First rule for you to remember (should you come from the UK) when planning to drive in France for a carp fishing holiday is: drive on the right side of the road! Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road.

Also, bear in mind that you may have to give priority to traffic coming from the right (priorité à droite), especially in built up areas or when on small roads. Usually on large roads you do not give priority to the right, except on the peripherique, the ring road around Paris.

Many anglers I meet have not driven abroad before and apprehend the experience with some dread. In general it is not really that difficult, you just have to stay focused and make sure you concentrate and look more carefully before maneuvering than you would at home. My Tomtom always reminds me when I drive on the left in the UK, so it is a nice touch to have this reminder when in France.As I said the most critical time is when you start off after a break. I’ve heard of a number of accidents caused by this lapse of concentration, especially on quiet country roads. Perhaps you could tape a reminder to the steering wheel… ‘Drive on the Right!’

Before leaving the UK I’d suggest a thorough service of your vehicle to make sure it is in tip top condition before you set off.

There are a number of things you need to bring with you when you venture onto the continent.

5 Things you must bring with you.

1. Log book: Most European countries require you to carry your V5C vehicle registration document. You will be requested to produce it by the Gendarme should you get pulled over. Also in the case of an accident the information pertaining to your car will be needed for the report and requested by the police. You are required by law in France to have this document with you when you drive at all times.
2. Driving licence: You need to have a full drivers licence, a provisional is not sufficient to drive abroad. Again it will be requested by police if you get stopped, and will be needed for an accident report. This is another document that you are required to carry when driving in France.
3. Insurance Green card: It is important that you carry your insurance with you at all times too, as this is the third document you are required to produce in case of an accident. The Green card is no longer obligatory but a good idea nonetheless.
4. GB Sticker: You are required to have one of these, but most number plates have a little GB on them now, which is accepted anywhere in the EU instead of a separate sticker.
5. Headlight deflectors: These are important on right hand drive cars to avoid dazzling on coming traffic.

1. Spare bulbs: Not a legal requirement, but if you get stopped for a blown bulb and can’t change it you’ll probably get a spot fine. So for the price of a set of spares it’s certainly worth having them in your glove box.
2. Warning triangle: You’ll need to use either a warning triangle or hazard warning lights in case of an accident. Or both if you have them. The triangle is only mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
3. Fluoro vest: Not a legal requirement but a sensible item to carry. If you break down on a busy road or motorway it could certainly help with your personal safety.
4. Good map of France: I’d suggest a Michelin Atlas. Excellent detail and has most of the minor roads too. Get a recent edition as there have been a number of modifications to the road network over the last few years including several new motorways.
5. Spare Fuses: Again a sensible thing to carry is a set of fuses. A blown fuse can have varying consequences on your car from very little to total immobility. So for a few pence it’s a must to have in your glove box.

1. Breakdown recovery insurance: I’ve seen it a number of times where anglers break down and are stranded and facing a huge bill to get towed and repatriated. You can’t just rely on ‘It won’t happen to me’. Even a minor bump can see you car immobilised and with all you gear it can turn a trip into a nightmare. So get yourself AA, RAC, or Green Flag insurance and you’ll have far less to worry about. For the few quid it costs it’s false economy to skimp on this.
2. Jumpstart cables : I guess we’ve all flattened our battery at some point, leaving lights on etc. A set of jump cables is a must as far as I’m concerned and I always have them in my van.
3. Booster pack: Can replace the above, as long as you keep it fully charged. A useful piece of kit to have with you. Can also be used to charge up your phones etc on the bank.
4. Tow rope: Getting stuck around lakes is a risk we all take. I no longer drive a 4×4 which saved me and others on a number of instances. Vans and light cars especially rear wheel drives are hopeless on greasy or wet grass or mud. If you have a good rope at least you can try to get assistance to pull you out.
5. GPS: I wouldn’t be without my Tomtom Sat Nav now. I find it absolutely brilliant for navigating my way round France. I use it in conjunction with Google Earth to plan my route, entering the longitude/latitude coordinates of each stop. Brilliant invention..highly recommended.
6. Mobile phone -Europe roaming: Useful if you want to ring home… I got caught out once in the UK when I changed phones and forgot to stipulate I wanted Europe roaming.
7. European Accident Insurance Form: Helpful to make sure you obtain and give all the necessary details for an insurance claim in case of an accident.

