France Attractions

One of the best places in the world to take family holidays is in Paris. There are so many things to do there, this article will list some of the best places to visit including top days out, attractions and even restaurants, which will hopefully help to prepare you for the trip of a lifetime.

Museums and Galleries

There are so many in this city that it's hard to know which ones to visit so to help, I've selected a few of my favourites which I think you should go and see. Here they are:

For the Family There are lots of places that the whole family can enjoy. The 2 best places to go are:

Shopping For designer labels like Cartier, Dior and Chanel, you need to visit Rue du Cherche-Midi and Rue de Grenelle. If you're like me and can't quite stretch to that, then move onto the Champs-Elysees where you can find slightly more affordable stores like Zara, GAP and H&M. The one place you have to go is Paris' flea markets – they're great for picking up bargains and unusual treasures. Eating Out There are far too many great restaurants in Paris to even begin to write a good list. Instead there are 1 or 2 which you absolutely HAVE to visit:

So there you have it. If your planning on visiting Paris for your family holidays, the above list should keep you fairly busy. Have a great trip!

In Paris, you can find hotels for almost all budgets. If you have an average budget, you can accommodate in a 3-star branded hotel, but wait up to a 10MP camera with the chapter "Cleaning" slightly deficient.

Most hotels in Paris offer accommodation in small rooms, so if you want comfort, orient yourself to a four-star hotel or an apartment you can rent at a decent price for a week or a weekend, of course depending on location.

Tips for tourists:

A cheap hotel is not necessarily a hotel where you can not accommodate. Although an expensive city, Paris has such hotels where you can accommodate without having to pay large amount of money. Here you can find our recommendations for some budget hotels that you can find in Paris:

1. Hotel Lenox Montparnasse - Lenox is close to the famous Montparnasse cemetery, although a cheap hotel, rooms are clean and modern. If possible, ask for a bigger room because most of them are small.

2. Hotel Keppler - Although it is located in an expensive area of Paris, Keppler is also a cheap hotel. The rooms are spacious, some have a balcony. Tip: Book a room in advance at this hotel, because of good prices, the demand is high.

3. Hotel de Lille - It is located in the center of Paris, one minute away from the Louvre Museum. Rooms are clean but have only basic necessities, not serves breakfast, and the five floors have no elevator and air conditioning. Also, they do not accept credit cards.

4. Hotel Plessis - A charming hotel, situated in an area of Paris less frequented by tourists. 5th floor rooms have balconies, all rooms are clean, have TV and telephone. There is no air conditioning.

5. Le Grand Hôtel Lévêque - It is one of the favorite hotels for those with limited budget. Almost all rooms have fans, phone, TV, hairdryer.

Ask someone who has used Paris boat before and they will tell you that the experience is something out of this world. Only one word would be enough for you to describe what you feel when you tour Paris by boat, and that is divine. Remember that Paris is the most romantic city in the world and therefore you must not miss out on a trip there. There are many sights that are worth   seeing in Paris but among them all, you will never forget your boat ride down the rivers that are dotted all over the metropolis.

Whether your wallet is slim or fat, you will get bateau sur Paris tours that will be well fitted for your budget of course if you are a Parisian, all your need are to fire up your boat in the river and sail a way. If you are a tourist no worry at all because your tour agent in Paris can organize a good boat ride a round the city. At the same time you could also rent your own boat if you can afford it and have all the privacy that you want. This option is especially popular with love birds that cannot leave Paris unscathed.

Boat rental prices in Paris differ from one rental agent to another. Needless to say, there are cheap and expensive rentals all cut out to cater for the boating needs of people from all walks of life. The cost popular and the biggest river in Paris is the Seine river that runs s right in the middle and then it has canals that go through Paris enabling barges and boats to   travel on them. Day and night you are going to be treated to a really breathtaking view of Paris.

There is no greater feeling than what you will feel once you take a Paris boat tour down the Seine River or along the canals that are spread out through out Paris. Right then you are going to be feel the magic of the old Paris flowing back to you. Like so many traders and the ancestors of long ago must have sailed along it. You will simply be transformed for time, feeling like you have existed for a very long time, like the river Seine has seen it all.

