Check Out This Years Tour De France With SeaFrance Ferries
So one of the world’s biggest annual sporting extravaganza starts in France from July 2nd. As ever riders competing in the Tour de France will need to push themselves way past the limit during the gruelling three week race.
If you would like the once in a life time opportunity to be a spectator though, all you need to do is a hop on a SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais, and you can be chilling in the sun with a lovely glass of wine, watching other people put the pedal to the metal.
Just for Vendee
This year the tour starts in a rather non-traditional manner, beginning from the The Passage du Gois, which is a causeway that joins Île de Noirmoutier & Beauvoir sur Mer on the mainland, via Barbâtre, twice daily, this causeway is submerged by the tide, making it only passable when the tide is out. The resort of Fromentine is very nearby, and guests who stay there have a 2wide range of activities on offer year round to choose from.
Surrounded by wide, open spaces, which includes a whopping 700 hectares of forest area, 1,200 hectares of marshland and 7 kilometers of beaches, this unspoilt location is perfect for watching the commencement of the Tour de France.
Pyrenees-up
How could anyone forget that the national day of France, better known as Bastille Day is on July 14th, and everyone across the nation will be living it up on that day. Toulouse is the perfect gateway to the Pyrenees, so on the 14th, you should head up to Cugnaux and to watch the Tour, and then check out Toulouse for a night out with the locals full of red wine and cognac.
Paris sights
The Tour winds up on July 24th, and the riders shattered bodies will be biking into Paris on that day. The race ends dramatically on the Champs-Elysées laps from the Place de la Concorde with a final eight laps that seem to progressively get ever faster . This is an experience that everyone should have at least once, the atmosphere is so thick and heavy, that it rivals any sports stadium in the world.
Arrive early sample the brie & baguettes, learn to love the crowds and remember to scream at the top of your lungs “allez!” (come on!) as the riders ride up the Champs-Elysées.
So if you haven’t already, book your trip for this year’s tour with SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais, and have a fabulous summer
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Top Destinations In France With SeaFrance Ferries
SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais allows those who would like the opportunity to visit exciting destinations the ability to reach them easily. With so many destinations to choose from, it is difficult to come to a decision.
When you look you will find something for everyone, so we have decided to highlight a few of the best destinations that can be reached by SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais.
After taking SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais, there are many places you can travel, from historical journeys, to kids holidays at fast paced theme parks. It goes without saying that arguably the most popular destination of them all is Disneyland, which is ideal for the kids who have a wide variety of rides to choose from, shows, hotels, parades and much more.
You have the choice of either visiting the park for the day, or staying on there for the entire duration of your stay at one of the hotels on the property, which should go down well with the family kids.
Another top destination that is an option is obviously Paris, which is only a two and a half hour drive from Calais. It goes without saying that one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities is abundant in attractions, and its reputation as the city of romance is well deserved.
Northern France is also another fantastic destination, in particular for those that are interested in the European wars, including memorials, monuments and museums.
If you have not already book your trip this summer and head over to France on SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais.
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No Romantic Experience Beats Paris Boat Tours During The Summer
A boat tour of Paris in terms of romantic experiences has no rivals, as you and your partner drift lazily down the River Seine, the city appears to fan out before you, as you wander down miles and miles of canal networks. If you want to get to Paris inexpensively, why not try SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais
When you take a tour of Paris by boat, you get to see some of the most legendary parts of the city, and you and your partner can enjoy a lovely romantic dinner against a backdrop of the soft glow of light reflecting from the water, or instead you can just sit back, relax, and take in the fresh air and feeling of floating against a scenic setting.
When is the best time to take a Paris boat tour?
The best time of year to take a tour of Paris by boat is between May and Mid September, and if you want to get to Paris without the hassle of flying, then SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais option. The sky during that time of year tends to be a little clearer, with warmer temperatures in the city. Boat tours during the autumn and winter are still worthwhile taking, however there is frequent rain during those seasons, add the wind to that equation, and sitting on the open deck seems less appealing.