Speed limits :

The speed limits in France are somewhat similar to speed limits in other European countries. They are indicated in kilometres per hour.

Highway : 130 km/h, if raining 110 km/h (80 mph, 70 mph)

Dual carriageway : 110 km/h, if raining 100 km/h (70 mph, 60 mph)

Open road : 90 km/h, if raining 80 km/h (55 mph, 50 mph)

Town : 50 km/h (30 mph)

Speed cameras: Most foreign drivers are, for the time being, not targeted by the vast network of automatic speed cameras across France. As of now, only one country (Luxembourg) has agreed to share its car registration database with France. But as European police forces cooperate more and more, new countries are likely to join forces in that field. Besides, if arrested for routine checks by the police or gendarmerie, previous recorded infractions might turn up on the officers’ computer. What’s more, over speeding by more than 50km/h is considered a criminal offense, and will bring you considerable trouble if caught.

Radar and Laser detectors are not allowed in France. Getting caught having such a device in your vehicle means a 1500 euros fine, device impounded (with the car if fixed to it).

Bon Voyage

by Gareth Watkins
For more Carp Fishing News and great fishing in France check out my website at : http://www.croixblanchelakes.com

It’s little wonder why France is ranked as the number one holiday destination in the world, attracting around 82 million tourists every year. As well as other types of tourism, family holidays in France account for a large percentage of this annual number and are undoubtedly due to the uniquely wide and diverse range of natural and commercial attractions that the country has to offer. In this article we aim to touch on just a few of them to help whet your appetite.

First of all, family holidays in France work because it is a very children and family-friendly country. Thanks to a good infrastructure, France benefits from very good transport links, which include toll roads – to help avoid traffic congestion, frequent and well-equipped service stations, high-speed rail and extensive standard rail links, and over 475 airports throughout the country. In addition to this, the French are very good at providing family-friendly facilities whether at holiday resorts, country clubs, or private holiday accommodation.

What would a holiday be if it didn’t involve any sightseeing or attractions? There are such an astonishing number of attractions throughout the country that is goes without saying that family holidays in France can be fascinating, action-packed, educational and thrilling. For a holiday filled with constant fun and excitement, Disneyland Paris is ideal. As Europe’s most popular theme park, it provides an experience that the whole family, particularly the children, will remember for the rest of their lives. If you’re looking for a way to entertain your kids to the max and fill them full of wonder, then this is it.

Alternatively, if you are looking for educational family holidays in France, to add a bit of culture into the trip, then look no further than Paris. Arguably one of the world’s best-loved and most magical capitals, Paris has also been voted among the top three most important capitals in the world, and it’s little wonder why upon closer inspection. Packed full of political, religious and cultural history, Paris is home to some of the most precious historical sites in the world, many of which are to be found along the banks of the Seine River – formally recognised UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. These include the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the Lourve, the Grand Palais des Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower and the Sainte Chapelle, to name but a few.

Of course, if none of this is to your taste, there are also outstanding recreational family holidays in France to be found no matter what you’re interested in. From world class surf breaks, to world class ski slopes, France really is able to offer something for everyone. If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful location, then there are also many high class golf and country clubs around France, particularly in the Dordogne Valley that provide easy access to many attractions as well as superb family facilities and access to recreational facilities such as swimming pools, golf courses, and tennis courts.

For family holidays in France filled with culture, great facilities and relaxation, choose Souillac Golf & Country Club.