If you take a Paris boat tour in the day time you will of course see all the features that make Paris worth seeing, features that have stood the test of time. But the real feature is the Seine River, a river that knows so many secrets, so many happenings and which has gurgled down for as long as anyone can remember. Miss Paris boat tours at your own peril.

The tour package

Your Paris boat tour package is not strictly about sailing down the Seine, but it as well includes lunch and drinks on the barge as you sail a round with the guide explaining the historical and the mythical features of Paris. You can hardly believe that Paris does have a traditional and historic side unless you see it. Most people know only the novae cultural side. Marriage reception Paris For more visit http://www.bateaux-privatises-paris.com/

The day is a celebration of independence and liberty. Cities all over France will be celebrating the spirit of freedom and democracy but the major events will be held in the Capital, Paris, making it a great time to plan your visit and take part in the celebrations. Bastile Day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a prison which held political rebels who were considered by King Louis 16th to be unlawfully outspoken and troublesome.

At the time, France was ruled by a wealthy King and Queen who did nothing to improve the life of the poor, many of whom were starving on the streets. The middle class was growing and becoming more and more resentful of the life of luxury their leader was living, thanks to the heavy taxes imposed by the King, while France suffered massive foreign debt, and an unstable financial future. Through their writings and public assemblies, these people called for rejection of the powerful monarchy and for the establishment of a free and democratic society, with leaders elected by the people. Anyone seen to be challenging the authority of the King was arrested and imprisoned in the Bastille. A large cache of weapons was also stored at the prison, making it the perfect symbol of the Kings power and tyranny.

On the 14th July, 1789, a public demonstration protesting the incarceration of these prisoners and rejecting the rule of the king gathered momentum outside the prison walls. At least 1,000 citizens managed to overpower the guards and take hold of the building, burning it to the ground. 98 attackers were killed, as well as one of the guards defending the prison. It was the start of the French Revolution. As the middle class took to the streets, building barricades and fighting the royal army who were struggling to gain control, the King fled with his wife for Versailles, relinquishing his control of the nation.

Soon after this event, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was drafted, outlining man's equal liberties, the rights to elect their own representatives, reject oppression and communicate freely, without fear of prosecution. The country was later declared a republic for the first time in 1792.

A year after the storming of the Bastille, a festival was held to mark the anniversary of its destruction, and the French have continued to celebrate the moment since then. In 1880, Bastille Day was declared an official national holiday under the motto of 'liberty, equality and fraternity', the values which are represented on the French flag- le Tricolour. Although France was not free continuously from that moment on, it was the values that these men were fighting for that remains symbolic for the people of France, even to this day. Truly a cause for celebration!

Bastille Day, or Fete National as it is known to the French is celebrated over two days. Traditionally, the fire stations in Paris open their doors to the public between 9pm on the 13th July and 4am on the 14th, for music and dancing, spilling out onto the streets for the public to enjoy. A list is published of those stations which will be open in the weeks leading up to the event in local papers and a small donations is usually collected on entry. All the money raised goes to the Paris Fire Brigade Association.

The Town Hall of Paris usually hosts an evening of dancing in the Bastille Square, the original site of the prison. Each year a theme is chosen, reflecting one of the many nationalities of which France has citizens today. In 2007, the theme was African Music and the square was alive with bongo drums and percussion instruments late into the night.

On the 14th at about 10: 30am a grand parade is held on the Champs Elyses from Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde. People line the streets to watch the parade led by the president of France, followed by police cadets, infantry and motorised troops of the military. Military jets will accompany the parade from the air, streaming red, blue and white to represent the colours of the flag.

The parade lasts about 2 hours and is a great spectacle to enjoy, but if large crowds and marching bands is not your thing, a great alternative is a visit to the Lourve Museum, which is open free to the public on this day. It's an excellent chance to enjoy some of the worlds greatest art in the worlds most famous art museum. Later in the afternoon, the Hippodrome de Longchamp is preparing for the only night of the year where horse racing is allowed after dark. The gates open at about 4pm and the races start by 5pm. The main race is held at 8pm followed by dancing long into the night. For children, pony rides, a barbecue and fair with rides is in full swing throughout the evening. A great option for families.

