Holiday Travel Archives - The Good Life France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/category/holidays-and-things-to-do/holiday-travel/ Everything you ever wanted to know about france and more Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:01:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/thegoodlifefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-Flag.jpg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Holiday Travel Archives - The Good Life France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/category/holidays-and-things-to-do/holiday-travel/ 32 32 69664077 Newhaven to Dieppe ferry with DFDS https://thegoodlifefrance.com/newhaven-to-dieppe-ferry-with-dfds/ Wed, 31 Aug 2022 13:35:08 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=175006 DFDS are the only cross-Channel ferry operator to offer the Newhaven to Dieppe crossing. Direct to Normandy in the heart of northern France, the journey takes just four hours which several crossings per day. Newhaven-Dieppe Normandy ferry From May to September there are three sailings per day – morning, afternoon and evening, from Newhaven in …

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DFDS ferry on the Newhaven to Dieppe route

DFDS are the only cross-Channel ferry operator to offer the Newhaven to Dieppe crossing. Direct to Normandy in the heart of northern France, the journey takes just four hours which several crossings per day.

Newhaven-Dieppe Normandy ferry

From May to September there are three sailings per day – morning, afternoon and evening, from Newhaven in east Sussex on the English coast. At other times there are two sailings per day. The ferries, Seven Sisters and Côte d’Albâtre have excellent onboard facilities: restaurant, shop and lounges with reclining seats, as well as private cabins.

Dieppe is a great location to start your journey in France as it’s so central. It’s just 3.5 hours to the heart of the Loire Valley or Rennes in Brittany by car, and 3 hours to Reims in Champagne. With excellent auto route and toll roads to the south, Bordeaux and Dordogne can be reached in a little under 7 hours.

Foot passenger service to Normandy from UK

And sailings aren’t just for vehicles – cyclists can take bikes. Plus you can travel as a foot passenger. It’s best to take the morning boat if you’re travelling this way to Dieppe if you plan to take public transport or a taxi on arrival. A shuttle bus operates between the passenger terminal and the town (a 10 to 15 minutes walk). If you’re arriving after 6pm and you need a taxi – book in advance to make sure you’re covered. The train station is in the centre of Dieppe, around 15 minutes walk from the port. Trains run across Normandy as well as to Paris, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Montpellier and Rennes. From Dieppe, trains connect with other lines to cover the whole of France and Europe.

Whale spotting on the Dieppe-Newhaven route

For the past three years, from the end of March to September, DFDS have welcomed ORCA volunteers aboard their  ferries. These Ocean Conservationists look after the animals that inhabit the North Sea and English Channel. One of their missions on board is to observe the different marine animals, like dolphins, whales and gannets. By listing the areas where these species live, volunteers can, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, take measures to protect them. They also give presentations and lead wildlife watching experiences for passengers on board!

Find out more and book your tickets at: dfds.com

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Reasons France continues to attract high tourist numbers each year https://thegoodlifefrance.com/reasons-france-continues-to-attract-high-tourist-numbers-each-year/ Tue, 23 Jul 2019 05:41:24 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=76529 France is the most visited nation on earth. This is no mere coincidence – there are many reasons that France continues to attract record visitor numbers. Official statistics from accommodation providers indicate that many of the visitors are of German, Spanish, and Italian origin. The City of Light Paris, the French capital is one of …

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France is the most visited nation on earth. This is no mere coincidence – there are many reasons that France continues to attract record visitor numbers. Official statistics from accommodation providers indicate that many of the visitors are of German, Spanish, and Italian origin.

The City of Light

Paris, the French capital is one of the biggest draws for anyone looking to visit France. It is estimated that the city receives more than 30,000,000 visitors from all corners of the world each year. These numbers top the visitor numbers of any other capital city. But what makes Paris so attractive? Is it the iconic Eiffel tower, the Louvre Museum, stunning Parisian architecture, or the romantic image associated with the city? The truth is that a combination of all this makes it the most popular city for visitors.

The Variety of Mountains, Sun, and the Sea

More French tend to travel within France than take overseas holidays to exotic international locales. Why? France has everything that any visitor would like to see including visitors from within France. From pristine countryside to snow-covered mountains and sandy beaches the huge range of landscapes is enormously diverse – even for the French. As any tour operator will tell you, each region in France has something unique to offer. And each region you visit has its own unique appeal from great cities like Marseille, Lyon, and Paris to the rolling countryside of Auvergne and Burgundy. France really does have something for everyone.

