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France: On The Road

Article by Steven Cronin

France: On The Road – Travel

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Paris, the city of love and a thousand other clichés, still holds a certain mystic. But no matter how many written words this great city has commanded – however familiar this town may appear – Paris will always remain an enigma, a magnet for millions of visitors from around the world.

Paris carries an enchantment that you cannot always put your finger on. We perceive Parisians as chic and stylish, forever setting the trend.

But there is more to this country than just its capital. France is home to over 60 million people, including many of North African descent.

One of the things that keeps France great is its attention to detail: the back street shop that sells 30 varieties of croissant, the creaseless department store bags to carry home your latest in fashionable attire, the delightful little chocolates that accompany your coffee on one of the street corner cafes.

The French language itself conjures up magic and mystery, adding to the romance of being in an alien land.

The modern France bears aspects of foreign influence. Alongside the chic boutiques and stylish cafes sit far-western heavyweights such as McDonalds. But France will forever remain French. Chic and panache will always prevail.

Provided you can steer clear of the boy racers who treat the roads as racing tracks, France will satisfy even the most ardent explorers.

When visiting France, the first place on most people’s itineraries is Paris, and the fabulous Louvre. Whilst Napoleon endeavoured to conquer Europe, his armies busied themselves collecting the spoils from their defeated hosts.

When the Louvre was built in 1793, these trophies were exhibited in the new museum for the whole of France to witness.

Today the Louvre has been given a modern day makeover. A magnificent glass pyramid embraces the museum making it instantly recognisable around the world.

If you can endure the crowds, some of the world’s most celebrated art can be witnessed. These include ‘Winged Victory’ and the ‘Mona Lisa’ with her legendary smile.

For those wanting an escape from the hustle and bustle of France’s busy cities, the town of Chamonix offers the perfect contrast to city life. Located in one of the spectacular valleys of the French Alps, Chamonix offers picture postcard views, dominated by centuries old glaciers and the imposing summit of Mount Blanc.

Just one of the many reasons for France being the world’s number one tourist destination.

About the Author

Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. For more information please visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

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Steven Cronin

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Albi – New Favorite Visit in France

Article by Crystal Groome

Albi – New Favorite Visit in France – Travel – Destinations

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We just got back from a fantastic trip to France and I fell in love with this lovely country all over again! We visited some wonderful UNESCO sites near Toulouse. One of my favorite visits was Albi. Located in south-central France about 50 miles northeast of Toulouse, is a quiet town of around 52,000 residents. Though less well-known to North American tourists than many other towns in southern France, Albi is steeped in Medieval history and makes an ideal day stop on a barge tour of the region.

Albi, located on the Tarn River, has a strong Protestant (Anglican/Episcopal) history, although the majority of France is traditionally Catholic. The city, often referred to as the “Episcopal City,” is the seat of the Archbishop and Diocese of Albi and much of the town’s history centers around the church and Sainte-Cecile Cathedral. Many Medieval-era stone structures still stand today, lending the city a charming, historic air.

The primary attraction in Albi is Sainte-Cecile Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can’t miss the 13th century church, whose bell tower dominates the Albi landscape. The cathedral is outwardly more like a fortress than a church. Only when you enter the building do you see the rich 16-century paintings, the rood screen, and the unique lace of stones that enhance the “Last Judgement Day” paintings. The Gothic structure is said to be the largest brick building in the world.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the former bishop’s palace (Palais de Berbie), also built in the 13th century, and now the site of the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum. With new galleries that just opened in April of 2012, the museum is devoted to the work of the city’s favorite son, 19th-century artist Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. It is the largest public collection of his work anywhere in the world, with more than a thousand paintings, lithographs, drawings and posters by Lautrec on display. The core of the collection was donated in the 1920s by the artist’s relatives, the Count and Countess of Toulouse-Lautrec.

Born in Albi in 1864, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec is best known for his scenes of “fin de siecle” Paris, particularly the Montmartre neighborhood. A contemporary of Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cezanne, Toulouse-Lautrec sought out the seemier (and yet more human) side of the city. His paintings and drawings often feature dance hall girls, prostitutes, tired drinkers and the loneliness surrounding “Gay Paree.”