There’s no doubt that France is one of the world’s most alluring travel destinations. It’s got everything from the beautiful streets of Paris to lush, green wine country to glamorous beaches to the snow-capped Alps to Disneyland and much, much more. France is also a great destination for seniors travel in particular, with all kinds of great discounts and cost-saving opportunities across the country. Here are our top tips for Seniors Travel in France.

Save on train travel. France has one of Europe’s most extensive rail networks – you can get from just about anywhere in the country to just about anywhere else. The SNCF (French State railway company)’s Carte Senior entitles those over 60 to discounts of 25-50% on all train journeys, even if you don’t book in advance, for an entire year. The card also gets you a 30% discount on rail journeys in 22 other European countries. Better still, save more if you book and pay for your rail pass before you leave your home country.

See all the great museums. A lot of France’s many museums and monuments will offer a discount for senior travellers, in some cases of up to 40%. Some sites begin the discount at age 65, but if you’re over 60 always remember to ask just in case, and do bring your passport or other ID in case they ask you to prove your age! The Louvre has a great €6 entry special on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Bring a phrasebook. While most tourist sites, restaurants and hotels around Paris will have English-speaking staff, if you venture further afield in France you may run into some difficulty. But between a few basic phrases in French from you and at least some English language skills on the part of the local person, you should be able to muddle through. I lived in regional France for a period and they love Australians. Before I would say anything, I would speak in French “I’m sorry, I am from Australia, I don’t speak French”. Learn to say this in French – they will love you for it.

Swap houses. It may not get much press, but savvy travellers have been saving tons of money by exchanging their house for one at their destination for decades. HomeExchange.com. has 29,000 homes worldwide, including France. You never know, you could end up with a chateau in Bordeaux for a song!

Watch the world go by. One of French people’s favourite activities is to sit outside a cafe and discuss the affairs of the day over coffee. Try this yourself, and you’re sure to get a great flavour of the local atmosphere no matter where you visit in France. This is one of my favourite activities. Choose a spot frequented by the locals and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Fly around France on the cheap. Air France offers seniors a 10% discount on internal flights around the country. The airline also gives a 10% discount to those over 62 on select international flights – be sure to ask when you book.

Stay safe. Users of the popular Tripadvisor website recently voted Paris as the fifth most common pickpocket city in the world, so watch your valuables in the City of Lights – unfortunately I can vouch for this first hand

Bronwyn White has over 20 years experience in the travel industry. She has gained her experience as a travel agent, with airlines, government tourism boards and as a professional travel researcher (yes there is such a job). She consults on a regular basis to the travel industry and is often quoted in the press. Bronwyn also runs a travel information website dedicated to Seniors Travel http://www.newyoungtravel.com.au

For tourists who would like to see the other side of France, a city break to Le Mans is a good idea. To help you with your itinerary, here are some suggestions of what you can do while at Le Mans:

• Add a religious and historical visit in your itinerary. The St. Julian’s Cathedral is one of the most historic religious monuments in France. It is around a thousand years old already. It is in this cathedral that King Henry II was baptized. This is also the place where Berengaria was buried. She was the wife left by Richard the Lionheart. This is your chance to get up close and personal to a historic site in France.

• Another historic site worth adding in your itinerary is the Roman wall. This wall is around 1,300 yards in length and has 12 towers. The wall goes around the historical city of Plantagenet.

• A must see museum in Le Mans is the Musee de Tesse. This museum is perfect for art enthusiasts. This is a fine art museum that features a 3D facsimile of an Egyptian tomb. Tourists will surely love the many different art pieces in this museum. Another museum to visit is the Museum of Archaeology. You will be surprised at the many things that you can discover in this museum.

• Enjoy a cup of tea at the Pilier-aux-Lumieres. Those who have been here have enjoyed not only their cup of tea but the history and look of the entire place. This building was at the verge of falling down already when couple, Jean-Pierre Guilbert and Elizabeth decided to save the place and turn it into a tourist destination for France’s best tea.

• Catch a light show at the La Nuit des Chimeres. This is if you decide to visit Le Mans during the summer. The display of lights can be marveled at during Summer nights. The lights are projected against historic buildings which make it even more amazing to view.

