Mini Travel Guides

Meribel is a ski resort nestled in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps and part of the Trois Vallées ski area, one of the biggest in the world. It’s an ideal spot for anyone learning how to ski as it has excellent nursery slopes and plenty of options when it comes to instructors and ski schools.

Beginner’s skiing in Meribel is well catered for, as it has been the take off point for many first timers over the years. Meribel Altiport is the location for the resort’s best-known green run, which is named after the tiny airport it is situated next to. There is a free bus that travels all over Meribel and if you stay on right until the end of the route you will find yourself at Meribel Altiport.

Altiport is not an airport in the traditional sense, more a small landing strip, typically used by two seater planes, so you’re not going to find yourself knocked out by a jumbo jet landing metres away when you’re trying to get up on your skis. In summer Altiport is a golf course, wide and tree lined, which gives good definition to the snow in winter on bad light days. Being slightly out of town it also has the benefit of being mostly free of through- traffic so it’s a great location to learn the basics undisturbed. There are other nursery slopes above Meribel Village and Central Meribel that have these same characteristics and have been selected as nursery slopes because they are less likely to present beginner skiers with problems like ice. Once you progress from beginner status it’s also easy to access the blue runs, which are slightly further up the mountain.

These nursery slopes are where most of the ski schools will come to give their lessons and classes so you can expect to see other large groups of wobbly people struggling up on to their skis and snowboards. When it comes to booking lessons, you can either go for an instructor on a one to one level, or in small groups, or you can join a ski school. Group ski school lessons will normally be ten skiers or under but if you prefer something more personal, the individual instructor may be a better option. If you don’t speak fluent French and will need your lessons in English, this is something you should specify when you book. There are a number of ski schools in Meribel, including the ESF, which has 400 Alpine ski instructors, Magic In Motion, which tends to operate smaller classes and Les Piou Piou Kindergartens, which is run by the ESF and aimed at very tiny tots. There’s also a British run ski school called New Generation, which offers classes as well as private tuition.

As most beginner skiers tend to spend their first few days walking around covered in bruises, if there comes a point where you need a day off from the rough and tumble of the slopes, Meribel also has a great selection of other activities to offer, from a flight in a hot air balloon, to a night at the cinema. There’s also plenty of spa options where you can get a massage to ease those aching muscles and get you back on the slopes, raring and ready to go, the next day.

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About the Author: Charlotte is a travel writer from Alpine Action who offer Meribel chalets to rent for group ski holidays in the French alps.

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Just a short distance from Nice, after a dramatic and spectacular drive along the Moyenne Corniche road that alone make the trip worthwhile, lies the charming medieval town of Èze .

At 470 metres above sea level, Èze – frequently referred to as the eagle’s nest – is a picture-perfect village perché (perched village), with breathtaking views down below to the beautiful coastline.

The charming streets and vaulted cover ways remind visitors of the original defensive purpose of these fortifications. The only danger of invasion Èze faces today is from the  tourist onslaught during the summer season, but throughout much of its history, this pretty town was the subject of brutal attacks. The Moors invaded in the 10th century and stayed for 80 years. The “Moorish door” marking their entry survives to this day.  In 1543 Èze was invaded by the infamous Barbarossa and his Ottoman fleet.

For today’s visitor, the winding cobblestoned streets are a pleasure to explore. There is a pretty church and a dramatic cemetery overlooking the valleys below.

Èze was a fashionable place to stay in the Belle époque. Artists, philosophers and European nobility all spent time in lovely Èze at the turn of the 20^th century. The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche spent time here in 1883. There is a path named after him, where he was said to often hike, that leads down to the sea.

Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed in 1706 by order of King Louis XIV. Today, upon its ruins lies the pretty Jardin exotique (admission 3 euro, children free) with cacti from all over the world and unparalleled views over the coast.

