Americans @ the Tour de France

Saint Denis is a suburb around 10km from the centre of Paris along the river Seine and has specific claims to fame.

The first is that the area was named after Saint Denis who became
known as the Patron Saint of France, where St Genevieve had a small
chapel erected over his tomb for pilgrims to visit.

The second is that it is known for the Saint Denis Basilica where a
vast majority of French Kings are also entombed here and this was
rebuilt on the site of the chapel.

The third is for The Stade de France, which is the new stadium that
was built to host the 1998 FIFA world cup and has seen many other
events since.

If you have time whilst you are on holiday in the Paris area, taking
a trip out to St Denis is a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience
for all the family. And although it used to be more of a working class
industrial area, it is again now a thriving community since the stadium
has been built.

The stadium was a major feat of engineering with a very clever
design that allows it to be changed from a football or rugby stadium,
through to a running track, through to holding rock and pop concerts.
This was all achieved by a cushion of air that allows the lower stands
to slide out in approximately 72 hours, dependant upon the different
configurations needed. And for the last few years has played host to
some very major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup and the
World Championships in Athletics.

Although the stadium is designed to hold 80,000 people, Celine Dion
broke the records with 2 nights of an attendance of 90,000 fans for
each night at her concerts! But rather than going to the stadium for an
event, you can take a tour of this fantastic place and walk the paths
of stars. But always check to ensure it is open for tours prior to
getting excited, as it will be closed on specific dates due to
functions and other major events going on.

But while in the area do take a stroll round Saint Denis itself, as
it has a well-known market, which is also one of the largest in the Ile
de France region and it plays host to numerous events every year.
Instead of just thinking about the Stade de France that holds sporting
events and concerts, festivals such as the festival of Saint Denis for
classical music and the Banlieues Bleues Festival for jazz music
amongst others are held in this area every year.

Yet if you are not into lively entertainment, perhaps you would be
more at home visiting the Basilique de Saint Denis, which even has life
size figures of the past monarchs that are entombed in it. And it is
steeped in history from when the basilica we see today was first begun
in the Gothic style way back in 1136 even though it was never finished
to the 13th Century. But you can trace the history right through to the
last king that was interred here, who was King Louis XVIII and is
comparable with Westminster Abbey in England where people still go and
worship.

The architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows that were
restored to their former glory, make for an impressive building and
today it remains the largest museum of funerary sculpture in France,
containing the tombs and recumbent statues of over 70 kings and queens.
Plus you will be pleased to know that it is open every day of the year
for people to go and visit.

There is something fascinating for everyone in St Denis and it is
well worth a short trip out if you have the time whilst you are on
holiday in this incredible area of France

France is one of the most popular self catering family holiday
destinations in Europe. There is a tremendous selection of holiday
villas with swimming pools, apartments and gites to choose from. France
is such a popular holiday destination because it has such a diverse
range of things to see and do. It is a country of beautiful clean
beaches, spectacular mountain scenery and cities packed full of
culture, good shops and fine wines and cuisine.

Paris is the top tourist destination in France with a superb choice
of self catering holiday apartments available for rental direct from
their owners. Paris is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in
the world and many tourists go there for a romantic break or long
weekend holiday break. It is a city full of fine wines, good cuisine
and friendly people.

The West of France sits on the Atlantic coast and here Normandy and
Brittany are popular with tourists. Many stay in one of the numerous
holiday cottages and farmhouse that are available to rent. They act as
an ideal base for families on holiday to explore the sandy beaches.

To the East lie the regions of Alsace, Lorraine and Burgundy. It is
an area full of beautiful towns and spectacular rolling hills. Tourists
like to visit Nancy and Dijon and many stay in holiday gites and
apartments and explore the famous vineyards of the region.

In the middle of France lies the Loire valley. This is probably one
of the most beautiful regions of France and still remains quite
unspoilt. There are some charming gites and farmhouse cottages
available for rent in this region. It is a popular vacation destination
for family holidays and the tourists like to explore the local castles
and sample the farmers markets in the local towns. The locals boast
that Chartres, with its famous cathedral and Tours are the most
beautiful French cities.