The most popular event of the day however is usually the fireworks display which takes place that evening. The main show is launched from from the Eiffle Tower but smaller displays are usually held around other parts of Paris, followed by more parties and clubs until the early hours of the morning. Bastille day is the one day in the year where just about everyone in Paris is free from work and school, to celebrate the democratic foundation of their country, in a most spectacular way. Everyone should enjoy at least one Bastille day in Paris

The founders of Elytour Paris, Incoming Luxury Agency are explaining their philosophy for travel:

A : On my very first trip to Paris I fell in love with the irresistible charm of this magical city. Of course I had already seen numerous images of the city in books, but in reality the "city of lights" proved to be much more majestic, warm and mysterious than I ever could have imagined.

From that moment on, I was driven by a passion to discover the magical and undiscovered treasures that are so abundant in the capital of France, which lead me to create a catalogue of fabulous places and rare gems. Now I can share this collection with all those who, like me, believe that a voyage is first and foremost an encounter between our senses and emotions.

A : Our passion for France and its richness guided us in the discovery of this magnificent land. We walked through the City of Lights, met with designers, artisans and restaurateurs to discover and personally evaluate thousands of Parisian establishments for you. Thus was born our selection of urban excursions, unique or classic, of charm and gourmandise. We are pleased to present you with this catalogue of Parisian experiences that we discovered and selected just for you.

Discover our Collection of Private tours at: http://www.elytour-paris.com/uk/collection.php

Our Collection of Guided Tours : Paris La Belle

To begin this discovery tour, you will meet your tour guide at the hotel. After a river cruise, your guide will take you up the Eiffel Tower for a lunch in a restaurant with a panoramic view. This tour will be at your pace and planned to accommodate your schedule. It can be lengthed according to your wishes.

"Paris la Belle," as Jacques Prévert nicknamed this luminous city, has always fascinated Parisians and foreigners alike.

Elytour invites you on a voyage of cultural and sensoral pleasure through the extraordinary history of France, as written by its kings and its citizens.

Discover the most beautiful monuments and museums of Paris: the Champs-Elysées, the Arc of Triumph, the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Place de la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, the Ile de la Cité, Saint-Germain, Saint-Michel, the Sorbonne university, Panthéon, Trocadéro, the Invalides with the tomb of Napoleon ... next take one of the famous bateau-mouche along the Seine river and admire the magnificent bridges of Paris: Pont Neuf, the Pont Alexandre III, the bridge of l’Alma, the bridge of the arts ...

"Paris la Belle" is a half-day panoramic visit, ideal for your first visit to the French capital. The tour can be complemented by a lunch or a museum visit, such as the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, or the Versailles Chateau. If you prefer walking tours, we can suggest a visit of one of the historic neighborhoods of Paris such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, the Marais ...

When your trip is limited however, the best bet is to try to visit the sites that encompass as many interests as possible the sacre-coeur basilica is just such a site. Centrally located with many hotel options in the area, one may pay as little as $20 for a hostel or $500 plus for a luxury five star hotel. Paris has undergone a huge clean up in the last few decades however many of the buildings are extremely antiquated as are their facilities; accommodation is no exception to this. It is particularly important in Paris to follow recommendations or to be sure to see a room before you pay for it. Of course the top tier of hotel accommodation requires no such safeguards.

The construction of the building began in 1876, on Montmarte, it was not completed however until 40 years later. Montmarte is one of the highest hills in Paris providing a phenomenal view over the city both from the basilica itself and its expansive cascading gardens. The site however was not chosen for its view but rather for it's significance. It was in this spot that tradition tells us Saint Denis, the patron saint of Paris was beheaded in the third century.

Tradition tells that the Bishop Denise after being beheaded stood up, took his head and carried it a number of miles north to the current location of the city of Saint Denise it was of course this act that gained him his canonization.

A Roman Catholic basilica designed by the architect Paul Abadie it's Romanesque-Byzantine style is both apparent and breathtaking. The iconography found inside is highly nationalistic reflecting the period of building and its sponsorship by national subscription that reflected the nations hopes for future power, something that escaped it at the time yet ironically a reality by the time of the basilicas inauguration in 1919.

The architectural features are truly spectacular both as individual pieces and the overall sense that they create. The triple arched portico of the faade play perfect host to the bronze statues mounting them of Joan or Arc and King Saint Lous IX, the national saints of France.

