Having completed your removals to France it is more than likely that, once you’ve settled into your new home, you’ll want to spread your wings a bit and visit some of the country’s tourist attractions.
As you know France has some very popular attractions: the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and The Louvre, to name a few, but you may well have seen them by now. Your move to France will give you the opportunity to visit some of the country’s more unusual offerings: places that are not necessarily at the top of any tourists’ list, but nevertheless ones that are definitely worth a visit.
We have compiled a list of some of these lesser-known attractions, covering everything from sewers, to playing cards, corkscrews and cheese. Read on to discover our pick of some of the strangest, most extraordinary museums France has to offer.
Hamiltons Removals Click here to find out how we can help with your move or contact us to discuss the type of service you require.
Museums in France with a Difference
Paris Sewer Museum
Opposite 93 Quai d'Orsay
75007 Paris
If engineering is your thing, you’re in for a real (if slightly smelly!) treat here. The museum is actually a working part of the Parisian sewer system. Along its walls are pictures chronicling the changes made to the system as it was adapted to meet the growing needs for waste disposal in the city and the technology for keeping the pipes clean. Top tip: this brief but fascinating tour is best enjoyed whilst breathing through your mouth.
Paris Museum of Playing Cards
Rue Auguste Gervais
Issy
75000 Paris
Whilst the city of Turnhout in Belgium is widely recognised as the home of the playing card in Europe, this interesting diversion in Paris traces the history of their development throughout France. Founded on a collection by Louis Chardonneret in 1930, the number of exhibits grew thanks to Robert Thissen's donation of modern cards in 1986. Most remarkable are the many artistic changes to the face cards and styles of suits over the years.
Museum of Glasses and Lorgnettes
380 rue Saint Honore
75001 Paris
This museum focuses on everything to do with eye-wear and leads you from the 13th Century, right through to today’s fashions. There are more than 3000 examples on display including eyeglasses, monocles, pince-nez and opera glasses. You'll see the glasses worn by The Dalai Lama, Sammy Davis Jr and Elton John among others. The exhibition also covers the development of the telescope and field glasses.
Museum of Ironwork
2, Rue Jacques Villon
76000 Rouen
If you are moving to Rouen, or anywhere nearby for that matter, you must go to the Museum of Ironwork. It's fascinating, and even if the idea of looking at lots of bent metal doesn't appeal, we assure you that once you've stepped inside the magnificent 15th-century Eglise St-Laurent (that houses the collection), your imagination will run riot. You'll find all kinds of ironwork on display, from the most brutal and functional, to the highly delicate and decorative. It beggars belief that one medium and one art form can have so many different uses.
Corkscrew Museum
Domaine de la Citadelle,
Rte de Cavaillon,
84560, Menerbes,
With over 1000 exhibits ranging from the refined to the down right lewdicrous (a deliberate miss-spelling), this collection has to be seen to be believed. As an aside, the collection and the attached vineyard are owned by film producer Yves Rousset-Rouard, the man behind "A Little Romance" starring Diane Lane and Laurence Olivier.
Camembert Cheese Museum
Le bourg
61120 Camembert
A tour of the Camembert Cheese Museum sees you surrounded by ancient milk churns and laurel boxes as you learn of the process by which three pints of milk are turned into a pound of cheese which is then left to mature for two months. Interestingly, the exhibition features an ever-increasing collection of Camembert cheese labels from places such as Chile, Denmark and New Zealand. This is because the name “Camembert” was never AOC protected, unlike the name “Champagne”.
Prune Museum in Agen
Berino-Martinet Farm
47320 Lafitte-sur-Lot
The Prune Museum celebrates 100 years of traditional prune cultivation. There are a number of exhibition rooms featuring some traditional prune drying ovens. In one of the drying rooms you'll see an actual reconstruction of the prune drying process, and the workers wear period dress to bring the whole experience to life. For a more modern take on all things, you can visit one of three projection rooms to watch a 25 minute video which takes you to the heart of the orchards and the production process.
We hope you've enjoyed our little trip around some of the more unusual museums of France. If you come across any that we haven’t included here, please tell us about them in the comments section below, and we will try to include them in future articles on the subject.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals offer high quality removals to Switzerland. Whether you require packing, cleaning and storage or just the transportation of your belongings, we offer a tailor made service to suit.
Whatever your requirements, contact Hamiltons Removals today and let us take care of your European removals.
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
Removals to France: A Brief Regional Guide to the Weather in France
One of the most attractive things about moving to France is the prospect of all that better weather. If your move to France is taking you to the south of the country, you’ll regularly experience summer temperatures in the late 70’s to early 80’s °F. And whilst that’s not up in the hundreds, it is still comfortably warm.
It’s not just the south of France that offers such good weather either. If you are moving to Poitou Charentes, Burgundy or Ile de France, you can look forward to fine temperatures. In fact, it’s fair to say that wherever your removals to France takes you, your summers will be a delight as August daytime temperatures rarely fall to below 70°F. If you prefer a cooler climate, as some do, you might want to consider moving to Brittany in northern France or to the French Alps in the east. The climate in northern France is quite similar to that of the southern English counties of Cornwall, Sussex and Kent.
At Hamiltons Removals, we have been taking care of our clients’ removals to France for over 20 years. Depending on the service you require, our removals operatives will pack, load and then unpack your items on arrival. Larger items, which may need to be dismantled for transportation - like wardrobes, beds and sofas - will be re-assembled with the utmost care; all this is done with the politeness and professionalism upon which we base our reputation.
Here at Hamiltons Removals we like to see our customers comfortably settled in their new home, so we have compiled a brief rundown of the weather you can expect in some of the most popular areas in France. Read on to discover some of the best locations in France to get a great tan, and those parts of the country where the climate is more temperate than Mediterranean.
Removals to France – Click here for a free detailed quote of your move or contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
The Weather in France
Paris
If you are moving to Paris, in the Ile de France region, you’ll find the weather somewhat comparable to London. Paris is an area known for its low rainfall, but every now and then she'll surprise you with a brief but quite heavy downpour, almost regardless of the time of year. That said, Parisian summers are generally pleasant, rating somewhere between mild and warm. Like London, Paris is also prone to the occasional heat wave, turning trips to the banks of La Seine into mini summer holidays. The similarity to London doesn't end there; winters in Paris are cold with temperatures hovering at or near freezing.
Nord Pas-de-Calais
Nord-Pas-de-Calais, in the north of France, is cool for most of the year but it does get some very pleasant weather in summer. The really nice thing about moving to the Nord-Pas-de-Calais is that there are hardly ever any real extremes of temperature. The summers are mild to quite hot, and whilst the winters may freeze over sometimes, this is quite rare. The climate here can be likened to that in Kent and the south of England, as well as to that in the south west of France, although it can get quite wet down there at certain times of the year.
Franche-Comte
Those of you moving to Franche-Comte in eastern France are in for a real treat weather-wise. You'll need to kit your wardrobes out with everything from summer dresses/shorts and linen suits to woolly hats, thick jumpers, raincoats and wellies. Franche-Comté's weather is truly continental. Your summers will be hot and your winters cold - and it'll rain too, quite often when you least expect it! Changeable is the best way to describe the weather here, or perhaps unpredictable; a real home from home.
Poitou Charentes
Anyone moving to Poitou-Charentes in the south west of France can look forward to one of the most pleasant climates in the country. The winters are mild and the summers are hot but not in any way humid. Theirs is a dry, pleasant heat, which is easy to work in and even more of a joy not to. The area is famed for its production of wine and it’s these non-extremes of temperature, combined with regular but not excessive rainfall, that contribute so well to the verdant and fertile landscape.
Rhone Alps
If you and your family are moving to the Rhone-Alps region in south eastern France, you can expect changeable weather which leans more towards wet than dry. Summers here are hot and can be quite humid, and winter temperatures are kept low by the neighbouring Alpine mountains. The mountains, of course, are a huge draw to the area as they bring with them the prospect of adrenaline fuelled winter sports. We’ll pack your skis with the greatest of care.
Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
If not for the weather, why else would you be moving to Cote d'Azur? And who can blame you? As we write this article (in August) temperatures are being recorded all over France at between 65 and 72 °F. However, in the Côte d'Azur, on the French Riviera, it is 80°F. The region is known for its very pleasant year round climate and particularly for its beautifully sunny and dry summers. Its Mediterranean climate has tempted many a British visitor to up sticks and move here over the years and the attraction shows no sign of dwindling. They say that warm weather and sunshine are good for us, and with around 2,830 hours of sunshine a year the Cote d'Azur has that "feel good factor".
Corsica
Corsica too has a Mediterranean climate. If you are moving to Corsica you can expect summer temperatures of anything between 75 and 80°F in July and August and even in the grip of winter, it never gets much below 55°F. By mid-July and lasting right through to October, going for a dip in the sea feels like stepping into to a lovely warm bath, and even in December you'll be able to get away with shorts and a T-shirt.
Lorraine
If you are moving to Lorraine in northeastern France, you are not going there for the sun and the warmth. Located near to the border with Luxembourg, you may well be looking forward to skiing in the Vosges Mountains or to trekking around its rivers, lakes, and parks; but our guess is you won’t be going there for a tan. Summers are humid and the warmest month is August. You can expect temperatures in the late 70’s °F, but you won’t find it the type of heat you’ll find further south; and in January the barometer might register 37°F if you’re lucky.
Midi Pyrenees
If you’re a sun worshipper, we would strongly recommend moving to the Midi-Pyrenees. It is one of the sunniest regions in France. July and August are the best months of the year - with strong sun and intense heat; but the beauty of this region is that the high temperatures of the day are countered by cooler evenings and nights, making for a more comfortable nights' sleep. You know the Indian summers we in Britain hope for the following year after a disappointing July and August? Well, in the Midi Pyrenees you can look forward to this, most of the time.
Brittany
The weather in Brittany has often been compared to that in Cornwall and other south western parts of the UK, and there are similarities of course. The two areas are not that far from one another after all. If you are moving to Brittany you can, however, expect it to be at least a few degrees warmer. You can look forward to enjoying the same lush countryside, similarly beautiful walks and scenery, but it’s just a few degrees warmer with a different language, a different culture and a more relaxed pace of life – perfect.
Upper Normandy
Upper Normandy in the North-West of France in general experiences mild weather throughout the year. This is because its western side fronts on to the Atlantic Ocean. There are rarely any extremes of temperature here, though it can rain quite a bit. This again is not a region favoured by the sun worshipper; if you are moving to Upper Normandy, be prepared for mild autumns, cool winters, warm springs and pleasantly hot (but not over-powering) summers.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals are members of The British Association of Removers (BAR), The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and we are BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered. We are big enough to have all the necessary resources at our fingertips and yet small enough to really care about what our customers think. We have a growing list of testimonials from people we have helped move to all four corners of the world and we look forward to being able to add your name to that list.
High Quality Removals Click here for a free quotation for domestic or worldwide removals.
It’s not just the south of France that offers such good weather either. If you are moving to Poitou Charentes, Burgundy or Ile de France, you can look forward to fine temperatures. In fact, it’s fair to say that wherever your removals to France takes you, your summers will be a delight as August daytime temperatures rarely fall to below 70°F. If you prefer a cooler climate, as some do, you might want to consider moving to Brittany in northern France or to the French Alps in the east. The climate in northern France is quite similar to that of the southern English counties of Cornwall, Sussex and Kent.
At Hamiltons Removals, we have been taking care of our clients’ removals to France for over 20 years. Depending on the service you require, our removals operatives will pack, load and then unpack your items on arrival. Larger items, which may need to be dismantled for transportation - like wardrobes, beds and sofas - will be re-assembled with the utmost care; all this is done with the politeness and professionalism upon which we base our reputation.
Here at Hamiltons Removals we like to see our customers comfortably settled in their new home, so we have compiled a brief rundown of the weather you can expect in some of the most popular areas in France. Read on to discover some of the best locations in France to get a great tan, and those parts of the country where the climate is more temperate than Mediterranean.
Removals to France – Click here for a free detailed quote of your move or contact us to discuss your individual requirements.
The Weather in France
Paris
If you are moving to Paris, in the Ile de France region, you’ll find the weather somewhat comparable to London. Paris is an area known for its low rainfall, but every now and then she'll surprise you with a brief but quite heavy downpour, almost regardless of the time of year. That said, Parisian summers are generally pleasant, rating somewhere between mild and warm. Like London, Paris is also prone to the occasional heat wave, turning trips to the banks of La Seine into mini summer holidays. The similarity to London doesn't end there; winters in Paris are cold with temperatures hovering at or near freezing.
Nord Pas-de-Calais
Nord-Pas-de-Calais, in the north of France, is cool for most of the year but it does get some very pleasant weather in summer. The really nice thing about moving to the Nord-Pas-de-Calais is that there are hardly ever any real extremes of temperature. The summers are mild to quite hot, and whilst the winters may freeze over sometimes, this is quite rare. The climate here can be likened to that in Kent and the south of England, as well as to that in the south west of France, although it can get quite wet down there at certain times of the year.
Franche-Comte
Those of you moving to Franche-Comte in eastern France are in for a real treat weather-wise. You'll need to kit your wardrobes out with everything from summer dresses/shorts and linen suits to woolly hats, thick jumpers, raincoats and wellies. Franche-Comté's weather is truly continental. Your summers will be hot and your winters cold - and it'll rain too, quite often when you least expect it! Changeable is the best way to describe the weather here, or perhaps unpredictable; a real home from home.
Poitou Charentes
Anyone moving to Poitou-Charentes in the south west of France can look forward to one of the most pleasant climates in the country. The winters are mild and the summers are hot but not in any way humid. Theirs is a dry, pleasant heat, which is easy to work in and even more of a joy not to. The area is famed for its production of wine and it’s these non-extremes of temperature, combined with regular but not excessive rainfall, that contribute so well to the verdant and fertile landscape.