The River Seine has been the subject of poetry like no other river in the world, and touring the city on this magnificent river is a fantastic way to see Paris’s most stunning monuments. So head over to Paris this summer with SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calaisand give it a try.
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Paris In Summer By Sea France Ferries Dover Calais
Paris during the summer is when the city seems least like itself, largely because many of its residents are away for the duration of the holiday. The city if it is at all possible, takes on a more cosmopolitan edge to it as it sees an influx of tourists. It’s a fabulous time of year to visit on SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais , but there are also a few not so nice things about the city during the summer.
Why We Love Paris During The Summer:
- Loads of free open air events and the best time of year for festivals
- Tourists have the entire city virtually to themselves as local residents are away for vacation.
- Carefree, warm and relaxed atmosphere
Why We Don’t Love Paris During The Summer:
- Airfares spike, so travel can be an issue. Ferry travel is usually more cost effective so check out SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais
- Public transport and tourist attractions can be overcrowded at times.
Paris during the summer however is an experience not to be missed, if you have never been, it really is work checking out culturally it is unparalleled, and it goes without saying that it always has been and continues to remain the city of love. If you want an inexpensive way to get there SeaFrance Ferries Dover Calais, its great value for money, and extremely convenient.
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A Traveller Guide To France
France, one of the largest countries in Europe stretches from the cold English Channel to the warm Mediterranean. This diversity in geology and climate means there are very interesting variations regionally in language, wine, cuisine and art. You can there from the UK by Seafrance Ferries Dover to Calais
The food in France is a varied as its landscape, in the north you will fine cow cheese and butter, whilst in the south, olive oil is used for cooking, with cheese made mainly form sheep and goat’s milk.
The country as a wonderful tradition of making cheese, and after a meal you should be sure to avoid sugary delights and opt for locally made cheeses instead.
Board and half Board
Many people in Europe will be familiar with the French concept of boarding, those not from the continent however will perhaps need the terms explained. When tourists see the price of a hotel room displayed, they will no doubt see the price displayed for one or two people, then followed by either of the two terms full board or half board. These prices are per person, and is the reason why they seem so reasonable.
Half board simply means the price includes a single meal, either lunch dinner or breakfast, whilst full board includes all three meals in the price. There are usually limitations attached, for example, guests who order extremely expensive items will probably be charged extra.
If you find yourself at dinner thinking “I should have asked for half board” ask your waiter, it still may be possible to get it if you order eligible menu items.
Leasing a Car in France – The Lease Buyback Plans
In France, new vehicles purchases are hit with high taxes, and in response French car rental companies offer lease buyback plans. This means if you want to save serious moolah on a car, you can do so by buying a slightly used one. In order to ensure that that cars are only slightly used, companies offer special programs for tourists from outside the European Union, to help them take some of the newness out of the cars.
This means a car can be leased for approximately the same price as a rental, and when it is returned, the car is then cleaned and sold, which means travelers get to drive a brand new car for the same price as a rental.
You need to think about buyback deals at least a month before your departure date. There is somewhat more paperwork to deal with on a buyback than a rental.
The French Rail System
Most places can be gotten to by the French Rail System, if you are planning on visiting Paris and some of the larger cities, the train system has the advantage of taking you right to the city centre where the larger hotels are usually located, and you wont have to drive around looking for a parking spot. Trains are also quite social, you can relax and converse with other travelers or read a book and plan the rest of your trip.
You can get many places on the French Rail System. If I’m planning to be in Paris and a few larger cities, I’d take the train. Advantages? You get right to the city center where there are usually hotels. You don’t have to drive through town looking for parking. You can relax on the train, meet other travelers, and plan the rest of your trip or just read a book.
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A Guide To The Best French Wine Tasting Tours
Arguably perhaps the single best reason to visit France is to sample the wine. France is the largest wine producer in the world with its wine types and flavours almost as diverse as its various wine making regions, here is a guide to the best French wine tasting tours to take.