Strategic Location

Another factor contributes to France’s appeal is location. For instance, UK residents only need to take a ferry to cross the Channel to get away from unreliable summers in the UK. Tourists from other countries such as Germany have only a short trip to France. Though not all visitors are there for the scenery, some are just passing through on their way to other destinations, but still the location is a factor.

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What compensation to expect when your flight to France is delayed or cancelled https://thegoodlifefrance.com/what-compensation-to-expect-when-your-flight-to-france-is-delayed-or-cancelled/ Thu, 07 Mar 2019 09:39:22 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=74474 It’s truly horrible when you’ve planned your perfect trip to France, everything is packed, you’re so ready to go… and then you’re told right at the last minute that your flight has been cancelled. Apart from the big let-down, you may lose your money. However, there are ways you can achieve flight cancellation compensation. Here …

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People sitting at an airport watching planes on the runway

It’s truly horrible when you’ve planned your perfect trip to France, everything is packed, you’re so ready to go… and then you’re told right at the last minute that your flight has been cancelled. Apart from the big let-down, you may lose your money. However, there are ways you can achieve flight cancellation compensation. Here are a few tips:

What to do if your flight is cancelled

First, always remember to check your flight status online before driving to the airport. If your flight is cancelled long enough in advance, it can at least spare you the trip and the hassle. This can happen because of bad weather for example, which can sometimes be anticipated hours before departure time.

On the other hand, if your flight is cancelled at last minute, you might not be informed until the last hour before the intended departure time. This kind of emergency cancellation can be due to security risks for instance (such as was seen in the UK when drones were apparently seen flying over an airport, which caused chaos to flight schedules for several day).

In any case, whatever the reason for cancellation – you can ask for a flight cancellation compensation. EU regulation EC 261 provides certain rights to passengers, such as a reimbursement of the flight ticket up to €600 under certain circumstances.

Are there also compensations for flight delays?

Fortunately, yes, but only in specific circumstances and depending on the airline you travel with. For instance the compensation for a flight delay with Ryanair may be as much as $700.

However, not all airlines apply the same rates and it can take hours of negotiating with the airline to get success.

For this reason, it may be worth using a service which specialises in dealing with airline compensation on your behalf. These kinds of services are expert in consumers rights and all you have to do is fill a form for them to take in charge all the administrative process.

What are the criteria for a flight delay or cancellation compensation?

Compensation is the same for any destination, whether you go to Toulouse, Paris or Bordeaux, although not all circumstances open right to a compensation. For instance, emergency weather and other extraordinary circumstances are usually not taken in account, as it is obviously not the responsibility of the airline. The European law EC 261 defines a cancelled flight as “non-operation of a flight which was previously planned and on which at least one place was reserved”.

On the other hand, a flight that do leave the tarmac, but takes off later than planned, is considered as delayed. Of course, if there is only a 5 minutes delay, you won’t get any compensation, but depending on the airline your travel with, compensations can be requested from a 3 hours delay. Obviously, the compensation will be proportional to the delay time.

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Taking the Eurostar from London to France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/taking-the-eurostar-from-london-to-france/ Wed, 30 Jan 2019 13:42:18 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=73612 Travelling to France was never easier. Eurostar gets you from the centre of London to Calais in France in under an hour, Lille in less than an hour and a half, and Paris in 2 hours and 15 minutes! And, if you need a cheap hotel close to Eurostar, I know one that’s just the …

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Exterior of St Pancras train station London, a huge red brick building and a statue inside of man and woman kissing

Travelling to France was never easier. Eurostar gets you from the centre of London to Calais in France in under an hour, Lille in less than an hour and a half, and Paris in 2 hours and 15 minutes! And, if you need a cheap hotel close to Eurostar, I know one that’s just the ticket!

Why take Eurostar to France

I’m not being paid to write this, I’m a fan of Eurostar for several reasons. I travel between London and France all the time for work. I’m a travel writer and go all over France by train. For me its easier than driving, quicker too, and I find the train service run by SNCF in France is generally superb. Though not when they’re striking, I don’t travel at those times.

The quick journey time on Eurostar is of course part of the appeal. There’s a bar on the trains where you can get tea, coffee, glass of wine, something to eat. There are plugs for phones to be charged up. The seats are comfy. Another big plus is that you don’t have to get to the station too far in advance. Generally 45 minutes is sufficient and they’re very efficient at processing you through. And you don’t have to pay extra for luggage like you often do on a plane.

