Meet the locals!
Posted by Admin 1.12.2011 | 0 Comments
Regional tourist board representatives will be at the show to give you an insider’s view of their local area. Maybe you’ll discover new places to visit, or tucked away jems that you simply must see on your next trip.
Arras
Just two hours from London, Arras is perfect for a short break. Famous for its squares in the Flemish baroque style, the citadel and the belfry – Arras is one of the few French cities which has two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Arras Fine Arts Museum, housed in Saint Vaast Benedictine abbey, is a must-do on the list for the visitor. There are, amongst the collection, early artifacts from the medieval era, French, Flemish and Dutch paintings, and, from March 2012, a special exhibition dedicated to horse drawn carriages of the French court, so there are plenty of fascinating objects to study and marvel at.
Aude
Aude has a very diverse terrain, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees. Discover the medieval castles, Romanesque abbeys, the cities of Carcassonne and Narbonne as well as a breathtaking landscape -perfect for walking tours and hiking. With one of the oldest vineyards in France, and a rich tradition of grand wines and fine cuisine, gastronomy is an art form in this area. The Canal du Midi runs through the region offering a delightfully leisurely way to take in the sights, stop off for delicious regional fare or just relax as the beautiful scenery floats by.
Auvergne
Located in the very heart of France, the Auvergne region is a unique area with a long and rich history. The towns and villages throughout the region are renowned for their art and history, with fortified castles and Roman churches to explore. The much prized ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ award has been given to 11 of the villages within Auvergne, each home to a variety of craftsmen and artists who proudly uphold their regional and artistic heritage. Gastronomy is an important part of the local culture, and five ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ cheeses are amongst their famed exports, including Saint-Nectaire and Bleu d’Auvergne.
Bordeaux
The city of Bordeaux has been through a time of restoration and improvement in recent years, and now is more beautiful then ever before. Countless monuments have been restored to their original splendour, the squares are lit up at night and the tram network now offers the visitor a great way to see the sights. Bordeaux has a world-wide reputation for the finest of wines, and also has over 1,000 restaurants to choose from – enough to put a smile on the face of even the most serious of foodie! Don't miss the famous Bordeaux Wine Festival, which runs from 28 June to 1 July 2012.
Boulogne
Boulogne-sur-Mer is the largest fishing port in France, and, as you would imagine, is home to a mouth-watering array of seafood dishes and specialities. Moules frites are an absolute must for any visit, followed by a stroll through the Boulogne open air market to take your pick of local produce including breads, soupe de poisson and honey. In the ‘Old Town’ area of Boulogne there is a fascinating collection of historic buildings to visit, including a 13th chateau and the vast ramparts surrounding this area of town.
