France self-catering attractions
Cottages holiday makers in France will discover that each region has developed its own special identity, with its own customs, cuisine, culture and architecture. Arguably the world’s favourite tourist destination, it is one of Europe’s largest countries with a rugged coastline and its landscape ranges from high mountains to rich farmlands, from tiny isolated villages to bustling cities.Outdoor activities
France has an incredible variety of leisure activities and out door pursuits to enjoy. There are fine golf courses all along the north and west coasts, often offering coaching and master classes. Tennis is also popular with dozens of public courts. For walkers and hikers, the long distance tracks are clearly marked, vary in difficulty and include Alpine routes and paths through the National Parks, where you can also enjoy horse riding and mountain biking. Mountain sports and ski-ing are very popular in season and there are also opportunities to learn para-gliding, hang gliding, and ballooning. Water rafting, kayaking, surfing, sailing and canoeing are all available on French rivers and on the coast.
Food and drinkThe French are renowned for their fine food and wine and generally speaking, the quality of fresh food in restaurants is superior to that found in other European countries. There is a vast range of places to enjoy good food from chic restaurants in the cities, brasseries serving simple dishes with beer on tap, bistros which offer moderately priced meals, auberges serving simple farm produce and cafes, usually open all day and serving drinks, coffee, tea and snacks such as Croque Monsieur. Wine is served in carafes, demis (50cl) and quarts (25cl) and is divided into four classes according to its quality.
History and CultureThroughout the centuries, France, which shares a border with Germany, Switzerland and Spain, has been subject to a wide variety of cultural influences since the arrival of the Gauls in pre-Christian times right through to the Eastern European immigrants of the 21st century. It has also suffered occupation in two World Wars. You can discover evidence of the Bronze Age in Brittany at Carnac and prehistoric art in the Pyrenees.
The Lascaux Cave Paintings in Perigord are said to be the best in the world. Open daily from April to mid-November. The rest of the year, daily - except for Saturday and Sunday. There is a Roman amphitheatre at Arles and it is worth visiting the 12th century Cistercian Abbey at Fontenay. Open from 8.00 – 6.45 and from 8.00 – 7.15 on Saturday and Sunday. In Paris, Sacre Coeur is open from 11 October to 13 April from 10.00 – 12.00 and 3.00 – 5.00 and from 1 April – to 1 November from 10.00 – 6.00. July to August from10.00 – 7.00. Notre Dame is open every day from 7.15 on Saturday and Sunday and 8.00 – 6.45 Monday to Thursday. Free admission.
