Saturday, June 15, 2013

5 Great Things To Do On a Barge Holiday In France

Taking a barge holiday in France is an unforgettable experience, with the beauty of the French countryside, the many wonderful cultural and historical sites to visit, and the laid-back atmosphere of life on the canals. Barge holidays can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like, with a diverse range of activities and outings that can be made from your floating home. Here are five of the best.
Discover Local History
No matter what part of the country your barge holiday in France takes you to, there is bound to be plenty of fascinating heritage sites along the route - this is, after all, a land of rich and colourful history. From Celtic and Roman days to the intrigue of Medieval France and beyond, there is no end of interesting sights to see - even the canals themselves are full of historic interest, many of them having been constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Enjoy the Cuisine
One of the real perks of visiting France is the excellent food. No matter what region you are visiting, there will be sumptuous local specialties to try, and travelling via river or canal means that you are never too far away from some of the finest agricultural producers in the country. From canal-side meals of freshly caught fish to daytrips into country market towns, a barge holiday in France is a foodie's paradise.
Get Active
The main mode of transport on a canal holiday may be boat, but it is not the only option - many trip operators offer walking, cycling, horse riding and more for those who want to change the pace up a bit. As canals pass through some prime golfing spots, a day playing golf can also be arranged - as can a number of other enjoyable outdoor activities.
Watch the Wildlife
The scenic routes that travellers follow on a barge holiday in France are more than just a backdrop: they are part of the surrounding ecosystem, and as such are a real delight for nature lovers. Rivers and canals are important habitats for some of France's most beautiful birds, as well as a range of other wildlife that thrives in or around water. Those travelling with children can encourage their little ones to see how many different animals they can spot on the journey.
Paint a Picture
While digital cameras offer an easy way to make sure that you have plenty of mementos from your barge holiday in France, a drawing or painting can be even more special, and artistic travellers will be treated to a cornucopia of fantastic scenes to paint. A peaceful afternoon spent by the water, or in one of the historic towns along the route, with easel and brush is sure to prove a memorable experience, and the resulting work makes the perfect souvenir from the trip.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways. We can provide you with a luxury, all-inclusive barge holiday in France. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749450

Friday, June 14, 2013

Enjoy a Luxurious Barge Holiday in France

Why not discover Paris while indulging in a unique barge holiday? France is one of Europe's most fascinating countries, and from the glamour and glitz of the celebrity studded south to the rugged natural beauty of the Alpine mountains France never fails to please. The country's diverse history, incredible museums, world famous gastronomy, and interesting heritage attract visitors from all over the world.
An increasingly popular way to travel through the country is along one of the many stunning waterways on a barge holiday. France has many thousands of kilometres of waterways that have served the country well through the ages, playing a big part in both cargo and passenger transportation, and today they are becoming a very popular way for visitors to get to see the real heart of the country.
If you decide that you would like to try out a barge holiday, France is a great place to choose for your first experience. The standard of hotel barge is always excellent and vessels are staffed by a professional crew who are there to take care of you during your trip. Cabins are small but surprisingly well designed, with plenty of storage space and en suite facilities. Every barge has its own chef who takes great pride in serving authentic top quality meals based on regional specialities and French favourites. All meals are accompanied by wonderful wines and complemented by an excellent service. What more could you want on a luxurious break away?
Compliment Your Barge Holiday With A Visit to Paris
When choosing where to go on your barge holiday, France has so many options. You can combine your stay on a barge with a city break and nowhere is more appealing, or indeed intriguing, than the capital city of Paris, one of the world's most romanticised places.
Known as The City of Lights, Paris is split by the River Seine and divided into several distinctive districts. Paris has so much to offer the enthusiastic visitor and, regardless of whether you are blown away by museums, inspired by art or simply love the culture of a modern and thriving city, Paris has something to suit everyone's taste. Climb the Eiffel Tower and revel in the panoramic views that greet you, wander down the Champs Elysee and marvel at the stunning Arc de Triomphe, or visit the modern Opera de la Bastille and the stunning Louvre Museum. These are just a few of the many attractions of this wonderful city.
Paris is very well known for its intense café culture and lively street vibe, so spend time sitting in one of the cafés, enjoying a French pastry and indulging in a little people watching. See the well heeled of the city go about their business, while the buskers try their luck on the city's smaller cobbled streets, playing authentic street café music that only serves to enhances the atmosphere.
A wonderful complement to any barge holiday, France has so many cities, towns and other wonderful places to visit. Paris is one of the finest and should not be missed when considering a holiday in the area.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for a barge holiday, France is an ideal destination. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749422

Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Top 3 Destinations For a Barge Holiday In France

If you are contemplating going on a barge holiday in France, an incredible world of scenic canal routes, vivid culture and great food awaits - but with all the tempting destinations on offer, it can be hard to decide where to go. With its proud heritage of water transport, France has some of the most interesting and attractive waterways in the world, and choosing one of the country's historic canals is a good way to start planning your adventure. Here are three of the finest, each with their own charm to entice the traveller.
Canal du Midi
The Midi - the name that most French people will know the South of France by - is a famously idyllic region, home to seemingly endless acres of scenic farmland, gentle warm weather, and an easy-going pace of life. A barge holiday in France along the Canal du Midi, which provides a passage from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, takes you through a region dating from the 17th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It provides one of the most relaxing getaways it is possible to have: cruising along under the tree-shaded banks, dipping into local history and culture, and sampling the warm flavours of Occitan cuisine. Highlights along the route include historic Carcassone and beautiful Beziers.
Canal du Centre
Running through the heart of the country, the Canal du Centre is collectively made up of a number of smaller waterways including the Briard, Loire, Lateral and Centre, offering a peaceful and picturesque network of canals and an exceedingly pleasant setting for a barge holiday in France. Also flowing through the Loire region, the rivers Loire and Cher are flanked by grand old chateaux and sites of cultural interest, making a visit to this part of the country a perfect blend of historic splendour and provincial tranquillity. Especially popular with photographers, there are several points along the way that provide breathtaking views across the Loire Valley.
Canal de Bourgogne
Connecting the Seine and the Rhone, the Canal de Bourgogne has long been one of the most important waterways in France, dating from the late 18th century and running past many noteworthy sites, including the ruins of the Abbey de Cluny and the remains of a Roman settlement at Malain - not to mention the scenic fields and vineyards that make the Burgundy region famous. This is a fantastic region for those interested in delving into local history on their barge holiday in France, filled as it is with remnants from many different eras, while it is also great for fans of French cuisine - some classic dishes, including coq au vin, originate in Burgundy. An especially interesting feature of the Canal de Bourgogne, meanwhile, is its 189 locks and traditional lock basins.
Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways. We can provide you with a luxury, all-inclusive barge holiday in France. Cruises are also offered in Holland, Italy and the UK.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749445

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Some of the Most Inspiring Natural Landmarks in the World

Planet Earth is home to some truly remarkable places, offering a palette of natural wonders which continue to amaze and astound millions of people to this day. Each country has its very own metaphorical trump card, with Australia's Uluru and the Grand Canyon in the United States just two examples. If you are keen to embark on a journey of discovery on your next holidays rather than just a week in the sun, here are some of the sights of the world you could discover.
We begin in Turkey, a country which is so often the location for sun holidays throughout the summer months. However, for those who wish to explore the country's beauty, the area of Pamukkale in Turkey promises to impress. Known as the white castle, it is a collection of white terraces that have been naturally formed due to the high levels of Calcite found in the waters. With the terraces filled with warm pools heated by an underground volcano, it has been used as a healing spa for thousands of years.
Another literal hot-spot is the Nine Hells of Beppu in Japan, a unique group of hot springs which boast particular characteristics. Hell 1 is called Umi Jigoku - translated to 'Sea Hell' and sports a vivacious turquoise colour. However, you wouldn't want to dive in, with the water hot enough to boil eggs! Another example of their uniqueness is Hell 6, called Oniyama Jigoku (Devil's Mountain Hell). It sports an incredibly current which is strong enough to pull over a train car, while it is also home to around 100 of the biggest crocodiles around! The Nine Hells are an experience you won't forget in a hurry.
Finally, we head to Brazil to discover the incredible Vale De Lua, a stone basin that has been carved over thousands of years by the San Miguel River. Translating to valley of the moon, it is thought to be one of the oldest rock formations in the world and is certainly a sight worth savouring. The river has created a wealth of caves, grottos and bizarre rock formations, each offering a labyrinth of tunnels inside the narrow canyon walls. It is set against a stunning backdrop of tropical fauna, with more than 25 species of orchids among the diversity of plants found in the region
With so many beautiful places waiting to be discovered, why not book the holiday of a lifetime and explore a culture and country that's a world away from what you're used to?
This article was written on behalf of Explore, the experts in offering adventure holidays for families.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749522

