Provence :
The heart of Provence is in the hills that bind the sea to the alps. . These are the sloping vineyards; the cultivated lands and the colorful scenery that charmed Cezanne (Aix en Provence), Van Gogh (Arles), Chagall or Giono. In Provence or the Midi the local people have a soft singing accent which evokes their whole relaxed lifestyle. They have no greater pleasure after a hard days work than to enjoy a delicious and hardy meal shared with friends..... This is the picturesque Provence of Pagnol, Raimu, and Fernandel.
The Alpes :
Skiing one hour from the seaside? Well yes! Here you can do it! The Alpes d'Azur rise high above Nice up to 4000m. . ....Clean pure air and vast protected lands, this is still Provence with the Alpes of Haute Provence and the Hautes Alpes. In the winter there is sunny skiing, in the summer one can explore on horseback, on foot or by bike. Even dare-devils will find sports to their taste with such choices as parachute jumping, flying ULM's, rafting, abseiling or mountain climbing.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Provence Real Estate
Poitou Charentes Real Estate
Poitou-Charentes River Charente
At first glance the long ribbon of sandy coastline, bathed in sunshine during the summer months, of Poitou-Charentes has something of the southern Mediterranean about it. But as you get to grips with the region you notice the influence of the Atlantic creeping in.
The resorts may be less glamorous than in the south but historically they’re much better looking.
Inland, the countryside has an early morning dewy quality of moistness, the fields are lushly green, the rivers are softer and the population evenly spread. Around Cognac the glow of the vineyards crowned by the individual châteaux, produce the famous golden elixir.
To the north, the Marais Poitevin - nicknamed the “Green Venice” - is France’s version of a warmer less wind swept Norfolk Broads. It’s a dream world of river boulevards and emerald coloured shimmering reflections.
Business in France
How about starting your own business in France or emmigrating there to find employment?
France has a population of approximately 58 million people and is the largest West European country, approximately 4/5 the size of Texas. France does not have an official religion, but the majority of French citizens are Roman Catholic. France is home to approximately 4.5 million foreigners, many of whom are from other European countries or former Communist countries. Education is of great importance to the French. This is demonstrated by the fact that the educational system is almost free of charge from the primary school through the Ph.D. level, for French citizens.
As the world’s fifth largest economy, centrally located within the European Union, there is strong competition for market share in all French industrial and service sectors. American exporters to France generally face more competition from European companies than from Asian ones. Positioned at the heart of the world’s largest market, France offers a favorable economic environment to potential exporters. Do you dream of living in Normandy and running your own business?
Learn To Speak French
You will find French speakers on all continents around the world.
French is the native language of some 200 million people and is the second language of millions more. In Europe, it is spoken in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg. In the Americas, it is an official language of Canada and spoken in the Carribbean. It is the language of the well educated in parts of Southeast Asia, North Africa and much of Western and Central Africa. Being able to speak French is an asset for anyone interested in working in international organizations such as the Peace Corps.
French is a language of business.
Today, American companies have over 2,000 subsidiaries in France, and French companies have over 600 subsidiaries in the United States. Major corporations with headquarters or subsidiaries in the United States and France include Du Pont, Hewlett-Packard, Xerox, Apple Computer, Michelin, Renault, Bic and many more.
Work From Home
You're probably thinking, what does this got to do with France... Well this is how our Website started. Not this one though, the one you go to when you click on any of the posts' topic-links. Here is an intro...
How would you like to start a profitable and flexible business and work in home? You're not quite sure how to get started? Are you interested in online marketing or building an online business and would love to do it working at home? Have you ever considered just how to make money online?
Maybe you have tried but have failed at your efforts and you're looking for a better way. Well, us too have been down this path until I found SBI!
There are millions of people who would love to start their own business from home but don't necessarily know how or where to start. Many don't even realize that it can be done, and that it can be a successful, serious, and profitable business.
France Gall
Early Career
The first airplay of France's first single "Ne sois pas si bête" ("Don't Be So Stupid"), occurred on her 16th birthday. It was released in November and became a hit. Serge Gainsbourg, whose career was faltering although he had released several albums and written songs for singers including Michèle Arnaud and Juliette Gréco, was asked by Bourgeois to write songs for Gall. Gainsbourg's "N'écoute pas les idoles" ("Don't listen to the idols") became Gall's second single; it reached the top of the French charts in March 1964.
