Is The Age Of Romance Over ?

"No, surely not" the cries go up.....
The subject came up while I was talking with a friend last week, both of us trying to lay it on thick about how romantic we were towards our respective wives.

Thing is, it will soon be our wedding anniversary and the plans are in operation to partake in a "second honeymoon", as a surprise for my wife.

My friend told me how he had set up a similar thing a while ago and he recommended that I take a look at this "Great Holiday Site" as he so rightly called it.

I followed his advice and was pleasantly surprised at the great deals on offer. Just about every base is covered on this site when it comes to Romantic, get away from it all breaks.

Problem number one .....Which location do we choose when presented with such a selection?
My first reaction was to go for St Lucia where wew had visited many years ago and had a great time.

Maybe, but then I saw Mauritius, a place we have always dreamed of visiting, scenery which is quite out of this world. Mountain streams surrounded by lush greenery and fantastic beaches might just tip the balance.

Let's Go South Into Spain....

Time to search for some winter sunshine? Why not nip down to Spain? Madrid has always been a favourite of mine.....a great place to relax or visit some of the fantastic architecture of the city. This time, when looking for hotels in Madrid I happened to find a great site, really easy to use as far as booking your Madrid Accommodation goes.

Check out some of the prices for this time of year....Unbelievable !!!

Oh, I forgot to say, the locations don't stop in Europe. Visit this site for your hotel updates. I promise you will not be disappointed......

Visitors From Ireland

Visitors from Ireland last week to La Soumaille reluctantly left after a totally peaceful and relaxing week. Coreen, the lady of the household was telling us of the great deals to be had from Dublin Airport Hotels.
The family were able to securely leave their car in a secure parking area and stay at a Dublin Hotel overnight.
The next day they were with us in France, hiring a car at "this end". Mr and Mrs D. cannot speak to highly of Parking For Less and we have now include a link to them at http://www.lasoumaille.me.uk/links.html

Chambery, France

Discover Chambery France

Tip! Delivery of goods to your holiday home are normally subject to a hefty delivery charge

Chambery, located in the heart of the French Alps is the once capital of Savoie. It sits just near Lac du Bourget (Bourget Lake), looked upon by the Alps that surround it. Chambery is a city that can be both visited in the winter and summer. In the winter there are a number of ski resorts within easy driving distance. In the summer those same Alps that were skied, become hiking and backpacking trails and campgrounds.

The center of Chambery is the ‘old town' it includes a Chateau, once the residence of the dukes of Savoie, a 15th century Cathedral and a fine arts museum. There is also a ‘Fontaine des Elephants' (Elephants Fontaine) built in honor of the Comte de Boigne, who bestowed upon the city much wealth. A large portion of his personal wealth came from India, hence the Elephant Fontaine.

Tip! Always carry your passport whilst travelling in France

The center of Chambery offers not only tourist attractions but also many shops for buying your favorite French goods. If you are lucky it might be market day and you can buy some fresh local produce. Like so many cities in France Chambery is not only charming, it is also small enough to be walked comfortably. You will be able to see the center without getting sore feet! But if you do have that fear there is a tourist ‘train' that will take you through the center and let you visit with as little walking as possible.

Tip! Dont forget....most the shops in France close between 12.00 and 14.00

Chambery makes a good base for exploring the French Alps especially during the winter as it is within easy driving distance of such ski resort towns as Grenoble, Albertville, La Clusaz, Courchevel, Alpe d'Huez, Chamonix and Val d'Isère. In the summer other outdoor activities are possible including hiking and camping. As Chambery is close to three national parks, Parc national de la Vanoise, Parc Naturel Régional de Chartreuse and Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges. Other close natural attractions include, Lac du Bourget and Lac d'Aiguebelette. Two other popular summer lakes are Annecy Lake, within an hour's drive and Lake Geneva, two hours' drive.

Holidays in France Trips See Photos, Maps, Candid Reviews, Itineraries & Paris Deals.
Getting to Chambery is easy as it has a modern airport; the official name is Aéroport de Chambéry. The airport code is CMF. At the moment there are a number of ‘no thrills' airlines like Flybe and Jet2.com that have regular service to Chambery. These ‘no thrills' airlines fly from selected major European destinations like Amsterdam and Bruxelles along with such UK destinations as, Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester and Southampton.