The French Alps are one of Europe’s most popular skiing destinations
and tourists also come to the region in the summer for the hiking.
Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix are better known amongst winter
sports enthusiasts for the part that they played in the Olympics.
Annecy and Grenoble have chalets and self catering apartments available
for rental.

The South of France is very popular with tourists looking for a
relaxing holiday in the sun. It has great weather, good food and the
famous Riviera. Here there are some luxurious holiday villas with
swimming pools available to rent direct from their owners. To the South
west of France lies the Dordogne. This pretty valley has some charming
holiday cottages and gites available to rent and holiday makers love
the excellent food and wines that are available locally.

In the Languedoc lie the Pyrenees, a mountain range with stunning
scenery that separates France from Spain. Here you can hike and ski.
The towns of Toulouse and Montpellier have numerous self catering
holiday apartments to rent.

Many holiday makers to France now take advantage of the superb range
of self catering accommodation available to rent in this marvellous
country. Tourists on their family vacation to France may book a quaint
Alpine chalet while skiing in the French Alps; Chamonix is an extremely
popular destination. Some families feel that their ideal vacation is a
holiday gite in Normandy. Holiday villas with swimming pools and
farmhouses are used as ideal holiday home bases to explore the Dordogne.

No matter what your taste or budget, France has some of the best
self catering holiday accommodation in Europe. It has great wines,
mouth watering local cuisine, beautiful clean sandy beaches and skiing
suitable for all levels of ability. It is no wonder that France is the
top self catering holiday rental destination in Europe

France is one of the most popular family holiday destinations for
families staying in holiday villas and self catering apartments. France
is located in Western Europe. The country is famous for fashion, art,
music, cinemas and food. The climate differs from region to region.

The northern and north western region of France have a temperate
climate. On the other hand, the south east region experiences the
Mediterranean climate. Inland places face harsh weather with less rain,
stormy and hot summers and colder winters. The mountainous areas are
covered with snow for the majority of the year.

The Alps are one of Europ’s most popular skiing resorts.
Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix are the most popular places to stay
for winter sports. Here you will find ski chalets and self catering
apartments available to rent direct from the home owners. In the summer
tourists come to the Alps for the hiking.

There are numerous things which can be enjoyed while holidaying in
France. It is the most famous tourist destination in the world. The
country attracts tourists through the dozens of tourist attractions
such as Paris, Atlantic beaches, winter sports in the Alps and various
castles. You can indulge into the diversified culture of France.

Paris is the most visited city in the world. Also known as the city
of lights, the capital city of France has lots of attractive things for
the tourists to see. The beautiful city of Paris is a famous spot for
couples on their honeymoon. It is considered the most romantic city of
all. While there you can stay in one of the many luxury self catering
apartments or holiday villas in the capital.

The best way to find out all about Paris is to visit one or several
of its museums, consisting of more than seventy. You can purchase one
single ticket that allows entry to all of them. The Eiffel Tower is the
most popular landmark in Paris. Apart from this, Paris is visited for
the Lachaise Cemetery, Catacombs, Sainte Chappelle, Chateau de
Versailles and Grande Arche de la Defense. Paris hosts a number of
major fashion and sports events throughout the year. Many tourists rent
a holiday villa or self catering apartment and use this as a base to
explore the locals towns and museums.

The Tour de France is the infamous cycling tournament that takes
place that covers most areas of France. The cyclists cover more than
3,000 kilometers. Hundreds of tourists come to France especially to
witness the greatest racing event. There are luxurious holiday villas,
apartments and cottages all available to rent in France.

Cannes is famous for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival.
Thousands of tourists and local residents gather in the city to get a
glimpse of their favorite film star. Every evening during the film
festival, film stars from around the world walk the red carpet.

Besides the film festival, Cannes is also famous for its beaches.
So, even if you don’t get to see the film stars, you can relax on one
of the enchanting beaches instead. Iles de Lerins is a place with two
beautiful beaches in Cannes. Dotted along the coastline you will find
numerous self catering apartments and holiday villas with swimming
pools available for rent.

Nice Carnival is yet another exciting event worth visiting. The 10
day festival takes place in Nice every year. It is the combination of
parades, street theaters, concerts and food stalls. The carnival has
been taking place in France since the middle ages. This is the largest
carnival out of them all.