Rhone Alps
If you and your family are moving to the Rhone-Alps region in south eastern France, you can expect changeable weather which leans more towards wet than dry. Summers here are hot and can be quite humid, and winter temperatures are kept low by the neighbouring Alpine mountains. The mountains, of course, are a huge draw to the area as they bring with them the prospect of adrenaline fuelled winter sports. We’ll pack your skis with the greatest of care.
Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
If not for the weather, why else would you be moving to Cote d'Azur? And who can blame you? As we write this article (in August) temperatures are being recorded all over France at between 65 and 72 °F. However, in the Côte d'Azur, on the French Riviera, it is 80°F. The region is known for its very pleasant year round climate and particularly for its beautifully sunny and dry summers. Its Mediterranean climate has tempted many a British visitor to up sticks and move here over the years and the attraction shows no sign of dwindling. They say that warm weather and sunshine are good for us, and with around 2,830 hours of sunshine a year the Cote d'Azur has that "feel good factor".
Corsica
Corsica too has a Mediterranean climate. If you are moving to Corsica you can expect summer temperatures of anything between 75 and 80°F in July and August and even in the grip of winter, it never gets much below 55°F. By mid-July and lasting right through to October, going for a dip in the sea feels like stepping into to a lovely warm bath, and even in December you'll be able to get away with shorts and a T-shirt.
Lorraine
If you are moving to Lorraine in northeastern France, you are not going there for the sun and the warmth. Located near to the border with Luxembourg, you may well be looking forward to skiing in the Vosges Mountains or to trekking around its rivers, lakes, and parks; but our guess is you won’t be going there for a tan. Summers are humid and the warmest month is August. You can expect temperatures in the late 70’s °F, but you won’t find it the type of heat you’ll find further south; and in January the barometer might register 37°F if you’re lucky.
Midi Pyrenees
If you’re a sun worshipper, we would strongly recommend moving to the Midi-Pyrenees. It is one of the sunniest regions in France. July and August are the best months of the year - with strong sun and intense heat; but the beauty of this region is that the high temperatures of the day are countered by cooler evenings and nights, making for a more comfortable nights' sleep. You know the Indian summers we in Britain hope for the following year after a disappointing July and August? Well, in the Midi Pyrenees you can look forward to this, most of the time.
Brittany
The weather in Brittany has often been compared to that in Cornwall and other south western parts of the UK, and there are similarities of course. The two areas are not that far from one another after all. If you are moving to Brittany you can, however, expect it to be at least a few degrees warmer. You can look forward to enjoying the same lush countryside, similarly beautiful walks and scenery, but it’s just a few degrees warmer with a different language, a different culture and a more relaxed pace of life – perfect.
Upper Normandy
Upper Normandy in the North-West of France in general experiences mild weather throughout the year. This is because its western side fronts on to the Atlantic Ocean. There are rarely any extremes of temperature here, though it can rain quite a bit. This again is not a region favoured by the sun worshipper; if you are moving to Upper Normandy, be prepared for mild autumns, cool winters, warm springs and pleasantly hot (but not over-powering) summers.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals are members of The British Association of Removers (BAR), The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and we are BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered. We are big enough to have all the necessary resources at our fingertips and yet small enough to really care about what our customers think. We have a growing list of testimonials from people we have helped move to all four corners of the world and we look forward to being able to add your name to that list.
High Quality Removals Click here for a free quotation for domestic or worldwide removals.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Removals to France – Nature Reserves
If you have a passion for nature, wildlife and the great outdoors, you’ll be delighted to know that wherever your removals to France takes you, you’ll never be too far away from a nature reserve – and some of them are really quite spectacular.
Whether you’re moving to Paris, Marseille or Lyon or to a smaller village tucked away in the idyllic French countryside, there are some excellent reserves to visit. These will give you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle, get close to nature and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.
Here we take a look at some of the best nature reserves France has to offer.
Moving House to France – Click here for more information on our professional removal services and how we can help you with your European move.
Best Nature Reserves in France
Delta de la Dranse National Nature Reserve
Located in south eastern France, close to Thonon-les-Bains in the Haute-Savoie region, this small nature reserve, covering just 130 acres, is as notable for its geology as it is for its flora and fauna. Time and tide have left their mark here, the retreating glaciers giving rise to terraces of alluvium, sand, stones and pebbles. The European beaver has made its home on the banks of Lake Geneva and the area is visited by more than 200 different species of bird; chief among them being the Red-crested Pochard, the Little Ringed Plover, the Common Tern and the Common Gull.
Le Marais de Lavours
After nearly a year of closure, a brand new pathway on stilts will open to the public in March 2014. Visitors will be able to enjoy a trip to the marshlands of Lavours, in Ain, eastern France, to view rare butterflies and birds such as the curlew, marsh harrier, common snipe, bluethroat and savi's warbler among others. Wild boar are in abundance here, as are deer, beavers, foxes and polecats. The marsh has more than its fair share of flora too with a healthy mix of flowering plants and grasses providing shelter and breeding grounds for a wealth of insects.
The Passy National Nature Reserve
Another nature reserve in the Haute-Savoie region of eastern France, this one is approximately 4,240 acres. Its valley position, on the lower faces of the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc mountain ranges, has contributed to the diversity of its make up. This is the land of the eagle and the Alpine ibex as well as the marmot, grouse and ptarmigan. Hiking and mountain biking are actively encouraged, and hour long guided tours are available where you can view all the reserve has to offer. There is also a nature trail for children, which runs along the forest floor.
Paulilles Recreational Park
Located in the Languedoc-Roussilon region, between the towns of Port-Vendres, and Banyuls-sur-Mer, this former Nobel dynamite factory has now been renovated and features a museum explaining the history of the site. Set within landscaped gardens with picnic spots providing wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains, many of the buildings are still intact and have been preserved, whilst its surroundings have been left to return to nature under the watchful eye of Natura 2000. There are numerous trails to follow, both on foot and by mountain bike, and these are marked out in French with easy-to-follow pictorial representations.
Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve
Located near Talloires, on the eastern bank of Lake Annecy, The Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve is small but beautifully formed. Covering just 170 acres on a mountain that reaches no higher than 2,136 ft, it has been a protected nature reserve since 1977 and for good reason. It is geologically important, resulting from glacial movement dating back millions of years, and it is also important ecologically as it is home to a large wildlife population. Birdlife, in particular, is thriving here with Eurasian crag martins, peregrine falcons, black kites and yellow-legged gulls nesting in its cliffs.
Sabot de Frotey National Nature Reserve
Located in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. The Sabot de Frotey, "sabot" meaning shoe in French, features a large horseshoe shaped rock overlooking the city of Vesoul. This 9 kilometre walk includes a 120 metre incline, making it unsuitable for push or wheel chairs. Along the way, you’ll see up to 20 different kinds of orchid and may well catch sight or sound of woodlarks, black woodpeckers and nightjars. The reserve has free access trails but it is shared with dozens of private plots so walkers and hikers are politely requested to observe any barriers, gates or fences.
About Hamiltons Removals
We offer a full range of removal services to suit your individual requirements. Whether you are moving to France from the UK, from Europe or overseas, our friendly team will ensure your move proceeds smoothly from start to finish.
UK, European and Overseas Removals to France Click here for full information on our services or please contact us to discuss your move.
Whether you’re moving to Paris, Marseille or Lyon or to a smaller village tucked away in the idyllic French countryside, there are some excellent reserves to visit. These will give you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle, get close to nature and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.
Here we take a look at some of the best nature reserves France has to offer.
Moving House to France – Click here for more information on our professional removal services and how we can help you with your European move.
Best Nature Reserves in France
Delta de la Dranse National Nature Reserve
Located in south eastern France, close to Thonon-les-Bains in the Haute-Savoie region, this small nature reserve, covering just 130 acres, is as notable for its geology as it is for its flora and fauna. Time and tide have left their mark here, the retreating glaciers giving rise to terraces of alluvium, sand, stones and pebbles. The European beaver has made its home on the banks of Lake Geneva and the area is visited by more than 200 different species of bird; chief among them being the Red-crested Pochard, the Little Ringed Plover, the Common Tern and the Common Gull.
Le Marais de Lavours
After nearly a year of closure, a brand new pathway on stilts will open to the public in March 2014. Visitors will be able to enjoy a trip to the marshlands of Lavours, in Ain, eastern France, to view rare butterflies and birds such as the curlew, marsh harrier, common snipe, bluethroat and savi's warbler among others. Wild boar are in abundance here, as are deer, beavers, foxes and polecats. The marsh has more than its fair share of flora too with a healthy mix of flowering plants and grasses providing shelter and breeding grounds for a wealth of insects.
The Passy National Nature Reserve
Another nature reserve in the Haute-Savoie region of eastern France, this one is approximately 4,240 acres. Its valley position, on the lower faces of the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc mountain ranges, has contributed to the diversity of its make up. This is the land of the eagle and the Alpine ibex as well as the marmot, grouse and ptarmigan. Hiking and mountain biking are actively encouraged, and hour long guided tours are available where you can view all the reserve has to offer. There is also a nature trail for children, which runs along the forest floor.
Paulilles Recreational Park
Located in the Languedoc-Roussilon region, between the towns of Port-Vendres, and Banyuls-sur-Mer, this former Nobel dynamite factory has now been renovated and features a museum explaining the history of the site. Set within landscaped gardens with picnic spots providing wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding mountains, many of the buildings are still intact and have been preserved, whilst its surroundings have been left to return to nature under the watchful eye of Natura 2000. There are numerous trails to follow, both on foot and by mountain bike, and these are marked out in French with easy-to-follow pictorial representations.
Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve
Located near Talloires, on the eastern bank of Lake Annecy, The Roc de Chère National Nature Reserve is small but beautifully formed. Covering just 170 acres on a mountain that reaches no higher than 2,136 ft, it has been a protected nature reserve since 1977 and for good reason. It is geologically important, resulting from glacial movement dating back millions of years, and it is also important ecologically as it is home to a large wildlife population. Birdlife, in particular, is thriving here with Eurasian crag martins, peregrine falcons, black kites and yellow-legged gulls nesting in its cliffs.
Sabot de Frotey National Nature Reserve
Located in the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. The Sabot de Frotey, "sabot" meaning shoe in French, features a large horseshoe shaped rock overlooking the city of Vesoul. This 9 kilometre walk includes a 120 metre incline, making it unsuitable for push or wheel chairs. Along the way, you’ll see up to 20 different kinds of orchid and may well catch sight or sound of woodlarks, black woodpeckers and nightjars. The reserve has free access trails but it is shared with dozens of private plots so walkers and hikers are politely requested to observe any barriers, gates or fences.
About Hamiltons Removals
We offer a full range of removal services to suit your individual requirements. Whether you are moving to France from the UK, from Europe or overseas, our friendly team will ensure your move proceeds smoothly from start to finish.
UK, European and Overseas Removals to France Click here for full information on our services or please contact us to discuss your move.
Saturday, 19 October 2013
A Modern History of French Food
With your removals to France in their planning stages, there’ll be plenty to look forward to, not least the wonderful array of fine French foods. From le petit déjeuner through to dining “a la carte”, the French make an event of every meal. This article takes a look at the modern history of French food and why it has become so famous the world over.
Removals to France – click here for full information on our France removals service.
In The Beginning
When tracing any history, the question is, how far back do you go? Well, believe it or not, there was a time when French cooking was not so great. It was generally quite bland and un-imaginative and unlike today, was not split into courses, so your pork, beef, poultry and fish dishes, all arrived at the same time. Seasoning and cooking techniques were not as varied as they are now and no real attention was paid to the variations on the palate.
The Italian Influence
When Catherine de Medicis of Italy married Henry Duke of Orleans, who was to become King Henry II of France, she bought with her some excellent Italian chefs. These culinary experts were well used to using such ingredients as truffles, garlic and mushrooms. They took the French court by storm with their cooking techniques, which were often imitated in high social circles. The 17th and 18th centuries saw the birth of Haute Cuisine and thanks largely to chef Francois Pierre de la Varenne, more and more French chefs began experimenting with different ingredients and flavours. However, their access to and ability to sell their dishes was restricted by the professional guilds which were very influential at the time.
The French Revolution
This turbulent time in French history brought about some significant changes to Le Menu. No longer were the guilds able to dictate who cooked what and where. Now chefs were free to experiment properly and create the dishes they desired.
The Michelin Brothers
Who would have thought that two brothers who manufactured tyres would have such an impact of French cooking? In 1900 the Michelin Brothers; Andre and Edouard launched The Michelin Guide, a handbook for motorists which also featured restaurants. The publication soon became the manual of choice for all those looking for places to enjoy a decent lunch or a lovely evening meal. The 1920’s saw the introduction of the guide’s now world famous star rating system and so, the Michelin Guide was born. Ever since then, the aim of chefs the world over is to be featured in the guide and to be awarded a Michelin Star.
These days, the Michelin restaurant guide is devoted, almost entirely, to restaurant reviews, but with more than a nod to its motoring heritage, the star rating is worded as follows:
One star - A very good restaurant in its category.
Two stars - Excellent cooking, worth a detour.
Three stars - Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.
The Michelin standard is set very high, so the achievement of even a single star is not easy. And it doesn’t end there; those that have been awarded stars are kept on their toes with regular, unannounced inspections and an inspection can as easily result in the withdrawal of a star, as it can the reward of one.
Famous French Chefs
Paul Bocuse – A visit to Auberge du Pont de Collonges in Lyon will not disappoint. The man himself will often pose for photographs and his food speaks for itself. You’ll need to book well in advance but the experience is well worth the wait.