Tips for travelling on Eurostar

Empty train platform at St Pancras train station London with a Eurostar train waiting to depart

Print off your boarding pass, and when you arrive, simply scan it on the machines to go through to the customs and security areas. Buy your ticket well in advance for the cheaper tickets. I’ve found that if I get to the Eurostar terminus early they won’t put you on an earlier train without charging a small fortune.

Arriving in France from London

When you arrive at Calais Frethun, you’ll be in a main TGV station so you can take trains onwards. You can also travel into Calais town by local train. I’m told there’s a bus too, but in the dozens of times I’ve done this journey, I’ve never seen one.

When you arrive in Lille, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of town. You can take trains from Lille International station or walk to Lille Flandres station for journeys to the north of France.

Paris Nord is right in the centre of Paris and great for taking the metro, RER (overland trains) and buses on to where ever you want to go.

Where to stay in a cheap hotel near Eurostar London

A hotel in an old brick building on the corner of busy cross roads, lit up at night

I stay at Point A Hotel Kings Cross in historic Grays Inn Road (I’m not being paid to write this either). It’s just a couple of minutes’ walk from St Pancras for Eurostar and perfect for when I’m catching an early train. It’s terrific value with rooms starting from £54. And you can join their free membership scheme for an extra 10% off. Believe me I’ve paid much more for a room near the station and it’s been nowhere near as good as Point A (think shared bathroom and Cinderella in a grubby attic – seriously). Of course, the fact that it’s so close to the Eurostar station makes it ideal. But equally important is the fact that the staff at Point A Hotel are friendly and helpful (24 hour reception), even when I arrive late at night ready for an early morning departure.

The cheapest rooms are small but they’re really well designed. Super clever use of space means a good sized bathroom, big bed and storage, so you don’t feel squashed. Comfy, spotlessly clean, with aircon, and despite being in such a busy part of London – totally silent at night.

I love that there are plenty of restaurants and pubs in this road so you can get a full English breakfast, a snack, afternoon tea, lunch, dinner or a late night drink – and then walk a few yards to get a good night’s sleep. There is a dining area too in the restaurant that’s buzzy and vibrant. Late at night, it’s great for a hot drink!

Bon Voyages!

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French Buyback Lease Car Hire Programme https://thegoodlifefrance.com/french-buyback-lease-car-hire-programme/ Sat, 06 Oct 2018 11:06:34 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=71276 Have you ever seen mysterious red license plates on a French car and wondered what they mean? Was the driver a diplomat? A military officer? A French James Bond saving the world from an evil genius? No, the car was from the French Buyback Lease program. If you need to rent a car in Europe …

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Have you ever seen mysterious red license plates on a French car and wondered what they mean? Was the driver a diplomat? A military officer? A French James Bond saving the world from an evil genius?

No, the car was from the French Buyback Lease program. If you need to rent a car in Europe for more than a few weeks, this may be the way to go. You get a brand new car with 100% insurance for less than the price of a normal rental.

Sound good? Here’s how it works

The program is available to non-EU citizens and all the French car companies participate. You don’t rent the car, you buy it and the company buys it back when you are done. This is all arranged up front and the paperwork is much like a rental.

You need to sign up well before your trip because the car is manufactured for you—you pick from a list of models that are in the program. Automatic transmissions are available, which is great for those who don’t like a stick shift, and the premium you pay over a manual transmission is lower than for a rental.

You can pick your car up at one of many locations in France and drop it off at a different one if you’d like, for no charge. Cars are also available at locations outside of France but there’s a fee for that.

The company wants to make sure your car is well cared for, so it comes with 100% insurance coverage. AND zero deductible. AND a 24-hour hotline for problems. Nice!

This is so much easier than figuring out what kind of insurance to get when you rent. Does my personal auto insurance cover this? How about my credit card? Will there be a hassle to get a claim paid?

By contrast, the insurance coverage for a Buyback Lease car is easy. Mine was once broken into and a window was broken. Getting it fixed was simple. The worst part? The thieves made off with my melons de Cavaillon – the devils!

How can this be cheaper than renting a car? Because there’s no VAT. In France, that’s 20%! And you also save money because there’s no charge for extra drivers and the GPS is usually included.

