France travel guide

Just because you’re in Europe for summer doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some fun in the snow. Glacial mountains are scattered across the Alps and the resort of Les Deux Alpes is one such year-round playground. The village is nestled into the foot of surrounding mountains and offers an abundance of outdoor activities for the adventurous, all within a postcard picture setting. Apart from the huge terrain park and piste skiing runs at the soaring altitudes reaching up to 3600 metres, it is also possible to partake in a vast array of summer activities, most of them being of the extreme variety. The ski resort is open 11 months of the year, closing at the end of August in preparation for the upcoming winter, not due to a lack of snow. There is a large representation of English speaking foreigners residing either by the season or year round who can make the French language barrier just that little bit easier and make your visit an awesome experience.

The world's prehistoric capital, Les Eyzies is surrounded by a series of prehistoric cave dwellings where some of the greatest archaeological finds of the Middle Paleolithic era (200,000 to 40,000 years ago) were discovered. The numerous wall drawings and rock shelters makes this a great place to travel back in time with relative ease. Located in the Vezere Valley, this town of 900 inhabitants is built against looming cliffs, surrounded by hills, rivers and stunning rock formations. The National Prehistory museum is located here (surprise, surprise), right next to a cro-magnon shelter dating back 40,000 years. Not lacking in bars or restaurants, this little town is frequently used as a base for exploring the Dordogne Valley either by car or if the weather permits, by kayak. This isn't a bad idea seeing that the region is filled with medieval castles, quaint churches and a beautiful, rolling countryside.

In 1858 Virgin Mary occurred for a poor peasant girl, Bernadette, in a cave outside the small market town of Lourdes. The seeing of Virgin Mary continued that year and Bernadette was even told by Mary to dig a hole where holy water suddenly sprung from. The whole thing was then named "Our Lady of Lourdes" and confirmed as a miracle in 1862 by the local bishop on order from the pope. Today Lourdes is one of the major destinations for Roman Catholic pilgrimage and sick from all over the world come here for the claimed miraculous healings. The population of the town is only around 15,000, but more than 5,000,0000 pilgrims and tourist come by every year. The town can seem like a religious theme park and is adapted to the hordes of Catholic pilgrims with special lanes for the sick in wheelchairs and mobile stretches. It can be hard to understand the mania for nonbelievers, but why not join the madness and buy an "Our Lady of Lourdes"-shaped water bottles from one of the many souvenir shops and bring home a splash of holy water - you never known!

Marmots are large rodent that live in mountainous area. They have a dense grey fur and can weigh up to 8 kg. They live in underground tunnel systems, which they also retract to when feel in danger. Luckily they are extremely curious and will rarely hide for very long before they stick their heads up again. The high pitch calls which they use to warn each others are usual the giveaway that there are marmots in the area. The circle valley of Troumouse is particular good place to see this cute animals. Head for the north end of top plateau of the horseshoe shaped valley.

Like a white castle appearing in the sky, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris is a popular landmark. Located in the 18th arrondissement, its a monument planned as a guilt offering after the devastating Franco-Prussian War and the embarrassments of the government that came with it. It is located at the peak of Butte Montmartre, the highest point of Paris. Needless to say, stunning panorama views can be enjoyed in addition to the church steeped in religious and political history. Inside the Basilica, you'll find golden mosaics above the choir perch that remains one of the largest of its kind while the bronze doors to the portico reenact scenes from the last supper in intricate detail. Visit Sacre Coeur either in the early morning or late evening, when crowds are less and if you want to avoid the long walk up, there's a furnicular to help you out. For budding photographers, dusk provides beautiful shots of the church against a pinkish hue.

Sarlat is an alluring town to visit, located a few minutes away from the Dordogne river and located in a forested area. Its classification as a 'Ville d’Art et d’Histoire' attests to the exceptional preservation of this medieval town and its history, which you'll experience through its 1000 year old buildings, lanes and hot stone walls. The main street, Rue De Republique leads you through where you're free to cut off into the maze of narrow streets and hidden churches flanking its either side. Sarlat is also renowned for its Sunday market throughout France and you'll never be left wanting with the numerous activities it offers. Canoeing, horse riding, visiting pre-historic caves and even a day of golf are all made possible. Don't forget to try Sarlat's gastronomy, of which the locals pride themselves on, especially the Perigourdian Black Truffle and foie gras. Being the most famous town of the region, its flanked by tourists throughout the year though numbers ease up during spring and autumn. Visit early in the morning and you might get to feel like the town is yours.

If the journey is just as important to you as the destination then you will want to check out le Petit Train Jaune de la Cerdagne. This historical relic looks like something straight out of the children’s television show "Thomas the Tank Engine" and has been in operation through the Pyrenees since 1903. The "Yellow Canary" earnt it's nickname from it's bright yellow appearance and originally travelled from Villefranche de Conflent to Mont Louis and was then extended to La Tour da Carol in 1927. As you travel the 63 km line between Spain and France you will be treated to spectacular scenery on the open roof wooden cabooses which offer amazing 360 degree views and give you a great nostalgic feeling. Unfortunately wear and tear is slowly catching up with this Pyrenees Spectacle and there will come a time in the not too distant future when the train will have to be replaced by a modern substitute, so make sure you make the time to ride this slice of history.

The Pyrenees is a rather small mountain range, but every top and every valley offer amazing nature and great trekking opportunities. In summer the French Haute Pyrene (High Pyrenees) is lush with an ever-changing carpet of alpine flowers covering the slopes. Peaks and high passes can in the early summer still be covered in snow, which will then feed the many alpine lakes and roaring mountain streams through out the summer. Staffed refuges (huts) are abundant and offer food and a bed within a day's hike, so you don't have to lug tent and cooking gear. If you have the time and stamina it's possible to trek the GR10, Grand Randonnee, that traverse the full length of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to Mediterranean Sea, an 866 km trek taking about fifty-something days.