At the same time, Gall made her live debut, opening for Sacha Distel in Belgium. She teamed up with Distel's business manager, Maurice Tézé, who was also a lyricist. This allowed her to create an original repertoire, unlike the majority of her contemporaries ("yéyés") who sang adaptations of Anglo-Saxon hits. However, under the influence from this team of music veterans, Gall struggled to defend her personal choice of material.
Ski Resorts in France
In the French Alps, the most famous ski venue is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, though skiing is by no means the only attraction. Chamonix is the oldest and biggest French winter-sports resort and site of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924.
The world's highest cable car soars 12,000 feet up the Aiguille du Midi, for stupendous views of 15,700-foot Mont Blanc, Europe's loftiest peak. Throughout the year, visitors can partake in the music and folk festivals, conferences, a science fair, an alpine museum, wood sculptures, fishing and hunting (in season), an 18-hole golf course, 3 movie theaters, 5 discotheques, a casino, games of boules, bowling and bridge, and a library..
Books About France
Peter Mayle's novel about a rich advertising executive who gives it all up to open a hotel in the south of France has definite autobiographical undercurrents. It's an interesting and funny story with a bit of intrigue, crime, and romance thrown in for good measure. A must for Peter Mayle fans.
A somewhat controversial novel, this is the story of a single mother who moves to a tiny French town, opens a chocolate shop, and inadvertently starts a war with the local priest. The character development is superb, the story is intriguing, and the descriptions of chocolate creations are divine. Don't read this book - or see the movie it inspired - without a good supply of chocolate!..
French Products
France Is Rated #1 In Healthcare In The World By The W.h.o., And Has The Lowest Heart Disease. Learn From The French. Written By A Trained Clinical Nutritionist.
Hermès: French Festival 2000 orange tote bags were available in limited numbers in three sizes small, medium and large (500 each).
DFS Galleria: Givenchy cosmetic bags with an exclusive pineapple print by Hubert Givenchy were available only during the French Festival 2000.
Chanel: An exclusive 2000 silk scarf and a limited edition French Festival Bordeaux Glossimer gift sets were available during the festival dates.
Celine: Special jacquard pochette shoulder bags in two sizes and two colors with an exclusive attached business card holder.
French Cuisine
French food specialties
We will offer you all the specialties of the French food. Each specialty is presented within its regional context accompanied by a list of traditional producers , guardians of tradition and expertise which have been handed down from generation to generation.
French Restaurants and French recipes
If you should spend a few days in one of France's twenty-two Regions, we will provide you with the names and addresses of French restaurants where you will discover, or rediscover, the many flavors of the French cuisine we offer you on this site.When speaking of such traditional specialities from our soil and french cuisine , many mouth-watering recipes immediately come to mind.These French recipes are an integral part of our cultural cooking heritage. The result of our culinary creativity which arise from a search for excelence through centuries of traditional family cooking : the French touch .... but enough chattering, welcome to France! Enjoy your stroll …
Holiday Activities in France
Things To Do In France...
Ok, now you probably wonder what you can do once you get to France or what will there be for the kids to entertain themselves with...
There's so much to do in France compiling a list of the best things to do is not easy. From outdoor activities, to historic monuments, to great food and wine, Paris is a historic and cultural center, with hundreds of top things to do and see. Normandy is a picturesque coastline, with the solemn D-Day beaches. Versailles was the political center of Paris for over a century. The French Riviera has some of the best beaches in the world. These are just a sprinkling of all the wonders France holds..
Climb the Eiffel Tower
Ascend the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of Paris. At over 1,000 feet, the massive structure has two restaurants, a souvenir shop, viewing area, and more. Return at night with a bottle of Merlot and lie in the grass at the Champs de mars, gazing up at the spectacular light display. The Eiffel Tower faced early criticism, especially from the artistic community of Paris, calling the structure a "truly tragic street lamp." The critics were slowly silenced as 2 million visitors ascended the tower in 1889.
Shopping Malls in France
Of course, shopping malls & venues are crutial when going on holiday. You don't want to get back home without buying anything or at least having brought back a souvenir for family & friends to see.Here are a few of the best shopping malls/ places to visit...
