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 68^th 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 26^th 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.

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 18^th (May 14^th to 18^th 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.

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.

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.

There’s nothing more exhilarating than hitting a path, peddling with all your might and feeling that breeze on your face as you ride.  Cycling is more than just a way to stay in shape – it’s also a fabulous way to explore and experience new places, sites and cultures.  One of the best ways to do this is by participating in a guided tour.  Sure, there are plenty of great self-guided options available, and you may be tempted to venture off on your own, but here are 5 compelling benefits of choosing a guided tour instead.

Security

The beauty of riding with a guide is the fact that they are professionally certified in a number of safety techniques, including first aid.  Should anything happen, you can rest assured that you’ll be in good hands whether you’re on a well-traveled road or a rugged mountain path.  What’s more, because they ride for a living, guides know which roads to take and which ones to avoid, bettering your chances of a safe, secure ride without incident.

Knowledge

When you’re riding on your own, you just may be missing out on some juicy tidbits and fascinating facts.  Guides are intimately familiar with the region and routes they take, which provides ample opportunity to learn something new that you wouldn’t ever have known if you were on your own.  Hear interesting and intriguing stories about the past and learn about the area and the unique cultural differences that each destination features.  Guides can also educate you in proper nutrition and what to eat during your ride for optimum performance.

Backup

Many people who choose guided tours appreciate the backup and support their guides provide to them during their rides.  In addition to the guides themselves, these tours also feature a van that follows each group and is ready to assist should any of the riders be unable to complete the route on any given day.  Guides are also available to prepare lunches and provide water and snacks throughout the ride if necessary.

New Friends

Perhaps one of the best things about guided tours is the fact that they provide riders with the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.  Exploring a new place and experiencing new things together is a tremendous bonding experience.  Who knows – you may find a lifelong friend!  Plus, our groups are the perfect size to feel supported but also provide a sense of independence at the same time, so you can feel free to get to know one another during your journey.

Stress Free

With a guided tour, every detail is taken care of for you.  Bike routes, itineraries, lodging, meals (either planned or restaurant suggestions) – everything is handled for you.  Even in the event that something goes wrong, such as a flat tire or bike adjustment, your guide is prepared to step in and fix it.  Your job is just to hit the trail and have the time of your life!

While self-guided tours offer more flexibility and autonomy, and are great options for some people, guided tours can provide the best of both worlds.  You still get the ability to explore and discover new things, but with the added benefit of a little extra support when and where you need it.  Guided tours are perfect for someone who:

• Would prefer more support and security throughout the day
• May need assistance with bike adjustments and repairs should the need arise
• Likes the idea of having a backup available when on the road
• Enjoys traveling with others and meeting new people

If this sounds like you, then check out our available guided tours to learn more and to book your own adventure.  If you’re not quite sure which is better for you, contact us and we’ll help you plan the perfect trip that’s just right for your individual needs and desires.

Western France is made up of the breathtakingly beautiful areas of Brittany, Normandy, Loire Valley and Western Loire.  These four regions are located very close to each other, making it easy to visit them all and experience everything they each have to offer, such as the massive castles of Loire Valley or the incredible coasts of Brittany.  One of the best ways to explore France’s Western region is on bike.  In fact, the area features a fantastic biking loop.  If Western France is on your travel itinerary, here are 4 must-see sites to include during your stay.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is by far one of the most beautiful destinations in all of France.  Sometimes referred to as the “Garden of France”, the landscapes here are simply spectacular, with rolling hills, vibrant flowers and vineyards galore.  It also happens to be home to a huge number of castles – more than a thousand, in fact.  The most famous of these is the Chateau Villandry.  Built in the 16^th century, and boasting a long, sordid history, the massive castle offers a fascinating example of exquisite Renaissance style architecture.  Aside from its imposing structure and design, the Chateau Villandry is also home to some of the most incredible gardens in the world, including ornamental flower gardens, vegetable gardens and even a water garden.  It’s one of the most amazing sites to behold and sure to have you talking about it for years to come!

Western Loire

The region of Western Loire is delightfully diverse, with beautiful countryside, sandy beaches, lush vineyards and salt marshes strewn about the landscape.  There is more than just lovely scenery here, however.  Western Loire is also blessed with an incredibly rich and fascinating history.  Cultural discovery abounds at every turn and art lovers are intrigued and inspired by their stunning finds.  This region is also home to Nantes, which is the 6^th largest city in France.  Nantes features a number of historic quarters as well as several museums which boast impressive art collections. There is also a fabulous Gothic Cathedral to visit and a variety of chic boutiques for those who enjoy shopping.  In addition to Nantes, Western Loire produces 70% of France’s mushrooms.  A visit to this region is sure to delight even the worldliest traveler.

