Travelling Through France

Most of us have by now, visited the continent, and taken in the varied ways of life associated with these countries. France and Spain are probably amongst the most visited tourist destinations in Europe by British people, although the two countries are quite different in culture and climate. France has a great culture, many palaces, museums, and the diversity of the country is immense, from great mountainous regions such as the Massive Centrale, the Pyrenees to the south, and The Alps to the east, to the exotic mediterranean coast running from Menton on the Cote d'Azur to Perpignan near the Spanish border.

The southeast area known as Ardeche and also Provence have their own particular flavours. Mountainous regions with wonderful views, that can be very hot in the summer months, yet icy and sometimes snowy in winter.

The north of France is altogether a different place. The capital, Paris holds it own particular charm and is in fact a very large, busy and sophisticated city. Many Parisians, and Brits take a holiday on the closest seafront, which is Normandy and Brittany. The countryside is much less inspiring in the north of France and the climate always appears to be much more miserable than the south. There are however many crowdwed seaside resorts along this north coast, St. Malo, and Deauville to name just a few. Dozens of excellent places to eat, often cooking with the local produce, mussells, crab, fish, and the towns have a calm and picturesque feel, like Cornwall, but of course with a more continental flavour.

Travelling to France from England is quite easy, as there are several ships crossing from Le Havre, Cherbourg, St. Mal and Dieppe. Prices are comparitively excellent, as they are often the same as or less than the journey from Dover to Calais which takes approximately ninety minutes\an hour and a half. Whereas the Normandy and Brittany boats take four to eight hours and save a considerable amount of driving. Whilst mentioning ferry crossings, it should also be noted that a ship from the south coast of the UK sails the length of France and arrives just over the border in Santander. This is a twelve hour crossing, but can be good for people who are holidaying in Bayonne as it will save a long drive and the cost of hotel accomodation.

It is essential to mention the wonderful south west area of France called Dordogne. Over the years many British people have come to settle in this region, as they enjoy the way of life and take pleasure in all that the region has to offer, which also includes long hot summers. Cepes (wild mushrooms) and Foie Gras are the area's specialities, and there are many excellent places to eat offering a superb selection of the best quality cuisine. Although most of the region is agricultural, there are still many wild species that roam and fly across its land, buzzards, hawks, deer, and sometimes wild boar.

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