French Vacation Rentals Vacation Rental villas, flats and homes around France.
Chambery can also be accessed by car from the A41 Autoroute Exit 13, Chambery Nord. Chambery is a little over an hour's drive from Lyon and about a seven hour drive from Paris. Chambery also has train access. If you plan on coming from Paris the best thing to do is take the TGV (high speed train), it only takes about an hour and a half and then transfer to a regional train in Lyon that goes to Chambery.

France, Countryside Enjoy la belle vie , own a property in the french countryside.
Chambery can also be used as a base to visit other European cities and countries like Geneva, Switzerland and Turin in Italy. Each are within in a two hour drive.

France Travel Learn more about holidays in france.
For information on getting to Chambery see ==>http://www.chamberyairport.net
Jeff Steiner
The author of this article has created a number of sites about France. Including The Practical Guide to Chambery Airport - http://www.chamberyairport.net/ which offers more information about the Chambery Airport including airport access, car hire, bus transfer...

Toulouse Airport

Toulouse Airport In South West France

After Paris, which is the largest airport in France, Toulouse airport (TLS) ranks number 4 in size and capacity, following on from Nice airport, Lyon airport and Marseille airport.
Toulouse airport handles over five and a half million passengers per year, although the terminal has been designed with a capacity of 6.2 million passengers per year, and is the second largest freight airport after Paris. This makes Toulouse airport arrivals the busiest of all the airports that serve the Languedoc area of South west France.

The airport terminal building covers a massive 61,000 sqm and the airport itself sits on a plot of almost 780 hectares.
Toulouse airport departures are handled by 68 check in desks and 28 departure gates, rather more than you'll find at other airports that serve the Languedoc

Toulouse Airport Taxis
You will find the taxis just in front of the terminal building. As you walk out of the airport terminal building you'll see the taxis lined up in front of you. All taxis in France are metered so don't worry about the driver making up a price out of thin air. The journey from the airport to the very centre of town is around 8km and should only take about 10 minutes or so.

If you'd rather pre-book, then you might like to consider a private transfer and you can book through companies such as Holiday Taxis.co.uk.

Toulouse Airport Buses
Buses from Toulouse airport depart from Door C on the ground floor level, which is the arrivals hall level. Buses from the airport to the town centre run every day starting at 07:35 hrs Mon - Sat, and 09:15 hrs Sundays and Public holidays. Buses leave every 20 mins so don't worry if you miss one.
Accommodation in France. Vacation Rentals & Hotels in France. Plus France Travel Guide with Pictures, Maps, Info & Much More.
You can buy a bus ticket on board or from the bus ticket office in the airport.
Ticket prices are as follows;
Single fare: 3.90€
France Travel Learn more about holidays in france.
Return fare: 5.90€ (Valid 2 months)
Single fare for parties of ten or more: 2.40€
Student fare: 3.00€
Student return fare: 4.50€ (Valid 2 months)
Toulouse Airport Parking
Toulouse airport parking has spaces for nearly 7,000 cars, including almost 80 spaces for disabled drivers.
Eons Travel Discover, Plan & go 50+ 1-stop travel center for 50+ travelers discover the possibilities.
There are two short stay car parks; P0 and P1, as well as three longer term car parks, P2, P3 and P5. It's worth knowing that P0 and P1 give you the first 30 mins free.
Holidays in France Trips See Photos, Maps, Candid Reviews, Itineraries & Paris Deals.
Car parks P2 and P5 have a free shuttle bus to take you between the car park and the terminal building.
There are seven hire car companies with desks at Toulouse airport. These companies combined have more than 2500 vehicles at their disposal from Toulouse airport.
Toulouse Airport Shopping and Eating
France, Countryside Enjoy la belle vie , own a property in the french countryside.
Two restaurants serve the airport, both situated on the second floor of the terminal building. They are "L'Horizon" and "Le Pre Carre".
In addition to this there are seven other bars and cafes:
France Golf Vacations Custom-designed, chauffeur and self driven French golf vacations.
Bye Bye Café - International departure lounge in Hall C. Ciel Mon Café - Departure lounge in Hall C. L'Escale - Shopping mall on the departure level in Hall C. Sand Show - Shopping mall in the public area on the departure level in Hall B. Ségafrédo Hall B - Departure lounge in Hall B. Ségafrédo Hall C - Departure lounge in Hall C. Terminal - Departure lounge in Hall C.
Toulouse airport shops are divided into two areas. Those in the public area and those in the departure lounge.
In the Public area you'll find;
"Art Espace" an art gallery with sculptures, paintings and glasswork.
"Ducs de Gascogne" with a full range of regional and delicatessen products such as pates and fois gras.
French Chateau Holidays 100+ Self catering & catered French chateaux & castles for exclusive hire. Chateaux in every region of France. Book online with the owner today and become King of your own private castle.
"Marionnaud" awell known perfume chain. "Relay" stocking books, magazines and gifts for all the family.
In the boarding area you'll find;
"Aeroboutique" a duty free shop with a selection of cosmetics, wines, perfumes and travel items. "Relay" stocking books, magazines and gifts for all the family.
The Address For Toulouse Airport is:
Toulouse Airport, Blagnac,
BP 90103,
31703
Blagnac Cedex
Telephone : (00 33) 5 61.42.44.00