The stone used for the building is Chateau-Landon stone, which explains the perfect whiteness of the building as this type of stone looses its calcite through weathering creating an ongoing bleaching effect making the building whiter every year. The bell of the basilica, known as the Savoyarde was cast in 1895 in Annecy and weighing 19 tones it is one of the heaviest in the world. Yet another reminder of the rich history of France, which Savoy only became a part of in 1860. the interior itself has something for everyone, in addition to the iconography are the golden mosaics including the mosaic of Christ in Majesty which can be found in the apse and measures as one of the biggest mosaics in the world, equaled in beauty by the mural of Christ's passion visible behind the alter.

The dome itself is the only part of the basilica that it costs to enter, but if you can face the steps the view from the top is out of this world. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground however, the expansive grounds with tailored gardens and impressive water features are equally worthwhile.

Accessible via the Metro stops Anvers or Abbesses, or on bus numbers 30, 54, 80, or 85 the basilica is open between 6am and 11 pm, and worship is undertaken daily as it has been every day since the day of its inauguration.

France is a highly diverse country. Think of its climate alone. A combination of stormy summers, lesser rain, and colder winters exists inland. Close to the Alpine mountains, the temperature can even fall below freezing point. Meanwhile, people who are living in the southeast region will experience a French climate perfect for a little sailing in Mediterranean.

Yacht charter in France in the famous Côte d'Azur is in many ways more fitted to those who prefer to find their pleasures ashore. Sailing into such glittering places as St Tropez, Cannes or Antibes is an experience that is difficult to find anywhere else and it is worth the long diversion just to spend some time among the most beautiful collection of yachts in the world. Excellent facilities are at Antibes, in the St Tropez-Cogolin area and in Toulon. Many harbours east of Toulon charge from noon to noon, not on the basis of a 24 hour period from arriving. Also, there is plenty of charter yachts available in this area but crew experience could be tricky.

Close to the French Riviera is Cannes, a little city and commune located in the southern part of France. Besides hosting one of the prestigious art festivals in the world, the Cannes Film Festival, many tourists flock Cannes to enjoy its yacht marina. Taking a stroll means feeding your eyes with the loveliest docked sailing yachts and motorboats owned by some of the richest Europeans. When the weather seems fitting for a Mediterranean cruise, you can watch a majority of them gliding through the crystal blue waters of French Riviera. For the average tourists, however, you can find perfect view of them in Quai St. Pierre.

The principality of Monaco depends on its tourism for a bigger portion of its income. Every year, numerous tourists arrive in its ports to while away time in their casinos or to simply relax in its pleasant climate. Sailing in Mediterranean is most convenient in Monaco as it continuously improves its piers and harbors. This is to accommodate the growing number of cruise ships hoping to dock in there. Monaco is also very near to the French Riviera, which is sought after because of its splendid beauty.

The island of Corsica, off the Mediterranean coast offers a wide selection of ports and incredibly beauty. As with any France destination, it is ideal to visit Corsica outside of the peak summer season, as you will struggle to get space, even at anchorages. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is a favorite holiday destination for sailors from nearby countries, as well as, of course, the French. West coast and East coast offer the best facilities and services, so if you require repairs head to either Ajaccio or Bastia.

Sailing through the famous Côte d'Azur means choosing either of the two fantastic Mooring locations: Nice or Hyères. The glamour of Nice could be attributed to how the people were able to keep their long-standing customs and traditions. Day in and night, there are numerous activities you can explore. Cours Saleya, a very colorful Nice market, is filled with vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Drop by -François Square for experience the lively fish market.

Hyeres, on the other hand, is a French coast lined with culture and fine cuisine. Its mountains meet the sandy and windy bays of the country. The place is also an invitation for a good look at the Golden Islands. It features unspoilt preserves of nature such as the Ile de Port-Cros and Ile de Porquerolles.

There is a system of winds that blow from the coast towards the centre of the sea. These winds have different names, depending on location: Scirroco, Ghibli, Khamsin, Meltemi, Etesian, Bora, and Mistral all blow from the land towards the sea. Prevailing winds are northerly and South Westerly, South Westerly (occasionally very strong to gale force) due to endless stream of low pressure cyclones arriving from the Atlantic Ocean. Winds along the Mediterranean coast and Corsica are more variable, but generally less severe.