Le Mans may not be as popular as other French cities but you will surely find a lot of things to see and do in this French city. No wonder, many tourists have decided to take city breaks at Le Mans. This city in France has its own distinctive attractions that are hard to resist. Tourists will definitely take pleasure in every minute they spend in this city. Your break will be worth every penny you spend on it.

Monica Lorica is an author who fell in love with travelling. She writes about subjects pertaining to her favourite travel destinations and her travel tips. She highly recommends City Breaks for people who want to travel.

Teaching English in France is a fun and rewarding way for long-term travelers – and anyone else, for that matter – to make money along the way during a long trip or simply enjoy France for a while. For some people, a short stop to fuel up on French culture and food is more than enough. For others, this may mean settling down for the long haul.

Either way, these 5 essential tips should help you find a job teaching English in France.

If you’re a citizen of the EU, there’s no problem. You have permission to work in France, so all you need to do is to show up and find a job. It won’t be instantaneous, but the tips below will be equally useful to you.

If you’re not a EU citizen, it’s harder, but not impossible to find a job as a teacher of English in France. Your potential employer will have to prove the skills he or she needs are simply not available in the country – a difficult case to make given all the British and Irish job-seekers with the right working papers.

Still, there are some assets you can bring to the table to improve your chances of getting hired, and these tips should help you despite the highly competitive nature of this market.

Essential Tip #1. Practice your French

That’s right. The French prefer dealing with people with whom they can communicate. Speaking French will also help you network and take advantage of tips from others. So if you have a bit of high school or college French, brush up on it. If not, at least learn enough to show you care. You won’t need much of it in the classroom, but a bit of French will help during the job search.

Essential Tip #2. Did I say network?

That’s right. Visit ESL forums and discussion groups. Visit expat forums. Join email lists. Get to know people who are already teaching English in France. Find out what’s out there. Timing is often everything and one of the best ways to find a job teaching English in France is to follow up on leads. If someone bails out of a teaching assignment a few days before the start of the school year, an employer might be desperate – your walking in the door at that time might be the break you both need. But you’ll only find out if you’ve been keeping your ear to the ground.

Essential Tip #3. Get certified

The more certificates you have, the better your chances. These can include degrees, diplomas or certificates in EFL (English as a foreign language), ESL (English as a second language – this doesn’t apply in France, since it’s not an English-speaking country, but at least you’ll have some kind of qualification), ESOL (English to speakers of other languages, mostly used in adult education), TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language), TESL (Teaching English as a second language), TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages), or CELTA (Certificate in English language teaching to adults). The French are quite academic and will respect academic qualifications if they’re serious ones.

Essential Tip #4. Translate your paperwork

We often don’t think about this – but your potential employer may actually not read English! While the French are making huge strides learning English – or there wouldn’t be any demand for English teachers – foreign languages are still uncommon, especially among the older generations. So make sure you get everything translated before you even attempt to look for a job, or you might get some fluent arched eyebrows as the school’s owners tries to wade through a language she may not know.

Essential Tip #5. Promote your specialty

Are you a specialist in health, business or technology? Put that forward because specialists are more in demand than generalists. You’ll have a better chance of finding a job if you have something others don’t – so if you have a profession other than that of teacher, squeeze it for what it’s worth. For example, if you have a good grasp of business terminology, you could get a job teaching English to executives in a large company rather than to students in a language school.

Still concerned about finding a job teaching English in France?

Don’t despair. You could try teaching in small, out-of-the-way towns where fewer foreign teachers might want to go – after all, many of us yearn for the bright lights of Paris, the shores of the Mediterranean or the sun-kissed hillsides of Provence. Or, if you’re a student, there are special visas that may make your job search easier. You could perhaps become a Teaching Assistant, or get a Working Holiday Visa.

France is a magnet for potential English teachers, a romantic, gastronomic and visually stunning country, filled with history and culture. Why wouldn’t someone want to find a job teaching English in this wonderful country?