Marc Haeberlin – The Auberge de l’Ill on Rue de Collonges au Mont d'Or has lost none of its Michelin appeal since Marc took over from his father. He constantly seeks out ways to modify the menu and enhance it whilst remaining true to the Alsatian regional specialities of truffle and lobster.
Pascal Barbot - L’Astrance on Rue Beethoven in Paris is where you’ll find M. Barbot. He brings a modern culinary approach to the table, which is reflected, in his décor and presentation. It’s a small restaurant with just 25 tables - so make sure you book early.
Guy Savoy - Head chef and owner of the restaurant by the same name on the Champs Elysees in Paris, M. Savoy never ceases to impress. Whether you choose to go for lunch or the full gourmet dining experience, you will be virtually guaranteed of excellence in service, surroundings and cuisine.
Michel Trama – Trama is a Michelin starred restaurant within Les Loges de Aubergarde, Lot-et-Garonne in south-western France. M. Trama presents an excellent menu amid beautiful surroundings and if you’re there for lunch you can enjoy it “al fresco” on a lovely terrace.
Many famous French chefs are, of course, at work in other parts of the world. This is just a selection of those you may meet, should you decide to go out for a gourmet French meal.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we provide a full range of European removal services, to domestic and commercial clients. Our flexible approach to removals means we can easily adapt to any changes in the size or circumstance of your removal. We have all the skilled manpower and packaging materials you could wish for, and plenty of secure storage should that be necessary. Call our removals team today and let us take care of your removals to France.
Domestic and Commercial Removals to France – Click here to find out about our removals to France service or contact us to discuss your move.
Removals to France – click here for full information on our France removals service.
In The Beginning
When tracing any history, the question is, how far back do you go? Well, believe it or not, there was a time when French cooking was not so great. It was generally quite bland and un-imaginative and unlike today, was not split into courses, so your pork, beef, poultry and fish dishes, all arrived at the same time. Seasoning and cooking techniques were not as varied as they are now and no real attention was paid to the variations on the palate.
The Italian Influence
When Catherine de Medicis of Italy married Henry Duke of Orleans, who was to become King Henry II of France, she bought with her some excellent Italian chefs. These culinary experts were well used to using such ingredients as truffles, garlic and mushrooms. They took the French court by storm with their cooking techniques, which were often imitated in high social circles. The 17th and 18th centuries saw the birth of Haute Cuisine and thanks largely to chef Francois Pierre de la Varenne, more and more French chefs began experimenting with different ingredients and flavours. However, their access to and ability to sell their dishes was restricted by the professional guilds which were very influential at the time.
The French Revolution
This turbulent time in French history brought about some significant changes to Le Menu. No longer were the guilds able to dictate who cooked what and where. Now chefs were free to experiment properly and create the dishes they desired.
The Michelin Brothers
Who would have thought that two brothers who manufactured tyres would have such an impact of French cooking? In 1900 the Michelin Brothers; Andre and Edouard launched The Michelin Guide, a handbook for motorists which also featured restaurants. The publication soon became the manual of choice for all those looking for places to enjoy a decent lunch or a lovely evening meal. The 1920’s saw the introduction of the guide’s now world famous star rating system and so, the Michelin Guide was born. Ever since then, the aim of chefs the world over is to be featured in the guide and to be awarded a Michelin Star.
These days, the Michelin restaurant guide is devoted, almost entirely, to restaurant reviews, but with more than a nod to its motoring heritage, the star rating is worded as follows:
One star - A very good restaurant in its category.
Two stars - Excellent cooking, worth a detour.
Three stars - Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.
The Michelin standard is set very high, so the achievement of even a single star is not easy. And it doesn’t end there; those that have been awarded stars are kept on their toes with regular, unannounced inspections and an inspection can as easily result in the withdrawal of a star, as it can the reward of one.
Famous French Chefs
Paul Bocuse – A visit to Auberge du Pont de Collonges in Lyon will not disappoint. The man himself will often pose for photographs and his food speaks for itself. You’ll need to book well in advance but the experience is well worth the wait.
Marc Haeberlin – The Auberge de l’Ill on Rue de Collonges au Mont d'Or has lost none of its Michelin appeal since Marc took over from his father. He constantly seeks out ways to modify the menu and enhance it whilst remaining true to the Alsatian regional specialities of truffle and lobster.
Pascal Barbot - L’Astrance on Rue Beethoven in Paris is where you’ll find M. Barbot. He brings a modern culinary approach to the table, which is reflected, in his décor and presentation. It’s a small restaurant with just 25 tables - so make sure you book early.
Guy Savoy - Head chef and owner of the restaurant by the same name on the Champs Elysees in Paris, M. Savoy never ceases to impress. Whether you choose to go for lunch or the full gourmet dining experience, you will be virtually guaranteed of excellence in service, surroundings and cuisine.
Michel Trama – Trama is a Michelin starred restaurant within Les Loges de Aubergarde, Lot-et-Garonne in south-western France. M. Trama presents an excellent menu amid beautiful surroundings and if you’re there for lunch you can enjoy it “al fresco” on a lovely terrace.
Many famous French chefs are, of course, at work in other parts of the world. This is just a selection of those you may meet, should you decide to go out for a gourmet French meal.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we provide a full range of European removal services, to domestic and commercial clients. Our flexible approach to removals means we can easily adapt to any changes in the size or circumstance of your removal. We have all the skilled manpower and packaging materials you could wish for, and plenty of secure storage should that be necessary. Call our removals team today and let us take care of your removals to France.
Domestic and Commercial Removals to France – Click here to find out about our removals to France service or contact us to discuss your move.
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Zoos and Safari Parks in France
If you are moving to France and you, or your children are animal lovers you'll be delighted to know that the country has more than 20 zoos and animal parks to visit. Once your removals to France are complete, why not take the family to one of these top attractions for an enjoyable day out?
Zoos, safaris and animal parks are dotted all over the country so wherever your move to France takes you - whether you are moving to Brittany in the north, La Rochelle in the west, Dijon in the east or St Tropez in the south - you are bound to be within a reasonably short drive of one of them.
Before we put the spotlight on some of the best French zoos and safari parks, here's just a little about us.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering a first class removals to France service, and removals to other worldwide destinations, to or from the UK, for over 20 years. We are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) as well as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and that we operate our business in line with British Standards BS EN ISO 9001:2000. .
Quality Removals to France – click here to find out how we can provide you with a competitively priced European removals service.
Some of the Best Zoos and Safari Parks in France
Amnéville Zoo
1 Rue du Tigre
57360
Amnéville
If you're moving to Metz in northeastern France be sure to check out the zoo in nearby Amnéville. This 42 acre site is given over to 2000 or so animals, chief among which are the white lions of Timbavati. Timbavati is a reserve in South Africa which lies adjacent to the world famous Kruger National Park and in conjunction with zoos across the globe they are doing their bit to protect and re-introduce this magnificent, but sadly endangered, animal.
Cerva Safari Park
14100
Hermival-les-Vaux
If you are moving to Normandy, why not visit the Cerva Safari Park? You can actually stay in purpose built lodges and watch as animals more used to roaming the plains of Africa pass by just metres from your front porch. On this 120 acre site, located just 3 hours drive from Calais, you can see lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and zebras living life just as they would do in Africa.
Jardin Zoologique d'Acclimatation
Bois de Boulogne
75116 Paris
If you are moving to France with children in tow, this is the ideal place to visit. Here they can ride around the park on a little train, visit the enchanted river, ride on the backs of ponies and camels, watch theatrical productions, and play games to their hearts content. They can go on nature trails and attend workshops combining play with an active learning experience and there are some great restaurants here too.
Parc Zoologique et Botanique
51 Rue du Jardin Zoologique
68100 Mulhouse
Here at Mulhouse Zoo you'll see a wonderful collection of rare animals. Charmingly, the stars of the show have all been named: you can get to meet Sidoine, the blue-eyed lemur, Sannon the sea lion, Jurij, the polar bear, and Baïkal, the Siberian tiger. The botanical gardens are not to be missed either; look out for the purple Acer Palm and enjoy a walk through the peony, iris and dahlia gardens. It’s an oasis of calm.
Planete Sauvage
La Chevalerie
44710 Port St Pere
With safari trails covering five continents, a dolphin city, a bush village, jungle bridge, 4x4 adventures, a bivouac, shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone at Planete Sauvage. Among the many animals here are the giraffe, elephant, hippo, bison, cheetah, lion, tiger, wolf and zebra. If you sign up for their VIP Safari you'll be able to see it all from the park's Landrover, get a behind the scenes look at what goes on, and meet a trainer.
Réserve Africaine
19 Chemin Hameau du lac
11130 Sigean
Roughly equidistant Carcassonne and Perpignan is the Réserve Africaine which plays host to more than 3800 animals. Research, conservation, education and recreation are at the heart of this place as it aims to increase our knowledge of wild animals, breed threatened species and help people to understand their interdependence and their relationship with their environment, all in a natural setting.
Zoo Parc de Beauval
41110 Saint-Aignan
The Zoo Parc de Beauval has more than 4600 animals including koalas, okapi, manatees, tree kangaroos, tigers, white lions and more than 20 different kinds of monkey. Within the last few years they have successfully introduce giant pandas to the fold, an addition which caused pandemonium among the zoo's visitors and the world's press as they jostled for photographs. Thankfully, the excitement has subsided a little and the pandas are now able to relax properly in their new found surroundings.
About Hamiltons
We provide high quality removals to France for all types of domestic and commercial move. Whether you require packing, cleaning and storage or just the transportation of your belongings, we can help.
Hamiltons Removals – Removals to France – click here for full information on our moving to France service.
Zoos, safaris and animal parks are dotted all over the country so wherever your move to France takes you - whether you are moving to Brittany in the north, La Rochelle in the west, Dijon in the east or St Tropez in the south - you are bound to be within a reasonably short drive of one of them.
Before we put the spotlight on some of the best French zoos and safari parks, here's just a little about us.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering a first class removals to France service, and removals to other worldwide destinations, to or from the UK, for over 20 years. We are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) as well as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and that we operate our business in line with British Standards BS EN ISO 9001:2000. .
Quality Removals to France – click here to find out how we can provide you with a competitively priced European removals service.
Some of the Best Zoos and Safari Parks in France
Amnéville Zoo
1 Rue du Tigre
57360
Amnéville
If you're moving to Metz in northeastern France be sure to check out the zoo in nearby Amnéville. This 42 acre site is given over to 2000 or so animals, chief among which are the white lions of Timbavati. Timbavati is a reserve in South Africa which lies adjacent to the world famous Kruger National Park and in conjunction with zoos across the globe they are doing their bit to protect and re-introduce this magnificent, but sadly endangered, animal.
Cerva Safari Park
14100
Hermival-les-Vaux
If you are moving to Normandy, why not visit the Cerva Safari Park? You can actually stay in purpose built lodges and watch as animals more used to roaming the plains of Africa pass by just metres from your front porch. On this 120 acre site, located just 3 hours drive from Calais, you can see lions, tigers, giraffes, monkeys and zebras living life just as they would do in Africa.
Jardin Zoologique d'Acclimatation
Bois de Boulogne
75116 Paris
If you are moving to France with children in tow, this is the ideal place to visit. Here they can ride around the park on a little train, visit the enchanted river, ride on the backs of ponies and camels, watch theatrical productions, and play games to their hearts content. They can go on nature trails and attend workshops combining play with an active learning experience and there are some great restaurants here too.
Parc Zoologique et Botanique
51 Rue du Jardin Zoologique
68100 Mulhouse
Here at Mulhouse Zoo you'll see a wonderful collection of rare animals. Charmingly, the stars of the show have all been named: you can get to meet Sidoine, the blue-eyed lemur, Sannon the sea lion, Jurij, the polar bear, and Baïkal, the Siberian tiger. The botanical gardens are not to be missed either; look out for the purple Acer Palm and enjoy a walk through the peony, iris and dahlia gardens. It’s an oasis of calm.
Planete Sauvage
La Chevalerie
44710 Port St Pere
With safari trails covering five continents, a dolphin city, a bush village, jungle bridge, 4x4 adventures, a bivouac, shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone at Planete Sauvage. Among the many animals here are the giraffe, elephant, hippo, bison, cheetah, lion, tiger, wolf and zebra. If you sign up for their VIP Safari you'll be able to see it all from the park's Landrover, get a behind the scenes look at what goes on, and meet a trainer.
Réserve Africaine
19 Chemin Hameau du lac
11130 Sigean
Roughly equidistant Carcassonne and Perpignan is the Réserve Africaine which plays host to more than 3800 animals. Research, conservation, education and recreation are at the heart of this place as it aims to increase our knowledge of wild animals, breed threatened species and help people to understand their interdependence and their relationship with their environment, all in a natural setting.
Zoo Parc de Beauval
41110 Saint-Aignan
The Zoo Parc de Beauval has more than 4600 animals including koalas, okapi, manatees, tree kangaroos, tigers, white lions and more than 20 different kinds of monkey. Within the last few years they have successfully introduce giant pandas to the fold, an addition which caused pandemonium among the zoo's visitors and the world's press as they jostled for photographs. Thankfully, the excitement has subsided a little and the pandas are now able to relax properly in their new found surroundings.
About Hamiltons
We provide high quality removals to France for all types of domestic and commercial move. Whether you require packing, cleaning and storage or just the transportation of your belongings, we can help.
Hamiltons Removals – Removals to France – click here for full information on our moving to France service.
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Removals to France: Rugby in France
Whatever your reason for moving house to France, if you’re a rugby fan, you will be glad of one thing: the French are as passionate about their sport as we are.