Cyclists of all abilities can look forward to some fantastic scenery
whilst on a cycling holiday in france, along with experiencing
traditional French cuisine in the many hotels you stop at on your
travels through the scenic countryside.

France is a country that is extremely enthusiastic about cycling, as
we are all no doubt well aware with the Tour de France, and they have
made it ever so easy to explore the countryside and cities on two
wheels, with dedicated cycle paths and routes all around.

Cycling holidays will give you peace and tranquillity with awesome
views of countryside, chateaux, medieval towns, hilltops, valleys and
gorges and these are just some of things that you would easily miss out
on if you were driving through France, and with the rich heritage,
extraordinary landscapes and the gastronomic delights can all be
appreciated more whilst cycling, especially because of the extensive
national network of veloroutes.

These veloroutes will take you along canal towpaths, quiet country
lanes and converted railway lines as well as getting you into the heart
of the countryside by using voies vertes, also known as green ways,
which are specially designated tracks that are completely shut to
motorised traffic, you can even hire your cycle en route from one of
many locations-velos that line the major cycling routes.

You can still find areas in France that are so peaceful, it is rare
to see a car, yet you may be passed by a few very passionate cyclists!
Stopping for lunch and experiencing the local cuisine and of course the
local wine is must and you can often find fortified villages scattered
along the hill-tops and valleys for the most pleasant of stops.

Or if you prefer to have your trip organised then why not let the
hoteliers transport your luggage by finding establishments that offer
an “accueil velo” which are hotels and bed and breakfasts that cater
specifically for cycling holidays throughout France.

With a French Alps cycling holiday you cannot go wrong, as you will
be able to discover some of the Worlds most spectacular cycling routes,
with climbs like the world famous Col de la Croix der Fer and Alpe
d’Huez around Grenoble. But as well as the Alps, cycling in the
Pyrenees with its mountain climbs such as the Col de Portet d’Aspet and
the Col d’Aspin will provide you with the opportunity to see some of
Europe’s most beautiful locations. Although these are not for the feint
hearted! If you have ever watched the Tour de France, you will have
seen some of those mean mountainous routes and the suffering these
cyclists go through, yet perhaps this could be just the type of holiday
you are looking for!

Also, the Midi-Pyrenees offers a wealth of art and history from
prehistoric cave paintings to Renaissance mansions and is also famous
throughout France for its cuisine which is rich with foies gras,
Roquefort cheese, Gaillac wines, and Armagnac brandy, but to make the
most of this region, it is often advisable to plan your cycling holiday
very carefully, so that you can enjoy the many different places en
route.

Yet if mountain biking and going on strenuous cycling routes through
the mountains is not you, then do not worry, there are plenty of other
areas in France that will cater for the novice or the family cycling
holiday, just like Brittany, this area is ideal for a family cycling
holiday, as the coastal routes along the bays are reasonably flat,
making the trip easier, whereas the Loire is more undulating, yet
fabulous chateaux and riverside towns will enthral you and the family
on your travels.

What about the Poitou-Charentes area, which is an excellent choice
for those who love wildlife and bird watching, as the area is still
extremely rural, even compared to some of the other areas in France and
Burgundy is a great place to cycle along the many canal paths.

Then there is the Dordogne which is extremely picturesque, and from
the rivers and gorges through to forests and vineyards, this area
provides such a diversity you will enjoy the whole experience from the
start to finish of your holiday.

Mind you, with a cycling holiday organised for you, there is no need
to worry about where you will stop for a break or lunch or where you
will be staying, which means you do not have to have your panniers full
to the brim, as all your belongings are transported on for you, ready
and waiting for when you arrive at your next stop, plus if you decide
to add in other activities, such as canoeing and horse riding as well,
then your bikes will be transported to your next stop and you will be
picked up at a specified location.

So whether you are a cycling enthusiast or a novice with a family, France is a fantastic destination to explore on your bike.

With stunning surroundings and wonderful gastronomy really makes
France a top destination for golfers and from Biarritz to Brittany,
France can offer a great variety of uncrowded golf courses, which range
from the novice to the more experienced golfer. In fact some of the
very top rated courses in Europe can be found in France!

