mountains and waterways centre on the Ardèche River and Gorges thus provide the perfect combination to make the region the adventure centre of France.
So whether you prefer riding a horse or a bike, climbing into dark caves or canyon jumping, paddling down clear rivers or swimming in them there’s something to keep you exploring. Here’s our top ten must try activities when in the adventure Ardèche:
1. Canoeing and Kayaking
There isn’t a law against coming to this region and not getting into a canoe, but there should be! The Ardèche has some of the best rivers in the whole of Europe for canoeing and kayaking, whatever your level of experience.
Canoeing in Ardèche
The season runs from April to September and you can choose from the Ardèche and Chassezac Gorges, or the rapids of the Eyrieux River. Vallon Pont d’Arc is the main hub for canoe hire and tours of the Ardèche Gorges, a tranquil town in the winter that bursts into life during the season with bustling cafes and bars. There are various trips available, of varying lengths. From Vallon to St Martin there are 32km of gorges with plenty of beaches along the way and the Pont d’Arc itself, a natural bridge 60 m wide and 45 m high, carved by the river.
Pont d'Arc Arch
For something a little different, the boatmen of the Ardèche will take you down the gorges in flat-bottomed boats.
2. Waterways and beaches for swimming
From the warm shallows of the beautiful white riverbank sand beaches to crystal clear deep swimming holes, these waterways are a paradise for plunging. As well as the bigger routes through the gorges there are smaller, quieter mountain rivers with plentiful pools.
Swimming in Ardèche gorge
3. Wild paths for hiking
The beauty of the Ardèche is equally appealing seen on foot, with some of the most diverse vistas in France – much of it wild and untamed. There are numerous hiking trails and walking paths marked out, with trained guides on hand for those who want to learn more about the landscape.
One of the main places to head is the Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park, with hundreds of kilometres of signed paths. Click here to view another hiking website.
4. Mountains trails for biking
Second to the Gorges, the Ardèche is probably best known for its cycling. The Tour de France has been known to tackle its winding roads and L’Ardéchoise is an annual cycle race offering non-pro riders from across the globe the opportunity to compete the circuits.
Tour de France in Ardèche
There are miles of mapped mountain biking trails to help adrenaline junkies tackle this rugged, hilly region. It’s not all uphill however, routes such as the old disused steam train track linking Lamastre with Le Cheylard offering much gentler slopes.
5. Treks and mountains for horse riding
Tally ho and ride ‘em cowboy! From pony trekking to mountaineering by mule or good old fashioned horseback riding, there’s a four legged friend for everyone. You can saunter along – even across – the rivers, through forests and vineyards, taking in the scenery at a leisurely pace.
6. The best dark depths for caving
The Ardèche is a veritable speleologist’s nirvana! There are around 10,000 caves and caverns set into the region’s limestone cliffs and gorges, with new ones discovered annually. Uncover your spirit of discovery as you head out with a guide into the dank depths of some of the underground cavities.
There are also two of the best cave systems in France in the Ardèche – the listed Aven d’Orgnac and Chauvet caves, said to have some of the oldest prehistoric paintings in Europe.
7. Gorges for canyoning
Like the idea of caving but just not energetic enough for you?!? Get to grips with the bottom of the Gorges by canyoning – sliding, swimming, jumping and scrabbling your way along.
Canyoning in Ardèche
8. Mountains and crags for climbing
If you have a head for heights (rather than depths) then climbing the limestone crags may be the adrenaline boost for you!
You can also tackle the Via Ferratta or ‘Iron Road’ near Thueyts, a mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ladders and bridges, crossing the upper Ardèche River.
Climbing the Via Ferratta or ‘Iron Road’ near Thueyts
9. Plentiful rivers for fishing
Whether you want to fly fish or ‘cast a spinner’, you’ll be hooked on the fishing in the Ardèche. Trout, carps, eels and pike are river regulars.
Novice anglers can head to Les Pêcheurs close to the town of Montselgues, a fishery consisting of 27 ponds, ideal for perfecting your fly fishing skills.
10. Winter for skiing and snowshoeing!
Not famed for its skiing, the Ardèche does have a handful of resorts for alpine skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Skiing in Ardèche
Stay in the heart of the Ardèche
Set in the Ardèche, the Rouret Holiday village is a 100-acre multi-activity resort in a valley surrounded by diverse vegetation of pine, plane, eucalyptus, cypress and green oak trees.
