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2012 Normandy Festivals
May 3rd, 2012It’s Time to Celebrate!
Crowds flock to Normandy during the summer not only for its stunning castles and museums in quaint towns, but also for its rich history and festivals, which celebrate its past. Bayeux, located in lower Normandy 30 km west of Cean, is home to the Bayeux Tapestry, has a proud medieval heritage and was the first city of the Battle of Normandy to be liberated. With reasons like that, why wouldn’t the city through a few festivals for locals and tourists alike to come celebrate. Here are a few festivals no one will want to miss this summer.
D-Day Festival Normandy
June 2-9, 2012
From the beaches troops first arrived on to the buildings that were destroyed during battle, Normandy is widely known for the role it had in shaping the world’s future during the Second World War, which is why the Bayeux Tourist office organizes and festival to commemorate the arrival of the liberators. The 68th anniversary of the WWII landings will be one not soon forgotten. Beginning in Bayeux and travelling to Sainte-Mere-Eglise, spectators will enjoy parachute landings, a musical fireworks display, a picnic and parade of military vehicles, a concert, and more.
Medieval Festival in Bayeux
July 7 – 8, 2012
Next up is Bayeaux 26th edition of its Medieval Festival. Take a step back in time to the Middle Ages while you enjoy demonstrations by knights, stalls with jugglers, jesters and minstrels, as well as a street parade and book fair. Located all around the Cathedral and in the paved streets on the old town, this is sure to be a spectacle you won’t want to miss. Make sure you stop by the Medieval Tavern for lunch or dinner!
Rendez-vous a la Cathedrale
July 17 – September 1, 2012
Bayeux has numerous architectural highlights to boast about, and in the summertime it does just that with a show of architectural projections. Thanks to ultra modern des techniques in video-projection and sound management, the polychromatic highlighting of architectural details, and a projection of giant pictures relating the history of Bayeux and Bessin are visible the Cathedral and in the courtyard of Hôtel du Doyen. These free shows should not be missed so rendezvous at dusk every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for a magnificent event.
July shows: 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM
August shows: 10:30 PM, 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM
These illustrate only a couple events and experiences the region of Normandy has to offer. There are hundreds of places to visit throughout the region, which are just as enticing and capturing as the city of Bayeux. Whatever part you plan to visit with its remarkable history, peaceful scenery, and magnificent architecture anywhere in Normandy guarantees a worthwhile trip.
May is Bike Month
May 3rd, 2012Bike to Work and Reap the Benefits
Ask anyone who cycles and they’ll tell you it’s more than just a sport or a form of exercise. For true cycling enthusiasts, riding is a way of life. And biking doesn’t just have to be for fun – it’s also an excellent alternative to get you where you need to go. Biking has a number of benefits not only for you personally, but also for the environment! It is so beneficial that May has been dubbed Bike Month. There are different activities throughout the month, which bicyclists around the world can participate in bringing the community closer no matter the geographical distance of its members. One such event is Bike to Work Day and this year it falls on May 18th (May 14th to 18th is Bike to Work Week, if one day isn’t enough for you). So dust off those seats, pump up your tires and join the thousands who will be biking to work. Make sure to wear your helmet, give a wave to fellow riders and have fun!
To get in the spirit, here are a few reasons why 2 wheels is the way to go.
Environmentally friendly
In this day and age, it’s important that everyone do their part to reduce the carbon footprint they are leaving on the earth. Our environment is suffering from all the pollution and fuel consumption. Cycling is the most energy efficient mode of transportation. No fuel means no noise and no pollution. If you want to make a difference in the world around you, biking is a simple way to do so.
Stay fit and healthy
Cycling is one of the best ways to stay in shape because it works so many muscles in your body. It’s especially beneficial while traveling because it lets you taste all the delicious (but fattening) cuisine without worrying about gaining weight. Biking is also much easier on your joints than other forms of exercise, like walking or jogging. Plus, it’s been proven to release stress making it good for both spirit and mind.
Easier to see the sites
Ever try to stop and see the sites while riding in a car or a taxi? There’s the hassle of finding a place to park, avoiding other traffic and just stopping and going in general. When you’re on a bike, you have the freedom to stop anywhere you’d like, for as long as you want. You can also explore areas you couldn’t in a vehicle since with bikes you don’t necessarily need a road, just a path and some ambition. You don’t have to worry about parking and you’ll never find yourself stuck in a miserable traffic jam.
Cheaper
Renting a vehicle can be pretty expensive, as can the cost to maintain it during use. From insurance to fuel to parking fees, when all is said and done a car rental can really eat into your travel budget. Cycling is an excellent alternative because it’s inexpensive and doesn’t cost anything to maintain. You don’t need to worry about the cost of fueling up. You are the fuel!