Your removals to France need make no difference to the amount or the quality of rugby you get to see and/or play; as week in, week out, up and down the country, top class teams featuring famous names turn out to do battle. In this article we'll be taking an impartial look at France's Top 14 rugby clubs.
Hamiltons Removals offer a bespoke removals service to destinations throughout the UK, Europe, and internationally. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered and FAIM accredited. We are also members of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and are BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered, so you can rest assured for removals to France you are in safe hands.
Moving House To France – Click on this link to find out more about our full range of European removal services.
Here we take a look at the top French rugby teams in the order in which they stand at the time of writing.
Clermont Auvergne
35 Rue du Clos Four,
63000 Clermont-Ferrand.
If you’re moving to Auvergne, you are moving to the heart of French rugby. ASM Clermont Auvergne have been plying their trade since 1911, contesting the French Championship on numerous occasions, before finally winning the trophy in 2012. Fielding such great names as Julien Bonnaire, Nathan Hines and the commentators favourite, Aurelien Rougerie among so many others, you are guaranteed a great day’s entertainment.
Toulon
Avenue de la République,
83000, Toulon.
The prospect of moving to Toulon is surely enough to set any rugby nut’s heart racing. With Delon Armitage at full back, the unpredictable but often brilliant Freddy Michalak at scrum half, and a certain Jonny Wilkinson at fly, your weekends at home will be something to savour. The town goes rugby crazy on match days as the fully enclosed 14,700 seat Stade Mayol reverberates to the chant of the Pilou Pilou.
Toulouse
114 Rue des Troènes,
31200 Toulouse
With arguably one of the greatest rugby teams in Europe on your doorstep, moving to Toulouse would be a dream come true for any rugby fan. With the likes of Poitrenaud, Picamoles and Dusautoir, not to mention Clerc and Beauxis, satisfaction is virtually assured. Add the Mediterranean climate and the fabulous shopping and it shouldn’t be too great a hardship for any rugby widow either.
Castres
205 Avenue Charles de Gaulle
81100 Castres
Moving to Castres in the south of France will bring you into (almost) direct contact with some of the greatest names in world rugby. Scotland's Ritchie Gray, New Zealand's Danny Kirkpatrick, and our own Marcel Garvey, are just a few of the famous international names playing alongside some true home-grown talent. The team have recently been crowned 2013 Champions of France with a win over European champions Toulon.
Montpellier
500 Avenue de Vanières,
34070 Montpellier,
Moving to Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon will put you within a ticket and a short drive of Montpellier Hérault Rugby. Currently 5th in the table their squad boasts such formidable characters as Trinh-Duc, Chobet and Sébastien Petit and at 1m 87 and 117kg, there's nothing "small" about him. With regular appearances in the Heineken Cup, the Amlin Challenge Cup, and the Shield, silverware is never too far away.
Racing Metro
11, Avenue Paul Langevin
92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, Paris
Irish and Welsh eyes will be smiling in Paris next season as the legend that is Ronan O’Gara has agreed to assist with the coaching at Racing Metro. If you are moving to Paris, you can catch him and other famous names like Jamie Roberts, Dan Lydiate and maybe even "the caveman" Sebastien Chabal as they work their magic for France’s capital city.
Perpignan
11 Allée Aimé Giral
66000 Perpignan
Kit yourselves out in red and gold and you’re sure to fit in just fine if you are moving to Perpignan. At, or near the top of the French Championship for many years, their 14,593-seater stadium is rarely at much less than capacity. Since their Top 14 triumph in 2008/9 they have continued to perform well, making a number of appearances in the Heineken Cup. Look out for Luke Narraway, ex of Gloucester at No. 8, and Richard Haughton on the wing.
Bayonne
Rond point St Léon
64100 Bayonne
Featuring a raft of imported talent from as far afield as Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, Bayonne’s team sheet reads more like an address to the commonwealth than a weekly work roster. Moving to Bayonne you’ll be treated to the rugby stylings of players such as Vaka Saïmoni, Neemia Tialata, Dewald Senekal, Gert Muller, not to mention the former Crusaders and Blues fly half Stephen Brett.
Biarritz
Rue Cino del Duca
64200, Biarritz
If you are moving to Biarritz, you can look forward to the rugby viewing pleasure that is Biarritz Olympique. The BOPB have competed in the Top 14 and the Heineken Cup and in 2011-12, they won the Amlin Challenge Cup, beating Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon in an 18-21 nail biter. The squad features a number of internationals including American, winger Takudzwa Ngwenya.
Grenoble
Rue Albert Reynier
38100 Grenoble
If you are moving to Grenoble, you’ll be in good company as former England back Olly Barkley is set to join them from Parisian side Racing Metro. The side already features some great internationals including Daniel Kilioni of Tonga, Roland Bernard of South Africa and Australia's Dayna Edwards. Relative newcomers to the Top 14, they recently beat champions Toulouse 15-6 in a dramatic home win.
Stade Francais
Avenue du Général Sarrail
75016 Paris
If you’re moving to Paris and love rugby, prepare to wear pink. Rugby strips don’t come much pinker than that worn by Stade Francais in 2010. It was then president Max Guazzini’s idea to kit his team out in eye-popping pink and since then the players have got used to wearing some pretty amazing Kenzo designed shirts in all sorts of colours. One standard motif however, whatever the colour, is the three bolts of lightning.
Bordeaux-Begles
25 rue Delphin Loche
33130 Bègles
Moving to Bègles puts you in line for some great local rugby. Union Bordeaux-Begles to give them their full title have been a Super 14 club since their promotion at the end of 2010/11. Their newfound status amongst the big boys of French rugby has seen them attract some top class players from around the world including Heinie Adams from South Africa, Rafaël Carballo of Argentina and Australia’s Connor Blair.
Agen
1, Rue Pierre de Coubertin
47000 Agen
Rugby fans moving to Lot-et-Garonne in the lush south west of France and those moving to Agen in particular are in for a real treat. The Lot Valley and infact the entire south west of France, is a hot bed for rugby union and fans of SU Agen follow the club avidly. Promoted to the French Top 14 in 2010, their games are always hotly contested and make for a very entertaining afternoon.
Mont de Marsan
270 Avenue du Stade,
40000 Mont-de-Marsan
Another recently promoted side, Mont de Marsan feature a number of quality internationals in their predominantly French line up. Among them are Canada’s Luke Tait, at Lock and Australia’s Ben Coutts at Prop. In the past they have fielded French rugby legend Thomas Castaignède and the Fijian ex-Tiger Waisale Serevi. With this kind of pedigree, it surely will not be too long before we see a protégé of Dal Maso and Prosper playing for Les Bleus.
About Hamitons Removals
Hamiltons Removals pride ourselves on our customer service and our attention to detail. Our distinctly liveried removals vehicles are manned by time served, uniformed removals operatives, there to ensure your move to France goes as smoothly as possible.
Click here for a free European removals quote.
Your removals to France need make no difference to the amount or the quality of rugby you get to see and/or play; as week in, week out, up and down the country, top class teams featuring famous names turn out to do battle. In this article we'll be taking an impartial look at France's Top 14 rugby clubs.
Hamiltons Removals offer a bespoke removals service to destinations throughout the UK, Europe, and internationally. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered and FAIM accredited. We are also members of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and are BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered, so you can rest assured for removals to France you are in safe hands.
Moving House To France – Click on this link to find out more about our full range of European removal services.
Here we take a look at the top French rugby teams in the order in which they stand at the time of writing.
Clermont Auvergne
35 Rue du Clos Four,
63000 Clermont-Ferrand.
If you’re moving to Auvergne, you are moving to the heart of French rugby. ASM Clermont Auvergne have been plying their trade since 1911, contesting the French Championship on numerous occasions, before finally winning the trophy in 2012. Fielding such great names as Julien Bonnaire, Nathan Hines and the commentators favourite, Aurelien Rougerie among so many others, you are guaranteed a great day’s entertainment.
Toulon
Avenue de la République,
83000, Toulon.
The prospect of moving to Toulon is surely enough to set any rugby nut’s heart racing. With Delon Armitage at full back, the unpredictable but often brilliant Freddy Michalak at scrum half, and a certain Jonny Wilkinson at fly, your weekends at home will be something to savour. The town goes rugby crazy on match days as the fully enclosed 14,700 seat Stade Mayol reverberates to the chant of the Pilou Pilou.
Toulouse
114 Rue des Troènes,
31200 Toulouse
With arguably one of the greatest rugby teams in Europe on your doorstep, moving to Toulouse would be a dream come true for any rugby fan. With the likes of Poitrenaud, Picamoles and Dusautoir, not to mention Clerc and Beauxis, satisfaction is virtually assured. Add the Mediterranean climate and the fabulous shopping and it shouldn’t be too great a hardship for any rugby widow either.
Castres
205 Avenue Charles de Gaulle
81100 Castres
Moving to Castres in the south of France will bring you into (almost) direct contact with some of the greatest names in world rugby. Scotland's Ritchie Gray, New Zealand's Danny Kirkpatrick, and our own Marcel Garvey, are just a few of the famous international names playing alongside some true home-grown talent. The team have recently been crowned 2013 Champions of France with a win over European champions Toulon.
Montpellier
500 Avenue de Vanières,
34070 Montpellier,
Moving to Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon will put you within a ticket and a short drive of Montpellier Hérault Rugby. Currently 5th in the table their squad boasts such formidable characters as Trinh-Duc, Chobet and Sébastien Petit and at 1m 87 and 117kg, there's nothing "small" about him. With regular appearances in the Heineken Cup, the Amlin Challenge Cup, and the Shield, silverware is never too far away.
Racing Metro
11, Avenue Paul Langevin
92350 Le Plessis-Robinson, Paris
Irish and Welsh eyes will be smiling in Paris next season as the legend that is Ronan O’Gara has agreed to assist with the coaching at Racing Metro. If you are moving to Paris, you can catch him and other famous names like Jamie Roberts, Dan Lydiate and maybe even "the caveman" Sebastien Chabal as they work their magic for France’s capital city.
Perpignan
11 Allée Aimé Giral
66000 Perpignan
Kit yourselves out in red and gold and you’re sure to fit in just fine if you are moving to Perpignan. At, or near the top of the French Championship for many years, their 14,593-seater stadium is rarely at much less than capacity. Since their Top 14 triumph in 2008/9 they have continued to perform well, making a number of appearances in the Heineken Cup. Look out for Luke Narraway, ex of Gloucester at No. 8, and Richard Haughton on the wing.
Bayonne
Rond point St Léon
64100 Bayonne
Featuring a raft of imported talent from as far afield as Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, Bayonne’s team sheet reads more like an address to the commonwealth than a weekly work roster. Moving to Bayonne you’ll be treated to the rugby stylings of players such as Vaka Saïmoni, Neemia Tialata, Dewald Senekal, Gert Muller, not to mention the former Crusaders and Blues fly half Stephen Brett.
Biarritz
Rue Cino del Duca
64200, Biarritz
If you are moving to Biarritz, you can look forward to the rugby viewing pleasure that is Biarritz Olympique. The BOPB have competed in the Top 14 and the Heineken Cup and in 2011-12, they won the Amlin Challenge Cup, beating Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon in an 18-21 nail biter. The squad features a number of internationals including American, winger Takudzwa Ngwenya.
Grenoble
Rue Albert Reynier
38100 Grenoble
If you are moving to Grenoble, you’ll be in good company as former England back Olly Barkley is set to join them from Parisian side Racing Metro. The side already features some great internationals including Daniel Kilioni of Tonga, Roland Bernard of South Africa and Australia's Dayna Edwards. Relative newcomers to the Top 14, they recently beat champions Toulouse 15-6 in a dramatic home win.
Stade Francais
Avenue du Général Sarrail
75016 Paris
If you’re moving to Paris and love rugby, prepare to wear pink. Rugby strips don’t come much pinker than that worn by Stade Francais in 2010. It was then president Max Guazzini’s idea to kit his team out in eye-popping pink and since then the players have got used to wearing some pretty amazing Kenzo designed shirts in all sorts of colours. One standard motif however, whatever the colour, is the three bolts of lightning.
Bordeaux-Begles
25 rue Delphin Loche
33130 Bègles
Moving to Bègles puts you in line for some great local rugby. Union Bordeaux-Begles to give them their full title have been a Super 14 club since their promotion at the end of 2010/11. Their newfound status amongst the big boys of French rugby has seen them attract some top class players from around the world including Heinie Adams from South Africa, Rafaël Carballo of Argentina and Australia’s Connor Blair.
Agen
1, Rue Pierre de Coubertin
47000 Agen
Rugby fans moving to Lot-et-Garonne in the lush south west of France and those moving to Agen in particular are in for a real treat. The Lot Valley and infact the entire south west of France, is a hot bed for rugby union and fans of SU Agen follow the club avidly. Promoted to the French Top 14 in 2010, their games are always hotly contested and make for a very entertaining afternoon.
Mont de Marsan
270 Avenue du Stade,
40000 Mont-de-Marsan
Another recently promoted side, Mont de Marsan feature a number of quality internationals in their predominantly French line up. Among them are Canada’s Luke Tait, at Lock and Australia’s Ben Coutts at Prop. In the past they have fielded French rugby legend Thomas Castaignède and the Fijian ex-Tiger Waisale Serevi. With this kind of pedigree, it surely will not be too long before we see a protégé of Dal Maso and Prosper playing for Les Bleus.
About Hamitons Removals
Hamiltons Removals pride ourselves on our customer service and our attention to detail. Our distinctly liveried removals vehicles are manned by time served, uniformed removals operatives, there to ensure your move to France goes as smoothly as possible.
Click here for a free European removals quote.