Normandy

By all accounts, there is never a dull moment in the Normandy region of France.  From gourmet festivals to fascinating art exhibitions to the area’s sordid, sometimes tragic past – you’ll certainly never be bored.  One of the most noteworthy sites in Normandy is Mont St. Michel, a rocky island located approximately half a mile off the northwest coast.  Since ancient times, the island of Mont St. Michel has served as a strategic fortification point and has been the home of the Saint-Michel Monastery since the 8^th century AD.  Mont St. Michel has a population of less than 50 people, but has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Today it is visited by nearly 3,000,000 people each year, making it quite popular for such a tiny, barely inhabited island.

Brittany

Brittany is among France’s more rugged regions, making it refreshingly un-commercialized.  Between the long stretches of spectacular coastline, ancient towns, mysterious islands and dense inland woods, the diversity is evident wherever your travels take you. Brittany is a land rich in culture, tradition and history, with ancient Celtic ties and a long, intriguing past. During your visit, you’ll be delighted to discover a friendly, welcoming people whose language, customs and dress pay a beautiful homage to their past.  One of the most breathtaking sites in the Brittany region is its incredible Emerald Coast, which stretches between Cap Frehel and almost as far as Mont St. Michel.  This coastline got its name from the mesmerizing color of the sea under certain conditions.  A visit here provides the chance to experience some of France’s most awe-inspiring scenery, including small beaches and quaint villages.  It makes for a truly memorable journey.

France is most certainly a country that boasts a number of beautiful and fascinating destinations.  Of all the places to visit, however, perhaps none is as unforgettable as Western France.  From breathtaking scenery to spellbinding history to friendly locals and charming culture, there’s something for everyone in this lovely region – and it certainly tops the list as one of the most incredible places to cycle.

An innovative French touring company, Discover France, is taking the pain out of the gain when cycling up inclines. Guests now may partake of a new adventure travel trend, using hybrid electric bicycles with easy-to-charge battery motors.

“E-bike technology is finally both good enough and affordable for us to invest in this equipment,” said Loren Siekman, Discover France director.  “Couples often aren’t compatible endurance-wise when combining bikes and hills. E-bikes help level the cycling field by giving a boost to a cyclist concerned about not keeping up or slowing others down.”

To date e-bikes in small, medium and large models are available for both guided and self-guide tours of the Loire, Provence and Languedoc regions. The rental rate is slightly more than for regular hybrid bike rentals. The e-bike in use is the new Scott e-Venture 30, a model easily charged while sipping a glass of wine during a rest stop somewhere along the route in France. http://www.discoverfrance.com/rental_bike04.php

“It’s important to remember,” underscored Siekman, “that the E-bike is a boost and not a motor. People still ride, pedal and apply energy but with a little boost at times when it can be helpful to the rider. You have to pedal while using it and let the battery and motor give added and welcomed assistance to your efforts.”

When it comes to wine, we’ve all heard of such famous regions as Tuscany and Napa Valley.  But these aren’t the only areas that produce exquisite wine.  In fact, there are 3 surprisingly lesser known regions that happen to offer everything a wine aficionado could ask – from robust flavors to distinct styles to earthy aromas and everything in between.  These 3 regions include Alsace, Languedoc and Cote d’Azur – each featuring their own unique and delectable wine products.

Alsace

The Alsace region of France features a varied geology of soil types and a climate and altitude that is ideal for wine production.  Vineyards are sheltered from excess rain by the Vosges mountain range, creating a warm, dry and sunny atmosphere.  The seven grape varieties used to produce Alsace wines include Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Muscat d’Alsace and Pinot Noir.

The wines produced in Alsace are predominantly of the white variety, with the exception of Pinot Noir.  Most of the white wines from Alsace feature the distinct characteristics of being floral, spicy and aromatic, particularly due to the use of aromatic grapes in their production.  Some are dry, others are sweet.  Sparkling wines, referred to as Crémant d’Alsace, are also produced in this lovely French region.

Languedoc

Given its massive production volume, it’s surprising that the French region of Languedoc is not more widely known.  In fact, the region is home to approximately 700,000 acres of vineyards and is the single largest wine-producing region in the world, responsible for more than a third of France’s total wine production.  And it’s been this way for quite some time, with the earliest known vineyards of the area having been planted in the 5^th century BC by the Greeks.  This mass production of high quality wines is due in large part to the region’s Mediterranean climate, which creates ideal growing conditions.