Let’s take an example. The Buyback Lease information is from Kemwel, the rental information is from Europecar.

I looked at the Peugeot 308, a car that that has plenty of room for a family with luggage. I specified air conditioning, a GPS, a second driver and an automatic transmission.

First, let’s look at having the car for six weeks

Rental**

Car:  $2,011
GPS: $196
Second driver:  $90
Insurance: ??
Total: $2,297 + insurance*

Lease Buyback**

Car: $2,179
GPS: 0
Second driver: 0
Insurance: 0
Total: $2,179

So far the difference is mainly the insurance. But it grows the longer you have the car. For three months the rental costs $4,181 + insurance while the Lease Buyback is only $3,036. Quite a saving!

Think about it – a brand new car, total insurance coverage, lower price. And you get those stylish red plates! The French Buyback Lease program is definitely something you should check out.

Information is available from Citroen, Peugeot and Renault.

* depending on your personal coverage, this can cost well over $1,000
**These numbers are based on 2017 research and subject to change

Keith Van Sickle splits his time between Silicon Valley and Provence.  He is the author of One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence; Read more at Life in Provence.

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France: Wonderful by road, even with just one night  https://thegoodlifefrance.com/france-wonderful-by-road-even-with-just-one-night/ Fri, 14 Sep 2018 09:09:25 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=71029 France is such a huge and diverse country that exploring it in its entirety would take a lifetime. That said, 1 million one-night trips are taken by British people every year – and a huge number of those people head straight to France. With flight times making the rest of Europe easily accessible… why is France so …

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France is such a huge and diverse country that exploring it in its entirety would take a lifetime. That said, 1 million one-night trips are taken by British people every year – and a huge number of those people head straight to France. With flight times making the rest of Europe easily accessible… why is France so popular?

The fact is, France has some absolutely stunning one day trips that can be traversed via car, train or flight. It’s long been a popular road trip destination and that applies even for short trips. The variety of places to visit and things to do makes it possible to enjoy the country, wherever you head for, even flights to the far south are short enough for a long day trip.

A word on safety

Before embarking on any French road journey, make sure you’re clued up on safety. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have comprehensive speed driving tips. Most importantly, ensure that you stay safe by checking your insurance cover, carrying a valid license and keeping vehicle documents with you. Driving regulations are different, and certain devices – like speed camera detectors, are completely illegal, even if deactivated. Be aware, and don’t get caught out.

Exploring the Canal du Midi

The Canal du Midi is perfect for riverboat and cruise tours, encompassing a gorgeous stretch of countryside between Toulouse and Etang de Thau. Driving between the two takes just over two hours, and, if turned into a day trip, can easily stretch out, enjoying the delights of Castelnaudary and fairytale Carcassonne (amongst many others) en route. Dripping with culture and architecture along the way, this short drive can be the perfect getaway.

Les Baux-de-Provence and its beauty

Les Baux-de-Provence, which has been inhabited since 6000 BC, is a stunning hilltop village that today has a population of just 450 people. However, 1.5m visitors arrive every year to experience its attractions, especially what the Daily Telegraph describes as the greatest of Roman aqueducts – the Pont du Gard. This is easily completed over a one-day road trip, during which nearby hilltop villages in the Provence can be visited. This is excellent for a foodie, with olives a main crop in the region.

The Fontainebleau Forest

For something completely different from the stereotypical wine and food of France, look no further than Fontainebleau Forest. Just outside of Paris and reached easily through the A5 route to Melun, the forest offers a scene akin to a fantasy novel. Ingrained in French culture and history as the King’s former hunting grounds, wild animals still stalk there so – be wary. However, a road trip and stay at one of the nearby villages or towns can easily be done in a day, with a lot of benefit to be gained in terms of satisfying your curiosity and providing an element of calm through nature.

France could take you years to fully explore. Or, it could take a single day. With your packed lunch and a car, there are several gorgeous spots that you can easily explore with a minimum of fuss.

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France, the ultimate road trip destination https://thegoodlifefrance.com/france-the-ultimate-road-trip-destination/ Mon, 11 Jun 2018 09:53:50 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=69133 France is the most visited country in the world and no wonder, world famous gastronomy, culture, historic cities, snowy alps, bucolic countryside, gorgeous beaches and more is on offer. One of the best ways to see France is to take a road trip, get out of the centre of the city or simply travel from …

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France is the most visited country in the world and no wonder, world famous gastronomy, culture, historic cities, snowy alps, bucolic countryside, gorgeous beaches and more is on offer.