And the Ardèche is also accessible from resorts in the South of France and resorts in the Alps if you fancy visiting for the day.
Best French beaches for families with small children
From the wide, sandy beaches of the north to the wind-swept coastline of the West and sun-kissed shores of the South, France is blessed with a bounty of beautiful beaches.
But it pays to be in the know when planning a holiday with young children…is the nearest beach a hike down steep cliff paths, the sea a bubbling cauldron of tempestuous tides and the only place to eat an expensive bistro?
Fear not bathing beauties as we’ve done our research so you don’t have to. From calm waters to easy access, fine sand castle-building matter to rich rock pool pickings, here’s our guide to the top toddler friendly French beaches.
Brittany beaches for… sandcastle competitions
Visitors to Brittany are spoilt for choice in terms of family-friendly beaches. Top picks for sandcastles and safe swimming include:
La Grande Plage de Goas Lagorn, Baie de Lannion (or ”La Plage de Tresmeur”) – this sheltered, West facing beach offers suitably safe swimming and a mile of white, un-crowded sand. The nearby marina is home to a range of eateries including child-pleasing creperies.
La Grande Plage de Goas Lagorn
The Quiberon Peninsula – this coast, known as the ‘Cote Sauvage’, tends towards wilder beaches, but La Plage Conquel has one wild side facing the Atlantic and another overlooking sheltered Quiberon Bay. This sandy beach is ideal for children, with plenty of shallow rock pools to explore at low tide.
La Plage Conquel
Plage du Trez, Benodet – affording a pretty, sandy beach, and easy access as well as excellent facilities, Benodet is often cited as one of the most family friendly destinations in the region. The heart of the resort is Plage du Trez, which is supervised by life-guards during summer months and has a large variety of places to buy snacks and drinks just behind the beach. Nearby Plage du Letty and Plage Saint Gilles are ideal for rock pooling.
La Grande Plage, Carnac – Carnac’s South facing beaches are beautifully sheltered with miles of soft sand and pretty dunes at the eastern fringe – a classic seaside resort.
Pierre & Vacances accommodation in Brittany
La Grande Plage, Carnac
Normandy beaches for… the white sands which inspired Monet
Described as ‘non-stop beach’ the coast of Normandy offers a plentiful selection of fabulous sandy beaches – many rich in World War II associations, from Utah to Omaha, Juno to Sword.
Trouville Plage – immortalised by Monet, quieter and more relaxed than neighbouring Deauville, Trouville offers an immense sweep of white sand, a great beach for families with younger children.
The Boardwalk on the beach at Trouville
For more relaxed, inexpensive options head to Houlgate or St-Germain-sur-Ay. Houlgate is a nice, compact, clean resort whilst St Germain offers a vast beach, perfect for picnics (but worth noting that part of the beach is reserved for naturists, so pick your spot carefully!).
The department of Manche is blessed with 330 kilometres of stunning coastline, with the greatest number of European blue flag beaches in France. Sciotot Beach at Les Pieux offers fine sands and a rock pool for paddling in.
Pierre & Vacances accommodation in Normandy
Sunset on Sciotot Beach
Aquitaine beaches for… beachcombing and crab hunting
Renowned as a surfing Mecca for the wild Atlantic waves, Aquitaine also has some hidden gems for families with tiny tots.
Saint-Jean de Luz – adjacent to the charming town by the same name and on the border with Spain, Saint-Jean de Luz beach is compact, pristine and perfect for seaside thrills. There are even bathing tents for hire so you and your little ones can escape the sun.
Saint-Jean de Luz
Just around the coast, Socoa Beach, beneath Socoa Fort, is a tranquil spot for undisturbed beachcombing and crab hunting.
Lake Biscarosse – of course, beaches aren’t restricted to coastal areas. The lakes of Landes offer some excellent beaches for warm, shallow water and shady pine trees. There’s the Lake of Cazaux-Sanguinet to the North and the Lake of Biscarrosse-Parentis to the South
Children looking out at Lake Biscarosse
Moliets Plage – a golden sandy beach meets pine forest and lake, this resort is popular with locals and visitors alike, the beach bordered by the Courant d’Huchet nature reserve.
Pierre & Vacances accommodation in Aquitaine
Mediterranean beaches for… hidden gems and blue lagoons
The French Riviera, blessed with year-round sunshine, holds an eternal appeal for holidaymakers. You’ll have to go a long way to beat the bevy of beaches available on France’s Mediterranean coast. Here’s just a few of our favourites.
