cottages4you blog: inspiration for your cottage or villa holiday in UK, Ireland and Europe

People looking forward to staying in a holiday home in France might like to consider visiting Paris for the day – even if they are on a budget.

According to Veronique Potelet Anty of the Paris Office du Tourisme et des Congres, the image of the French capital as an expensive place of luxury and refinement is incomplete.

The city offers plenty of options for those on a tighter budget, she continued, including transport and things to do.

"The Parisian metro and bus system is affordable and enables people to visit the whole city easily," Ms Anty said.

Furthermore, there is a range of affordable cultural activities on offer, such as the national museums, which are free every first Sunday of the month, she explained.

Holidaymakers can also enter the Victor Hugo, Petit Palais and Modern Art Museum at no cost seven days a week, Ms Anty added, while most places are free for children.

And those of you heading to France might like to try the local yellow wine vin jaune, which was recently described by press relations and promotion executive at Comite Regional du Tourisme de France-Comte Cecile Ambacher as similar in taste to a Spanish sherry.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you
 

Ask most people what they love about a holiday in France and their answer is likely to include wine and cheese.

The foodies among us at cottages4you believe the quality of these products is unrivalled by any other country – and we’ve certainly done our research.

If you want to expand your horizons on your next France holiday, but still sample these delicious delights, we’ve come across just the thing.

Vin jaune is a local yellow wine produced in the Franche-Comte region and it sounds like a real treat.

The high-quality tipple is over six years old and tastes similar to a Spanish sherry, explains Cecile Ambacher, press relations and promotion executive at Comite Regional du Tourisme de Franche-Comte.

And what goes perfectly with wine? Cheese of course! Luckily, this region is known for its Comte cheese and a visit to the mountains’ cheese cellars is a must, Ms Ambacher explains.

If you’re staying in a holiday cottage in Provence this summer, be sure to try the local rose wines, which are perfect with a crisp salad in the hot, southern sun.

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you

Here at cottages4you we’re always keen to discover new places on our holidays in France.

The country is bursting with hidden areas that seem to pop up out of nowhere.

While it’s exciting to discover places for yourself on your France holiday, we thought we’d let you in on a little secret.

The Franche-Comte region has been described as "hidden France" and is full of everything the country’s known to offer.

Cecile Ambacher, press relations and promotion executive at Comite Regional du Tourisme de Franche-Comte, says: "The region has many traditions, good food, prices are not high and nature is at its best for walking, bird watching and cycling."

It certainly sounds like it’s worth a visit during your next stay in a holiday cottage in France.

Ms Ambacher says it’s easy to get to from the Eurostar and has connections to Lille and Paris.

According to Eurotunnel’s half-year results, its passenger numbers have risen by six per cent – so it’s obviously a popular method of transport for those of you heading on holiday in France.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Holidays in France are great fun and can also be a really practical trip for the whole family.

There are now plenty of ways to get across the Channel, allowing you to pack up your car with everything you need to enjoy your stay in a France holiday cottage.

Here at cottages4you we love to travel by car, as it saves you worrying about check-in fees, luggage allowances and flight disruptions.

To make sure you enjoy your journey as much as possible, you must always make sure your car insurance will cover any mishaps.

According to moneysupermarket.com, some companies can change your cover when you go abroad, so it’s important to read the small print.

Head of car insurance at the firm Steve Sweeney said: "When driving in continental Europe, motorists need to be aware a provider could automatically downgrade a fully comprehensive policy."

It’s worth speaking to your insurer before heading on your holiday in France, just to be on the safe side.

Then book your Channel crossing, remember to drive on the right when you arrive in France and you’re good to go!

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

Families in search of some snow on their French holiday should consider staying in a self-catering property close to Val Thorens.

Here you’re guaranteed to have see a good dusting, says Clementine Blanchard, a spokeswoman for the Office du Tourisme de Val Thorens.

It’s ideal for those of you who like to stay active during your holiday in France, as you can enjoy mountain biking, skiing and tobogganing, as well as much more.

According to the Crystal Ski Industry Report 2010, France is the most popular country to take to the slopes, with Austria and Andorra also common choices.

Ms Blanchard says the three surrounding valleys make Val Thorens ideal for skiing, but there’s also an ice driving circuit and France’s longest toboggan run, which takes 45 minutes to go down.