The most common grape varieties of the Languedoc region include Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.  White varieties also include Mauzac and Chenin Blanc.  Reds of Languedoc include Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre and Cinsault.  There are an enormous number of names, blends and varieties found throughout the region, many of which have earned the highest honor of achieving appellation or sub-appellation status.  All of the wines of Languedoc feature exquisite aromas and distinct flavors and are renowned among wine connoisseurs the world over.

Cote d’Azur

The Cote d’Azur includes the French region of Provence, which is known for its production of rosé wine.  Contrary to popular belief, rosé wines are not made from a combination of white and red, but are a unique variety in and of themselves.  In fact, it’s one of the earliest wines ever produced as well as one of the most difficult.  Some rosé wines of the Cote d’Azur regions feature light, fruity flavors, while others are more bold and robust.

Another fine variety of the Cote d’Azur area is Bandol wine, one of the most internationally recognized Provencal varieties.  Bandol wine is dominated by the Mourvedre grape, which has different characteristics depending on the particular “terroir” it is produced in.  Most Bandols feature flavors that are more on the spicy side with earthy undertones.

These three regions, while not as well-known as some others, are considered to be among the best places to grow and produce wine in France (and perhaps the world), particularly due to the perfect weather and ideal conditions.  Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a sip of vino every once in a while, the wines produced throughout these three regions are among the best in the world and make these destinations well worth a visit (or two).  Cheers!

Traveling as a family can be one of the most rewarding and unforgettable experiences.  It can also be one of the most challenging, particularly when that family includes young children or teenagers.  The good news is, it doesn’t have to be!  Here are some simple tips that will help ensure your vacation goes smoothly and is enjoyable for everyone involved.

Involve your kids in the planning process

Children love to feel like they are a part of everything.  It empowers them and gives them a sense of accomplishment and confidence.  Involve your kids in the whole process, from deciding on a destination to choosing different activities to include in the itinerary.  The more involved your children are in the planning and decision making process, the more cooperative and content they will be during the trip.

Pack less

Keep in mind that no matter where you go, your kids are probably going to end up with a bunch of souvenirs.  You’ll want to be sure to leave enough room to pack them for the trip home.  A good way to do this is to pack once, and then remove half of what you’ve packed.  Remember – you only need to bring just enough clothes to last the length of your trip.  Stick to the essentials and you won’t have to deal with any headaches for the trip home.

Invite a friend

Kids always have more fun when they can play with others, so if possible, consider allowing your children to each bring a friend with them on your next trip.  It will give them someone to interact with and help them to not feel so disconnected from their normal, everyday life.  This is especially true for teenagers. Test the waters first by letting your child bring their friend along on shorter trips like weekend getaways, to make sure everyone is compatible.

Split up

One of the biggest reasons traveling as a family can be challenging is the fact that it involves long stretches of time spent all together.  Too much time together can be overwhelming for both parents and children. Try to organize your trip so that you are able to split up for some activities – even if it’s just for dinner.  Many of the hotels featured on our tours have pools or offer other activities that allow kids who are old enough the chance to explore a little.  Teens can enjoy a little taste of freedom and parents get the chance to relax and enjoy some alone time.

Keep it exciting

Remember that children may not enjoy things like sightseeing or appreciate culture as much as adults do, so try your best to make these types of activities as exciting and fun as possible.  Multisport tours are excellent options for families with kids because they offer a wide variety of activities for different ages, abilities and skill levels.  For instance, our multisport tours offer things like canoeing, treasure hunts, hiking, biking and trips to adventure parks, just to name a few.

Also keep in mind that when you’re participating in activities like hiking or biking, your children probably aren’t thinking about just getting from point A to point B, but rather they see the activity as a chance to explore.  Allow ample time to make it an adventure and choose routes that are interesting, such as alongside a river.  You may be surprised at what you discover along the way.

Make it memorable

There are plenty of ways to make memories on a trip besides taking pictures.  Think of creative ways to commemorate your journey, like purchasing a post card at each destination and having your children write the date, their age and a single memory of that stop on the back.  Or, give each child a new journal and encourage them to write down their thoughts, feelings and memories during the trip.  Did they try a new food?  Perhaps they learned a new word in another language.  These are things that can’t be learned in a textbook or captured in a photograph, but that make a lasting impression on a child.  Encourage them to jot them down so they’ll always have those special memories of their trip.

Traveling as a family doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, if you follow these tips, you can create an indelible bond and experience unforgettable adventures that you and your children will remember forever.