Port de Crouton Plage, Juan-les-Pins is something of a hidden gem. The fine sand slopes gently towards the calm shallows on this tranquil beach, a world away from the busier main strip at Juan-les-pins. The entrance to this sheltered cove can be discovered via the public pathway through the Hotel Belles Rives or 300 yards beyond Le Meridien Hotel.
Villefranche-sur-Mer – a charming, good old fashioned seaside town, far less crowded than much of the Riviera. There are two beaches to choose from, Plage des Marinières and Plage de la Darse. Marinières is the big, sandy beach, whilst la Darse is a mix of sand and pebbles. Both are popular with families but far less crowded than other beaches surrounding Nice.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Plage de la Gravette, Antibes – sheltered by a breakwater, forming a safe enclosure for swimming, the ‘Old Antibes beach’ is compact and sandy.
Plage de Notre Dame, Ile de Porquerolles – sometimes it’s worth going the extra mile to discover idyllic beaches. This is such an instance. The Ile de Porquerolles is the largest of the group of islands known as the Iles d’Hyères or ‘Les Iles d’Or’, the Golden Isles. Eucalyptus and pine scent the air and the crescent of white sand is framed by aqua blue water. Not for the faint hearted, the beach is a 20 minute cycle ride from the ferry, so only tackle this if little legs are up to a big adventure. Whilst there are no facilities in the immediate vicinity, pack a picnic and you’ll enjoy a day in paradise.
Plage de Notre Dame, Ile de Porquerolles
Plage de L’Estagnol, Bormes-les-Mimosas – one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches on the Med, the big draw for L’Estagnol is the quarter of a mile long sand-edged lagoon, which provides a haven for safe swimming. That and the chance to spot the Sarkozys – the president of France has use of the Fort de Brégançon.
Pierre & Vacances accommodation on the Mediterranean
Driving to France from Ireland
Did you say France, from Ireland?? By car???!? Mais oui!
Never ones to miss a trick the Irish have been quick to embrace the good value offered by Euro zone holidays. And what better way to start your vacances Françaises than a road trip? The thrill of the open road, the wind in your hair… the smell of Murray Mints.
First things first, you might ask why anyone would want to drive to France from Ireland? (Is there a new tunnel between the Emerald Isle and the Continent that we haven’t heard about?!)
For one thing, you’ll minimise your carbon footprint opting for the open road rather than open skies. Plus you’ll bypass all the airport hassle. The check in. The lost luggage. The waiting. The other people. The waiting. The security checks. The waiting. (You get the picture.)
Most importantly, you actually get to see more of France en route. So rather than viewing the journey as something which has to be gotten out of the way quickly, why not embrace the experience as part of the holiday, plan a scenic route with some good stops and prepare to allez tout droit!
Here’s our quick guide on how to drive to France from Ireland:
1. Be prepared
Like any good Boy Scout, it pays to be prepared. So whilst it may sound obvious, it’s a good idea to get your car checked thoroughly before any long drive! And equip yourself with the correct travel insurance.
Next, stock up on the essentials: Invest in a good French road atlas along with a good local map to guide you into your final destination. We recommend Michelin maps (Series Bleu), also great for walking and cycling excursions once you’re there. (Another plus point, you can take your bikes if you travel by car!)
A glove box full of good CDS, a quality playlist (or even an old fashioned mix tape) and plenty of drinks and healthy snacks to keep energy levels up, and you’re good to go.
2. Pick your route
There are a couple of options depending on where in France you’re heading. The major online route planners will send you via the UK. This is no doubt the quickest route, ideal if you’re happiest guzzling petrol rather than a life on the ocean wave (and fine if you fancy stopping off at the Millennium Stadium or Twickenham!).
Route planners estimate around 12h30 to drive door to door from Dublin to Paris via Holyhead, the M25 and Eurotunnel. However, both Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries operate direct, but longer, services to France.
Brittany Ferries sails from Cork to Roscoff – the fastest direct route at 14 hours.
Irish Ferries sails from Rosslare to Roscoff or Cherbourg. The crossing takes around 17 hours.
Whilst onboard you can avail yourself of the facilities, from swimming pools to cinemas and wine bars, not forgetting lashings of fresh air up on deck (just don’t be tempted to play Kate and Leo a la Titanic). With an overnight ferry you’ll find there’s not much time left to play Eye Spy and Are We There Yet.