I hope these 5 essential tips will help in your job search.

Bonne chance!

If teaching English in France sounds like the perfect job for you, find out how to get started by visiting http://www.women-on-the-road.com/teaching-english-in-france.html for more essential tips and great links. Leyla Giray has helped pay for her extended travels by teaching English – in France and elsewhere – and by writing for a living. She is a former journalist who now works as a development professional and travel writer.

If you’re considering a cruise to France, you might be wondering where your ship will take you. One of the great things about travelling in this way is that you get to see numerous locations rather than having to stay put in one spot for the duration of your holiday.

As well as giving you excellent value for money, this kind of getaway can be ideal for those looking to relax as soon as they board ship. You can avoid the stresses of the airport if you choose one of the many cruises from Southampton.

Sit back and enjoy your journey over the sea to your first port of call – Brest. This picturesque harbour city in Brittany has a beautiful castle at the edge of the sea as well as attractions to visit such as the Maritime Museum and an oceanarium. Close by is also the heritage town of Quimper, a must-visit for history buffs.

Your ship may well head to Normandy next, and there are a couple of places it could dock at. One is the important naval town of Cherbourg, which boasts stunning rolling fields and authentic French architecture such as chateaus and half-timbered houses.

From here you can visit Bayeaux to see the famous tapestries, or perhaps you’d enjoy an excursion to the rocky tidal island of Mont St Michel.

Le Havre could be next on your itinerary and it’s well worth a visit if your ship docks here. This popular town is home to the oldest sailing club in France as well as a beautiful beach. There are numerous attractions here too, including the Normandy Landing Beaches and the Andre Malraux Museum, where you can see pieces by Renoir and Monet.

The chic university town of La Rochelle is another interesting spot to explore, with its antique towers and excellent restaurants. The location is also well placed if you fancy a daytrip to Cognac or Limoges – the latter is an ideal place to pick up souvenirs as it produces quality porcelain, glass and lace.

Call in at the vibrant destination of Marseilles next and climb ashore to visit the theatres, opera houses and museums the area is so renowned for. You might also enjoy a trip out to the island of Chateau d’If – home to the fictional character the Count of Monte Cristo.

And before you think about heading home, make a little time to call in at the bustling seaside town of Saint Nazaire. Situated at the mouth of the River Loire, the spot in the Loire-Atlantique department boasts more than 20 beaches, so take your pick and enjoy some sunshine before you board ship to travel home.

If you’re looking for some fantastic breaks for the whole family, opt for a cruise from MSC Cruises.

Our cruises from Southampton will cater for all your party members, so you can relax.

Driving in France is a pleasant experience as the French Roads are well maintained and without congestion. But you need to take care of the rules and regulations while driving otherwise you will be fined for it. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you have to drive on the right side of the road. It is compulsory to wear seat belts for front as well as rear seat occupants. If you are traveling with children under the age of 10 years then see to it that they travel in the rear seats of the car. The minimum age required for driving a car in France is 18 years. If the alcohol level is 0.05% or more in the bloodstream then severe penalties will be imposed on the driver.

The legal requirements which you must carry with yourself while driving in France are mentioned in this article.

1. Driving license: You should have a full driver’s license and not a provisional one.
2. Headlight Deflectors: This avoids dazzling on coming traffic.
3. Insurance Certificate: Always carry your motor insurance certificate with you.
4. Vehicle registration Document: This is a very important document which must be present with you.
5. Even keep some spare bulbs or fuses in case you need to replace the blown bulbs in between your journey.
6. GB Sticker: Most of the number plates have a GB sticker, but if your car doesn’t then you need to get a separate sticker for it.
7. Warning Triangles.

Try to avoid travelling through Paris and Boulevard Peripherique as they are usually full of traffic at busy periods. Usually in July and August, most of the Saturdays are jam packed in and around the Rhone valley and around Bordeaux. So, it is advisable to avoid travelling on these places.