Do you live (love) to SHOP? Paris is a shopper's dream, of course, and the "glitterati" will feel quite at home in the Haute Couture shops found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. Top quality shoes, bags, and leather goods are the province of Rue du Cherche-Midi and rue de Grenelle in the 6th. Truly trend-setting fashions may be seen in the shops on Rue Etienne Marcel and Place des Victoires bordering the 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Some of the better-known emporiums of Haute Couture and jewelry include: Cartier (8th), Celine (8th), Chanel (1st & 8th), Chaumet, Christian Dior (8th), Christian Lacroix (8th), Piaget, Yves Saint Laurent (16th), and Van Cleef & Arpels (8th).
Shoppin Around in France
Shopping in Paris and Shopping around France
You'll find an alphabetical list of some of the major Couturiers, Fashion Designers, Jewelers, Leather Goods [shoes et bags], Major Department Store retailers in Paris and around France [type of store is noted]. You'll even find the famous flea market where you may locate your 'treasure or trash' find of a lifetime.
Paris fashion boutiques are plentiful and can be found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore area and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th. Some of the noted Haute Couturiers and Designers boutiques are -- Hermes, Cartier, Chanel, Chaumet, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Chloe whose sites you can check out below. Other noted couturiers in the 16th are - Piaget, Yves Saint Laurent, Fauchon and Hediard are both on Place de la Madeleine. Leather goods such as shoes and handbags can be found on Rue du Cherche-Midi and rue de Grenelle in the 6th.
Maps of France
France is a country in Western Europe, bordering the Atlantic Ocean (Bay of Biscay) and English Channel between Belgium and Spain, southeast of the UK; and bordering the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Spain. Mainland France's roughly hexagonal shape has lent itself to a popular French nickname: l'Hexagone.
To the south, the Pyrenees form a natural border between France and Spain, and the south-central part of the country is dominated by the ancient Massif Central. Subject to volcanism that has only subsided in the last 10,000 years, these central mountains are separated from the Alps by the north-south trending Rhone River Basin..
Eat In Or Eat Out in France?
Your France food bill be one of your biggest expenses of your vacation spending. We love to eat at the luxury hotels, yet we have found some nice cheaper restaurants too. However, in our experience there we also found some of the best solutions for saving quite a bit on your France food bill. NOW remember this, everything comes at a price... so a little effort will be needed to prepare your own food of course... it's up to you.
The French Market Experience
The highlight of grocery shopping in France is without a doubt the marché, or market. I love wandering through the produce to decide in the morning what to prepare for that night, an idea recommended by Mireille Guiliano, author of the best-selling book French Women Don’t Get Fat.Twice each week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, my friend and I meet for coffee then walk to the market. We’ve actually established quite a little routine. We know which vendors to see for better prices, finding more exotic items, and buying in bulk..
Cheap Restaurants in France
Cheap Eats: Crepe de France
I arrived at the Crepe de France in the Pike Place Market one afternoon, grumpy and hungry. But one delicious ham, spinach and cheese crepe and another luscious creamy peach crepe later, I left sated and happy, humming on my way back to the office.
Situated in the Economy Arcade opposite DeLaurenti, this 15-year-old crepe stand offers a wonderful alternative to tired old lunch fare.Grab a stool and watch as Rony Brown ladles batter onto a buttered griddle, the size of a small pizza.
Onto the crisp and golden crepe goes shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced ham and fresh spinach leaves. That's the No. 4 for $6.50.Brown and his family have run the crepe stand since 1991.
Mid Priced Eats in France
Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs
This friendly restaurant in an old grocery near the Loire has simple decor but offers excellent value for its creative cooking. Chef Christophe Cosme studied under Burgundy's late Bernard Loiseau and brings inventiveness to his fish and seafood specialties (try the crayfish and parsley flan) and desserts.
Auberge du XIIe Siècle
You half expect Balzac himself to come strolling in the door of this half-timber, delightfully historic auberge, so little has it changed since the 19th century. Still sporting a time-stained painted sign and its original exterior staircase, and nearly opposite the great author's country retreat, this inn retains its centuries-old dining room, now warmed by a fireplace,
bouquets, and rich wood tables.