Don’t miss out on a trip to the eagle’s nest – and the stunning views it affords - on your next visit to the French Riviera. Èze is an easy day trip from Nice on frequent public buses. The number 82 leaves from Nice’s bus station and makes the 20-minute trip to Èze village. Check seasonal schedules at www.lignesdazur.com. Alternatively you could stay in Eze.

Views from the eagle’s nest in Èze, France

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There are always many reasons to visit Paris, at any time of the year. And certainly, Paris’s various attractions feature regularly here on ‘Europe a la Carte’. Besides being well known for all that great food and culture Paris is also a shopper’s paradise, and even more so during January.

Photograph by Jack from Paris

January 2011 is the fifth year that the city hosts “Soldes by Paris“. Or, ‘Sales by Paris’ – the city’s sale event of the year, which lasts throughout the month, and in some areas even into February. As an indication of how seriously the planning and marketing of this event has been, the city has produced ‘shopping itineraries’ – five of them in fact. As the Shopping By Paris strap-line goes: 5 different itineraries for 5 different styles – and they are Select, Trendy, Creative, Bobo-Chic and Ethic-Ethnic. The organisers have even thought of the ‘Savvy itinerary’ for those people who favour stock clearance stores and cut-price designer labels. Voilà! There truly is something for everyone!

For the ultimate shopping experience in Paris, you want to be heading for the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district, located in the vicinity of the found in the Louvre-Tuileries area. But, if it is the grand magasins, or the Department stores, you are looking for then it is Boulevard Haussmann you want. Perhaps the most famous of these department stores is Galeries Lafayette – which occupies four different buildings. The Marais district is where you will find the more trendy shops.

But, no shopping tips for Paris would be complete without mentioning the Saint-Ouen flea market; the city’s largest, dating back to the nineteenth century. Here you will find everything from antique furniture to vintage clothes. Urban legend has it that one lucky shopper found a a grand master’s painting. That may not happen again, but you will find something quirky and interesting. Given the weekend crowds, its advisable to avoid this area during the weekend. Unless, of course it is crowds you are after. Certain shops in Paris still close on Sundays, for religious reasons. Increasingly, however, many shops open on Sundays – particularly for the tourist trade.

Photograph by David Salas

So January is the perfect time for a short break to Paris. You can find the best deals at hotels in Paris using the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Snap Up Some Bargains at the Paris January Sales

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Although beautiful Nice, with its wide stretch of beach and lovely blue Mediterranean waters, is famous as one of  the best places to visit in Europe in the summertime, this pretty city also makes an ideal winter get-away destination.

Enjoy Nice without the crowds as it prepares for the Christmas season with its annual holiday market, set up on Place Massena, just at the edge of picturesque Vieux Nice.

Illuminated palm trees border the ice skating rink set up for the Christmas market.

The French Riviera is not known for its snowfall, but the fake snow on the pretty Christmas trees that grace the market look almost like the real thing.

The Christmas stalls sell gifts and food and, of course, wonderful vin brulé (mulled wine).

There are plenty of activities to keep the kids happy – ice skating, the giant ferris wheel, trampolines and fun houses.

Enjoy a trip to beautiful Nice during the holiday season.  You can find the best deals on Nice hotels on the HotelsCombined price comparison site. When you tire of the mulled wine and “snow-covered” trees, you can walk a few short meters away to enjoy a pleasant stroll on the beach. Clearly, the best of both worlds.

The Christmas Market in Nice, France

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One of the things I greatly enjoy about France and December are the Christmas markets. For the big cities, they transform what are otherwise drab and cold streets into the closest thing that a city street can ever be to a Christmas wonderland. Besides the ubiquitous little chalet style sheds, many of the larger markets have various attractions to amuse the children, from carousels, mini-train rides to ice rinks.

In some of the bigger towns and cities, Christmas markets get going at the beginning of December, at the same time when the town gets it decorations and lights up. These then last through to just before Christmas itself. I am spoilt for choice, as I live about half-way between the cities of Rouen and Amiens and both cities have big markets. The one in Rouen actually lasts through to the end of the first week of January. For people living in the UK, the Christmas markets in Rouen and Amiens make a good excuse for an accessible weekend break.