You can there from the UK by Seafrance Ferries Dover to Calais
Day in the Champagne Region Wine Tour
This wine tour is merely a 12 hour day trip away from Paris, which allows visitors to explore the world famous Champagne region, including a visit to a vineyard, a visit to Moet Champagne house, and a full lunch spread.
Private Left Bank Walking Tour and Wine Tasting
This tour is fairly unique, combining walking in the Left Bank of Paris alongside that of two wine tastings, with the first set in a Parisian wine bar, another stop during the course of the three and a half hour tour is the Pantheon, the final resting place of intellectual giants such as Voltaire and Rousseau.
Wine Tour of the Grands Crus Classes De Graves
This is perhaps the ultimate wine experience in all of France, enabling wine aficionados the experience of visiting one of the oldest wine making regions in France and the birthplace of the historic Bordeaux vineyard, the Pessac-Leognan terroir. Visitors on the tour will get the chance to enjoy a tasting at a wine chateau, a tasting and lunch at a second chateau, ending with a tour of Chateau de La Brede.
Art and Wine Tour for Medoc Lovers
This eight and a half hour tour of the premier French wine making region which departs from Bordeaux enables travellers to explore both the art and wine of the fabulous region of France. Visitors will get a chance to sample wine at three tastings at the Medoc wine chateaux, as well as stop at the the garden of contemporary sculpture in Arsac, see paintings by Arnulf Rainer in Lynch-Bages .
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Guide To A Burgundy Wine Vacation
For over 1000 years Burgundy has been known for its wine making tradition. The region is famous for both its pinot noir reds and its chardonnay white wines. Chablis and Burgundy wines provide a complexity that is unmatched anywhere else.
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The Burgundy wine region itself is small but its terroirs are extremely diverse, with each of the over 100 Appellations d’Origines Controllées, or designated wine areas representing its individual place in the sun.
There are many ways to experience Burgundy with five wine routes to choose from. For those with very little time to spend, the Route des Grand Crus is a suitable choice, which starts in Dijon and finishes up in Santenay. On this particular wine route, visitors have the chance to explore the Nuits and Côte de Beaune wine areas, and can choose to travel by bicycle, foot, or even by hot air balloon.
Another place well worth visiting is the centuries old wine trading hub of Beaune. Visitors can stop by one of the many wine cellars or caves of Beaune, to get an idea of the influence of wine on the city. Some of the wine cellars provide tasting tours for a small charge of typically 10 Euros. Wine classes can be taken by those wishing to learn more about Burgundy wines can take a wine class at the Ecole des Vins or school of wines. For those wanting to combine shopping with wine tasting, they should visit the Marché aux Vins and sign themselves up for a cellar tour and wine tasting.
The Hospices de Beaune or Hospital of Beaune is not only a fully functioning hospital, but also a museum and can be toured. There are 15th century elaborately furnished buildings, and a historic kitchen. The Hospital also owns 61 acres of Burgundy vineyards, and wine made from the Hospital vineyards are auctioned off every year, with the proceeds going towards the running of the Hospital and its museaum.
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Guide To Wine Holiday In Alsace
Alsace has a unique character all of its own, having belonged at certain points in time to both France and Germany, its villages and houses have a unique appearance, with the local dialect sounding at times like a cross between German and French. Y0u can get there from the UK by Seafrance ferries dover calais
Alsatian cuisine combines both French and German traditions with scrumptious local produce, and whilst driving through Alsace, visitors will see both modern cities, tiny villages and of course acre after acre of colourful grape laden vineyards producing some of the most interesting white wines of France.
Bordered by the Rhine River on the east and the Vosges Mountains to the west, the foothills make excellent vineyards, sheltered by the mountain. Alsace is famous for its pinot gris and gewurtztraminer wines, and aside from a few red and rose wines made from pinot noir grapes, you will not find many other red Alsatian wines.