One of the best ways to see France is to take a road trip, get out of the centre of the city or simply travel from one part of a region to another. Hiring a car in France is easy and means you’ll get to experience as much as possible of this diverse country.

See the most beautiful villages of the south of France by car

Gorgeous Grasse

Grasse is the perfume capital of France. There are around 30 perfume makers in this fragrant town, a great place to buy a souvenir of your trip and even do a workshop. On a hot summer’s day, the public park makes for a perfect place for a picnic, there are sprays that are jasmine scented – absolutely lovely…

Sizzling St Tropez

For a contrast, head round the coast to the heart of the French Riviera – St Tropez around an hour a half by car from Grasse through beautiful villages like Mandelieu-La-Napoule and through floral countryside where the perfume ingredients are grown. Colourful and vibrant St Tropez is nestled on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and a magnet for jet setters, but it retains the charm of the fishing village it once was. Azure blue waters, wall to wall sunshine, boutiques and art galleries and of course golden sandy beaches make it a stand out location.

Picturesque hill top towns of Provence

From St Tropez, it’s a picturesque drive to the poster boy city of Provence, ever lovely Aix-en-Provence the city of a thousand fountains. The famous Cours-Mirabeau, a wide avenue fringed with tall plane trees and stunning 18th century buildings is ideal for sipping a glass of rosé and watching the world go by. Plan to be there on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning and you’ll experience one of the loveliest markets of Provence. Park in one of the peripheral, municipal car parks and enjoy the stroll into town to avoid the traffic in the small winding roads on market days.

From Aix, it’s easy to get to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, the antiques capital of France. Criss-crossed by skinny green canals peppered with mossy green waterwheels and the iconic Bassin de la Sorgue, a tranquil lake that reflects the blue sky by day and the twinkling lights of the cafés and restaurants that line it by night. There are hundreds of second-hand shops and on Sundays a terrific flea market takes place on the Ave des 4 Otages.

En route to this lovely town, you could stop off at Menerbes, made famous by the late great, Peter Mayle in his book, A Year in Provence, as well as Lourmarin, Bonnieux, colourful Roussillon with its dramatic ochre cliffs and gorgeous Gordes.

If you have a car in this part of France, you can see it in all its glory at your own pace, diverting as and when you like, and stopping off when you see somewhere that’s so special you know you just have to stop.

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5 sensational spring visits in France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/5-sensational-spring-visits-in-france/ Tue, 27 Feb 2018 13:46:56 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=67646 As winter starts to retreat, it’s time to think about a spring break in France. The days get longer, the birds sing louder and the sun gently caresses the land. It’s the perfect time for a breath of fresh air and a re-energising French holiday. Spring in Avignon After a bit of a sleepy season when …

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As winter starts to retreat, it’s time to think about a spring break in France. The days get longer, the birds sing louder and the sun gently caresses the land. It’s the perfect time for a breath of fresh air and a re-energising French holiday.

Spring in Avignon

After a bit of a sleepy season when visitors are scarce, Avignon, the capital of Vaucluse in Provence awakens with a burst of colour. In March cherry trees are blossoming, the sun is warm, the air is fresh. In April the poppies start to bud and by May they’re in full swing. Then the roses start to burst into colour up and down the land.

There are plenty of events throughout spring, the tourist office has a full list. On years ending with an even number the big May event is the Alterosa, an homage to roses. The Palais des Papes, the giant gothic palace once lived in by the Popes in France is filled with roses, there’s a rose parade and a giant picnic.

If the joys of spring get to you, dance on the Pont d’Avignon like in the famous nursery rhyme. Grab a basket full of delicious cheese and baguette from the local market Marche les Halle. Then enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Rocher des Doms garden, next to the Palais des Papes and overlooking the Rhone river.

Spring in Bordeaux

This UNESCO world heritage status city is a joy in spring. Spectacular sunrise and sunsets reflect off the enormous water sculpture the Miroir in front of the impressive Place de la Bourse.

It’s a great town to wander and at night it should be warm enough to sit outdoors with a light coat to enjoy an aperitif before dinner. With hundreds of restaurants to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice. Perhaps the Wine and cheese tasting lunch will be something you’ll enjoy. Book at the tourist office and for €29.30 you get a choice of 12 cheeses to pair with 3 wines in a vaulted cellar at restaurant Chez Baud et Millet.