Carry all the important documents with yourself as it will keep you less stressed and you will even be able to enjoy your drive. Have a safe and happy journey.

Want to know more about the legal requirements required while driving in France? Simply click here to download its PDF document.

France’s Victory Day: May 8, 2010 Victory Day is a public holiday in France.

Every year, France marks the end of the Second World War on the 8th of May. While there is no universal agreement as to the official end date of World War II, France considers May 8, 1945 as the official end of the war which marks Germany’s formally surrender to the Allied Forces.

History of France’s Victory Day Germany’s act of military surrender was signed in two occasions: one in Reims, France on May 7, 1945 and in Berlin, Germany on May 8, 1945.

The act of surrender was initiated by Adolf Hitler’s successor, Germany’s head of the Germany’s government, Karl Dönitz, after the former allegedly committed suicide on April 30, 1945 while the German armed forces are in the middle of fighting in the Battle of Berlin.

The leader of the Free French Force, Charles de Gaulle, announced the end of World War II on May 8, 1945 followed by the ringing of church bells across France. Celebrations took place afterwards especially in Buckingham Palace in London where the crowds are greeted by the then Elizabeth I, King George VI, and Winston Churchill, who was the then prime minister of the United Kingdom from October 26, 1951 -April 7, 1955.

France passed March 20, 1953 law number 53-225 to adopt May 8 as the official date of celebration of Victory Day. Victory Day’s official public holiday status was removed in 1975 but was reinstated on October 2, 1981 through the law number 81-893.

The difference in the celebration between France and Moscow (where the latter celebrates Victory Day on May 9 instead of May is based on the fact that Russia is located East of Germany and it was already May 9 in Russia when Germany surrendered to the Allied Forces. France’s Victory Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities France celebrates Victory Day with public parade, speeches, and ceremonial luncheons. Educational institutions set aside this date to discuss the horrors and lessons brought by World War II. Apart from taking part in parades, some people also attend church services with sermons or topics dedicated to the fallen heroes of the Second World War.

During the holiday, people display national flag in front of their homes including private and public buildings. It is also during this time when people sing patriotic songs in the street. Local politicians also hold ceremonial speeches and conduct wreath-laying in war memorials across the country.

Victory Day is one of the most important public holidays in France. It is work-free.

Noel Moitre writes about world business travel for A Global World.com website. For over 20 years, they have created unique world travel calendars. In 2010 a blog was created to describe when, where and how world holidays are celebrated around the world: http://Holidays-Around-the-World.com

Take a look at a World Holiday Calendar at http://aglobalworld.com before you buy any calendar. Why pay for only USA holidays when you can have them all?

Ahh, wouldn’t it be absolutely delightful to actually celebrate Christmas in France this year? Although there were will be thousands of visitors to this famous country, many of us will be snuggled in at home for this joyous holiday. However, there’s no reason why you can’t add a few traditional French customs to your own Christmas traditions for added fun and interest.

While various regions of France may have some of their own specialized traditions, overall there are a few that are “must-do’s” regardless of where you live in the country. So, if you want to have a touch of Christmas in France brought into your own home, here are the top three favorites that every home in France will incorporate into their seasonal celebrations.

Réveillon: A French Christmas Feast

Food is an important part of French history. And they certainly know how to do it up in style. Unlike our traditions in North America, where we eat our large turkey dinner on Christmas day, in France it is customary to have a huge Christmas Eve feast instead. This is what is called “the Reveillon.”

The meal itself consists of many, many courses and the dinner can easily last for hours! But the food that is prepared is sumptuous, and rather than it being a large meal served all at once, it is presented in small courses that are carefully regulated throughout the evening.

There are many favorite dishes overall, while others are specialties of certain regions. In essence though, most of these feasts will contain a variety of cheeses, pâtés, winter fruits, breads, canapés, fish and/or shellfish, the main meat and vegetable courses, and ending in a variety of desserts.