Monday, 9 September 2013
Removals to France: Adventure Sports
If you are moving to France and have a passion for adventure sports you will not be disappointed! Many of you will have already done your homework. Having researched your removals to France, you might already be looking forward to the challenge of Mont Blanc or to the hiking trails and cliff climbing on offer in the Chaudefour valley. If you prefer to look for your thrills underground, you may already targeted the Cévennes and discovered the caving and potholing there is fabulous. For those of you who like taking to the skies, there are paragliding and sky diving opportunities aplenty in the land of Les Bleus.
At Hamiltons Removals and whatever your sport and however much kit you need to take with you, we will safely pack, load, store, transport and unpack it for you with the care and attention necessary to ensure it arrives in perfect condition, ready to use.
For safe, secure moves from the UK to France, call us today or click here to find out more about our European removals service
Here we look at the top adventure sports France has to offer.
Abseiling or Rappelling
Wherever you find a rock face or even just a tall building, you'll find an abseiling opportunity; but why not be surrounded by some of the best countryside France has to offer on your descent? If you are moving to the Dordogne, you're in luck. The area has some stunning natural rock formations which are ideal for abseiling. Look out for the facilities at Bassignac; there are 20 or so routes available, suiting "abbers" or "rappers" of every ability.
Caving and Potholing
If you are moving to Languedoc you must check out the caving and pot-holing on offer in the Cevennes near Florac. Over hundreds of years a network of caves and tunnels has been carved out of the limestone, leaving behind some quite wonderful natural features like underground rivers, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Give yourself a good 4 to 5 hours to properly appreciate this natural wonder.
Paragliding
Paragliding is very popular in France with over 960 official paragliding sites. If you are moving to Rhone-Alpes, you probably will not go a day without seeing, or at least hearing, one of these machines. There are over 250 sites in this area alone, but when you consider the beauty of the surroundings, it is perhaps hardly surprising. Another favoured destination for paragliders is Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, with just shy of 100 flying stations.
Quad Biking
Quad Biking is popular throughout France, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the south where you can ride around all day posing on a four-wheeler whilst catching a great suntan. Make sure you apply plenty of sun cream though, as the breeze can be deceptively cooling. If you are moving to Cote d’Azur you’ll see quads everywhere. They are readily available to hire, or buy, but you do need a licence to able to ride one on the public roads.
Power Boating
There are 3 different types of licence required, depending on the size and power of your vessel: La Carte Mer, Le Permis Cotier, and Le Permis Hauturier, but for most purposes Le Permis Cotier will suffice. This allows you to pilot any boat, as long as you don’t venture more than 5 miles from the coast. Here's the good news though: if you are moving to France with your own, British registered boat, you will not need any of the above.
Jetskiing
Unlike the Swedes, the French on the whole don’t have a problem with jet-skis - they love them. But you do need to be properly qualified and insured. Here's what you'll need: European Insurance cover, an RYA PWC Certificate, all the ownership documents for your ski, a life jacket, sunscreen and a cool pair of shades. The RYA training doesn't cost much (£150) for a day's tutorial and they even give you a translation letter in 5 different languages.
White Water Rafting
If gritting your teeth and battling to stay upright in maximum turbulence is your idea of fun, and you just so happen to be moving to Alpes-de-Haute-Province, head for the River Verdon. Running through a number of artificial lakes before falling into the Durance close to Vinon-sur-Verdon, it is best known for the Verdon Gorge. A popular spot amongst rock climbers too, France's “Grand Canyon” produces Class II and Class III rapids.
Mountain Biking or VTT
Mountain biking or Vélo Tout Terrain, as it is known in France, is extremely popular. The FFC (Federation Francais de Cyclisme) oversees many of the parks and has graded trails from green for beginners, to black for the most serious mountain bikers. If you are moving to Languedoc-Roussillion, you'll find 10 such parks with more than 100km of trails which are all properly signposted and well maintained.
Sky diving
With more than 60 dropzones (or DeeZee's) offering a mix of tandem, static line and AFF jumps, sky diving is another popular high adrenaline sport in France. There are sky diving schools throughout the country from northern Paris to Pau and Tarbes in the southwest, so even if you are moving to Lyon, with the proper training you could get to jump out of an airplane.
Land Yachting
Call it what you like, land sailing, sand yachting, or Blo-karting, this sport is exhilaration beyond belief. You can reach speeds of up to 40mph and when you consider you're just inches from the ground and you have no brakes, the rush is incredible. If you are moving to northern France and want to take up the sport, you're in luck; it's the world centre for land yachting and almost every beach has a club.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals offer a range of removal services to suit your individual requirements. Contact us today for your free removals quotation and let us take the strain of your European move.
At Hamiltons Removals and whatever your sport and however much kit you need to take with you, we will safely pack, load, store, transport and unpack it for you with the care and attention necessary to ensure it arrives in perfect condition, ready to use.
For safe, secure moves from the UK to France, call us today or click here to find out more about our European removals service
Here we look at the top adventure sports France has to offer.
Abseiling or Rappelling
Wherever you find a rock face or even just a tall building, you'll find an abseiling opportunity; but why not be surrounded by some of the best countryside France has to offer on your descent? If you are moving to the Dordogne, you're in luck. The area has some stunning natural rock formations which are ideal for abseiling. Look out for the facilities at Bassignac; there are 20 or so routes available, suiting "abbers" or "rappers" of every ability.
Caving and Potholing
If you are moving to Languedoc you must check out the caving and pot-holing on offer in the Cevennes near Florac. Over hundreds of years a network of caves and tunnels has been carved out of the limestone, leaving behind some quite wonderful natural features like underground rivers, waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Give yourself a good 4 to 5 hours to properly appreciate this natural wonder.
Paragliding
Paragliding is very popular in France with over 960 official paragliding sites. If you are moving to Rhone-Alpes, you probably will not go a day without seeing, or at least hearing, one of these machines. There are over 250 sites in this area alone, but when you consider the beauty of the surroundings, it is perhaps hardly surprising. Another favoured destination for paragliders is Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, with just shy of 100 flying stations.
Quad Biking
Quad Biking is popular throughout France, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the south where you can ride around all day posing on a four-wheeler whilst catching a great suntan. Make sure you apply plenty of sun cream though, as the breeze can be deceptively cooling. If you are moving to Cote d’Azur you’ll see quads everywhere. They are readily available to hire, or buy, but you do need a licence to able to ride one on the public roads.
Power Boating
There are 3 different types of licence required, depending on the size and power of your vessel: La Carte Mer, Le Permis Cotier, and Le Permis Hauturier, but for most purposes Le Permis Cotier will suffice. This allows you to pilot any boat, as long as you don’t venture more than 5 miles from the coast. Here's the good news though: if you are moving to France with your own, British registered boat, you will not need any of the above.
Jetskiing
Unlike the Swedes, the French on the whole don’t have a problem with jet-skis - they love them. But you do need to be properly qualified and insured. Here's what you'll need: European Insurance cover, an RYA PWC Certificate, all the ownership documents for your ski, a life jacket, sunscreen and a cool pair of shades. The RYA training doesn't cost much (£150) for a day's tutorial and they even give you a translation letter in 5 different languages.
White Water Rafting
If gritting your teeth and battling to stay upright in maximum turbulence is your idea of fun, and you just so happen to be moving to Alpes-de-Haute-Province, head for the River Verdon. Running through a number of artificial lakes before falling into the Durance close to Vinon-sur-Verdon, it is best known for the Verdon Gorge. A popular spot amongst rock climbers too, France's “Grand Canyon” produces Class II and Class III rapids.
Mountain Biking or VTT
Mountain biking or Vélo Tout Terrain, as it is known in France, is extremely popular. The FFC (Federation Francais de Cyclisme) oversees many of the parks and has graded trails from green for beginners, to black for the most serious mountain bikers. If you are moving to Languedoc-Roussillion, you'll find 10 such parks with more than 100km of trails which are all properly signposted and well maintained.
Sky diving
With more than 60 dropzones (or DeeZee's) offering a mix of tandem, static line and AFF jumps, sky diving is another popular high adrenaline sport in France. There are sky diving schools throughout the country from northern Paris to Pau and Tarbes in the southwest, so even if you are moving to Lyon, with the proper training you could get to jump out of an airplane.
Land Yachting
Call it what you like, land sailing, sand yachting, or Blo-karting, this sport is exhilaration beyond belief. You can reach speeds of up to 40mph and when you consider you're just inches from the ground and you have no brakes, the rush is incredible. If you are moving to northern France and want to take up the sport, you're in luck; it's the world centre for land yachting and almost every beach has a club.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals offer a range of removal services to suit your individual requirements. Contact us today for your free removals quotation and let us take the strain of your European move.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
Removals to France: Michelin Starred Restaurants in France
France is known throughout the world for its gastronomic delights. Flavoursome cuisine and regional delicacies abound here, so you will have little trouble in finding an excellent restaurant in which to celebrate your removals to France. In this article we take a look at some of the best restaurants France has to offer, so you'll know where to head for when you arrive.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering high quality removals to France for more than 20 years. We regularly undertake trips to and from Europe as well as to the US, Asia and Australia.
European and International Removals to France – If you are moving from the UK to France, click here to find out more about our removals service.
What is a Michelin Starred Restaurant?
A Michelin starred restaurant is one that is deemed to be excellent in its category. If a restaurant is given two stars the cooking is considered outstanding and it is, in Michelin parlance, “worth a detour”. Three stars is the highest Michelin accolade. It’s awarded to restaurants serving exceptional food worth making a special journey for.
The rating system was the brainchild of André and Édouard Michelin of Michelin tyres, who came up with the idea in an effort to boost the sales of their car tyres. Hence the reason the awards have a travel related theme.
Since its first publication in 1900, the Michelin guide has become the industry standard and a mention in the annually produced little red book is regarded by restaurateurs throughout the world as the Holy Grail.
Stars can be lost as well as won so the incentive to achieve and maintain standards of excellence is always present. Add this to the fact that visits from Michelin inspectors are always conducted in secret and you have a recipe for consistently great food.
In the latest edition of the guide (2012), France tops the table in terms of Michelin starred restaurants, with 26 achieving the much-coveted 3 star accolade. Imagine that - a different 3 star Michelin restaurant every fortnight for a whole year and who knows, one of them could be just around the corner from your new French home? Here are ten of them just to whet your appetite. We’ll round up the others in a future article on the subject of French fine dining. Enjoy!
Les Flocons De Sel
1775 Route du Leutaz 74120 Megève, Rhône-Alpes.
The newest member of the elite Michelin 3 star dining club, Les Flocons De Sel is headed by chef Emmanuel Renaut, who previously worked at The Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and Claridge's of Mayfair.
L'Arnsbourg
18 Route de Baerenthal 57230 Philippsbourg, Lorraine.
Lorraine in North Eastern France is where you'll find chef Jean-Georges Klein plating up some unusual dishes. Not content to stick with the tried and tested, Jean-Georges delights in creating new and exciting food combinations.
Maison Lameloise
36 Place d'Armes 71150 Chagny, Bourgogne.
Chef Eric Pras has recently taken the helm at this lovely restaurant in the Burgundy region of France. He has managed to successfully bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, presenting dishes with a flair that is all his own.
Les Prés d'Eugénie
334 Rue Rena Vielle 40320 Euganie-les-Bains, Aquitaine.
Michel Guérard is the man in charge here and his restaurant, deep in the south west of France makes no apology for it. His style and presentation are all over this place from the very fabric of the building to the food itself.
Auberge du Vieux Puits
5 Avenue Saint-Victor 11360 Fontjoncouse, Aude.
Gilles Goujon is at the head of this fine table. Here he plays with flavours as Mozart played with notes. He and his wife took over at The Old Well Inn back in 1992 and have transformed it into one of the finest restaurants in France.
Auberge de l'Ill
2 Rue de Collonges au Mont d'Or 68970 Illhaeusern, Alsace.
L'Auberge de l'Ill has been a 3 star Michelin restaurant for over 45 years now and dining here has been described as an outstanding lifetime experience. They achieve their star rating time and time again for an excellent menu and service to match.
La Côte Saint Jacques
14 Faubourg de Paris 89300 Joigny, Burgundy.
Chef Jean-Michel Lorain heads up this jewel in the gustatory crown of Burgundy. The youngest chef to ever receive 3 stars, the restaurant is full even on a Tuesday and offers excellent food, a great range of wines, and first class service.
Michel Bras
Route de l'Aubrac 12210 Laguiole, Aveyron.
Rarely do wonderful views and such great food come together in quite the way they do at Michel Bras. Here in Laguiole, Michel and son Sebastian blend simplicity with sophistication to produce an exceptional contemporary dining experience.
Paul Bocuse
40 Rue de la Plage 69660 Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, Rhône.
Classically French cuisine and a welcoming service await you at Paul Bocuse. At 87, he is a rock star among chefs but unlike most rock stars, he is not averse to walking the room and posing for photos. From uniformed meet ‘n’ greet to sommelier, the experience is divine.
Le Petit Nice
Anse de Maldormé, Corniche J.F. Kennedy 13007 Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Here you'll find Gérald Passedat, ex of The Crillon and a contemporary of Michel Guérard. Le Petit Nice is seafood heaven and Passedat's passion for it is obvious. Imagine a 5-course fish menu with wine to suit each dish, coupled with some remarkable sea views.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we offer three main types of service to those looking for removals to Europe. Our dedicated service gives you sole use of a vehicle or vehicles. Our special service allows you to specify the collection and delivery dates, and our part load or groupage service means that several loads for different customers are grouped together and share the same vehicle.
Call our friendly staff today for a competitive removals quotation today and let us take the stress out of your European house removal.