Alsatian wines can be tasted at one of the many towns along the Route des Vins or Alsatian wine route. Visitors to the region can choose to either drive or bicycle down the route, and will find vineyards that glow green or flame in harvested colours, interspersed by picturesque villages.
Visitors can stop by a wine tasting room known as a winstub to try out one of the many local wines, and during lunch time, one should take the opportunity to enjoy a hearty baeckeoffe meal which is made with marinated meats and vegetables, layered with potatoes and onions and then baked), accompanied by a crisp Riesling or spicy gewurtztraminer.
Visitors wanting to learn more about wines from the region can take two day wine classes from the Alsace Wine School which is run by the Conseil Interprofessionel des Vins d’Alsace in Colmar.
There is something for everyone in Alsace, the cosmopolitan EU co capital city of Strasbourg, with its distinctive Gothic cathedral provides the best of Alsatian culture. The smaller villages of the region are filled with enticing shops and restaurants located in half timber buildings. The region has a legendary reputation for its nature pareserves and outdoor adventure parks, with many tourists during the warm summer months, enjoying riding bikes or strolling through the vineyards.
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Guide To Bordeaux Wine Holiday
Since at least the twelfth century the region of Bordeaux has been known for its wine. Today tourists can still visit both the historic city and the great wine making estates and chateaus that surround it. You can there from the UK by Seafrance Ferries Dover to Calais
There are as many as five different wine routes to choose from, including Châteaux Road, which passes through the famous Médoc region or the Graves Road, which takes visitors through the Sauternes appellation.
Wine tourists will notice that many of the vineyards in Bordeaux have a wide variety of vines planted, since Bordeaux wines are famous for being made from many different types of grape, with such storied names as cabernet sauvignon and merlot
The city of Bordeaux itself was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, and boasts of 18th century palaces, a vibrant river front area, and a centuries old tradition of making wine.
The city is an excellent place to start learning about winemaking and French wines, and tourists can start by exploring Bordeaux city itself, at the wine bar across the road from the Tourist Information Office, or at the L’Ecole du Vin known in English at the Bordeaux Wine School. Over the summers, two hour wine courses are offered at the very reasonable price of 25 Euros.
Tours of the local wine making estates and chateau’s can be can be made at the Tourist Information office, or you can explore both the city and the countryside by yourself.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the medieval walled town of Saint-Emilion located in the Libourne region, which is a great day trip away from Bordeaux, the town boasts hand carved underground buildings and Romanesque walls and churches. Outside the town’s walls lie some of the greatest wine making estates of Bordeaux, and for those wanting to take a closer look, a wine train can be taken through the surrounding vineyards or for those who prefer something more personal, bikes can be rented from the tourist office.
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Five Things To Think About When Planning A French Wine Holiday
1. Time Of Year:
September is simply a beautiful time of year to visit the French wine making regions to see the harvest, however it can be problematic getting estate appointments. July is a good time of year and estate visits are possible right up to the end of August. If you are really keen on going at harvest time in September, then perhaps joining a small group tour is advisable, which will ensure quality visits.
2. Do Not Drink And Drive:
Even if simply spitting at wine tastings one should really avoid driving whilst tasting. Leave the driving to a professional and take full advantage of the tasting, knowing that your driver will get you to your destination as the required time, so you can relax and enjoy the day.
3. Be Adventurous:
Try a region or appellation you are not familiar with, which will help broaden your knowledge and appreciation of the area. Not sure what you should try, then seek out a wine tour provider, who can help steer you in the right direction.
4. Less is more:
In France, the visits are very thorough, so limit yourself to knowing that it’s quality over quantity when it comes to tours and tastings.
5. Accommodation:
Just as important as which estates you visit is where you stay. If you have never stayed before at the chateau of hotel you are considering, you should not assume what you see on the website is what you will get.
You can there from the UK by Seafrance Ferries Dover to Calais
Click here to book online with SeaFrance
Please Note - All Prices Quoted Are Correct at Time of Posting
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