Wine lovers will adore the Printemps des Vins festival which takes place in nearby Blaye. To make it a real event, take a boat cruise to Blaye from Bordeaux and arrive in style. And, don’t forget to take a visit to the Cité du vin and enjoy the views from the tasting bar at the top.

Take a trip to the verdant vineyards of Saint Emillion close by. Enjoy a river cruise or maybe a spot of shopping in one of the longest pedestrianised shopping streets in Europe Rue Ste Cathérine.

Spring in Beaune, Burgundy

Beaune is the unofficial wine capital of Burgundy and in spring the vine leaves sprout and the town starts to come to life after its winter slumber. You don’t have to go far to enjoy the best vins this area has to offer, there are plenty of caves that offer tasting in the centre. The Marche au Vins is a great place to introduce yourself to local wines. You’ll find it opposite the historic Hospices de Beaune. In this former Church dating back to the 13th century, you can tour the cellars and enjoy a fabulous tasting of up to 11 great wines. Take a tour of the Hospices before you try all those wines, or you may not appreciate just how fabulous it is. Built in 1442, it is the most popular attraction in Beaune. It’s a must see for its glazed tile roof, fabulous works of art and ancient interior complete with hospital beds showing what this ancient in its day state of the art hospital looked like.

Spring in Lyon

Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France so when it comes to eating out the only challenge is – which restaurant to choose. In the old town go for a Bouchon Lyonnais, the traditional restaurants which are easily distinguishable by their red and white check table cloths.

Burn off some calories with a leisurely spring bike ride to blow those winter cobwebs right away. You can hire a Velo’V city bike, which has hundreds of stations in Lyon, the first 30 minutes of use on each new trip are free.

Take a picnic to Le Parc de la Tete d’Or which is home to the largest botanical garden in France. Located on the banks of the Rhone, it covers an area of 105 hectares, and was modelled on the archetypal English garden. It includes a 16-hectare lake created in an arm of the Rhône.

Tour the winding streets of Old Lyon and the Croix-Rousse district which is famous for its historic silk workers industry. And don’t forget modern Lyon. Head to the magnificent Musée des Confluences, which aims to explain the history of everything. Architecturally stunning, the collections are fabulous, and the onsite restaurant is very good.

Spring in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is made up of orchards, vineyards and farmlands, châteaux and picturesque villages. In spring the fruit trees burst into colour when they begin to bloom, and so do the chateaux gardens.

Tours is a great base for touring the Loire. Place Plumereau is the perfect square for an aperitif, in fact it was once voted the place most loved by the French for just that reason! Lined with half timbered buildings of the 15th century and plenty of lively bars, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. There are several museums in the town including the fabulous Centre of Comtemporary Art Olivier Debré.

Close to Tours you’ll find several of the most gorgeous chateaux in the Loire, where in spring the gardens are as pretty as chocolate box lid. There are loads to see but these three are truly special:

Domaine de Chaumont sur Loire: the International Garden Festival starts in spring  and goes on until the beginning of November. It’s like a French Chelsea Flower Show with dozens of temporary garden designs. There are also permanent gardens and a gorgeous chateau.

Chateau du Rivau: A fairy tale Renaissance Chateau with magical gardens which in spring are filled with the scent of roses.

Chenonceau: The castle of flowers is a must see any time and in spring its filled with colour and scent from the famous gardens one loved by Catherine de Medici.

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Pet Friendly Car Hire in France https://thegoodlifefrance.com/pet-friendly-car-hire-in-france/ Tue, 18 Jul 2017 09:51:47 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=62787 If you’re planning a holiday or long trip and you have a beloved pet – you may well want to take them along for the ride. If you’re hiring a car for your trip, then these helpful tips about pets and hire cars will help you… Are dogs allowed in hire cars? We know that …

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If you’re planning a holiday or long trip and you have a beloved pet – you may well want to take them along for the ride. If you’re hiring a car for your trip, then these helpful tips about pets and hire cars will help you…

Are dogs allowed in hire cars?

We know that your pet is part of your family and you may want them to join you on your travels. The majority of car hire agents will allow pets in their vehicles, as long as you adhere to their terms and conditions, largely related to keeping the car clean and looked after. For the majority of responsible pet owners this is not a problem.