In the South there is a terrific variety of golf courses plus the
cuisine and temperate climate make this a great destination for all
year round golfing holidays.

Also, France is ideal for a golf break at any time of year, with
courses in all regions of France and with around a hundred new golf
courses having been built over the past few years, and over 500 in
total, you certainly have plenty of choice!

And although golf is a very popular past time in many countries, the
game does not have the same popularity in France as it does in places
like the United Kingdom, as they are more into sports such as cycling,
and this is probably why you can still get to experience golf in peace
and tranquillity at your own pace and not like being on a conveyor belt
or being rushed when you least need it!

Now the main golfing areas most people think of in France are
centred around places near to Le Touquet and Biarritz, but there are
numerous other excellent golf courses dotted all over the country and
some are still virtually undiscovered, which can mean some inexpensive
quality time for the golfer when travelling through France.

One popular area is Provence and the Cote d Azur which have golf
courses from Monte Carlo to the Pyrenees and one of these would make an
ideal destination for a longer golfing holiday especially with the
weather. But in the Rhone Alpes region are private hotels with their
own golf courses set amidst the stunning mountain scenery.

The fairways within the Loire and Burgundy regions are either a
short flight to France or easy drive for most people and are in the
ideal location for those that want other things to occupy them when not
on the golf course.

If you are looking for a golf weekend or golf holiday, there is so
much choice, but if you prefer a slightly cooler climate than the South
of France, then the regions of Brittany, Normandy and Pas de Calais are
good options, plus with well over 130 golf courses that are suitable
for most handicaps along with very reasonable green fees, the short
trip across the channel by ferry or short flight can make for a very
reasonable weekend break with your golfing friends.

And in the Ile de France region, which hosts the capital of France,
Paris, you have over 60 different golf courses to choose from, so it is
very easy to slip away from the city and have a day of peace and
tranquillity on the golf course with your work colleagues. Or if you
are on holiday with your family you could combine some sight seeing in
Paris with a half-day of golf while your family could enjoy some
delicious French food at the clubhouse in settings of absolute beauty.

We all realise that the Loire valley is famous for its chateaux, but
there are also numerous golf courses amongst the splendour of this
region and what better place to play a round of golf, then enjoy the
fine wine over a nice lunch before heading back to your accommodation.

Looking at the South West of France, which has a varied landscape
and culture is an ideal place to enjoy the French food, wine, maybe
even visiting some chateaux, glorious beaches, vineyards, distilleries
and museums, so this area has so much to offer besides the golf, of
which there are around 90 courses, which means that no one in your
holiday party will become bored.

However, if you love sight seeing, being able to see snow capped
mountains all year round or glorious beaches, then the South East of
France is definitely the place for you, and with well over 100 golf
courses to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice in this region,
although you may find that your budget dictates a little, as some of
the green fees can be far more expensive than the courses in the North
of France.

Another region is Sologne, which is situated just south of Orleans
and is famous for its lakes and its excellent hunting and fishing, yet
has now also become a popular destination for golfers, who like
experiencing the fine French food and wine in this area, and you will
find delights such as pheasant, partridge, venison, wild boar, carp,
eel and trout on the menu.

Yet the area around Bordeaux has now emerged as a great golfing area
where one can not only enjoy the courses amid vineyards, but also get
to experience the wine, which is another ideal place to enjoy the best
of both pleasures!

So whether you decide to arrange the golf holiday to France yourself
or go for a complete package holiday, you can discover fairways that
rank some of the best in Europe, plus some virtually undiscovered germs

There is a very good news for you … especially who lives at the United Kingdom and have a regular travel to The Europe….

Many people even more than million people have a travel to the Europe from The United Kingdom at least once a week.
They go there because of their business, or for the study .
They have to spent much time just only for waiting and travel to the Europe every day. And as we know time now is very important , some people said that time is money. So we have to arrange the time orderly to make sure that our day will go well.

If you spent much time a day in the train or car just to reach a city and then must go back to your home in the same day, I think it’s very un-useful activity. Or we can reach the city by plane, but I’m sure the cost is too high.

There is a best solution for you. You can check it at http: // ebbsfleetinternational.co.uk . The station will be open soon in December 2009.