Sailing in Mediterranean means bringing with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. It's more than just cruising along the river or the sea. It also implies meeting wonderful French locals and simply relaxing into France's beautiful midday sun.

As one may expect the full array of holiday accommodation is available in Nice ranging from budget hostels to top quality hotels. Many choose the area of Old Nice to stay in for its atmosphere and proximity to shops and bars, whilst others prefer the area of the Promenade des Anglais for its views over the water. The lower end of the spectrum sees 2 star hotels starting at around 35 euros per night, with 4 star hotels ranging anywhere from 110 euros to several hundreds of euros.

Nice is a town where one may stroll the streets, take in the Promenade des Anglais and its vantage point along the water's edge and views over the Baie des Anges, and feel like as much has been achieved as if one went running around museums. It is a laid back town with a holiday feel and for this reason many visitors do prefer the leisurely walks and long lunches in water front cafes. However, should you prefer a more structured holiday, or like ticking things done off of lists Nice will not disappoint you. With 19 galleries and museums, 32 historical monuments, hundreds of hectares of gardens, parks and woodlands and more than 150 ornamental lakes and fountains, there is more than enough to make up a holiday list in Nice.

Henri Matisse, the revolutionary twentieth century French artist drew much inspiration from the colors and beauty of Nice, clearly visible in many of his balcony views. In honor of his respect and love of the French Riviera, the French Riviera pays respect to him with the Matisse Museum, a wonderful collection of his works spanning his early years, following his bold experimentation with color and reinvention of beauty to his later years when he had unusually found fame in his own life time and his death in Nice in 1954.

The Cours Saleya Flower Market is renowned not just in the area but across France and is one of the biggest attractions of the city for flower lovers and non-flower lovers alike. The market itself is surrounded by cafes and boutique shops creating a phenomenal atmosphere and bustle of people that really should not be missed especially as it runs every day except Mondays when the flowers move aside for antiques, also worth a visit.

The Russian Cathedral architecturally stands out like a sore thumb against the French Riviera, but is a beauty in and of itself. A reminder of the days of Russian aristocracy to whom Nice was a favorite play pen, it is the best example of the many Russian structures in the area with particularly beautiful iconography, frescoes, and of course the stylized 6 onion shaped domes.

The archaeology museum in Nice gives visitors the opportunity to envision the city in Roman times by viewing the remains of the bathhouse and the Roman Arena as well as playing host to various other exhibitions highlighting the lustrous and rich history of the area. Last but certainly not least Old Nice is an area rather than a specific attraction but an absolute must for a whole day visit. Its narrow streets are jam packed with boutique shops selling everything from household wares to wine to fashion. A maze of streets dotted with cafes, ice cream bars, restaurants, and bars, Old Nice will enchant you with its atmosphere.

When it comes to skiing and winter sports, Europe has more than its fair share of amazing resorts. From the greatly priced, to the more than reasonable, Europe has it all, and has so much to offer any skier. If you've never been to Europe on a skiing holiday, or if you're looking to expand your experience, you'll find something that catches your eye without too much research, and you might just end up joining the legions of skiing fans that wouldn't go anywhere else in the world for their vacation.

On mainland Europe, you have such a varied selection. From the world famous French skiing resorts to Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Andorra, you've got such a wide range of skiing to choose from. France is known the world over as the true home of skiing, and the French really know how to do a quality vacation. With naturally amazing resources, and scenery that can take your breath away, France is an ideal location for a skiing trip.

Why not try the Courchevel resort, which has four different ski resorts within one, providing the perfect blend of quality and affordability in a skiing trip. From the grossly overpriced 1850 resort, the playground of Europe's film stars and playboys, to the seemingly remote 1350 at the bottom of the hill, you have so much to choose from in Europe's finest skiing country. With the kids or with your friends, France is truly an exotic destination that will make for a memorable skiing vacation.

Or how about some of the Italian resorts? Italy, famous for being the cheaper way to ski, also benefits from a diverse range of resorts, like the tiny Alba resort, as well as some larger, more sizeable areas to ski. Famous for passion and a depth of culture, Italy is the ideal place to take a skiing break in Europe, and the weather's good too! Or how about Italy's neighbor, Croatia? A rising European nation, you'll find a Croatian holiday outrageously good value for money, not to mention top quality. From the international standard ski resorts to their world class restaurants, Croatia is certainly a country on the up, and its skiing facilities can only improve as more and more tourists flock to their slopes each year.