Born to an aristocratic family, Toulouse-Lautrec broke both of his legs as a youth and they failed to heal properly and stopped growing. As an adult, he had the upper body size of a man, but the legs of a child and stood only 5’1′ tall. A heavy drinker, he died in Albi of the effects of alcoholism at age 37. He is buried just outside of Albi.

June and July are the festival season in Albi. Every weekend during this period brings another celebration. In June, you’ll find the festival of Saint-Jean and the annual music fair. In July, the festivals include the annual theater festival; the Bastille Day celebration on July 14, complete with fireworks; the Tarot Festival and the Urban Festival, which is held in the Old Town and combines food, sports, music and technology.

Other July attractions include afternoon history lectures in the cathedral and daily strolling musicians and entertainers who roam the Old Town streets. The first weekend of September brings Grand Prix auto racers to Albi, when the streets of downtown are transformed into a racing circuit. The following weekend is the annual Albi Antiques Fair, which boasts more than 90 vendors.

In addition to the cathedral and the museum, the Old Town of Albi makes for an enjoyablewalking tour. The half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and narrow passages reward pedestrians with beautiful vistas at almost every turn. Among the many architectural treasures in the Old Town are the “pont vieux” (one of the oldest bridges in France); the 16th century pastel merchant house, the Hotel Reynes (hotel refers to a townhouse in French); and the 13th-century clositers of Saint Salvery and their beautiful columns and triangular lawn. The neighborhood is especially lovely in the evening, when the waning sun casts shadows over the cathedral’s bell tower.Parks and green spaces abound in Albi. Among the most scenic are the hiking paths that line the Tarn River and snake through downtown Albi and the Old Town neighborhood.

The markets of Albi are also worth a visit to the city. The town hosts a vegetable market Tuesday through Sunday year-round, a used book market on Wednesdays and an arts and crafts market every Saturday.Albi successfully combines history, art and great weather. The city is very walkable and has a vibrant and authentic air to it. Residents of Albi love to eat and they are not shy about sharing their food with visitors. The city boasts 70 restaurants, bistros and cafes. Among the highlights are La Temporalite, which is located between the cathedral and the museum and combined history with the flavors of southern France; le Clos Sainte-Cecile, located at the base of the bell tower and serving southern French cuisine in a converted schoolhouse; and Auberge du Pont Vieux, serving local foods in an historic building near the old bridge.

Specialties of the region include cassoulet, the casserole of beans, bacon, pork, duck meat and onion. Seemingly, every restaurant has its own recipe and they are all delicious. Other favorites include olive tapenade and a flaky, apple tart. The region is also known for its olive oil, truffles, honey and wild mushrooms.The blog post was brought to you by The Barge Connection, which has been creating exciting barge vacations since 1998.

About the Author

“THE BARGE CONNECTION is a leading tour operator in the United States specializing in barge vacations since 1998. Unparalleled experience in providing the best in luxury barge vacations for individuals, groups and travel agents, http://bargeconnection.com.”

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Crystal Groome

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French schools Switzerland for people above fifty

Article by Eslschool

Education has no bar on age and culture. It is true especially in case of ESL schools. ESL schools are dedicatedly involved in providing language courses for every person of any age, from juniors and teens to those who have even crossed their fifties. It is true that people at their 50s can study with ESL schools. The French courses are available at two beautiful places namely France and Switzerland. The ESL school for French provides the chance to learn French in Switzerland and helps to identify the weak areas and especially work upon those. Switzerland is a place known for its beauty and magnificent locations that is surrounded by hills and mountains.

French schools Switzerland Montreux is located in the main street of the city. The classrooms are designed perfectly to offer a friendly atmosphere that encourages more and more communication in French. During free time one can choose to either sit in the cafeteria or terraces or enjoy the beautiful view of lake and hills. Computer room is there that allows free access to internet from where one can keep in touch with family and friends. Train station and bus stop is hardly at a five minutes of walking distance from the campus of French schools Switzerland.