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Top 3 Festivals To See From Holiday Cottages In Cornwall

Holiday cottages in Cornwall offer what many consider to be the perfect getaway: idyllic surroundings, exciting attractions to explore, new cultural discoveries to be made, and a sense of being far away from all of everyday life's little distractions. Such cottages provide an ideal base from which to sample this inspiring county's delights - including the vibrant festivals that occur throughout the year. With its rich cultural life and thriving folk traditions, chances are that there will often be something interesting going on not far from you. Here are three of the top festivals to look out for.
Looe Music Festival
The Looe Music Festival, based in the fishing town of Looe, is ideal for live music fans staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall's south-east. A fairly new festival, it was started in 2011 with the aim of bringing top live acts to the county, but has gained a strong reputation over the last few years. In 2012, thousands flocked to the festival's stages, which are spread along the beachfront as well as throughout the town, showcasing a wide array of genres. With the picturesque streets and beautiful seaside scenery, the lively festival atmosphere, and the fact that proceeds go back into fostering musical talent in the local community, this is a large festival that nevertheless encapsulates the Cornish spirit.
Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival
For lovers of folk music, meanwhile, the entire county is a wonderland where almost every town seems to feature its own resident bands, and festivals large and small occur throughout the year. Those staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall are likely to be able to find something to suit their tastes no matter what the season or where they are based. One of the finest, however, is the Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, which has been ongoing for ten years and showcases sea shanties and other traditional sailing music and Cornish songs, while raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Penzance Literary Festival
The festival scene is not all music-focused, however, and there is plenty for guests staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall whose interests cover other subjects - including literature, with the Penzance Literary Festival. Taking place in July and featuring everything from big name authors to independent local presses and experts in Cornish history and legends, there is plenty to keep book-lovers absorbed in the magic of the written word. One of the joys of travel, for those who love reading or listening to stories, is the opportunity to discover the storytelling traditions and modern literary scenes of the places they visit. Cornwall, a region famously brimming with folklore but also full of modern innovation, offers both in spades, and the Penzance Literary Festival is the perfect place to start exploring them.
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall as well as cottages in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749500