France has over 8,000 kilometres of motorways, of which most are toll roads. If you’re pinching pennies and not in a hurry, there’s an excellent network of trunk roads, the N-denoted Routes Nationals.
There are a number of useful sights for route planning, including:
- ViaMichelin
- AA route planner
- Languedoc Holiday Guide – Tips for driving in France
- France4Families – Route planning in France
- Drive through France
- Bison Futé – Traffic blackspots and roadwork updates
- And a perennial favourite, check what the world et sa mère recommends on TripAdvisor
3. Break the journey
If the thought of a Little Chef leaves you cold, fear not! A carefully planned route will include a few good places to stop off and engage with the natives.
The first point to get your head around is that service stations in France are a world away from those found in the UK (another reason to avoid that particular route!). They’re signed at regular intervals, are family friendly with freshly cooked food and welcoming picnic areas.
L’Arche group serves the best food. If you’re on a budget, buy from the café bars in the shop where you pay for fuel, equally tasty and less expensive.
If you want to linger longer over your meal, finding a good local restaurant can be a rewarding experience, but make sure you’ve planned your stops in advance (rather than driving around aimlessly in a fretful state of starvation).
Or push the boat out (you’re on holiday, why not) and live it up. If you come via the tunnel, four of the five Champagne Routes (covering 360 miles) start at Reims and Epernay, a two and a half hour drive south of Calais. The Champagne houses of Moet et Chandon and Veuve Cliquot may be a welcome stop after the ravages of the M25!
Of course, you can always book accommodation with Pierre & Vacances to break the trip!
4. Know the rules of the road
Simple things like tolls, speed limits and driving on the other side of the road can trip you up if you’re unfamiliar with them.
Did you know for instance that:
- Driving with dipped headlights is compulsory in poor visibility
- You must carry your driving licence, car insurance and log book in the vehicle at all times
- If you cross a solid white line (in order to overtake for example) and are seen by the authorities, they will pull you over and give you an on the spot fine
- Fluorescent jackets are now a legal requirement and must be kept in the passenger part of the car and NOT the boot
Check out the following links for the inside track.
http://www.day-tripper.net/drive-in-france.html
http://www.ferrybooker.com/driving-in-france.htm
http://driving.drive-alive.co.uk/driving-in-france.htm
5. Keep the family entertained
Whether it’s a top playlist, or half a dozen games, it pays to have something up your sleeves to keep everyone entertained.
Audio books are a good idea. Or you can engage your little ones with map reading duty.
Apparently time spent driving can be precious family together time! Take inspiration from the following for some great ideas of games to play whilst travelling
If all else fails make sure you have some of the following tracks to sing along to:
6. Learn the lingo
Here are some useful phrases to get you on your way:
- Aire de repos – Rest stops
- Allumez vos lanterns (or feux) – Turn on your lights
- Attention travaux – Beware roadworks
- Autre directions – Other directions
- Chaussèe dèformèe – Bumpy road ahead
- Cèdez le passage – Give way (Give priority to the other road)
- Centre ville – Town centre
- Gendarmerie – Police station
- Prochain èchangement gratui – No toll at next exit
- Route barrèe – Road closed
- Sens-unique – One-way
- Serrez a droite – Keep to the right
- Toutes directions – All directions
- Tournez à gauche. L’autre gauche – Turn left. The other left.
Book now to take advantage of our ‘France Fantiastique’ offers, with great deals to Brittany, Picardy and Normandy easily accessed via ferry links.
Things to see and do in France for 2011
There’s always something slightly out of the ordinary happening in France, some quirky local festival or carnival full of colourful floats and characters. So whether you’re looking for an excuse for a quick hop over the channel or seeking fun days out during your holiday, look no further than our month-by-month guide.
March
78th Fête du Citron, 18 February – 9 March, Menton
Situated in the far South East of France in the Alpes Maritimes region, the charming seaside city of Menton provides the ideal sub-tropical climate for growing orange and lemon trees. Which is no doubt the inspiration behind the fabulous Fête du Citron, when some 145 tons of lemons and oranges are brought in to town for a spectacular citrus-fest.
This year’s festival is running under the theme of ‘the Great Civilisations’. Highlights include the Parade of Golden Fruit (complete with citrus-laden floats and sumptuous costumes) along with the Moonlit Parade and fireworks. Then there’s the Citrus Exhibition – travel to all four corners of the globe in one city, as rendered by (yes, you guessed it) citrus fruits.