Moving House to France – click on the above link to find out which of our removals to France services is best for you.
Hamiltons Removals have been offering high quality removals to France for more than 20 years. We regularly undertake trips to and from Europe as well as to the US, Asia and Australia.
European and International Removals to France – If you are moving from the UK to France, click here to find out more about our removals service.
What is a Michelin Starred Restaurant?
A Michelin starred restaurant is one that is deemed to be excellent in its category. If a restaurant is given two stars the cooking is considered outstanding and it is, in Michelin parlance, “worth a detour”. Three stars is the highest Michelin accolade. It’s awarded to restaurants serving exceptional food worth making a special journey for.
The rating system was the brainchild of André and Édouard Michelin of Michelin tyres, who came up with the idea in an effort to boost the sales of their car tyres. Hence the reason the awards have a travel related theme.
Since its first publication in 1900, the Michelin guide has become the industry standard and a mention in the annually produced little red book is regarded by restaurateurs throughout the world as the Holy Grail.
Stars can be lost as well as won so the incentive to achieve and maintain standards of excellence is always present. Add this to the fact that visits from Michelin inspectors are always conducted in secret and you have a recipe for consistently great food.
In the latest edition of the guide (2012), France tops the table in terms of Michelin starred restaurants, with 26 achieving the much-coveted 3 star accolade. Imagine that - a different 3 star Michelin restaurant every fortnight for a whole year and who knows, one of them could be just around the corner from your new French home? Here are ten of them just to whet your appetite. We’ll round up the others in a future article on the subject of French fine dining. Enjoy!
Les Flocons De Sel
1775 Route du Leutaz 74120 Megève, Rhône-Alpes.
The newest member of the elite Michelin 3 star dining club, Les Flocons De Sel is headed by chef Emmanuel Renaut, who previously worked at The Hôtel de Crillon in Paris and Claridge's of Mayfair.
L'Arnsbourg
18 Route de Baerenthal 57230 Philippsbourg, Lorraine.
Lorraine in North Eastern France is where you'll find chef Jean-Georges Klein plating up some unusual dishes. Not content to stick with the tried and tested, Jean-Georges delights in creating new and exciting food combinations.
Maison Lameloise
36 Place d'Armes 71150 Chagny, Bourgogne.
Chef Eric Pras has recently taken the helm at this lovely restaurant in the Burgundy region of France. He has managed to successfully bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, presenting dishes with a flair that is all his own.
Les Prés d'Eugénie
334 Rue Rena Vielle 40320 Euganie-les-Bains, Aquitaine.
Michel Guérard is the man in charge here and his restaurant, deep in the south west of France makes no apology for it. His style and presentation are all over this place from the very fabric of the building to the food itself.
Auberge du Vieux Puits
5 Avenue Saint-Victor 11360 Fontjoncouse, Aude.
Gilles Goujon is at the head of this fine table. Here he plays with flavours as Mozart played with notes. He and his wife took over at The Old Well Inn back in 1992 and have transformed it into one of the finest restaurants in France.
Auberge de l'Ill
2 Rue de Collonges au Mont d'Or 68970 Illhaeusern, Alsace.
L'Auberge de l'Ill has been a 3 star Michelin restaurant for over 45 years now and dining here has been described as an outstanding lifetime experience. They achieve their star rating time and time again for an excellent menu and service to match.
La Côte Saint Jacques
14 Faubourg de Paris 89300 Joigny, Burgundy.
Chef Jean-Michel Lorain heads up this jewel in the gustatory crown of Burgundy. The youngest chef to ever receive 3 stars, the restaurant is full even on a Tuesday and offers excellent food, a great range of wines, and first class service.
Michel Bras
Route de l'Aubrac 12210 Laguiole, Aveyron.
Rarely do wonderful views and such great food come together in quite the way they do at Michel Bras. Here in Laguiole, Michel and son Sebastian blend simplicity with sophistication to produce an exceptional contemporary dining experience.
Paul Bocuse
40 Rue de la Plage 69660 Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, Rhône.
Classically French cuisine and a welcoming service await you at Paul Bocuse. At 87, he is a rock star among chefs but unlike most rock stars, he is not averse to walking the room and posing for photos. From uniformed meet ‘n’ greet to sommelier, the experience is divine.
Le Petit Nice
Anse de Maldormé, Corniche J.F. Kennedy 13007 Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Here you'll find Gérald Passedat, ex of The Crillon and a contemporary of Michel Guérard. Le Petit Nice is seafood heaven and Passedat's passion for it is obvious. Imagine a 5-course fish menu with wine to suit each dish, coupled with some remarkable sea views.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we offer three main types of service to those looking for removals to Europe. Our dedicated service gives you sole use of a vehicle or vehicles. Our special service allows you to specify the collection and delivery dates, and our part load or groupage service means that several loads for different customers are grouped together and share the same vehicle.
Call our friendly staff today for a competitive removals quotation today and let us take the stress out of your European house removal.
Moving House to France – click on the above link to find out which of our removals to France services is best for you.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Removals to France: International Schools
Whatever your reason for seeking removals to France, whether it’s a lifestyle choice or a necessary move with work, if you have children of school age you will need to consider the impact such a move will have upon their education.
There is no denying that your removals to France has faced you with an important decision, and one that will fundamentally affect your children's future. Do you send them to one of the UK’s fine boarding schools, having them attend as a weekly boarder or on a full-time basis? Or, do you pull them out of the British schooling system altogether, enrolling them in an International School instead?
The good news is that there are more than 100 high quality international schools in France and these are scattered all over the country. So, if your move to France is necessary and unavoidable and if you'd rather not send your youngsters to boarding school in the UK, you don’t have to.
Hamiltons Removals offer a high quality, bespoke removals service to France, Europe and the wider world. We pride ourselves on our great customer service and individual attention to detail. We bring you this blogpost to spotlight on some of the top international schools in France. Here, we’ll outline the benefits and give you at least an idea of what to expect.
Moving House to France – click here to find out more about our professional removals service.
What is an International School?
International schools have a number of qualities that differ from other schools, either local or otherwise. For example, they allow for the transfer of students’ education across international schools, provide an international curriculum and accreditation, and either English or bi-lingual teaching.
International Schools provide education programmes that lead to qualifications under the banner of the International Baccalaureate (IB), which has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. The schools take pupils from primary school age, right through to their diploma years with programmes split as follows:
Primary Years Programme (PYP) Ages 3 - 12
The PYP focuses on the six core subjects of language, maths, science, social studies, arts and personal, social and physical education. Its purpose is to prepare students to take an active part in the process of learning and encourage them to take this forward into the Middle Years Programme and beyond.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) Ages 11 – 16
The MYP encourages learning in eight subjects: two languages (at least), humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology. Its purpose is to promote creativity and nurture the desire for intellectual challenge. It is designed to develop communication skills and the students’ understanding of their intercultural and global engagement.
Diploma Programme (DP) Ages 16 - 19
The IB Diploma Programme prepares students for success in their university studies and in their working life. It is academically challenging and designed to further develop the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of the student.
What are the Benefits of an International School?
Aside from the obvious geographical benefits, international schools offer a more diverse, well-rounded and holistic approach to learning. They teach in preparation for the wider world, a much smaller world in which global communication and an awareness and understanding of cultural diversity have become all important.
International schools offer an education that goes far beyond the three R’s. They offer the opportunity to develop cross-cultural understanding, a truly international outlook and the ability to build quality relationships with people from very different backgrounds. They centre on bringing children together to learn, grow and develop in an environment of understanding and acceptance.
International Schools in Paris
There are a number of international schools based in Paris including The Victor Hugo School, Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel, and Ermitage International School.
The Victor Hugo School
23, rue de Cronstadt
75015 Paris
The Victor Hugo School welcomes students from all nationalities and offers an English language programme from pre-school to high school. Using English as the main language of the classroom, French is taught daily in groups split by their ability. Music, art and sport are all taught in French to IGCSE and A level.
Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel
70, rue du Théâtre
75015 Paris
EABJM is one of the top schools of its kind in Paris. The school’s record for academic excellence is matched by its cultural diversity.
The British School of Paris
38 Quai de l’Ecluse
78290 Croissy-sur-Seine
This is not an IB school, preferring instead to stick to the traditional British model. Its key-stage learning programme culminates in “A” level qualifications as recognised by the English National Curriculum
International Schools outside the Capital
Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel – Lille
418 bis, rue Albert Bailly
59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul
This school offers the same high quality of education as its parent school in Paris, without needing to trek to the capital. Ideal if you are moving to Lille or the surrounding area. The school is co-educational and offers boarding facilities.
International Bilingual School - Provence
Domaine des Pins
500 Petite Route de Bouc-Bel-Air, Aix-en-Provence
13080 LUYNES
IBS of Provence is an excellent secondary school catering for children of all languages. The classes are in both French and English but at Lycée level they can choose whether to take the International Bac with English as their first language or not. They can also take the International GCSE's. About half the students are French and they can also take the normal French Bac. Many children of different nationalities have several languages and this is also reflected in the nationalities of the teaching staff.
International School – Lyon
80 Chemin du Grand Roule,
69110 Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.
The school delivers the IB Diploma programme and the IB Primary Years Programme and is an accredited centre for Cambridge International Examinations. Classes at ISL range from early years to high school and children are welcome from the age of three. Admission is based on school records, evaluation and, where appropriate, an interview or test. Extra-curricular activities and field trips are encouraged, as is participation in the school’s two active Student Councils and PTA.
OMBROSA Lycée Multilingue – Lyon
95 Quai Clemenceau
69300 Caluire
Ombrosa is a very good school, with a mix of nationalities, and it has an excellent record. It is predominantly for French children who want to learn English, and for children from overseas. They are taught in French mainly and this is helped by up to 14 hrs a week of French lessons. It’s a lovely old building on the river Saône and the school operates a bus service covering most of Lyon.
The International School – Toulouse
2 Allée Herbaudière,
31770 Colomiers,
The International School of Toulouse is a co-ed school in Colomiers near the historic city of Toulouse in south west France. The teaching is geared in English though there are a few students from Spain, France and Korea. The school is noted for its use of IT in teaching and learning, with every student from age nine onwards having the loan of a laptop computer.
International School – Nice
15, avenue Claude Debussy
06200 - Nice
The International School of Nice is an IB accredited, co-educational school. It teaches children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 and has been serving the French Riviera since 1976. Through a healthy mix of work, play and learning they provide an excellent educational experience and a range of opportunities for all students from diverse backgrounds.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals have been offering bespoke removals to France for more than 20 years now. We offer Full Container Load (FCL) Part Container Loads (LCL) and Groupage services to all parts of France, from Brittany in the north to Languedoc in the south. For your peace of mind and to assure you of the quality of service we offer, we are members of The British Association of Removers (BAR) and The Road Haulage Association and are also BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered.
With Hamiltons Removals, your belongings are in safe hands. Click here for your free, no obligation removals quote.
There is no denying that your removals to France has faced you with an important decision, and one that will fundamentally affect your children's future. Do you send them to one of the UK’s fine boarding schools, having them attend as a weekly boarder or on a full-time basis? Or, do you pull them out of the British schooling system altogether, enrolling them in an International School instead?
The good news is that there are more than 100 high quality international schools in France and these are scattered all over the country. So, if your move to France is necessary and unavoidable and if you'd rather not send your youngsters to boarding school in the UK, you don’t have to.
Hamiltons Removals offer a high quality, bespoke removals service to France, Europe and the wider world. We pride ourselves on our great customer service and individual attention to detail. We bring you this blogpost to spotlight on some of the top international schools in France. Here, we’ll outline the benefits and give you at least an idea of what to expect.
Moving House to France – click here to find out more about our professional removals service.
What is an International School?
International schools have a number of qualities that differ from other schools, either local or otherwise. For example, they allow for the transfer of students’ education across international schools, provide an international curriculum and accreditation, and either English or bi-lingual teaching.
International Schools provide education programmes that lead to qualifications under the banner of the International Baccalaureate (IB), which has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities. The schools take pupils from primary school age, right through to their diploma years with programmes split as follows:
Primary Years Programme (PYP) Ages 3 - 12
The PYP focuses on the six core subjects of language, maths, science, social studies, arts and personal, social and physical education. Its purpose is to prepare students to take an active part in the process of learning and encourage them to take this forward into the Middle Years Programme and beyond.
Middle Years Programme (MYP) Ages 11 – 16
The MYP encourages learning in eight subjects: two languages (at least), humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education and technology. Its purpose is to promote creativity and nurture the desire for intellectual challenge. It is designed to develop communication skills and the students’ understanding of their intercultural and global engagement.
Diploma Programme (DP) Ages 16 - 19
The IB Diploma Programme prepares students for success in their university studies and in their working life. It is academically challenging and designed to further develop the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of the student.
What are the Benefits of an International School?
Aside from the obvious geographical benefits, international schools offer a more diverse, well-rounded and holistic approach to learning. They teach in preparation for the wider world, a much smaller world in which global communication and an awareness and understanding of cultural diversity have become all important.
International schools offer an education that goes far beyond the three R’s. They offer the opportunity to develop cross-cultural understanding, a truly international outlook and the ability to build quality relationships with people from very different backgrounds. They centre on bringing children together to learn, grow and develop in an environment of understanding and acceptance.
International Schools in Paris
There are a number of international schools based in Paris including The Victor Hugo School, Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel, and Ermitage International School.
The Victor Hugo School
23, rue de Cronstadt
75015 Paris
The Victor Hugo School welcomes students from all nationalities and offers an English language programme from pre-school to high school. Using English as the main language of the classroom, French is taught daily in groups split by their ability. Music, art and sport are all taught in French to IGCSE and A level.
Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel
70, rue du Théâtre
75015 Paris
EABJM is one of the top schools of its kind in Paris. The school’s record for academic excellence is matched by its cultural diversity.
The British School of Paris
38 Quai de l’Ecluse
78290 Croissy-sur-Seine
This is not an IB school, preferring instead to stick to the traditional British model. Its key-stage learning programme culminates in “A” level qualifications as recognised by the English National Curriculum
International Schools outside the Capital
Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel – Lille
418 bis, rue Albert Bailly
59700 Marcq-en-Baroeul
This school offers the same high quality of education as its parent school in Paris, without needing to trek to the capital. Ideal if you are moving to Lille or the surrounding area. The school is co-educational and offers boarding facilities.
International Bilingual School - Provence
Domaine des Pins
500 Petite Route de Bouc-Bel-Air, Aix-en-Provence
13080 LUYNES
IBS of Provence is an excellent secondary school catering for children of all languages. The classes are in both French and English but at Lycée level they can choose whether to take the International Bac with English as their first language or not. They can also take the International GCSE's. About half the students are French and they can also take the normal French Bac. Many children of different nationalities have several languages and this is also reflected in the nationalities of the teaching staff.
International School – Lyon
80 Chemin du Grand Roule,
69110 Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.
The school delivers the IB Diploma programme and the IB Primary Years Programme and is an accredited centre for Cambridge International Examinations. Classes at ISL range from early years to high school and children are welcome from the age of three. Admission is based on school records, evaluation and, where appropriate, an interview or test. Extra-curricular activities and field trips are encouraged, as is participation in the school’s two active Student Councils and PTA.
OMBROSA Lycée Multilingue – Lyon
95 Quai Clemenceau
69300 Caluire
Ombrosa is a very good school, with a mix of nationalities, and it has an excellent record. It is predominantly for French children who want to learn English, and for children from overseas. They are taught in French mainly and this is helped by up to 14 hrs a week of French lessons. It’s a lovely old building on the river Saône and the school operates a bus service covering most of Lyon.
The International School – Toulouse
2 Allée Herbaudière,
31770 Colomiers,
The International School of Toulouse is a co-ed school in Colomiers near the historic city of Toulouse in south west France. The teaching is geared in English though there are a few students from Spain, France and Korea. The school is noted for its use of IT in teaching and learning, with every student from age nine onwards having the loan of a laptop computer.
International School – Nice
15, avenue Claude Debussy
06200 - Nice
The International School of Nice is an IB accredited, co-educational school. It teaches children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 and has been serving the French Riviera since 1976. Through a healthy mix of work, play and learning they provide an excellent educational experience and a range of opportunities for all students from diverse backgrounds.
About Hamiltons
Hamiltons Removals have been offering bespoke removals to France for more than 20 years now. We offer Full Container Load (FCL) Part Container Loads (LCL) and Groupage services to all parts of France, from Brittany in the north to Languedoc in the south. For your peace of mind and to assure you of the quality of service we offer, we are members of The British Association of Removers (BAR) and The Road Haulage Association and are also BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered.
With Hamiltons Removals, your belongings are in safe hands. Click here for your free, no obligation removals quote.
Monday, 29 July 2013
Removals to France: Shopping
If you are moving to France, Hamiltons provide an upmarket removals service with tailor made solutions designed to take care of your prized possessions, from your clothes and hand bag collections to your furnishings and ornaments. From your fine art, to your antiques and vehicle collection, our team of removals experts will handle, pack and transport your belongings with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Moving to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Paris is one of the world’s leading fashion centres, right up there with London, New York and Milan. Here, you'll find the headquarters of big name brands like Hermès, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. With this in mind, we thought you'd appreciate a little tour of the quite fabulous shopping on offer in this city and elsewhere in the country, so that you can be properly prepared to hit the shops in celebration of your removals to France.
Designer Shops
If its designer wear you're after and nothing but the best will do, look for Maison Michel, Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Givenchy, Hermès, Christian Louboutin, Céline and Balenciaga. These mainstays of French couture have become familiar high street names with their forays into perfumery and sun glasses and, with the birth of the designer boutique, their clothing has become that bit more accessible too.
Such boutiques as 58M, AB33, Biondini, L'ECLAIREUR and MODE DE VUE in Paris regularly feature items from the ranges of Michel Vivien, Marc Jacobs, Martin Margiela, Lanvin, Véronique Branquinho, Comme des Garçons, Phillip Lim, Thakoon, Tsumori Chisato, forte_forte, Maison Olga, Pas de Calais, Roseanna, Notify, R13, Ndc made by hand, Azzedine Alaïa, Dolce & Gabbana, Giuseppe Zanotti, Yves Saint Laurent, Balmain, Christopher Kane, Haider Ackermann, Oscar de La Renta, VBH, Bottega Veneta, Courreges Vintage, Linda Farrow and Cutler & Gross.
Paris is not alone in its purveyance of haute couture as a visit to the boutiques of Lyon and Marsailles will testify. CAPSULE BY ESO and SOLIS of Lyon and UNE FEMME A SUIVRE of Marseille bring you the designs of Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Balmain, Paul & Joe, Moschino, Acne, Diesel Black Gold, Maison Martin Margiela, Issey Miyake, Rick Owens, Dries van Noten, Lanvin, Gustavo Lins, Yohji Yamamoto, Sacai, Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons, Dries Van Noten, Marni, Mulberry, Chloé and Bottega Veneta.
Aside from clothing and accoutrements, the boutiques of Paris and France are well known for their art, furnishings, imports, fine cloth and antiquities and many of them occupy some of the areas’ most beautiful buildings. Make sure you pay a visit to the Mabillion/Odéon, Chatelet, Palais-Royal, Boulevard St-Michel, Marais, Bercy Village, Avenue Victor Hugo and The Boulevard Haussmann.
High Street Shopping
High street shopping would not be complete without its department stores and Paris and the other major cities in France are no exception. Chief among the department stores of Paris are Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, which are located on Boulevard Haussmann and specialise in high fashion, designer household, perfumes and children’s wear.
The Galeries Lafayette is a shopping institution in Paris. It offers cutting edge men's and women's designer collections with on trend jewellery and accessories, home furnishings and cosmetics as well as a gourmet food market called “Lafayette Gourmet”.
Printemps is located on the Boulevard Haussmann, between rue du Havre and rue Charras and it comprises 3 separate stores: Printemps Man, Printemps Home and Beauty and Printemps Woman, all linked by covered walkways. Like Galeries Lafayette, it is immense and a true shoppers paradise.
Other areas to head for on your Parisian shopping spree are Vaneau on rue de Sèvres, Hotel de Ville on rue de la Verrerie, and Samaritaine with its 4 department stores on rue de Rivoli.
Supermarket/Hypermarket Shopping
Supermarkets tend to be located in town centres. They are the equivalent to a Sainsbury's Local, Tesco Metro or Little Waitrose in the UK. Hypermarkets are much larger with a wider range of stock and are generally located on the outskirts of town. Their equivalents would be the larger 24 hour supermarkets on the outskirts of towns and cities. As a rule of thumb, you might pay to park at a supermarket (if there is parking at all), whereas at a hypermarket the parking is free.
Specialist Shops
A walk down the high street of many a French town will reveal some quite lovely specialist shops, often owned and operated by people who are not just keen but passionate and knowledgeable about their wares. You'll find specialists in cheese, meat, bread and cakes and, of course, wine. Good conversation will often centre on what you are pairing a dish with and how different methods of cooking can accentuate the flavours. You'll even find specialist tobacconist, ideal for those who enjoy the occasional after dinner smoke.
Street Markets/Farmers Markets
Street markets and farmers markets are very popular in France and held on most weekdays and throughout the weekend. Here you'll find a healthy and colourful selection of locally produced fruit and vegetables. There are bakery stalls selling croissants and fresh French sticks and rolls, butchers stalls, flower stalls and spice stalls selling vinegars, oils and herbs. These markets are a hive of activity from start to finish and give a real sense of French culture. Night markets are very popular too, particularly in the south of the country. Stalls are usually set up for around 7pm and run through till 11pm. Local restaurants lay their tables outside and street buskers keep the diners entertained with music and impromptu performances.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals, we aim to do all we can to help you enjoy your removals to France. We have thought through and are well practised in every aspect of your move. From the initial survey through to packing, storage and transportation, right through to the unpacking of your final piece, we will take care to ensure that your belongings are looked after, every step of the way, and we can even arrange to have your old house professionally cleaned to save you the trouble.
Hamiltons Removals – click here to find out more about our high quality services or click here for a free removals quote.
Friday, 26 July 2013
Removals to France: Getting fit and Being Active
If you are moving across The Channel and are organising your removals to France, you will have a multitude of things to think about, including what to do when you get there. After you have arranged your removals and have settled in, you may want to consider joining a local club in your area, so you can keep active and meet new people. One of the ways to do this is to sign up to a local fitness club or dance class - and the good news is that you will find various sporting activities nationwide, so finding something to suit you shouldn’t be a problem.
Whether you want to take up salsa, join a running club, a hiking group or try out aerobics, you will find all sorts of clubs in the local community, including ones organised by expats. Taking up an activity is a fantastic way to make new friends and, as well as all the health benefits, it’s a great mood booster too; so you can look forward to a regular rush of endorphins.
However, before you make any plans, you will first have to organise removals to France, and Hamiltons is the ideal company for this as we are a long-established firm offering competitive commercial and house moves. We cater for all your removal needs including short and long term storage, packing and unpacking and even cleaning the property you have vacated, so you can look forward to moving into your new home and settling into life abroad.
Once you have completed your removals to France, it is worthwhile browsing the internet to look into joining one of the local sports groups or fitness classes. You may even find some classes led in English and geared towards expats. Certainly, if you think this might be the case, it is worth inquiring about this in advance before you join or, if your French is up to scratch, you can just sign up to one of the local classes.
UK Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Yoga Classes – Yoga has been practiced for centuries and brings a number of health benefits, which is why it is such as popular activity. As a non-aerobic form of exercise, you don’t have to be super-fit to take part. You can just go at your own pace and inform your instructor of any injuries before you start. Yoga generally incorporates some sort of breathing technique and is very relaxing. However, there are many different types of yoga classes available and it is important to choose the right one for you. Whichever type of yoga class you join, you will benefit from increased strength, flexibility and a more toned shape. Either browse the internet or look on your local community notice board to find out about yoga classes near you.
Gym Membership – Gym training brings a multitude of benefits including weight loss and improved fitness. And the good news about joining a local gym is that you don’t have to keep up with a class, you can just go at your own pace and push yourself as hard or as little as you like. Gyms vary in price and facilities – and some even have tennis, squash courts, restaurants and beauty salons – just contact the gyms in your area to find one that suits your budget. Some of the well known chains of gyms in France include Club Med and Cercles de la Forme.
Walking Clubs – Walking gives you the chance to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the scenery. As a beautiful country, France has many picturesque areas and designated walkways, or you could just take a walk closer to home and discover some of the prettiest areas near you. You may want to join an organised walking group or, if this isn’t for you, just visit your local Tourist Information Centre and pick up some information about walking routes in your area.
Cycling Clubs – Europe’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, is a well televised event with a route that mainly goes through France. So, with this in the forefront of your mind, you can easily find the motivation to get on two wheels and explore the open countryside by bike. If you want to take up cycling on a more competitive level, you might want to join a cycling or Triathlon club near you. Or, if you prefer cycling at a more gentle pace, you can find out about cycle friendly routes from your local Tourist Information Centre.
Dance Classes – Whether you enjoy salsa, line dancing, ballroom dancing, ballet, or a spot of street dancing, you are likely to find a dance class that interests you in France. Again, browse the web or check your local newspaper or community notice board to find out what is available. Dance classes are a fun way to get in shape and you can find classes for all age groups, from children to the retired.
Removals to and from France – click here for a free online moving quote
Whether you want to take up salsa, join a running club, a hiking group or try out aerobics, you will find all sorts of clubs in the local community, including ones organised by expats. Taking up an activity is a fantastic way to make new friends and, as well as all the health benefits, it’s a great mood booster too; so you can look forward to a regular rush of endorphins.
However, before you make any plans, you will first have to organise removals to France, and Hamiltons is the ideal company for this as we are a long-established firm offering competitive commercial and house moves. We cater for all your removal needs including short and long term storage, packing and unpacking and even cleaning the property you have vacated, so you can look forward to moving into your new home and settling into life abroad.
Once you have completed your removals to France, it is worthwhile browsing the internet to look into joining one of the local sports groups or fitness classes. You may even find some classes led in English and geared towards expats. Certainly, if you think this might be the case, it is worth inquiring about this in advance before you join or, if your French is up to scratch, you can just sign up to one of the local classes.
UK Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Yoga Classes – Yoga has been practiced for centuries and brings a number of health benefits, which is why it is such as popular activity. As a non-aerobic form of exercise, you don’t have to be super-fit to take part. You can just go at your own pace and inform your instructor of any injuries before you start. Yoga generally incorporates some sort of breathing technique and is very relaxing. However, there are many different types of yoga classes available and it is important to choose the right one for you. Whichever type of yoga class you join, you will benefit from increased strength, flexibility and a more toned shape. Either browse the internet or look on your local community notice board to find out about yoga classes near you.
Gym Membership – Gym training brings a multitude of benefits including weight loss and improved fitness. And the good news about joining a local gym is that you don’t have to keep up with a class, you can just go at your own pace and push yourself as hard or as little as you like. Gyms vary in price and facilities – and some even have tennis, squash courts, restaurants and beauty salons – just contact the gyms in your area to find one that suits your budget. Some of the well known chains of gyms in France include Club Med and Cercles de la Forme.
