Painters in Provence – the land of colour and light

Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence (photo: istockphoto.com)

Winters in Paris are cold and grey, the damp climate weighs on the spirits and dulls the soul. This, or something like it, is how painters of every generation have experienced the hectic life of the French capital. What a blessing it was for them when they could escape the grey north to study the calm light and intense colours of the south of the country. In this way a very close interaction arose between the Mediterranean coast and the capital in the north. The painters needed intensive exchange with their colleagues in the cafés, galleries and museums of the big city in order to exchange ideas and be inspired. At the same time, none of the great artists of Impressionism or Expressionism could do without the sunny, shimmering colours of Provence. Here, in their retreats and studios, they soaked up the colours and the light, which they then transported to the north by means of their paintings. Continue reading “Painters in Provence – the land of colour and light”

Lavender – the magic of a scent in the land of light

Lavender in Provence, France
Lavender (© Alexi TAUZIN – Fotolia.com)

The view across a flowering lavender field is certainly one of the most beautiful holiday memories you can take home from the south of France. The strong purple of the blossoms is a blessing for the eyes, and the beguiling scent of this plant, so typical of the region, refreshes mind and soul. But the lavender plant promises more than just a sensual experience. Continue reading “Lavender – the magic of a scent in the land of light”

The bloody inn in Celtic country: the “Auberge Rouge” (L’Auberge de Peyrebeille) near Aubenas

Guillotine
Guillotine (© Eric BOULANGER – Fotolia.com)

An inn that is as isolated as possible yet strategically well placed, preferably in the middle of dark forests, happily housed in old stone walls, frequented by shady customers and run by a hardly trustworthy pair of innkeepers, is one of the classic, popular settings, much used in European pulp literature, for criminal and mostly rather bloody goings-on. Continue reading “The bloody inn in Celtic country: the “Auberge Rouge” (L’Auberge de Peyrebeille) near Aubenas”

Horse-riding holidays in Provence and the Camargue

Riders in the Camargue, southern France
Riders in southern France, Camargue (© PHB.cz – Fotolia.com)

Provence – the sound of the name alone conjures up holiday feelings. You cannot help picturing the azure sea, fine-sand beaches, a fascinating landscape, black bulls and white horses before your mind’s eye. Provence and the Camargue – these are terms that make riders’ hearts beat faster. Here space and unspoilt nature beckon, here riders’ dreams come true. Fortunately the ambitious rider finds a very varied choice and can pick from a wide range. Continue reading “Horse-riding holidays in Provence and the Camargue”

The Vivarais – a tourist and oenological gem in the Rhône-Alpes region

Wine bottles
© Dario Lo Presti – Fotolia.com

Located in the south-east of France, the Ardèche département offers tourist as well as oenological attractions of a special kind. The region is named after the Ardèche river, which winds its way through impressive valleys and gorges and flows into the Rhône after 125 kilometres. No less impressive are the Côtes du Vivarais, extending over almost 650 hectares of vineyards, whose wines enjoy an excellent reputation among connoisseurs. The wine-growing region has indeed borne the Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS) designation since the 1960s, but has only been allowed to use the name AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) since 1999.
Continue reading “The Vivarais – a tourist and oenological gem in the Rhône-Alpes region”

Holidays on the Côte d’Azur

Port of Nice, Côte d’Azur, France
Port of Nice, Côte d’Azur, France (© David Espin – Fotolia.com)

If any place in Europe has the reputation of an absolute holiday paradise, it is surely the French Riviera, with its sun-kissed coasts, wonderful cuisine and distinguished company. It is not without reason that the rich and beautiful have made themselves at home there for decades. In a climate and landscape like something out of a fairy tale, money and high nobility meet in summery relaxation and pamper the senses. What many do not believe: the Côte d’Azur is affordable for everyone! Continue reading “Holidays on the Côte d’Azur”

Family holiday on the island of Rügen

Island of Rügen - ©iStockphoto.com/pumucl
Island of Rügen – ©iStockphoto.com/pumucl

Rügen is Germany’s largest island, located in the Baltic Sea. The Strelasund bridge connects the island to the mainland of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Numerous sights on the island of Rügen make it ideally suited to a family holiday. The seaside resort of Sellin is very popular because of its children’s playground, so there is certainly no room for boredom here. Continue reading “Family holiday on the island of Rügen”

A holiday in Paris – from the Louvre to Disneyland

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France (© Beboy – Fotolia.com)

A holiday for the whole family

They should be lovely, restful and unforgettable, the best weeks of the year – meaning the precious holiday time. To give the little ones and yourself a successful holiday it is a good idea to travel to Paris. For the parents this means exploring the city of love, going sightseeing and still giving the children a breathtaking holiday. For not far from Paris is the legendary Disneyland Resort Paris. In this way fun and cultural holidays can be combined perfectly. Suitable hotels and useful tips about a stay in Paris can be found at www.paris.citysam.de. There you will find not only everything worth knowing about Paris, but also a city guide, the most important addresses, excursion possibilities, sightseeing tips and much more. Continue reading “A holiday in Paris – from the Louvre to Disneyland”

Exploring the south of France on two wheels

Cyclists
Cyclists (photo: © Ljupco Smokovski – Fotolia.com)

The Ardèche region, one of the most popular travel and holiday destinations in the south of France, casts its spell over thousands of tourists every year. This area is named after the River Ardèche, which has shaped the picturesque landscape on the eastern edge of the Massif Central lastingly and impressively. As a holidaymaker in the south of France you can set off on the most varied sporting as well as culinary voyages of discovery. The range of water sports in particular is especially varied here – whether kayak trips, raft trips or adventurous white-water rafting, everything is possible. The idyll can, however, be explored not only on the water but also on land. This is best done by bicycle, either brought along to the holiday region or hired on the spot.  Continue reading “Exploring the south of France on two wheels”

Since 1 July, carrying a single-use alcohol test has been mandatory in France

On French roads only with an alcohol test.
To prevent fatal road accidents under the influence of alcohol, all car and motorcycle drivers in France have been required to carry an alcohol test since 1 July 2012. Anyone travelling to France must have this single-use test with them. The tubes cost up to five euros and can be bought in France at petrol stations, in supermarkets and in pharmacies, and from autumn in Germany as well. However, only models marked “NF”, for the French standard, are accepted. Anyone who has forgotten the test will have to pay a fine of eleven euros from November if caught.

Source: http://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/alkoholtest104.html