Gary Ingram runs Spanish Airport Guide and has recently added a whole section on Languedoc Airports to Languedoc Holiday Guide. You can now find in depth information on all seven airports that cover the Languedoc Area including: Toulouse Airport and Carcassonne Airport.
Holidays in France - Save Now Discounts up to 70% on Holidays in France. Choose from a huge selection of Hotels, Motels and Resorts. Book online or call now and Save.

Darling Harbour - Sydney

If you are travelling to Sydney, consider spending some time at Darling Harbour, developed in 1980 as a leisure complex, rising from the site of previous docklands.
One of the main features is the New Sydney Art Gallery which opens from 9.00 until 17.00 daily.
If you book your stay through cheaperthanhotels.com a typical visit can cost from 195 Australian Dollars. (Clarion Suites Southern Cross)

Many people take the ferry from Sydney to enjoy the renowned nightlife which is second to none in this region.
Don’t forget, for Darling Harbour Hotels ,cheaperthanhotels.com can beat any price and provide unbeatable service for your trip to Darling Harbour.

'The Malaya' is a highly recommended restaurant, just the place for dinner. An ideal place to start the evening before going to the famous Cargo Bar. This bar and restaurant are located at King Street Wharf. Malaysian food at its best together with reasonable prices, and great atmosphere.
On last minute deals, cheaperthanhotels.com allows you to pay the deposit and settle the balance at your destination.

Associated links :
Darling Harbour Hotels
Sydney Accommodation

Accommodation In The Gold Coast

Ever fancied a trip to the continent of Australia? Many people are put off by the thought of enormous prices to match the enormous continent.

Be put off no more..... Accommodation can be found which will truly surprise you


Cheaperthanhotels.com is a company who have been offering great prices on travel for approximately 11 years.


With near on 100 million deals on travel per year, Cheaperthanhotels.com know the business inside out.

This must be the place for Surfers . Miles and miles of unspoilt beaches make it very difficult to tear yourself away from this Paradise at the end of your vacation.


Their site is very well designed with customer ease of use a priority. All kinds of accommodation are available and you can find prices starting from 60 Australian Dollars.

If you are looking for Cheap Gold Coast Hotels try this company for the complete package.

At the prices charged by Cheaperthanhotels.com a trip to the Gold Coast need not be "a trip of a lifetime" but one of many.

Want To Learn Some Air Travel Secrets?

I get loads of customers who come to our French Gite or on a Phototour holiday asking an important question. Where can we get cheaper air travel....you must know?
Well, until recently I could just have pointed people in the direction of the "cheaper" airlines but now I have some inside information.
My friend Tony was fired by a major airline, being accused of something he didn't even do. Revenge is sweet or so they say. He has spilled the beans and provided a wealth of air travel secrets the airlines really don't want you to know about. You really can get "giveaway" prices for your air travel needs.
I was flabbergasted and Tony is getting a lot of flack from the Big Boys in the airline for revealing all. It might pay to check it out before they stop him.