Lessons are taken in small groups in which main stress is given to commune in French during the class. Classes are most comfortable and highly skilled teaching staff makes the study more enjoyable for every student. The students who learn French in Switzerland school put their knowledge gained during classes into practical during these activities. This is how ESL schools always focus on providing the best knowledge to ever one. Those who want to learn details about French culture can choose to learn French in Lyon France. It is a wonderful city that is known as the international tourist spot at the same level of Paris.

The school building is located at the bank of Rhone River and in the heart of the city. Students are allowed to work in small groups and participate more in the activities that enhanches language communication skill. Transportation facility, shopping malls, cafes and many restaurants are at a very close distance. French course in Lyon makes use of motivating topics and especially those that are centered on the needs of the students. ESL schools provide first class accommodation whether it is Switzerland or French school Lyon. Host family is selected very carefully keeping in mind the needs of senior people.

Live in a friendly and comfortable environment and spend some of the most memorable moments with this city and its people. However French course in Nice is only for teens and juniors, the city where tourism was first born. There are several programs like tours to local places, dinners and some sport activities that are available as per the age of the senior group. Joining ESL schools to either learn French in Nice or senior school in Lyon or Switzerland will be am unforgettable experience of an entire life.

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The Best Way to Learn French

Article by Rita Borges

The best way to learn French is to live in France. Although it is not likely that you will be able to relocate to France, there is a way to live there long enough to learn French. You simply can rent a Paris luxury vacation rental and sign up for French language classes.

If you are retired or work for yourself, the longer you can stay in Paris and take classes and practice your French the more easily you will absorb the language. A month or two would be ideal. If you have a nine to five job and only have a week or two of vacation to spare, you can opt for a total immersion class and use your off time to practice with the locals or to meet your fellow students for coffee and conversation. Either way, renting a Paris apartment will make the experience an affordable one and one where you can best immerse yourself in the culture and day to day life.

There are many language schools in Paris as well as private tutors.

An interesting option is to get a head start before you arrive in Paris by buying the Rosetta Stone Learn French CD. Then book your lessons in Paris to more fully immerse yourself and learn the French accent and street idioms while you live in your Paris luxury vacation rental during the course.

The Alliance Francaise is a quality language school located on the beautiful Isle St. Louis in the heart of Paris. It is an absolute treat, located in an exquisite building with a library, cafe, student lounge, movie nights and arranged activities as well as classes during the day or evening. The wonderful benefit of taking language courses at Alliance Francaise is that they have outposts in 136 countries around the world, so you have a built in network of like-minded students to engage with as you travel to those countries to keep your French language skills sharp.

Most schools offer French language courses that last from 2 weeks to 9 months as well as cultural activities around the city to enhance your learning.

The Institute Parisien offers intensive courses for beginners to ensure everyone learns basic skills like ordering food, paying bills, meeting people, asking questions about how to get around, as well as a phonetics class, a written class, and conversation workshops.

While you are in your French language classes you will be living as if you would if you lived in France full time in your Paris apartment. You will have to learn how to talk to the local shops, practice your French on the local cafe waiters, when you buy your food at the local market, and for all the little things you do throughout the day. This is a superb way to learn the language by actively using it and connecting your actions with words. It is also the fastest way to learn. By living the life of a Parisian, you will automatically accumulate words and phrases by osmosis. In this way, you won’t have to memorize words. You will be learning them by using them and they will subconsciously become part of your vocabulary that will surprisingly start flowing off your tongue.

One of the fastest ways of locating a private tutor is to scan the Paris page on Craigslist. To test them out, try getting them to begin tutoring you by Skype before you commit to hiring them for when you are in your Paris apartment. If you hit it off and are really learning from them, you now have a dedicated person to teach you what you need or want to be able to speak about.

Renting a luxury apartment in Paris for a short time period will prove to be the best investment you could make in allowing you the opportunity of time and learning the culture as you learn to speak the French language.

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