Month: February 2012

The Dordogne area is in the south-west of France, in the north of Aquitaine (now Nouvelle-Aquitaine), and has an area of 9,060 square kilometres. The Dordogne is regarded by many, and rightly so, as one of the most beautiful areas of France: everywhere the traveller encounters prehistoric and historical sights such as the cave paintings and rock drawings in Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, which point to settlement of this region in prehistoric times. The medieval towns of Sarlat and Brantôme are among the most beautiful towns in France. The Dordogne département has the most châteaux and castles. Many of these buildings date from the 13th and 14th centuries and recall the wars between England and France. In the late 20th century, rural flight began in parts of the region, so that today many of the sparsely populated areas depend on agriculture and tourism. Nevertheless there are in the towns a few small industrial businesses processing wood and making paper and shoes. Continue reading “France travel tips: the Dordogne”

The French region of Languedoc-Roussillon is something special. For on the one hand it is shaped by the Mediterranean coast, and on the other it is bordered by the Pyrenees.

The capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region is Montpellier. A holiday here is worthwhile in any case, because the city has much to offer. The city is an interesting mixture of highly modern buildings and various styles of past centuries. Particularly noteworthy are the triumphal arch Porte du Peyrou and an old aqueduct that runs through the city. Of special interest to art lovers in Montpellier is the Musée Fabre. The city also houses the oldest botanical garden in France, a true gem of the horticultural art. Continue reading “Travel tips Languedoc-Roussillon, southern France”

Anyone who wants to get to know France at its most beautiful should also travel to the Auvergne. Located in the middle of France, this region is above all famous for its scenic beauty, because large parts of it lie on volcanic terrain. To explore this region, you should also visit the capital, Clermont-Ferrand.

The Black Cathedral, also called Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, is a Gothic masterpiece built of dark lava rock. Another fine piece of church architecture is the Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, which has its first roots in the 6th century. When visiting Clermont-Ferrand, a stroll through the picturesque old town must not be missed. The department-store chain Galeries Lafayette, small boutiques and lovely bistros: here you can spend a romantic holiday. Of course, culture lovers can also visit a fine museum here. The Musée du Ranquet houses the folklore of this region, the Musée Bargoin holds archaeological finds and the Musée des beaux-arts Roger-Quilliot shows art from many eras. But if you want to see beautiful carpets, you should visit the Musée du Tapis d’Art. Continue reading “France travel tips: the Auvergne”