Oradour-sur-Glane.........Part 3

Final Part Of The Oradour-sur-Glane Story

How far from the truth could this assumption be? The women and children were taken to the church and the men to several barns. Within a short period of time, Oradour-sur-Glane was raised to the ground. 642 people executed and their bodies burnt leaving just 6 survivors. The youngest to suffer being just one week old.

In the trial that followed in 1953 it was found that the act was a measure of retaliation by the SS against resistance activity.

At this time, a new town was built alongside the remains of the sprawling, sad monument of a previous time. The full article can be viewed here

Oradour-sur-Glane........Part 2

Reminders Of The Carnage Litter The Streets....

Once a typical peaceful pretty French village thriving with life, a central hub of the local communes where people would make a point to come and visit the vast array of shops and facilities, plenty of places for families to have picnics and generally enjoy themselves.

The people of Oradour-sur-Glane were well aware of the German occupation in the surrounding areas but considered themselves “distant” from the events and effects of the Second World War.

All this was to change in one fell swoop on June 10th 1944. A group of German SS soldiers were stationed at St Junien, a nearby town. They moved into Oradour on this hot June day and began to segregate the inhabitants, women and children into one group and the men into several other groups. At the time, there was nothing to suggest the forthcoming chain of events and the people assumed it was the preamble to an identity check.

Hawaii Beach Condos

Think of a beautiful ocean, fantastic beaches, scenery to die for and a surfer’s paradise. What word comes to mind. Ninety nine percent of people will say “Hawaii” and with good reason.

Why not take your vision one step further and rent a Hawaii Beach Condo.This is as about as close as you can get to experiencing living the dream. With a Hawaii Beach Condo your vacation will be a lot different to the normal tourist visit.

Step out of your door in the mornings directly onto the beach. If nature’s great natural swimming pool isn’t enough, you can always rent a Hawaii Beach Condo with its own or a shared pool.

Oradour-sur-Glane......Part 1

There is avillage close to Limoges that was destroyed but it's ruins stand as a monument to times past.....

Oradour-sur-Glane is a village close to Limoges which stands as a giant monument to the atrocities of war. General de Gaulle requested the village to be left in this condition as a reminder to the mindless acts of man in times of war.

Collanges la Rouge

We visited Collanges la Rouge yesterday.
It's a beautiful little village about 40 mins drive from our house in Correze
Once a well known halt on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route, it became known as the "Town Of 25 Towers". Dating from the XVI century, most of its buildings are constructed from deep red sandstone.

Until 1730, it remained entirely independant from the French Crown.
Collonges la Rouge has now survives mainly on tourism and agriculture. Absolutely brilliant from a photographic point of view.

Planning A Trip To Jersey City?

One place I have always wanted to visit is Jersey City. Take a look at http://www.destinationjerseycity.com and you will see why. On this well designed site one can gain a great insight into what to expect on your arrival at Jersey City.

A nice little preamble from Mayor Healy then onto the well documented headings…..Plan A Trip, Transportation, Accommodation, Maps and Things To Do. The various sections are worth a visit just for the interesting information to be found there.

Destination: Jersey City uses flash on their page headings but do slow down loading speeds to any noticeable extent. One minor “niggle” with the Jersey City Site is that it does not cater for the smaller monitor resulting in the need for horizontal scrolling.

Advice On Renovating Old Buildings

Should anybody require advice on renovating old French buildings or ancient buildings in any shape or form let me know......spent 30 odd years specialising in this field

Biker Friendly

Had some bikers stay at the gite last week. What a great bunch of guys. Have made changes to our website to reflect the fact that they are welcome. They couldn't get over how good the roads are for biking.

I've Found A Great Site....

Hi Folks,
I have just come across a great blogsite - Blogsvertise -
You just sign up for a free account from which you write about services, products and other sites. Post these on your blog to provide publicity for the respective companies and Guess What!!........You get paid for trouble.
Go to - Blogsvertise.....It can't get much better than that.

Photographic Tours | Photography Holidays | France

Photographic Tours | Photography Holidays | France

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everybody...I hope this year brings all you want. It's a bit overcast in Correze at the moment but still pretty warm (about 13 deg). Good time of year to think about a Phototour. Hope to see you soon

Mike