Accommodation for the event.
Festival Guitares du Monde, 18-26 March, Troyes
This showcase for guitarists from around the world takes place each March at the Espace Culturel Gérard Philipe in St-André-les-Vergers on the outskirts of Troyes, in the Champagne region.
This year sees the 15th edition of this popular strum-off. Six concerts culminate on 26th March with one of the best French blues guitarists, Fred Chapellier.
Just don’t request Stairway to Heaven!
Accommodation for the event
Festival du Boudin, 19-21 March, Mortagne-au-Perche
Lovers of le boudin noir, or black pudding, should head to Normandy for this spring food fest. Highlights include the fiercely fought international black pudding contest and cookery demonstrations based around the celebrated blood sausage. More than 100 exhibitors, butchers and chefs showcase their wares, with over five kilometres of sausage sold annually at the three day event.
Accommodation for the event.
Choco’Croc Expo, 19-20 March, Strasbourg
If your perfect pudding is all about the sugar rush, then the Choco’Croc fair in Strasbourg, Alsace, will be more appealing. One of the largest dedicated chocolate forums, the show attracts experts from the worlds of chocolate, candy, nougat, gingerbread and pastries…perfect for sweet-toothed travellers and the ideal antidote to Lent. Learn tricks of the trade, taste the goodies and indulge your inner coco fiend.
Accommodation for the event.
April
Spi Ouest-France, 21-25 April, La Trinité-sur-Mer
Salty sea-dogs flock to La Trinité-sur-Mer in Brittany each Easter for the largest gathering of yachts in Europe. Sailing enthusiasts have been enjoying this regatta in the beautiful Quiberon Bay since 1978. Thousands of sailors and hundreds of spectators come together for a spectacle at sea and a party atmosphere on shore.
Accommodation for the event.
Biarritz Easter Egg hunt, 24-25 April
Easter bunnies in search of a more traditional fest should head to Biarritz in Aquitaine for organised chocolate hunts in parks and open spaces across the city over Easter Sunday and Monday. There is also a cavalcade which takes to the streets on the Sunday with dancers, musicians and singers.
Accommodation for the event.
Plein Vent, 29 April – 1 May, Houlgate
Let’s go fly a kite…on the beach at Houlgate in Normandy! The annual festival sees kite-flying enthusiasts from all over take ‘to the skies’ above the wide, sandy expanse of this wind-swept coast.
In fact, anything powered by the wind and you is welcome here…kites, para-gliders, buggies…
Accommodation for the event.
May
Pierres en Lumieres, 14 May, Orne
Strike a light! The monuments and buildings of Orne in Normandy are lit up at sunset for the third year of ‘Stones in Lights’. Candle-lit tours and performing choirs celebrate the heritage of this ancient town.
Accommodation for the event.
Festival of Brittany (‘Gouel Breizh’), 14 – 23 May
The whole region of Brittany puts on a show during the Gouel Breizh – which marks the feast day of its patron Saint, St Yves – with concerts, markets, exhibitions and street theatre. A land of tradition and folklore, Brittany or the ‘biniou koz’ (Breton for ‘the old bagpipe’) demonstrates its cultural vitality and unrivalled talent for making something new from something old.
Accommodation for the event.
June
Les Fêtes du Bouffon, 10-12 June, Saint Quentin en Tourmont
The Jester Festival in Saint Quentin in Picardy revives an old tradition as Herbert the giant walks through the streets, keeping an eye on the local residents. The jester himself is responsible for organising a host of street parties.
Accommodation for the event.
July
Red Fruit Fair, 3 July, Noyon
Strawberries, cherries, raspberries… Not to be outdone by their citrus cousins, the red fruits have their own festivities, in Noyon in Picardy the first Sunday of the month each July. In fact, Noyon is the red fruit capital of France! Notre Dame Cathedral square comes alive with street entertainment and markets bursting with jams, syrups, coulis and compotes.
Accommodation for the event.
Fête de la crêpe, 30-31 July, Gourin
What could be more French then a pancake festival! The flat delicacy takes pride of place in Gourin in Brittany with dancing, Breton pipe bands, games and of course the pancake-makers competition.
Now I wonder if we couldn’t combine ingredients with the Red Fruit Fair for the perfect desert…
Accommodation for the event.