Serving a Bûche de Noel for Dessert

A Buche de Noel is what many of us call a Yule Log (usually chocolate in flavor). It is made with a jelly-rolled sponge cake that is filled with a butter cream frosting. Once rolled up, the outside of the cake is iced with the remaining frosting and a fork is dragged through the frosting to create a bark-like appearance. The remaining decorations will often consist of marzipan leaves and cherries to simulate holly, and a placement of meringue mushrooms. Sometimes scrapped chocolate bits are sprinkled along the log to make it look “rough,” after which the entire cake is dusted with a light powdering of icing sugar. It is the most anticipated portion of the meal by all the family and guests.

Christmas Decorations: The Crèche (Manger)

In pretty well every French home you will find a beautiful array of decorations – candles, flowers, decorated pine cones, and lots more. However, the main featured decoration will be the crèche, a nativity manger scene. The creche was fist introduced by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224, however did not really catch on in popularity until the time of the Renaissance of the 16th Century.

You will find the crèche placed either near the fireplace hearth, on a nearby table or in a corner of the living room. It is set up at the same time as the tree, a few days before Christmas. Some French families only feature a simple nativity scene, while others go all out and have the three wise men, camels, sheep, shepherds and all manner of figures making their way to the stable.

In the southern region of Province, they have a quaint tradition of taking the children into the woods to gather moss, small stones and pine boughs, which are then used as a background for the crèche. What a lovely tradition!

Once the entire scene is set up one last thing remains… waiting for Christmas Eve when the tiny infant Jesus is placed within the manger.

So these are a few of the main traditions you could try out this year if you want to celebrate Christmas in France, without actually going to the country itself. Wishing you a “Joyeux Noel!”

2008 (c) R. Smith loves reading about various cultures and their traditions, as well as trying out new holiday ideas and recipes on her family. After all, variety is the spice of life! Although she was only able to share three of the more popular customs related to Christmas in France in this article, you can find more information and recipes at http://www.squidoo.com/christmas-in-france-customs

When organising your family ski holiday, it is important to pick the right resort for you and your family. Lots of European destinations offer a great range of family friendly ski resorts, however France is a great destination therefore, be sure to consider a family ski holiday in France.

When booking your family ski holiday in France you need to consider the requirements of everyone in your group and the range of ability to ensure your resort of choice meets everyone’s needs.

Firstly, do your research on the resort. Find out the range of slopes that the resort provides, how many lifts are providing access to the different ski areas, what the childcare facilities are like and how many ski schools there are and where they are located. Be sure to consider the family friendly ski resorts of Morzine, Chatel and Les Gets in the Portes du Soleil and Meribel, La Tania and Courchevel in the Three Valleys. Both ski regions offer a fantasic range of linked skiing and a range of family friendly activities off piste to keep everyone entertained.

It is also extremely important to pick the right family ski accommodation for you. Self catered ski accommodation provides a great option for those groups wanting the flexibility on when and where they eat as well as providing the more budget conscious option of being able to shop at a reasonable price in the local supermarket and cook in, rather than eating out, which is great for large groups and families.

Catered ski accommodation provides you with the luxury of having everything taken care of for you from your ski hire and lift pass right through to your daily meals and lift to the slopes. You are also able to book professional childcare with your catered ski chalet to ensure your children are taken care of and that you have some free time to enjoy a great few runs up the hill followed by a vin chaud.

France is definitely one of the front runners for the best ski resorts in Europe with many offering the best ski conditions and terrain in the world. You do not have to travel as far afield as the states or Canada to be ensured of a holiday that provides fantastic snow conditions and a great range of both pistes and off piste skiing and snowboarding to keep even the most advanced and adventurous entertained.

France has a fantastic range of ski accommodation and family friendly resorts therefore, when booking your next family ski holiday be sure to consider a family ski holiday in France.

Olivia Gascoigne runs a ski holiday company called http://www.independentmountain.com specialising in ski holidays and summer holidays in the Alps. To find out more please contact olivia@independentmountain.com