Archive for 'Tourist Attractions in France'

The Old Port of Marseille is one of those romantic and perfectly scenic spots that makes for lifelong memories and magic moments. If you have found a vacation rental in Marseille, you should definitely set aside some time to visit this must-see star of the city and to go wander, experience all that it has to offer the discerning tourist, maybe grab a bite or a drink, and, ideally, time it to take in the sunset over this historic part of this city in France, the boats clustered around, and the glittering waters.

Located at the end of the Canebière, the main street of Marseille, the pedestrianised area that is the Old Port has been the natural harbour of the city since antiquity and remains a spiritual hub of Marseille as one of its most iconic areas. When the city was first founded by Greek settlers in 600BC, they originally built up their settlement around what is now the Old Port. It was the centre of maritime activity until the 19th century when new harbour moles, quays and docks were built to the north-west of the city, eventually resulting in the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. While the Old Port was left in ruins after bombing by the Nazis in World War II, it has since been restored and is now a marina and a terminal for local boat trips, as well as a local fish market. In 2013, it was largely pedestrianised and renovated extensively under Michel Desvigne Paysagistes, with Foster and Partners following an international competition.

Those who have found a vacation rental in Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur - or a holiday rental in Cannes or a rental in Marseille, in particular - who are looking for fun adventures to be had and things to see and do along the French Riviera, should consider planning a trip to the utterly beautiful island of Porquerolles. The largest of the three Îles d'Hyères islands in the Parc National de Port-Cros, Porquerolles is located off the coast of the region, between Marseille and Cannes. It is home to one village, founded in the 19th century, which was purchased, along with the whole island by the Belgian explorer François Joseph Fournier as a gift for his wife Sylvia. When she passed away in 1971, the French state procured 80% of the island, making it a national park and protecting its incredible natural beauty forevermore. Development and cars were both banned and, today, it is a bucolic paradise of perfectly picturesque Provençal landscapes and perfect beaches. Those spending time in this part of France who make the trip to this amazing place are certain to never forget her plentiful charms…

Nice is home to lots and lots of truly beautiful buildings and wonderful architectural gems both in and around the city. There are plenty in the city itself and if you have found a vacation rental in Nice, you don’t have to go far to refresh your eyes and soul with manmade architectural wonders. However, if you fancy experiencing the “around” part of “in and around the city” and venturing a bit further afield then why not go exploring the French Riviera and take a trip to the stunning Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, which really does make for a perfectly dreamy daytrip destination.

Home to a rich fine and decorative arts collection located inside a Belle Époque Italian-style palazzo and an incredible surrounding park that boasts nine distinct gardens, this gem on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a truly magical place. It was built by the heiress Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild at the beginning of the twentieth century over the course of seven years during which ten different architects were hired and fired in turn, the whole thing eventually came together in perfection and served as her residence and party villa until the 1930s. In her will, it was bequeathed to the Institute de France for use as a fine art museum and today displays over 5,000; from fine furniture to paintings and statuary to porcelain dinnerware.

Those with little ones who are planning a trip to France and who have found a vacation rental in Centre may want to take note of a very particular type of theme park that is located in the region. There are three parks by the name, “Le Château des Enigmes”, or Castle of Riddles. These are old castles that have been reimagined to be used as places for play and fun. Le Château des Enigmes - Val de Loire, or Château de Rocheux, is the branch located in the department of Loir et Cher, 17 km from Vendôme. Here you can explore the beautiful castle and the grounds, go on treasure hunts, try out the escape room, visit the animals on the farm and more. It is the ideal spot for a day out for the whole family, somewhere that younger kids, in particular, will really love!

Those who love the Great Outdoors and like to get out and about to explore will have plenty of places to do so while holidaying in France, which ranges from a windswept northern coast and a Mediterranean south coast to Alpine peaks, and from fields of lavender to lush pastures. Amongst all of your options, one of the most picture perfect of all is the 2,000-hectare Néouvielle Nature Reserve. Located right next to the Pyrenees National Park, this incredible part of the world is a lake district with snow peaks and an idyllic glacier-sculpted scenery comprised of meadows, pine forests, mirror-like lakes and much more besides. If you have found a vacation rental in Midi-Pyrénées, be sure to come and see this computer wallpaper come to life...