Best Restaurants France
Maison Fournaise restaurant
The Maison Fournaise is a restaurant and museum located on the Île des Impressionnistes in the Seine in Chatou, west of Paris.In 1857, Alphonse Fournaise bought land in Chatou to open a boat rental, restaurant, and small hotel for the new tourist trade.Closed in 1906, the Maison Fournaise remained abandoned before being restored in 1990 on the initiative of the town of Chatou, with the assistance of American private funds from the Friends of French Art.The restaurant was a favorite of Pierre-Auguste Renoir who painted scenes of the restaurant, including The Rowers' Lunch in 1875 and Luncheon of the Boating Party, as well as several portraits of Fournaise family members and landscapes of the surrounding area.
France Real Estate
Buying a Property in France? Here's where to buy!!
French cottage
Price: 300 000€
Brittany and Provence are very different to each other, the Dordogne is different to the Alsace, and so on. France is a very big, diverse, country. Probably your choice of area will be decided by your previous visits to France and your knowledge of particular locations, and also by weather and house prices. Proximity to transport connections will be important if you will be leaving the country often or hope to entice your children to visit...
All areas have nice properties, some nicer than others (for me, Normandy and Dordogne/Lot-et-Garonne win the 'historical architecture' prize, but others will disagree). The important thing is to narrow down your area before starting to search for properties - it is not practical or possible to compare an apartment in Biarritz with a farmhouse in the Massif central, even if they do cost the same.
France Luxury Villas
Whether you prefer a chic villa in the south of France on the French Riviera, a beach holiday in Brittany, a Provence cottage, a chateau in the Loire, a French villa by the sea in Biarritz or to explore the delights of our villas in the South West of France, there is something for everyone. From the legendary Cote d'Azur to the history of Normandy or the unspoilt beauty of Corsica, France is a tapestry of opportunity and a holiday villa in France is one of the best ways to experience it!
Wherever you decide, our French villas with pool are handpicked to offer you the best holiday in each location. To make your holiday even more enjoyable, we can arrange chefs, babysitters and extra maid service for your villa in France.....
France Luxury Hotels
Hotel La Perouse
Nice, France
Style: Classic Luxury
Special Offer: For Five Star Alliance Guests
Stylish and with popular appeal in equal measure, Nice possesses the charm of those Mediterranean cities where the relaxed rhythm..
Sofitel Trocadero Dokhan's
Paris, France
Style: Classic Luxury
The sumptuous Sofitel Trocadero is a truly unique hotel. A temple to luxury in neoclassical style, the popular choice of...
French Lake Holidays
Carp Lakes Are you looking for a French inspired holiday, combined with pleasing the family and fitting in your passion for angling? Well look no further. Our recently renovated ancient longere with its own two acre carp lake set in eight acres of French pastures is ideally suited for families and small parties looking to achieve this. This exclusive holiday venue is situated in the Mayenne region of France. Our village, Bouchamps Les Craon is five hours drive from Calais, two hours from St Malo and four hours from La Harve, and just five minutes from the town of Craon.
Eden's Lakes...Situated in the picturesque region of Limousin in South West France is Eden’s Lakes, a French Carp Fishing Holiday experience you will never forget.
Bordeaux - France
On this Photographic Bordeaux France Tour I will try to show you some of the monuments in this city. At the end of the tour we, the Bordeaux-France-Tourists will visit one of the vineyards -'Chateaux'- in the region and learn something about the Bordeaux wines.
In this tour we will follow, more or less, the tourist itinerary recommended by the city's tourist office. One of the differences is that the "official" tour starts at the 'Jardin Public', and we will start the tour in front of this bell tower. Walking along the Victor Hugo street, we will get to the 'Porte Bourgogne' --at our right
La Rochelle - France
La Rochelle France, Location within France:La-Rochelle-France is a port on the Bay of Biscay on the west coast of France, located between the cities of Nantes to the north and Bordeaux to the south. La Rochelle is a good base to use for visits to the Bordeaux wine country or to Cognac. Despite being relatively unknown to Americans, La Rochelle is the third most visited city in France, according to the Tourist Office.
