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By Corina Clemence
 The Loire Valley is most famous for producing fine white wine such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadet with accounts for 75% percent of the wine produced in the region. As well as these lovely white wines, you can enjoy the delightful, fruity and pleasant reds produced in the Loire Valley, such as Cabernet Franc and Gamay.
For lovers of fine wine and all finer things in life, one would be hard-pressed to find a better setting than the exquisite famous fertile valley of the Loire River; a region seeped in rich history from regal chateaux to its long viticulture tradition.
The Loire Valley wine region is located south west of Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is an area blessed with a mild climate and fertile soil, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.
A fairytale wine-tasting adventure awaits the wine lover touring the Loire Valley as wine-tasting can be enjoyed along with visits to many spectacular historic castles sprinkled
throughout the region. Chateau Chambord which is the largest Loire Valley chateau and the architecturally breathtaking Chateau Chenonceau spanning the River Cher are just two of many jaw-droppers for tourists to enjoy.
Chateau Chaumont sits high above the banks of the Loire River opposite the Touraine-Amboise vineyards and it holds an international garden festival each year from April to October being France's equivalent of the Chelsea Garden Fair. Last year the theme was play and many of the gardens on exhibit were highly interactive and a great success with both children and adults. This year the theme is going to be mobility.
The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail because it is so seeped in history and because of the close association with Leonardo Da Vinci.
Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce and admire his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His drawings and paintings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.
Self-guided wine tours can be combined with hiking, bicycling, or hot air ballooningthrough the scenic countryside. All wine lovers should make their next wine tasting holiday destination the Loire Valley because the excitement of their senses will stretch far beyond their palate. Many of the historic chateaux hold light and soundshows at night during summer. For castle enthusiasts staying at a castle can heighten the enjoyment of your vacation. Remember to bring lots of film or memory for your camera, as there really is not a prettier wine region in the world.
Corina Clemence runs a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to fifteen people perfect for touring vineyards and chateaux and relaxing french holidays. It is also ideal for a french wedding, party or event. Rent the whole castle or rent a suite. Rent a castle in France. Hire castle - hire chateau Rent castle http://www.loirechateau.com Rent chateau France La Plagne And Les Arcs Ski Resorts
By Chris Chew
 As winter is approaching in the Northern Hemisphere, many people from all over the world will be planning winter vacations. What better way to enjoy a winter vacation and yet having a healthy full body workout instead of gaining winter weight by going on a skiing vacation?
In this article, we will be taking a look at two of the more popular ski resorts in France and if you are heading to Europe for your winter holidays then the information here may come in useful.
The ski resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs in France are surrounded by breathtaking white capped mountain ranges. Both resorts attract skiing enthusiasts mainly from France and Europe. However in the past few years, the resorts are also attracting more and more Asians and American skiers and holiday makers.
La Plagne is one of the largest single ski areas in the world, with 212kms (about 132 miles) of pistes served by 144 ski lifts and is linked to Les Arcs by a four minute cable car ride. This ski resort is made up of 10 villages and is probably the most visited ski resort in the world.
In additional to skiing activities, visitors can also indulge in other activities such as bowling, working out in a fully equipped gym and sports centre, get away from the winter chill by taking sauna baths, go hang-gliding or ice-skating.
For a family outing, there are more than 200 shops to go shopping in or dine in La Plagne myriads of restaurants. Bars and dance clubs light up La Plagne by night.
La Plagne is sometimes billed as the 'third generation' French ski resort with its futuristic architectural designs has probably also influenced other ski resorts in France such as Flaine, Avoriaz and Les Arcs to go for the new world space age architecture and abandoning the charming rustic designs of traditional ski resort architecture.
Skiers in La Plagne will encounter various permutation of piste and off piste, from exhilarating steep descents on the huge glacier at Bellecote(3,000m or almost 10,000ft), then cruising delightfully down quiet meandering larch lined avenues to the charming villages of Montchavin-Les Coches, Champagny-en-Vanoise and Montalbert.
Now let's take a look at Les Arcs. This resort has a Eurostar train terminal connection at Bourg Saint Maurice and thus making it the most accessible high-altitude ski resort in France.