August
Fête des Menteurs, 7 August, Moncrabeau
Liars, boasters, blaggers and storytellers can celebrate the art of tall tales at this international Festival of Liars in Moncrabeau in Aquitaine. The biggest liar with the greatest gift of the gab is crowned king (not unlike the British political voting system…).
The Academy of Liars was established in this town in 1748 and its officials, who swear to parody the truth, are the judges of the competition.
Accommodation for the event.
Carrot Festival, 13 August, Creances
The second Saturday of August is dedicated to honouring the carrot in Creances in Normandy. A parade of floats piled high with the redoubtable root are topped off with music, markets and a contest for the finest – judged on taste, not size. Indeed, carrots from Creances have a ‘label rouge’ of excellence.
Accommodation for the event.
Twins Festival, 15 August, Pleucadeuc
You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re seeing double at Europe’s largest twins’ festival, held in Pleucadeuc in Brittanyeach August 15th. The ‘Deux et plus’ or ‘two and more’ gathering sees around 1,000 sets of twins descend on this north western town. Apparently the town’s deputy mayor was the driving force in instigating the event. Himself the father of twin daughters, he was inspired by the high occurrence of twins in the region.
Accommodation for the event.
September
Coupe Icare, Mid September, Saint Hilaire du Touvet
The oldest free flight festival in the world, the Icarus Cup takes place in Saint Hilaire du Touvet in the Rhône-Alpes region. Participants demonstrate their prowess in ‘air skiing’ as they compete for the cup by hurling themselves off the cliff. There are also displays by top hang glider and paraglider pilots, kites, boomerangs, gyrocopters, birds of prey…anything goes for the pure joy of flight.
Accommodation for the event.
October
Deauville car rally, 1-3 October, Deauville
Regarded as the “queen of the Norman beaches” and one of the most glamorous and prestigious beach resorts in France, Deauville in Normandy has been a fashionable holiday resort for the international upper classes since the 19th Century. Started in 1967, the Paris to Deauville vintage car rally aims to recall the spirit of the “roaring twenties”, when lovers of elegance flocked to this charming watering hole.
Accommodation for the event.
Honfleur Shrimp Festival, 8-9 October, Honfleur
Oh we do like to be beside the seaside…
This shrimp festival pays homage to everything ‘of the sea’ from boats to fishermen, shanties to prawns and pirates! Music, tastings and plenty of fishy goings on are guaranteed in the harbour town of Honfleur in Normandy.
Accommodation for the event.
Vimoutiers Annual Apple Festival, 19-20 October, Vimoutiers
Every third weekend in October is given over to honouring apples, cider and calvados in the little market town of Vimoutiers in Normandy. Pommtastic!
Try and buy local apples and watch growers compete for titles such as ‘most beautiful apple’. There’s also a huge exhibit made entirely of apples. Don’t forget to try a tipple of the local brandy – calvados is drunk between courses, a tradition known as the ‘trou normand.’
An ‘apple a day’ translates into “eat an apple on going to bed, makes the doctor beg his bread” in local lore…
Accommodation for the event.
The Espelette Pepper Festival, 29-30 October, Espelette
The Espelette Pepper (Piment d’Espelette) is of the chilli variety and has its own festival in October each year in Aquitaine in the Basque region of France, where it is a culinary and cultural icon. The two-day event consists of music, dance, strong-man challenges, awards, and plenty of eating and drinking.
This not so hot chilli pepper (rating only a four on the ‘Scoville’ pepper strength scale) is more renowned for its smoky tang which complements everything from mustard to marmalade.
Accommodation for the event.
Avoriaz ski news: The snow is here!
As we mentioned very excitedly on our Pierre & Vacances Twitter account today, the snow has arrived in France!
Avoriaz in particular has had a huge amount of snow fall this week, particularly overnight (Thursday 25th November).
As of today, Friday 26th November there are 90cms of snow on the ground, and it’s evident in the pictures below:
(Pictures courtesy of our friends at Avoriaz 1800)
If you’re thinking of organising a trip to or are visiting Avoriaz and want up-to-the-minute snow reports, take a look at the real time Avoriaz webcam. If you haven’t yet booked your holiday to Avoriaz, book your ski accommodation in Avoriaz with Pierre & Vacances now! Click here to visit our Avoriaz page on the Pierre & Vacances website.
For snow reports across France, check http://www.snow-forecast.com
Keep checking back to our blog as we’ll be posting any key snowfall in France for skiers and Pierre & Vacances customers.
Thanks all!