Weather for La Rochelle and Vicinity:La Rochelle's weather is dominated by a Gulf Stream which moderates temperatures and keeps La Rochelle warm through the year. To see the current La Rochelle weather and forcast, see La Rochelle Weather Report....la rochelle france
La Rochelle Ville Train Station:La Rochelle is served by a central railway station designated La Rochelle Ville. The TGC from Paris to La Rochelle takes about three hours. There are car rental services at the station.
Paris - France
Hotels - There are about two thousand to choose from, and we have included people's comments to help you decide for yourself. Telephone for reservation, or make reservations online - with immediate confirmation - with a selection of several hundred, usually at reduced prices, by clicking here. The most popular Paris.Org hotels in the last 3 months and in the last year can be found here. For the bohemian, there are also foyers and hostels
The Travel Planning Checklist. Respected Travel Agent Reveals Everything You Need To Know To Plan Your Next Vacation, Keep You Out Of Trouble And Get You Home Safely.
Paris Museum Pass - Go to the front of the line everytime! Unlimited visits! Valid at 60 Museums and Monuments. There are 2 and 4 day passes. Buy them online and have them delivered to you at home before you arrive in Paris, or to your hotel in the City.
EuroStar - London/Paris under the Channel in 3 hours. Also known as The Ch unnel, connects London and Paris via a tunnel under the English Channel. Its fast, convenient and superb! Buy your tickets online and have them delivered to your home, or hotel room.
B&B's, Hotels, Villas in Marseille
Find the perfect bed and breakfast in France with a comprehensive directory of independently owned France bed and breakfasts, guest houses and pensions. All France bed and breakfast listings include official direct contact details along with photos, property amenities and services, rates and much more.
Charming, comfortable and friendly, La maison Fleur de Felice is located in Mas Cabardes, a quaint, tranquil little village situated in the heart of the Montagne Noir, 25 minutes from Carcassonne City...
Maison Robert is an English-owned town house in Le Dorat, conveniently situated in the Limousin Region, about midway between Limoges to the south (about 45Km) and Poitiers to the north....
Your room-Bed & Breakfast in Paris for 1-2 persons, with breakfast in a private parisian home, situated in Paris 15 arr. near Porte de Versailles exposition center. Very cozy and friendly atmosphere....
Marseille Country Apartments
Marseille, France, Provence Alps French Riviera - Bouches du Rhône.Studio, 2 room(s), Open-plan kitchen, Living room, 1 shower room, 1 separate toilet, Terrace,4-5 persons, 50 m2 / 538 sqft, Beach : 1.5 km / 4275 ft,Sheets and towels included, Private swimming pool, TV.
Marseille, France, Provence Alps French Riviera - Bouches du Rhône.House / Villa, 4 room(s), Independent kitchen, Living room, Office, 1 bathroom, 1 separate toilet, Terrace, Veranda,4-5 persons, 95 m2 / 1022 sqft, Sea : 200 m / 570 ft,Laundry machine, Sheets and towels included, Freezer, TV, Private parking lot.
Car rentals in France
Getting off "the beaten track" will deliver sights and experiences that you don't find in the tourist books!
But you can't do it without a car. And, you can't bring our own! So the solution is obvious...
If you plan to visit France, you need to know all the ins and outs of getting in and about in this country. Once you land at the airport, your adventures are hardly over. Find out about France's extensive and reliable rail network, flying within Europe, rental cars and the thorough bus systems.
Getting to France
France is one of the most visited countries in the world and it has a superb complement of airports. There are international airports at all of the country’s major cities and a swathe of smaller, regional airport in virtually every corner of the country. While the transport infrastructure in France is of a high quality, the country is still relatively large; therefore, taking a domestic flight makes sense if you need to travel a long distance.
France ski resorts
In the French Alps, the most famous ski venue is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, though skiing is by no means the only attraction. Chamonix is the oldest and biggest French winter-sports resort and site of the first Winter Olympics, held in 1924.
The world's highest cable car soars 12,000 feet up the Aiguille du Midi, for stupendous views of 15,700-foot Mont Blanc, Europe's loftiest peak. Throughout the year, visitors can partake in the music and folk festivals, conferences, a science fair, an alpine museum, wood sculptures, fishing and hunting (in season), an 18-hole golf course, 3 movie theaters, 5 discotheques, a casino, games of boules, bowling and bridge, and a library....