Smaller towns could not sustain a market for such a long period. So they tend to choose a weekend before Christmas, deck out their local town hall with festive decorations and a few stall holders sell anything from regional produce to seasonal arts and crafts.

I have to admit that one does see a lot of tat on sale, but there are some good stalls. I tend to go for those selling regionally-specific produce – there is always a good deal to be had on some delicacy or other from another area of France we do not always see in the shops and supermarkets. And of course, during the winter nights it is good to just take a walk and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells with a cup of mulled wine.

Christmas Markets in Amiens & Rouen, France

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France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with more than 81 million foreign tourists visiting in 2007. There’s something for everyone to do in France, whether it be wine tasting, bicycling through the beautiful countryside, touring ancient ruins and castles, tanning on the beach or visiting world famous art museums. 81 million people can’t be wrong. Why not visit France and find out for yourself?

One great way to see the country is to take a road trip, which gives you the freedom to travel throughout the country and the ability to see multiple cities instead of being restricted to just one region. If you’re looking for ideas for great road trips in France, consider incorporating one or more of the following cities into your road trip itinerary.

Paris

Many tourists head immediately to Paris, and for good reason. Paris, located in Northern France is the most popular tourist destination in the world, and the list of things to do there goes on and on. The most popular attractions in Paris include the iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre and Palace of Versailles. At 1,063 feet tall, the Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris, and visitors enjoy riding the elevator to the third level and taking in a breathtaking view of the city or having dinner at one of the restaurants located in the tower. The Palace of Versailles and the Notre Dame Cathedral are two places of breathtaking beauty with significant historical relevance. The Louvre is both the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument, most famously the home of DaVinci’s Mona Lisa.

Nice

Nice is a coastal city in Southern France that is believed to be the site of one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Tourists can learn more about this at the Terra Amata archaeological site. Many people enjoy coming to Nice during the winter due to its pleasant climate and natural beauty. Popular tourist attractions include the Promenade des Anglais and the numerous art museums located in the city.

Marseilles

Also located on the coast in Southern France, Marseilles is part of Provence, a region known for producing wine. While in Marseilles, definitely take the opportunity to go wine-tasting. Other things to do in Marseilles include many religious and historical sites such as Vieux-Port, the main marina and harbor of the city; the Abbey of Saint-Victor, a very old place of Christian worship; and the Cathedrale de la Major, a French national monument.

Lyon

Located in east-central France, Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fact that the area has been continuously inhabited for more than two millennia and has continually been a commercially and strategically specific place for centuries. You can see some of Lyon’s historical past in its Roman ruins and Middle Age and Renaissance churches. Lyon has been known as the capital of gastronomy in France for several centuries, which means that there are many excellent restaurants to try out.

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About the Author: This post was writer Ryan Embly from the website Car Rental Express (CRX). They provide discount car rentals and coupons to travellers in countries all over North America and Europe… even France!

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A few weeks ago I wrote a post about the Compiègne Forest and the Armistice monuments there. Besides this wonderful forest, there is also a Château de Compiègne – which was the royal residence for French monarchs, and also for Napoleon and Napoleon III. Since the mid 1300s a royal château was cited in the forest because the French kings used it for their hunting activities. But the castle we see today was renovated and remodelled in a neoclassical style during the second half of the eighteenth century for Louis XV, who particularly liked hunting and spent much of his time here. Together with the castles at Versailles and Fontainebleau, Compiègne was one of three seats of royal government.

Château de Compiègne.

During the revolution the castle was all but gutted, the furniture was sold off and the art was taken to Paris and the nations central museum. In 1807 Napoleon ordered renovations, and then in the 1850s Napoleon III and his wife used it as an autumn residence. Consequently the castle has both First French Empire (1808-1810) and Second French Empire styles of decoration, although there are traces of earlier monarchist decoration.