The Ebbsfleet International Station will be one of the extra ordinary station in United Kingdom .
Why I said it so ?
First , because Ebbsfleet station Eurostar will serve several trains from Ebbsfleet to Europes major cities in an hour. So you don’t to wait for a long time. The Eurostar is the fastest train to Europe and London . It just take fifteen minutes, you can arrive there.
Second , there are very broad Car parking at Ebbsfleet International  . More than 5000 car can be parked there every day with a resonable price of course you can check
 the price first at the web site.
Third, all transaction can be done online . It’ never sleep.

Make sure that you are the first person that can enjoy it on Desember 2009.

France is one of the most popular self catering family holiday
destinations in Europe. There is a tremendous selection of holiday
villas with swimming pools, apartments and gites to choose from. France
is such a popular holiday destination because it has such a diverse
range of things to see and do. It is a country of beautiful clean
beaches, spectacular mountain scenery and cities packed full of
culture, good shops and fine wines and cuisine.

Paris is the top tourist destination in France with a superb choice
of self catering holiday apartments available for rental direct from
their owners. Paris is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in
the world and many tourists go there for a romantic break or long
weekend holiday break. It is a city full of fine wines, good cuisine
and friendly people.

The West of France sits on the Atlantic coast and here Normandy and
Brittany are popular with tourists. Many stay in one of the numerous
holiday cottages and farmhouse that are available to rent. They act as
an ideal base for families on holiday to explore the sandy beaches.

To the East lie the regions of Alsace, Lorraine and Burgundy. It is
an area full of beautiful towns and spectacular rolling hills. Tourists
like to visit Nancy and Dijon and many stay in holiday gites and
apartments and explore the famous vineyards of the region.

In the middle of France lies the Loire valley. This is probably one
of the most beautiful regions of France and still remains quite
unspoilt. There are some charming gites and farmhouse cottages
available for rent in this region. It is a popular vacation destination
for family holidays and the tourists like to explore the local castles
and sample the farmers markets in the local towns. The locals boast
that Chartres, with its famous cathedral and Tours are the most
beautiful French cities.

The French Alps are one of Europe’s most popular skiing destinations
and tourists also come to the region in the summer for the hiking.
Albertville, Grenoble and Chamonix are better known amongst winter
sports enthusiasts for the part that they played in the Olympics.
Annecy and Grenoble have chalets and self catering apartments available
for rental.

The South of France is very popular with tourists looking for a
relaxing holiday in the sun. It has great weather, good food and the
famous Riviera. Here there are some luxurious holiday villas with
swimming pools available to rent direct from their owners. To the South
west of France lies the Dordogne. This pretty valley has some charming
holiday cottages and gites available to rent and holiday makers love
the excellent food and wines that are available locally.

In the Languedoc lie the Pyrenees, a mountain range with stunning
scenery that separates France from Spain. Here you can hike and ski.
The towns of Toulouse and Montpellier have numerous self catering
holiday apartments to rent.

Many holiday makers to France now take advantage of the superb range
of self catering accommodation available to rent in this marvellous
country. Tourists on their family vacation to France may book a quaint
Alpine chalet while skiing in the French Alps; Chamonix is an extremely
popular destination. Some families feel that their ideal vacation is a
holiday gite in Normandy. Holiday villas with swimming pools and
farmhouses are used as ideal holiday home bases to explore the Dordogne.

No matter what your taste or budget, France has some of the best
self catering holiday accommodation in Europe. It has great wines,
mouth watering local cuisine, beautiful clean sandy beaches and skiing
suitable for all levels of ability. It is no wonder that France is the
top self catering holiday rental destination in Europe.

Saint Denis is a suburb around 10km from the centre of Paris along the river Seine and has specific claims to fame.

The first is that the area was named after Saint Denis who became
known as the Patron Saint of France, where St Genevieve had a small
chapel erected over his tomb for pilgrims to visit.

The second is that it is known for the Saint Denis Basilica where a
vast majority of French Kings are also entombed here and this was
rebuilt on the site of the chapel.

The third is for The Stade de France, which is the new stadium that
was built to host the 1998 FIFA world cup and has seen many other
events since.

If you have time whilst you are on holiday in the Paris area, taking
a trip out to St Denis is a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience
for all the family. And although it used to be more of a working class
industrial area, it is again now a thriving community since the stadium
has been built.