If you and your family are new to the slopes, you’re in good hands in this region because there are runs suitable for all levels, she adds.

Posted by Matt Smith, cottages4you

If you’re considering a holiday to France, it’s likely you’ve thought of popular destinations such as Provence, Brittany and Normandy.

These will all provide you with a fabulous stay, but you might also like to head off the beaten track a little and explore some lesser-known areas.

A great place to start would be the village of Megeve in the French Alps, which has history dating back hundreds of years.

Stefan Laude, press agent for Megeve Tourisme, says the water there makes it ideal for the hotter months, because there are heaps of activities – such as canoeing – to enjoy.

"As a summer destination we have many events all summer long, evening festivals and so on," he adds.

If you fancy a bit of adventure on your French holiday, you could consider taking a small plane trip around Mont Blanc and into Megeve.

The Skyscanner Flight Trends report for June found France was one of the most popular countries to visit.

If it’s top of your list, the Megeve may be well worth a trip.

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you

If you’re heading out with the family on holidays in France this summer, the Chateau de Crevecoeur in Normandy could offer the perfect day out.

Between August 1st and 8th, the castle will be host to the Medieval Festival, which will see enthusiasts joined by historical groups and skilled craftsmen in recreating life in the 15th century.

Those staying in France holiday cottages near the region will be able to feel like they have been transported back in time thanks to the painstaking work of historians and archaeologists, who ensure the reconstructions are accurate.

"Come and behold unique scenes, as a spectator, witness and actor," the website for the Chateau de Crevecoeur recommends.

The castle has been preserved and remains practically intact and as it appeared when it was built ten centuries ago, when it was the home of French farmers who would escape attacks by hiding in the fort.

Posted by Andrew Hill, cottages4you

Wine lovers heading to France for their summer holidays are in for a real treat with some truly delicious tipples on offer.

Regions such as Bordeaux are well known for their grape varieties across the globe.

But you might like to try something different and sample Loire Valley wines, as these are "easy to drink and relatively light", according to an expert.

Amanda Gallou from Amanda’s Wines – a firm that imports the drink from this region – says the white wines are unoaked and this gives them the delicious light quality.

"The Sauvignon Blanc is one of the main grape varieties," she explains, but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If you’re passing through the Loire Valley in June or July, you should definitely check out the Anjou Festival.

Running from June 17th to July 10th, the country’s second-largest theatre festival is sure to be entertaining and you could even pick up a bottle or two while you’re there.

Posted by David Sollberger, cottages4you

At cottages4you, we know how much so many Britons love a holiday in France.

With lots of beautiful areas to explore, along with outstanding food and luscious wines, we can see why.

On your next trip across the channel, you might want to spend some time in Bordeaux, which promises to offer you all you could wish for from a Gallic holiday.

Even if you’re just passing through on the way to your holiday cottage, you should make time to sample some of the best-tasting oysters in the country.

Apolline Belondrade, spokesperson at Bordeaux Tourisme, suggests La Boite a Huitre, which is right in the centre of the city.

"To finish your stay, don’t miss the Ice Bar of Bordeaux, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll be able to drink frozen vodka in a unique atmosphere," she suggests, although make sure you’re not driving afterwards!

If you want to take a taste of Bordeaux with you, the Comptoir Boredelais next to the Grand Theatre is a vital stop-off, she adds.

Of course, one of the main attractions of the area is its delicious wine, so be sure to pick up a bottle on your travels.

A votre sante!

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you

If it’s haute cuisine and a good bottle of wine you’re after, then cottages4you can recommend Provence holidays, after the area was given the thumbs up by TV chef Raymond Blanc.

The Frenchman believes the south region of his home country is one of the most comforting places for food – even helping him get through the recovery from a broken leg, it has been reported.

He told the Times that, along with dramatic valleys lined with olive trees and the copious amounts of sun, the Provence’s many top quality restaurants make it the perfect place to enjoy some traditional French culture and a superb diet.

"I was looking for quiet luxury, good food that would be simultaneously hearty and elegant, a spa that would heal me and a place with some character," he explained.

Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons restaurant in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, currently boasts two Michelin stars, while the chef has received an OBE for his services to the food industry.

See why the chef rates the area so much by clicking here.

Posted by Daniel Leray, cottages4you