Often the car rental agents that allow pets in their hire cars rarely advertise the fact, so it can be hard to find the information you are after. The best advice is, when making your booking – check with the specific agent’s terms and conditions.

The main concern a car rental agent will have is in relation to the cleanliness of the car when you return it. An additional valeting fee could be applied if the car requires more than a reasonable amount of cleaning after your rental. Be aware that if your dog, or any pet, causes “unreasonable damage” to your hire vehicle then an excess fee will be charged and you will be liable for any costs to repair the car. With that in mind we have compiled some top tips to help look after your vehicle when travelling with a pet.

Top tips for looking after your rental car when travelling with a pet:

Use a seat protector, or a blanket, to stop excess dog hair on the seats.

Take care when getting the dog in and out of the vehicle to avoid damaging the paintwork.

Make sure your dog is carefully strapped in a safe position such as a crate. Smaller pets should also be placed in a suitable transportation box.

Thoroughly vacuum the car after use.

Ensure the car smells fresh for the next user.

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London to Cannes by Train https://thegoodlifefrance.com/london-to-cannes-by-train-easy-fast-and-fun/ Sat, 01 Jul 2017 16:01:32 +0000 https://thegoodlifefrance.com/?p=62441 London to Cannes by train is an easy journey. It seems completely incredible to me that the fast train can you get from the centre of London to the beaches of Cannes in less than 9 hours. When you think it takes almost twice that time by car, allowing for snack stops and assuming you …

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London to Cannes by train is an easy journey. It seems completely incredible to me that the fast train can you get from the centre of London to the beaches of Cannes in less than 9 hours. When you think it takes almost twice that time by car, allowing for snack stops and assuming you don’t get a traffic jam on the way, it’s amazing!

London to Cannes by train

London to Paris via Eurostar takes just 2. 5 hours. You’ll arrive at the Gare du Nord, where you’ll need to take a taxi or train to the next station to get to Cannes – either Gare de Lyon or Gare d’Austerlitz. You can buy a metro ticket on board Eurostar to save time queuing (it’s really worth doing). From Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon take RER Line D direct – you can use your metro ticket on the RER. Allow around 30 minutes. From Gare du Nord to Gare d’Austerlitz take the Metro Line 5 which takes about 40 minutes.

Paris to Cannes by train

Once you arrive are the station, check the boards for departures (blue colour background, green colour background for arrivals). Find your platform, compost your ticket (plunge it into the mouth of the yellow machine at the front of the platform for stamping) and be sure to be on board not less than 5 minutes before so you have time to get settled. Stow your case and relax. The trains always have a buffet car where you can get snacks including cooked food, hot drinks, beer and wine etc.

I left Paris for Cannes on a dull, chilly day in early spring. An hour out of Paris and I left the grey skies behind, bits of blue appeared amongst the clouds. Another hour later and southern France loomed, blue skies and sunshine appeared and it was noticeably warmer on the train.

You start to see vineyards, pastel coloured buildings and picturesque villages. You spot what look like tiny figures in the vineyards cutting and pruning readying for spring, signs of which are already evident in the south. Naked plane trees and walled gardens, churches with pointy towers, charming chateaux, orchards and turquoise coloured lakes whizz past. I even spotted a family having a picnic in a vineyard, and a man chatting to a neighbour over the fence, bare chested to catch the afternoon rays of the sun. The nearer you get to Cannes the more the scenery starts to change, palm trees and villas, washing on lines – for those of us more used to the big chill and even snow in spring, it’s little short of amazing. To think that in London and Paris people were wearing coats, scarves, gloves and in the south of France, they’re sun bathing and wearing T Shirts!

The train is normally quiet, people are asked to talk on mobile phones in the corridors so as not to disturb other passengers – it’s all rather civilised. I was lucky enough to have 2.5 year old Marianne from Nice in my carriage. “Is she disturbing you” asked her dad as she sang au Claire de Lune and other songs. We assured him it was lovely which made her sing pretty much the entire journey like a little canary.

Transport in Cannes

Arriving in Cannes you descend from the air conditioned train to the warmth of the Med (even in winter). It’s truly uplifting, and if you want to remain feeling that way I’d advise you avoid taking a taxi if at all possible because the taxis here are incredibly expensive.

There’s a great bus service (tickets cost around a Euro) and if you’re not sure which bus to take, the tourist office is a 5 minute walk away and there you can collect a map and ask for help with directions.

Cannes Tourist office

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