France Travel Tour

Friday, June 08, 2007

Determining the Exquisiteness of Monte Carlo

France is truly a grand country as seen from the undersized towns to the largest quarters; in fact, for some visitors, Monte Carlo is simply the most glamorous and richest among the many places found in this region. Known as the most abundant among the four quarters of Monaco, Monte Carlo is popularly mistaken as France's capital; though the truth is, France has no official capital. Monte Carlo comprises 30,000 local French citizens, but this population swells during holiday season because of the different vacationists who are eager to experience what is dubbed as French glamor.

But what really determines French exquisiteness? Monte Carlo's French glamor is mainly defined by the various attractions and fantastic buildings such as the impressive casinos. Another exclusive attraction found in Monte Carlo is the famous Circuit de Monaco where esteemed events usually take place; these events include like the Formula One Grand Prix, the Monte Carlo Masters, some world boxing championship, and first-rate fashion shows.

Other than the best phenomenons, Monte Carlo is also home to many must-see places including the Napoleon Museum, the Monaco Cathedral, and Prince's Palace. But the most renowned among Monte Carlo destinations is the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, which present exclusory ballet and opera shows. Surely, with these unique places and phenomenons in this French quarter, Monte Carlo is worthy to be called the French jewel.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Exploring a Spotless Island

Today, island vacations are somewhat ordinary that during holidays and summer, islands are packed with voyagers of varying nationalities. During these seasons, it is tough to get a reservation and in case you are lucky enough to book one, it is the crammed beaches that blemish the vacation altogether. Regrettably, I had this experience and since then, I guaranteed not to get into this dire situation again.

I consider one of my most auspicious moments the day I found out the engaging Porquerolles Island, an uncrowded faction of Iles d'Hyeres. It is the biggest and most renowned faction of the said trio island, which is found in Southern France. My vacation in Porquerolles was perfect since I could bask in the lustrous sunshine and inestimable water without ever worrying about my own space. I just enjoyed the hugeness of the whole island and the majestic picture it created. But aside from being uncrowded, Porquerolles boasts of its longer days, warm water, great delicacies, tasteful wine, sailing quests, and intact culture.

During my recent visit, I observed an island culture called Porquerolles Cup, a sailing race done to commemorate a French feat from the 18th century. History pronounced that pirates challenged a French vessel to a race and the release of an earlier captured French ship stood as the treasurable prize. The French conquered and what happened to the pirates is indefinite. To let it known, the cup is only among the different traditional practices that define the culture of the tiny Porquerolles village.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

A Classic Meal For A Frosty Winter Evening

A frosty evening can be the perfect time to savor hot and luscious concoctions that nourish and warm the body. A favorite French dish of mine, the "Pot au Feu", or Pot on Fire, is a flavorful heartwarming soup added with meat cutlets and vegetables such as onions, leeks, turnips, cabbages, and carrots. This dish is easy to carry-out since whatever available ingredients you have can be used in creating this tasty French stew. Incipiently, this stew is the custom ware for poor people because scrap meats and leftover vegetables were the usual ingredients. But nowadays, it is considered as a regular French food, not only among the financially challenged, but also among the affluent crowd. To actualize your own version, you can add more vegetables and herbs to make it a more nourishing meal and if you don't want to use leftover meat cutlets, you can use any kind of beef cutlets. The classic partner for a steaming bowl of "Pot au Feu" is a glass of French mulled wine such as "Vin Chaud," which is a warmed wine mixed with flavorful spices. A spicy drink and a bowl of warm soup is surely the perfect meal to heat you up especially on a frosty night.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Christian Dior: A Clever French Designer Who Had Made His Mark In The Astounding World of Haute Couture

One of the few remaining houses of fashion in France that reproduce haute couture, Dior is a fashion icon who have survived the brutal and fleeting changes in the fashion industry. A French fashion designer, Christian Dior lives on through his breath-taking and iconic creations that are patronized by many well-known people. So when a pal of mine invited me to a Paris vacation, I promptly accepted the invitation.

Seeing the Dior boutiques in Paris during the voyage to France is a divine experience, especially if one is not in a hurry to go to other places. On that same voyage to Paris, me and my pal spent a lovely day marveling at the wonderful creations of Christian Dior. The prices are quite plush, but the quality and exquisiteness of each outfit makes it all worth it. The materials used absolutely spell out luxury and comfort, making Dior one of the most noted French designers in the world, even after his death in 1957. The trendiest handiwork from the House of Dior is the "Jeanne" handbag designed by John Galliano for Dior. Since it is only available at Harrods, I and my pal had to travel to London just to get a glimpse of this latest fashion accessory from Christian Dior but it was surely worth the trip.

Monday, June 04, 2007

A Leave in Pure Exquisiteness

If your abstraction of a European leave is elegance in the true sense of the word, then look no farther than the town of Nantes in France. The city has one celebrated hotel, the Westotel Nantes-Atlantique, that offers direct access to manifold of the attractions of Nantes. Many of its rooms boast of a balcony where the distinctive swimming pool can be observed. In addition, the rooms come fully equipped with the most modern aids that consist of satellite TV, audio equipments, Internet access, a private bathroom, and a jacuzzi.

For leisure activities, voyagers can have their choice of a number of popular sports like golf and tennis since the hotel has two tennis courts and two golf courses. For those who desire the indoor types, there is an in-house billiards hall as well as a highly-developed gymnasium.

Nature lovers will absolutely have an enjoyable stay at the Westotel since it sits on a grand four hectares of green vegetation, but for more picturesque tourist spots, you can readily access the Puy du Fuo, the Xhateaux de la Loire, and the Brittany ports, which are all just a few feet away from the hotel. Of course, an estimable alternative is to visit Paris, which can be reached within just two hours of travel time via TGV, the ultra-fast train of France, which promotes daily 20 shuttle services.