The stadium was a major feat of engineering with a very clever
design that allows it to be changed from a football or rugby stadium,
through to a running track, through to holding rock and pop concerts.
This was all achieved by a cushion of air that allows the lower stands
to slide out in approximately 72 hours, dependant upon the different
configurations needed. And for the last few years has played host to
some very major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup and the
World Championships in Athletics.

Although the stadium is designed to hold 80,000 people, Celine Dion
broke the records with 2 nights of an attendance of 90,000 fans for
each night at her concerts! But rather than going to the stadium for an
event, you can take a tour of this fantastic place and walk the paths
of stars. But always check to ensure it is open for tours prior to
getting excited, as it will be closed on specific dates due to
functions and other major events going on.

But while in the area do take a stroll round Saint Denis itself, as
it has a well-known market, which is also one of the largest in the Ile
de France region and it plays host to numerous events every year.
Instead of just thinking about the Stade de France that holds sporting
events and concerts, festivals such as the festival of Saint Denis for
classical music and the Banlieues Bleues Festival for jazz music
amongst others are held in this area every year.

Yet if you are not into lively entertainment, perhaps you would be
more at home visiting the Basilique de Saint Denis, which even has life
size figures of the past monarchs that are entombed in it. And it is
steeped in history from when the basilica we see today was first begun
in the Gothic style way back in 1136 even though it was never finished
to the 13th Century. But you can trace the history right through to the
last king that was interred here, who was King Louis XVIII and is
comparable with Westminster Abbey in England where people still go and
worship.

The architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows that were
restored to their former glory, make for an impressive building and
today it remains the largest museum of funerary sculpture in France,
containing the tombs and recumbent statues of over 70 kings and queens.
Plus you will be pleased to know that it is open every day of the year
for people to go and visit.

There is something fascinating for everyone in St Denis and it is
well worth a short trip out if you have the time whilst you are on
holiday in this incredible area of France.

One of my favourite past times is to go mountain biking down
countryside trails and travel long distances from one town to another.
For me this is an enjoyable form of keeping fit and you have the added
benefit of appreciating the scenery. Mountain biking does not
necessarily have to be enjoyed in your own home territory and one can
be involved with mountain biking abroad. Places like France, Italy,
Spain, Africa and Australia.

Mountain biking in France is more popular than any other destination
because of the smooth and challenging trails that make biking here more
fun. The French Alps is famous for holding the popular Tour de France
biking event, whereby thousands of spectators come from all over the
world and support the contenders. The Alps is also popular with skiing
holidays and professional skiing competitions, which has placed the
French Alps as one of the top destinations for activity holidays.

The Tour de France has helped to keep the Alps to maintain its
reputation for being one of the best experience mountain biking in
France as a whole. The first Tour de France event began in 1903 and is
structured so it is partaken in stages rather than one long marathon.
History will reveal that the Tour de France was largely influenced and
inspired by the popular sporting magazine in France, called Le Velo.
Like most sporting magazines, this focussed on sporting events but also
included politic and current affairs in France.

Le Velo was produced and published to symbolise the innocence of
Alfred Dreyfus, who was accused and found guilty of selling secrets to
the Germans. There was a large division between the people of France,
with one side favouring his innocence and the other believing he was
guilty. Some of the advertisers were against what Le Velo stood and
were very much against the support of Dreyfus’s innocence. Those that
withdrew their advertising later published their own rival magazine.

L’Auto was established and to promote it the Tour de France began.
This was also a publicity spectacle to rival Le Velo and their event,
Paris-Brest et retour organised by editor Pierre Gifford. Originally,
the race was discussed to be a five weeklong tour, however with only 15
entrants this was then reduced down to just 19 days. Cycling journalist
Geo Lefevre and Editor Henri Desgrange announced the event on January
19th of 1903 - thus born a new trend of mountain biking in France.

The public were caught and drawn in by the event, from the growing
number of entrants (who were offered a daily allowance) and the
entertainment attractions (some amateur and unemployed entertainers).
The tour was split into stages of riding 400km, this saw the riders
riding into the night, which captured the spectators attention. After
the event, the magazine sales went from 25,000 copies sold to 65,000.
By 1933 when the Tour had finished Desgrange had received a record of
854,000.