Just one of many royal apartments.

Today the château incorporates not one but three museums – well these places are palatial! First there are ‘Les Appartements Historiques‘, in which you can tour examples of royal apartments from the eighteenth century, as well as the First and Second Empires. Then there is the Musée du Second Empire, which is the rule of Napoleon III from 1852 to 1870. This ‘museum’ displays the national collection of paintings, sculptures and other objects from this period in France’s history. And finally, the Musée de la Voiture et du Tourisme. Founded in 1927 this ‘museum’ has well over a hundred bicycles, animal drawn carriages and early cars that tell the history of the car and tourism.

An old fire cart – you can see the hose.

Together with the various attractions in the forest, the Château de Compiègne with its three museums make a wonderful day-trip from Paris. It’s only a 50 minute journey by train from Gard du Nord. Or you may prefer to have a more leisurely visit by staying overnight in a hotel in Compiègne.

For practical information about the castle, see the museums’ website.

Château de Compiègne, France: Three Museums in One

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Fancy a short break soon? Two lucky Europe a la Carte readers, who are UK residents, can each win themselves an early Christmas present of a Hotels.com UK £100 voucher in our travel competition.  This voucher can be redeemed against a stay anywhere in the world, where Hotels.com have hotels referenced (check T&Cs below).  The vouchers can also be used on Sales and special promotions.

How to Enter

Sorry but only UK residents are eligible to win this competition. The competition focuses on hotels in Paris (although the winners can use their £100 voucher in a destination of their choice). Browse through the Paris hotels featured on Hotels.com, by clicking here.  Choose the hotel in which you’d most like to stay.  Write the name of that hotel, along with your reasons for choosing it, as a comment on this blog post. The two entrants, whom the Europe a la Carte Editor judges to have given the most original and entertaining explanation of why they selected that Paris hotel, will each win a £100 Hotels.com UK voucher.  If you’d like ideas on places to visit and perhaps stay close to, read our Best of Paris Travel Tips.

Eiffel Tower from the banks of the River Seine

I will email those who leave a comment to ask them to confirm that they are UK residents to avoid any disappointment or confusion.

Deadline for Entries:

Entries by UK residents, made by leaving a comment on this blog post, must be made by midnight (GMT) on Friday 17th December.

Winner Announcement

The two winners, who need to be UK residents, will be announced on the Europe a la Carte Blog in this post by 9am (GMT) on Monday 20th December 2010. The winners will be contacted by email.  The £100 Hotels.com vouchers will be emailed to the winners directly by Hotels.com.

Terms and Conditions

Please note that only UK residents can win this competition. Vouchers must be used against a booking made by 22nd December 2010. The hotel stay must be completed by 21st March 2011. Terms and conditions applying: T&C Hotels.com

Win a £100 Hotels.comUK voucher with Europe a la Carte

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Last week I wrote about my top five attractions in France. I knew when I wrote the post that the list would reflect my personal choice of attractions, hence the overt indication to this in the title of the post. So, I was somewhat heartened by John’s comment on the post: “Loads of brownie points from me for making this post YOUR Top 5 Attractions as opposed to THE Top 5.”

Like John, a fellow travelblogger, I do not know how many times I have seen posts on various travel blogs proclaiming a definitive list of ‘top attractions’. Their frequency is perhaps not that surprising, because producing ‘Top XX’ lists is not only fashionable, but blogging gurus recommend aspiring bloggers write such posts. This is partly because people often search for such lists.