Additionally, Bulgaria is an excellent skiing destination to take the kids. With open arms, you will be welcomed by the Bulgarian people, who are more than eager to tell you about their rich and deep past, and welcome you as part of their future. In these expanding and developing European nations, you will come to appreciate the value of tourism, and the quality of treatment and service they are prepared to offer for your investment.

How about Austria for your skiing trip? When we think of skiing, we often imagine the Alpine ideal, with breathtaking scenery and fresh, clean air. Well, it simply doesn't come much better than Austria, and if you're looking for a skiing destination that has it all, why not try Austria for that touch of class with your skiing. Or why not pop over to Switzerland for their Alps experience? Skiing the alps in the home of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, you will be amazed at how picturesque this modern nation has managed to be, whilst still becoming a world leader in financial industry.

Skiing in Europe is the ideal way to spend your vacation. If you love skiing, you are guaranteed to find a great resort somewhere, within your budget that meets your needs, and caters for your ability. With most resorts also boasting strong training academies, you can also work to improve your skills while you are there, ensuring that your skiing trip is both useful and memorable. Whatever you are looking for, choose Europe as your number one skiing destination, for that perfect blend of quality, tradition and culture, and for a holiday that is truly breathtaking.

Pays de la Loire is in western France constituting diverse, low-lying landscape. The rugged and wild Atlantic Coast within the west differs with the green, lush, rivers and green countryside of the Loire basin in the middle. There are various huge rural areas, majority of which are devoted to agriculture in addition to huge economic centers and urban conurbations. It sports a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters.

There are various things to do while in Pays de la Loire like experiencing the sandy and rocky coastline, vineyards making the dry Muscadet wine, various cuisines and festivities. France rentals are very popular in the Pays de la Loire.

A must visiting place in Pays de la Lorie is Vendee, a famous destination having more than 200 km of the sandy beaches in addition to two offshore islands Yeu and Noimoutier. The coast if further lined with the woods constituting the Foret d'Olonne and huge salt marshes that are famous for watching bird. The architectural heritage of Vendee is evident within its impressive abbeys, chateaux as well as fine churches.

In addition, the valley of kings or locally called as Val d'Anjou must not be overlooked. It is popular for its royal history and legacy of romantic churches, abbeys and the manor houses.

Attending various events and fiestas that takes place in Pays de la Loire is the next best thing to do. Numerous events such as angers, Nantes festivals, Coiffes festival, sorcerers' fair, the Uburlesques festival are the most attention grabbing festivals of Pays de la Loire. Apart the La Nuit des Chimeres held in the months of June and September is a mysterious festival of this city.

It includes silhouettes dance over the half timbered homes and takes all the visitors on the virtual trip via the history of the city from the Roman era to the Renaissance times. The illusory characters are super imposed over the old aged buildings, while the choir of angels demonstrates the Romanesque St Julien house of worship.

When it comes to sports, Play de la Loire attributes various interesting adventure sports, sailing and boating, mountain biking and cycling, paragliding, flying clubs, balloons, horse riding in addition to water sports, scuba and diving. If you want to try something new, you can partake in angling and fishing, walking, climbing, hiking and motor sports like the biking, Karting and tracking. Various other sports like the tennis, squash, and golf are worth trying.

In addition, the food accessible in Pays de la Loire must be certainly tasted. It boasts various famous French restaurants A La Belle Cocotte, Au Fin Gourmet, Auberge du Chateau, Belle Rive, Benureau, Creperie des Ronds dans L'Eau and the Crepes Marines that serve numerous delicious delicacies, local seafood and unique signature drinks. Majority of the hotels specializes in some cuisine or the other, perfect for people of all ages.

Pays de la Loire without indulging yourself in shopping is not a fair job. The most interesting and exciting thing to do is shopping in the local markets of Pays de la Loire, where you can find all the unique antiques.

The diversity of the Pays de la Loire region make it a very popular region for a self catering holiday in a rural gite or coastal villa, which gives the visitor the time and freedom to explore the culture, food, shopping and scenery.