L’Auto magazine was not a direct predecessor to the now popular
magazine L’Equipe, but was a spiritual figure and influence to the
current organisers of the Tour. This is not directly organised by
L’Equipe but is run by its owners called Societe du Tour de France. To
this day this is an event which has grown on a massive scale over the
years. This has influenced much of France to see many holidaymakers
take part in mountain biking in places like the French Alps, but also
open up other events like the Tour such as Giro d’Italia based in Italy
and Vuelta a Espana based in Spain.

For some people, a successful vacation is defined by how many hours
one can spend lounging about on a beach. And then there are skiers. For
people who like to hit the slopes, a holiday isn’t a holiday unless you
watch the world shush by in a flurry of fresh snow. One of the world’s
premier places to do that is in France.

Perhaps more known to some people for its fine food and fashionable
women, France is home to some of the best and most challenging ski
areas on the planet. Les Trois Vallees (Three Valleys) is comprised of
the three valleys that include four resorts: Courchevel, Meribel, Val
Thoren and Les Menuires. This popular ski area spans an impressive 600
km of pistes: a skier’s and snowboarder’s paradise! If you want to
catch a glimpse of some celebrities, Courchevel is your best bet.

France has two principal mountain ranges, making this country an
ideal destination for a ski holiday. With both the Pyrenees and the
Alps crowing the terrain, there is no shortage of places to hit the
slopes in France. Skiing in France doesn’t have to be a winter-only
pastime: France also boasts some of the world’s best summer glacier
skiing. While your sun-worshipping family members are basking in the
rays, you can still hit the slopes.

Ski resorts in France have something to suit everyone; there is
quite a variance amongst the resorts. There are the massive,
purpose-driven resorts like Flaine and the quaintest resorts, such as
the farming villages of Megeve and Chatel. Don’t discount the more
utilitarian resorts; they are the epitome of convenience. In many cases
you can even ski from the slopes right to your hotel. When you are
traveling with children, convenience is king.

The ski lift systems in France also vary from resort to resort. At
some ski resorts in France, you’ll find old-style single chair lifts,
while at others you’ll be lifted to the summit by a state-of-the-art,
high-tech, six-seat cable car. It just depends on the individual
resort’s amenities. Travelers to France hoping to get in a lot of
skiing ought to be aware that lift passes aren’t cheap in France. Make
sure you don’t lose your pass when you indulge in your apres-ski
activity of choice. There are lots of options for that in France, too.

Speaking of activities that don’t involve shushing down the slopes,
almost every region of France has its share of good bars and
restaurants. If your interests include food and wine, France is the
country for you. You’ll find great food and delectable wines at any
price point, whether you are looking to splurge or for a more
budget-friendly option.

With more than 400 resorts to choose from, knowing which ski resort
in France is the best for you can be daunting. In addition to those
located in the Alps and the Pyrenees, there are resorts in the Jura and
Vosges mountains, in the Massif Central and even on the island of
Corsica.

One popular family-friendly resort in the French Alps is Isola 2000,
located just 90 kms from warm-weather destinations like Nice and the
Mediterranean. Built in the 1960s, today Isola 2000 is a favorite ski
destination for skiers of all skill levels.

If you want to ski the world-renowned Alps, check out the region’s
largest group of interconnected resorts at Les Portes du Soleil. These
resorts span 14 valleys between Lake Geneva, Switzerland and Mont
Blanc, France. In total there are 13 resorts at Les Portes du Soleil
that offer access to 650 km of pistes and 230 lifts. Note that because
the resorts straddle the border between two countries, you’ll need to
pack your passport for this trip!

Some ski resorts in France are geared toward families and are
quieter and offer more activities for the entire family to enjoy. Many
resorts, however, are geared toward a more adult lifestyle and offer a
full selection of nightlife options. At some resorts you can even dance
the night away until the sun comes up.

When it comes to skiing in France, options abound. If you are on a
family vacation with skiers of all abilities, there is a resort for
you. If you are a partier and want to get your groove on after the
lifts are closed, you have choices too. Do your research before you
book to avoid any surprises.