I asked readers, and my friends on Facebook, to give me their Top 5 France attractions. I was not surprised to see everyone’s list was as personal as my list was. For example, aforementioned John had the Loire Valley on his list as did I, but otherwise our Top 5s are quite different. I was, in fact, very surprised to see how varied the lists were. But what was more surprsiing is how all of these lists differed quite dramatically to the ‘official list’.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

The following is a list of the top attractions in France, where entry fees are required.
1. Euro Disneyland, Paris 14.5 million visitors
2. The Louvre, Paris 8.3 million visitors
3. Eiffel Tower, Paris 6.8 million visitors
4. Georges Pompidou Centre, Paris 5.5 million visitors
5. Château de Versailles, near Paris 5.3 million visitors
6. Orsay Museum, Paris 3.2 million visitors
7. La Villette Science Museum, Paris 3 million visitors
8. Pompidou Centre (Modern art museum) 2.6 million visitors
9. Parc Astérix, near Paris 1.6 million visitors
10. Futuroscope theme park, Poitiers 1.6 million visitors

One of the many rides at Parc Asterix, near Paris

The list above was produced recently by the French office of national statistics. Not surprisingly, Paris attractions dominate the list. Assuming Paris has the top spot, here is an edited version of the ‘official list’ with only those attractions that are outside of Paris:

1. Paris
2. Futuroscope theme park, Poitiers 1.6 million visitors
3. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy 1.2 million visitors
4. Puy du Fou theme park Vendée 1.2 million visitors
5. Lille Zoo, Lille 1.0 million visitors
6. Aquarium, La Rochelle 800,000 visitors
7. Mer de Glace rack-and-pinion railway, Chamonix, Alps 800,000 visitors
8. La Palmyre Zoo, Charente Maritime 700,000 visitors
9. Château de Chambord, Loire Valley 700,000 visitors
10. Boat trip round old, Strasbourg 700,000 visitors

Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

I often enjoy comparing lists of top attractions for given destinations with my own list of favourites – and they often are very different. And they are often quite different to ‘official lists’ that are based on popularity – as my top five compares to the above list. One of the reasons why France is one of the best places to visit in Europe, is because there is so much on offer, for everyone and their diverse range of interests.

More on Top Five Attractions in France

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I stayed at the Seven Hotel Paris for one night in November 2010 during my easyJet 15 Hour Blogger Challenge. The hotel is located in the 5th arrondissement, close to the Latin Quarter. It’s a design boutique hotel. I must say my first impression was that it felt like an upmarket massage parlour with the strong scents and velvety chairs and curtains.

Seven Hotel Paris lobby

I loved my Levitation Room. The bed seemed to be suspended from the wall with no visible means of support anywhere else.  It was one of the most comfortable beds in which I’ve ever slept.  Combined with double glazing which shut out all exterior noise and a thermostatic control which took effect quickly to reach a pleasant overnight temperature, I had a wonderful sleep.

My room at Seven Hotel Paris

The sink and shower are in a transparent compartment with the toilet in a separate walled cubicle. The double sized shower had a central rain shower head and another two shower jets which could either be hand held or attached to the wall. The aromatherapy toiletries were lovely. There was a coffee machine in the room but no instructions on how to use it. The room was on the small side with no chairs or working space, so it seemed better suited to a leisure break.

I was disappointed that I couldn’t get a decent wifi signal in my room in the evening and had to go down to the lobby to get connected, as I’d have preferred to stay in my room. However, early the following morning I was able to get a good wifi signal, perhaps because no-one else was online at that time?

My room at Seven Hotel Paris

My room had fibre optics variable lighting. You get various effects such as stars at night in the sky painted ceiling.

Overall I really enjoyed my short stay, sleeping much better than I normally do in hotels.  All the staff were really helpful and accommodating. If you’re looking for somewhere zany and funky to stay in the French capital, the Seven Hotel Paris is a great option. The main negatives for me were the poor wifi signal in my room and a 17 Euro per person charge for continental breakfast (which  as far as I could see consisted of croissant, pain au chocolat, fruit and coffee). With room starting at 161 Euro a night, I think that breakfast should be included in the rate.

You can see all my photos and videos of the Seven Hotel Paris on Flickr.

You can look for the best rates at the Seven Hotel Paris on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Review of Seven Hotel Paris

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.