Monday, June 10, 2013

Books to Read to Complement Your Holiday In Cornwall

One of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the UK, Cornwall is full of inspiring locations full of fascinating stories, and holiday cottages in Cornwall provide a fantastic way to start exploring them. For readers and writers, Cornwall is an especially captivating place to be: at every turn the traveller is greeted with landscapes that have inspired both ancient legends and classic novels, so lovers of literature and traditional folklore will find plenty to intrigue and inspire them. Here are some of the best literary works and traditions with Cornish roots or connections.
Novels
Those looking for some good books to read while staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall will find that there are plenty of novels with a connection to the land around them, whether they were written by Cornish writers or set in Cornwall. Most famous are a number of novels by London-born Daphne du Maurier, who lived in the county for much of her life, and set several of her works wholly or partly there: Jamaica Inn, The House on the Strand, and Rebecca, to name just three. Chances are that wherever you stay in the region, there will be a location nearby that is featured in or provided inspiration for a Du Maurier novel. Other novelists to try while exploring this enchanting region include Rosamunde Pilcher, Winston Graham, and the children's writer Sharon Tregenza.
Poetry
With its captivating scenery and legend-steeped history, it is hardly surprising that Cornwall has provided inspiration to some of the UK's most celebrated poets through the ages, as well as having a rich home-grown poetic tradition. Former Poet Laureates Alfred Tennyson and John Betjeman both featured Cornish settings in their works. Of the many poets that the county has produced, some of the most famous - whose works offer a great way to connect to the landscape while staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall - include Jack Clemo and Charles Causley. The Cornish poetry scene today continues to be a rich and vibrant one, and browsing the local section of any bookshop could yield some real gems for those looking for a taste of what is currently being written.
Legends and Folktales
Spending time in holiday cottages in Cornwall is also a wonderful way to delve into the fascinating world of Cornish folklore. The most famous of the region's fairy tales is Jack the Giant Killer, which features locations that can still be visited today - most notably, St Michael's Mount, which was said to have been the home of Cormoran, the first giant Jack killed. Cornwall is also rich in Arthurian legends and lore, with some versions of Arthur's life story claiming he was born at Tintagel Castle; there is still a cave nearby known as Merlin's Cave. Local legends abound wherever you travel, and storytelling is still considered an important art, so keep an eye out for storytelling events.
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall as well as cottages in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749609

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Discover Medieval Cornwall From Your Holiday Cottage

Time spent in holiday cottages in Cornwall can be much more than just a relaxing getaway. The Cornish landscape is filled with interesting discoveries and historic gems, and those with an interest in medieval history are in for a treat with the wealth of centuries-old towns, monuments and churches to explore. While much has changed in the intervening centuries, there are still plenty of places where today's visitors can find clues to what life was like in medieval times - here are just some of them.
Tintagel Castle
It may not be possible to know everything about medieval Cornwall, but a taste of the past can be gained with the action-packed historical events that take place on several occasions through the year at Tintagel Castle. A popular daytrip for those staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall, the ruined castle is one of the county's most iconic landmarks. It is located on Tintagel Island, surrounded by stunning scenery and rich in history and legends. It dates from the thirteenth century, when the Earl of Cornwall built a castle on the site, which had long been associated with Cornish monarchs. With some versions of Arthurian legend claiming it as Arthur's birthplace, it has held a special fascination for visitors across the centuries. Its lively events include recreations of knightly jousts and other medieval spectacles.
Bodmin Moor
While the medieval layout of the Cornish countryside has been changed beyond recognition in many parts of the county, there are places where it has been preserved, and the atmospheric Bodmin Moor is one of these. Those who wonder what the landscape that they can see from their holiday cottages in Cornwall in centuries past can find out with a visit to the places where medieval hamlets once stood. Composed of several stone longhouses, and surrounded by fields divided into long 'strips', they were to be found throughout the medieval countryside; modern visitors to Bodmin Moor can still see, in places, the ancient layout of the fields preserved in today's farmlands.
Camelford
Located in the north of the county, Camelford is a medieval market town bursting with sites of interest. While its association with the legendary Camelot is believed by most to be a coincidence due to its name, the wealth of real history on display more than makes up for it. Anyone hoping to learn about the past while staying in holiday cottages in Cornwall will find much to intrigue them at the North Cornwall Museum and Gallery, while the historic town trail will provide a plethora of glimpses into the town's past lives - from its earliest days to the bustling trade centre it became in the seventeenth century. Camelford is also a great place to base yourself in or around, as it offers access to many different sites of interest, including the picturesque Port Isaac and the history-rich Bodmin Moor.
Katie Chown is a Property Consultant for Classic Cottages. We have a selection of spectacular holiday cottages in Cornwall as well as cottages in Devon, Somerset and Dorset. Whether you're looking for a stunning rural retreat or a luxury cottage on the coast, we have the perfect holiday home for you to fall in love with.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7749616