Les Arcs is also known to have pioneered the so called 'ski evolutif', which is a technique used for fast learning by progressing quickly from short skis to longer skis.
Les Arcs is also the homeground of the "Kilometre Lancee" in which daredevils on huge 237cm or 8 ft skis, clad in thin aerodynamic plastic suits and donning 'Darth Vader of Star Wars' style visors, speed down the specially designed track at exhilarating breakneck speed of up to 240kph (150mph) or more.
Just like La Plagne, Les Arcs ski resort has acres and acres seemingly never ending good cruising ski terrain and its off piste opportunities are simply fantastic.
Take for example, the Aiguille Rouge, which dominates the resort has many challenging runs down its front face slopes. The Aiguille Rouge is also the starting point for one of the longest skiing descents in the French Alps. The largely black run down to the charming village of Villaroger is over 16km or about 10 miles long. Whew!
With such fabulous skiing opportunities, it is therefore not surprising that La Plagne along with Les Arcs ski resorts in France is able to attract so many skiing enthusiasts from all the world, isn't it?
Chris Chew is an avid traveler. For more travel articles, visit his site at Tourist Attractions In Beijing and
Casinos In Macau Glorious Food And The Enchanting Loire Valley In France
By Corina Clemence
 The Loire Valley known as "the Garden of France" is a fertile place where a rich farmland is spread on both sides of the enchanting Loire river. The region became the favourite residence of French Kings from the middle ages to the Renaissance. Little by little, strongholds had become magnificent castles of the Renaissance, which had been restored during the 17th and 18th centuries.
These chateaux tell about the surprising history of the great kingdom of France and display the charm of its fabulous past. The chateaux still stand in all their glory representing the majesty and grandeur of the architecture of that period.
Everyone knows French cooking is one of the best in the world if not the best. With more than 365 cheeses, thousands of different wine producers, foie gras, sea food, fishes and good meat, and of course specialties like snails, frogs' legs, bouillabaisse, pot au feu, and boeuf bourguignon, France is heaven for those who like quality and innovative cuisine.
Classic French cuisine is very much on the menu in most restaurants in the beautifulLoire Valley. The French table is a deity - a great social organizer and leisure activity.
Each aspect of a French speciality has a root, origin, tradition, and cult attached to it by the French. This is because of the sheer diversity of excellent products and related recipes available all over France. The french have an amazing affinity for the land. It is part of their identity. . If French gastronomy has such prestige, it is because the French spend their time on it.
Freshwater River and lake fish take pride of place in dishes. Vegetables thrive in the sandy soils around the Loire River. Local asparagus is delicious in spring. Most vegetables have a long season. Goat's cheeses are a particular speciality of the region.
Meat specialities of the Loire Valley include pork rillettes (a coarse pate), not to be confused with another very tasty, more local tradition, rillons (big chunks of pork cooked in pork fat). With so many forests in the Loire Valley, the region's restaurants are strong on game. Autumn is the season not just for wild game, notably wild boar and venison, but also wild mushrooms.
The French have a sweet tooth and they love rich, creamy, chocolate patisseries and they insist on quality. Blois has exceptional patisseries.
Tarte Tatin, upside-down apple tart, is a classic of the Loire Valley region. The area is rich in excellent pears and apples, tasty strawberries and melons.
The tourist route around the vineyards of the Loire valley leads foodies and wine lovers from cellars to vineyards, offering wine-related discoveries punctuated by visits to imposing castles, abbeys, cave dwellings and gardens along the Loire, now classed as part of the world heritage of mankind by UNESCO. Because, gastronomy in France is a veritable paradise you should try it at least once in your lifetime.
Corina Clemence operates a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to fifteen people perfect for family holidays and for touring vineyards and chateaux and relaxing. It is ideal for a french wedding, party or event. Rent the whole castle or rent a suite. Rent a castle in France. Rent chateau France http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle Hire castle - hire chateau Skiing Holidays In France
By Derek Both
 When going on a skiing holiday it can be hard to decide where to go especially if you have never been on that type of holiday before. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, skiing holidays France are perfect because it offers some of the best skiing in the world.