Fun
What’s more fun than hitting the trails, getting your blood and adrenaline pumping and feeling the wind in your face? Cycling is gratifying and something that can be done just about anywhere your travel takes you. It’s also a great activity to do as a family or with a group of friends. And, as any cyclist knows, meeting another biker on the road creates an atmosphere of instant camaraderie. Biking allows you to experience spontaneity and adventure that you could never achieve in the confines of a vehicle.
Tips for Renting a Car
May 1st, 2012Renting a Car in Paris
When it comes to getting around Paris, there is certainly no shortage of choices. From bus, to metro, to train, to taxi, you’ll find plenty of quick and easy ways to get from here to there. Still, with so many public transportation options, some travelers simply prefer the convenience of renting their own vehicle. If you’re one of those people, here are a few tips to help you with renting a car in Paris.
Plan Ahead – It’s always a good idea to rent your car ahead of time, before you leave for your trip. This way there is less of a chance of any surprises once you get there, and you don’t find yourself stranded without the transportation you were anticipating. A good rule of thumb is to book your rental car at least three weeks prior to your trip.
Know Where You’re Headed – There are a lot of options and locations where you can rent a car in Paris, so it helps to have a clear idea of where you plan on spending the majority of your time. For instance, if you plan to use the rental car outside of Paris city, it’s recommended that you rent a vehicle in Versailles, because it is easily accessible, but much less busy.
Come Prepared – The rules of the road apply in France, just as with most countries, and you’ll want to familiarize yourself with them before you hit the road. For example, both U.S. and Canadian driver’s licenses are accepted in France, but you must show proof of said license before you can rent a vehicle. If you think your travels may bring you into Western Europe, however, you will need to get an international driver’s license.
Know What to Expect – Keep in mind that, due to a higher rate of automobile accidents, most U.S. insurance companies won’t insure you while driving in Paris. Expect to pay anywhere from $10-$30 per day for insurance through the rental agency. Also, be aware that most vehicles in France are small, compact and feature stick shifts. Finally, familiarize with the traffic signs and signals before you hit the road to avoid any possible mishaps.
Be Careful – It sort of goes without saying, but if you’re planning on getting behind the wheel of a rental car in Paris, do so with caution. The streets of the city are often quite congested, and traffic is known to move pretty fast. Additionally, finding adequate parking can be a challenge as well. Be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, and that you’re comfortable driving in a different country before you take the plunge and rent a vehicle.
If you’re planning on spending the majority of your trip in the city, you’re probably better off skipping the rental car and just using the ample public transportation options. On the other hand, if you plan on heading outside the city limits, and exploring the less populated areas, a rental car can be a great tool to help you with your sightseeing adventures. If you do choose to rent a vehicle, just be sure that you understand the risks and are well prepared ahead of time so there aren’t any unexpected mishaps along the way.
Dordogne Dishes
April 12th, 20123 Dishes to Try in Dordogne
Located between the beautiful Loire Valley and the towering Pyrenees Mountains, the French department of Dordogne offers all the charm and ambiance visitors could expect from this elegant country. In fact, there are over 1,500 castles in Dordogne alone as well as breathtakingly beautiful countryside and quaint, friendly villages. It’s exactly what one envisions when conjuring up images of France. Named after the river that runs through it and also known as Perigord, Dordogne is particularly known for the delectable and unique cuisine that is prepared there. Specializing in duck dishes and truffles, here are a few suggestions to get the most out of the Dordogne gastronomy.
Foie Gras
In Dordogne, this delicacy made from duck liver is as popular as escargot. The flavor is described as “rich, buttery and delicate” and is quite different than ordinary duck or goose liver. This dish can be prepared and served hot or cold and is quite versatile in that it can be served as a topping on another food, such as steak, or on its own. At first thought, many people shy away from the thought of consuming duck liver, but the delicious flavor and texture may surprise you!
Confit de Canard
Another dish made from duck, the name confit refers to the part that is used – the leg. The centuries-old preparation process is almost as interesting as the taste of the dish itself and consists of salt curing the meat and then poaching it in its own fat. Confit de Canard is often sold in cans which, because of the unique preparation process, can be kept for several years without spoiling.
Black Truffle
Truffle, a type of underground mushroom, is one of the most decadent and flavorful foods on earth. It is also quite rare, which makes it an expensive treat. There are several different kinds of truffles, but Dordogne has become famous for its black truffle. The production of black truffle is almost completely exclusive to Europe, and of all the countries on the continent, France is responsible for 45% of the total production. If you’re visiting Dordogne, you’d be missing out if you didn’t have a taste of this rare and delectable treasure.
While the landscape in Dordogne is certainly breathtaking, and the area’s rich history as fascinating as the day is long, one of the best things about visiting this lovely French region is the mouthwatering food you can sample there. Enjoy all the beauty and charm of France and indulge in some of the most delicious and decadent cuisine in the world. There’s simply no better way to experience the true taste of the area.
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