Apart from the quality of skiing in France there are many different advantages of skiing holidays France. One of these advantages is the fact that it is so close to the UK and there are various different methods of getting there. If you want to get there quickly then you can fly or if you would prefer to make the journey there a part of the holiday then you can drive and take the ferry. Not only does the fact that France is so close mean a shorter travel time, it also means that it is going to be cheaper to get there.
You will be spoilt for choice when you go on skiing holidays France because there are 400 resorts to choose from. This means that no matter what your ability is or what you are interested you are going to find a resort that suits your tastes. As well as this you will find that all kinds of skiing is possible on skiing holidays France. For example, downhill, cross - country, snowboarding and anything else that you can think of.
Although the peak season for skiing holidays France is January to March, the whole season runs from November to April. This means there is plenty of time for you to go on your holiday and you can even go twice if you find that you really love it. Be cautious though that France has school holidays at the end of February and beginning of March which means that the slopes are very busy during these times.
As skiing holidays France are so popular you will be able to find lots of package holidays that provide great deals. Buying everything separately such as lift passes, ski hire equipment, flights and accommodation can work out to be very expensive. However, a package holiday will combine all of these things and will therefore be a lot cheaper.
If you are looking for a holiday with a bit of a twist then skiing holidays France are the thing for you. Exciting and unique this is a holiday that you are bound to want to go on again.
At Inspired Travel skiing holidays france we aim to provide holidays of distinction that are flexible and memorable. Any member of our team will be happy to turn your dream holidays into a reality. 5 Great Gap Year Countries to Visit Before College
By Casey Markee
 Are you ready for college? Some people aren't. When making life decisions it is good to take some time, look over all the options, and go where your heart takes you. Some students choose after high school to take a "gap year," or a year to figure out what they want to do in life.
There are many countries out there with varied experiences to challenge these students who may not know yet what they want do with their lives. Here are some interesting international options for the undecided student:
1. India: India has a great need for volunteers in the community, to help the underprivileged children and adults of their country with education, community service and conservation. No formal experience is necessary, just a willingness and enthusiasm to help. Programs range from helping children in orphanages, teaching adults about nutrition and disease, restoration and rebuilding of churches and school, to working with animal rescue programs.
2. Rennes, France: If art, architecture, music, and Celtic history interest you, then head to Rennes, France. Located at the junction of the Ille and Vilaine rivers, Rennes is known for its cultural attractions as well as its thriving technological research centers. Volunteers are needed to teach English in primary, middle, or secondary schools, and while doing so you can learn the local language yourself.
3. Argentina: Head on down south to brush up on your Spanish and help a country in need at the same time. If helping the local community interests you, then Argentina has plenty of volunteer programs for you to choose from, including; healthcare, teaching English as a second language, youth outreach programs,and leading nature expeditions. Learn a language in-country and help your fellow neighbor at the same time.
4. Australia: If the fun of nature is something you enjoy, then Australia has plenty of opportunities for spending a gap year "down under." Choose from planting trees, working on endangered species protection programs, or working on habitat restoration to help improve the natural elements of the great outback. Volunteer programs are available now in the cities of Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne.
5. China: Asian culture is full of history and art, from the many family dynasties to the vast array of art forms, thus making China a wonderful adventure. If you are looking for a demanding gap year program then maybe you would like to try learning Mandarin Chinese or one of the many Chinese martial arts. If film is your thing, try taking a historical survey of the major genres of Chinese film history and how they relate to the social, political and cultural development of this vast country.
Taking time out of your current path in life to explore something new is an emerging idea for the Western World, but it doesn't have to be a difficult one.
There are many companies that can help you arrange your gap year programs. Check for stability of the company, look for references on their website, and be sure to determine the exchange rate of the country that you will be going to. Most companies will help with all the planning you will need for your gap year, so with a little work and the right motivation your year away can be rewarding and fun. Start planning today!
Casey Markee is a consultant with GIC Argentina a gap year programs provider based in Buenos Aires. Visit them online for detailed information on Spanish courses in Argentina and plan your next study abroad trip today. |