Walking Clubs – Walking gives you the chance to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the scenery. As a beautiful country, France has many picturesque areas and designated walkways, or you could just take a walk closer to home and discover some of the prettiest areas near you. You may want to join an organised walking group or, if this isn’t for you, just visit your local Tourist Information Centre and pick up some information about walking routes in your area.
Cycling Clubs – Europe’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, is a well televised event with a route that mainly goes through France. So, with this in the forefront of your mind, you can easily find the motivation to get on two wheels and explore the open countryside by bike. If you want to take up cycling on a more competitive level, you might want to join a cycling or Triathlon club near you. Or, if you prefer cycling at a more gentle pace, you can find out about cycle friendly routes from your local Tourist Information Centre.
Dance Classes – Whether you enjoy salsa, line dancing, ballroom dancing, ballet, or a spot of street dancing, you are likely to find a dance class that interests you in France. Again, browse the web or check your local newspaper or community notice board to find out what is available. Dance classes are a fun way to get in shape and you can find classes for all age groups, from children to the retired.
Removals to and from France – click here for a free online moving quote
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Removals to France: Famous Food Festivals in France
In addition to the markets, France is known for hosting many wonderful food festivals, and you can find one at any time of year. Going along to one of the food festivals is a great way to mingle with the locals and, as well as buying some of the fantastic regional specialities, you will also have the chance to sit back and enjoy live entertainment, which usually goes on late into the evening. You will have plenty of opportunity to soak up the atmosphere at a food festival near you, and you can bring the whole family along and enjoy music and dancing until dawn.
Before you move abroad you will want to book a dependable, experienced company for your removals who you can rely on for the safe transportation of your possessions. Hamiltons provides excellent standards at a competitive price and are specialists in both domestic and commercial moves.
Meanwhile, here’s a brief look at some of the most well-known food festivals in France on a month by month basis. If you find a festival near you, why not put the date in your diary so you and your family can get ready to tuck in, join in the fun, and stock up on excellent food and wine?
Domestic and Commercial Removals to France – click here to find out more about our European removals service.
Hamilton’s Food Festival Calendar
January – At the end of the month is the Truffle Festival in Lalbenque, which can be found right in the heart of the Lot Valley, an area famous for its black truffles. Here you can sample delicious gourmet meals lovingly prepared by local restaurateurs. The day long festival also features a series of demonstrations, including the chance to see how the locals use pigs and dogs to seek out these fantastic delicacies.
February – The Lemon Festival is one to watch out for in February and Menton, on the French Riviera, has hosted this event for eight decades. Some 200,000 visitors attend the festival, which runs from Mid-February until the beginning of March and sees well over 100 tonnes of citrus fruit in use. Among the many attractions are the incredible garden of lights, an awe-inspiring procession and a craft fair.
March – Not everyone likes black pudding (or blood sausage) but, if you do, there is a festival dedicated to this delicacy. The event takes place in Mortagne-au-Perch in Normandy and you can find all sorts of exhibitors including butchers and artisans. An incredible 5 km of sausage is sold at the festival annually.
April – April is the asparagus season and the French even have a festival in memory of this nutritious vegetable. The Asparagus festival takes place in Étauliers, France, at the end of the month, and thousands of visitors come to enjoy food and wine tasting, exhibitions and music.
May – Most people love strawberries and the good news is there is a Strawberry Festival in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne which has been held annually for more than 20 years. Festival goers can watch a parade, shop in the open air market, listen to music and feast on strawberry pie or other strawberry related delights.
June – Fruit is still very much the theme of food festivals in June when Cavaillon hosts the Melon Fête. If you like this mouth watering fruit, you will get plenty of chance to taste melon related delights over the four day event which this year (2013) took place at the end of June.
July – The interestingly named Festival of the Pig takes place in Hautes Pyrénées at the end of July or early August. Enjoy anything pig related from pork delicacies, sausages, pig related art exhibitions, competitions and baby pig races.
August – Lots of food festivals are held in August and, as this is the height of the tourist season, these food shows attract thousands of visitors. The Prune Festival of Agen is a well attended event where you can enjoy shows, markets and prune tasting. Other events include the Livarot Cheese Fair, which has over 80 exhibitors, and the Garlic Festival in Lautrec, Tarn, a village well known for its pink garlic.
September – Wherever you live in France you will have the opportunity to get involved in the Fête de la Gastronomie, as thousands of events are held nationwide. Attractions include food demonstrations, guided tours of places of interest, wine tasting and plenty of chances to taste top notch food.
October – This is the month of the Roanne Festival Open Table, which has been an annual event in the Loire Valley for more than ten years. Thousands of people attend to enjoy cookery workshops, wine tasting and entertainment. Elsewhere, seafood is on the menu as the Shrimp Festival is another October food festival, found at the port of Honfleur, Calvados. And, for those of you who love chestnuts, you might want to join the throng of 20,000 who head to annual Chestnut Festival in Mourjou.
November – Every other year, Vinay, Isère, in the Rhône-Alpes region, hosts the Fête de la Noix, which celebrates when all the walnuts have been picked. Among the activities are walnut related dishes, a nut cracking competition, music and dancing.
December – This is the time of year of the Chicken Festival in Saint-Sever, where the region’s chefs and chicken farmers showcase their specialities. The free festival has a medieval theme and you can buy some wonderful delights at the market.
About Hamiltons
If you require removals to France, call on the experts at Hamiltons Removals or just click here for a free domestic or commercial quotation.
Friday, 5 July 2013
Removals to France - A Guide to Some of the Most Beautiful French Châteaux
With your removals to France in the offing, whether it’s take up a new French job role, to be closer to family and friends or even to retire, you will doubtless be looking forward to many things about your move. The world renowned cuisine, fine wines, good weather (mostly), tuneful accents, delightful scenery, ancient monuments and the magnificent châteaux are just some of the things that the country has to offer.
In this article, we would like to assist you in locating and enjoying some of the most beautiful châteaux in France so that wherever your removals to France may take you, to the north, south, east or west of the country, you'll know where to head for to view some of the most historic and significant buildings in France.
Hamiltons Removals was established in 1993 and has been providing first class, bespoke removals services to destinations throughout the UK and Europe including removals to France ever since. Our team of time-served removals experts are on hand to assist you in every aspect of your house move from the wrapping, packing and safe transportation of your belongings to their unpacking and installation.
We also offer a professional house cleaning service to save you the time and trouble.
Here we take a glimpse at some of the best and most picturesque châteaux in France. There are literally hundreds to choose from so it is impossible to mention them all, but here’s our pick of the bunch. Enjoy!
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Ten Remarkable Castles in France
Versailles
Versailles is a former royal palace in the Ile de France region of France. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is recognised as one of the most beautiful achievements in 18th century French art. The Château de Versailles earns its keep today as the Museum of French History and as such, is filled with masterpieces from the paintings of Charles Le Brun to the furnishings of the court of Louis XIV. The gardens are a joy here too; created by André Le Nôtre, they are a feast of fountains, sculpture, lawns and flowers.
Chambord
The largest château in the Loire Valley and arguably the most enchanting in all of France, Chateau de Chambord is reputed to be the inspiration behind the castle in Walt Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Its design is a combination of the majestic and the magical. With more than 400 rooms, 350 fireplaces and 80 staircases, the sheer size of the place beggars belief. It would take days - weeks even - to familiarise yourselves with it. Luckily an English speaking guided tour is available so you don’t miss any of the best bits.
Mont St Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is a small rocky island off the north-western coast of France. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is visited by more than three million people a year and yet, as of the last census, only has 44 inhabitants. Among the many attractions on the island are: the Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel; La Chapelle-Saint-Aubert which is a lovely addition to the abbey; Tour Gabriel, which looks great at low tide, and Eglise St-Maclou which is well worth the climb.
Château Bonaguil
The Château de Bonaguil, Fumel, in south-western France is one of the best preserved of its kind in the region. You are invited to wander around the castle to your heart's content and there is a guide written in English help you navigate the site. A numbering system corresponds with the guide, which provides information to help you get the most from your experience and learn as much as possible about life, not just within the walls of the château, but in the Bastide as a whole.
Château Baynac
Described as atmospheric, almost spooky, wandering around Château Baynac is like stepping back in time. It is a proper purpose-built fortress; there are nofairytale towers or spires here, instead the architecture is almost brutal and with good reason as it had a very specific military task to perform. Its commanding position, high above the Dordogne River made it an important stronghold and one that was much prized among crusaders like Richard the Lionheart. Bring your camera as the views, as you can imagine, are spectacular.
The Château de Vincennes
Vincennes is one of the largest and most well preserved castles in the whole of Europe. Dating back to the 12th Century, it has played an important role in French history and has borne the scars to prove it. Home to kings, armies and prisoners, there is a wealth of history contained within its walls and a great deal to see and learn about. Since the German soldiers departed after WWII, having inflicted considerable damage on the castle, it has become the subject of a huge and sympathetic restoration programme.
Palace of the Popes
The largest and most important Gothic building in Europe and a UNESCO world heritage site, the Popes' Palace in Avignon dominates the skyline. It features not-to-be-missed monuments like the Saint Bénezet Bridge (aka Le Pont d’Avignon which has a song of this name), the Ramparts, the Petit Palais and the cathedral. There are over 20 rooms with virtually year round displays featuring historic scenes and frescoes, and it stages a number of popular theatrical events and art exhibitions throughout the year.
Château d'Ussé
The inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty, this is a must see for your little prince and princess. The story is brought to life through piped music and mannequins in fancy dress, so the kids will love it. From the outside, the château is exactly what you'd expect: all spires, high towers and small darkened windows. It is quite magical looking and inside they have continued the theme. It might feel a little too touristy and some would say priced accordingly, but it’s definitely worth a look if only to keep the little darlings quiet for a while.
Château Fontainebleau
This is a chateau on a grand scale. Kings and Queens have lived here and the majesty of the building and its grounds reflect that. Now housing four museums, three galleries and a theatre, this is a truly interactive visit and a must see. Exhibitions, theatre and operatic performances are often staged here and are well patronized. Family visits are encouraged, as are school trips, and the children will not tire of the interactive displays, learning and entertainments on offer.
Château de Valencay
Dating back to the time of Louis XIII, the chateau, which was bought by Napoleon for his Foreign Affairs Minister to show off to visiting dignitaries, represents a wonderful combination of both the Renaissance and Classical styles. Surrounded by pretty French gardens and set in an English landscaped park, the chateau and its grounds boast an active social calendar hosting such things as candlelight processions, concerts, and plays. Fine decoration and furnishings complete this most stately of homes.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we offer Full Container Load (FCL), Part Container Load (LCL), or Groupage removals as part of our removals to France service, but we are also able to transport, single, large and valuable items like motorcars, pianos and horses. Our removals experts are well used to handling all kinds of items and we only use qualified equestrians when loading and transporting horses. . Call, email or follow the link below for an instant quotation or to speak to one of our highly trained removals operatives. We will be delighted to help.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Removals to France - Some of the Most Famous Wine Producing Regions of France
If you are reading this post, doubtless you will already be planning your removals to France and looking forward, among other things, to sampling for yourselves some of the finest wines Europe has to offer.
France has a wonderful wine producing tradition which stretches back over many centuries and as a result, French wines are widely regarded as among the best in the world. If your removals to France takes you to any of the five regions detailed below, you are in for a real treat; as in many cases you can buy the finest wine direct from the vineyard.
For removals to France, with Hamiltons Removals you are in safe hands. We take care of every aspect of your removal, from the initial survey which is carried out by our time-served removals experts, to the fixing of dates and times. We'll carefully wrap and pack your belongings, keeping them safe at our secure storage facility should that be necessary. We will load and transport your belongings with care and deliver them safely to your new French home.
In this article we shall spotlight some of the most famous wine producing regions in France, the type of wine that is produced in the region, important facts, and hopefully some interesting snippets of information that you may not already be aware of.
Click the link below to access our home page and view our on-line brochure. Get a quick quote online, or apply for a more detailed one, or call us to find out more.
Removals to France
Famous Wine Producing Regions
Champagne
Wine production in this region can be traced back to the middle ages but it started in earnest in the 17th and 18th centuries. Grape varieties that grow particularly well here are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and their blending has produced some of the oldest, most famous and best selling champagnes including Ruinart, Taittinger, Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.
Labelled according to taste and vintage, champagnes are classified either as Brut (very dry), Extra dry (slightly sweeter than Brut), Sec (medium dry) and Demi Sec (sweet).
Non-vintage or NV – These champagnes are blended from 2 or 3 vintages and are meant to be enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Vintage – This is made from the best grapes of a single harvest. Conditions are not always perfect for champagne so some vintages will be better than others and some years may not be classified vintage at all.
Blanc de Blancs – This popular champagne uses only the Chardonnay grape.
Blanc de Noirs – This one uses just the Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier varieties.
Rosé – Tinged red, this is made by blending a still red wine with Champagne.
Burgundy Wines
The Burgundy wine region of France can be easily split into six areas. Although the sixth, Beaujolais, does not strictly fall within the Burgundy region, it can reasonably be listed here.
Chablis – This northernmost region of Burgundy is highly regarded for its production of the best dry white wines.
The Côte de Nuits – This region is championed as the home of Burgundy red
The Côte de Beaune – Great reds and even greater white Burgundies come from here
The Côte Chalonnaise – Another area for great reds and whites
The Mâconnais – Wines from the south of Burgundy tend to be cheaper and are not meant to be aged. They should be enjoyed while they are still young and fresh.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is produced using the Gamay grape which is not used in Burgundy by decree of Philippe the Bold in 1395. This move saw the separation of Beaujolais from neighbouring Burgundy, and, as unpopular as it was at the time, this led to the Gamay making its own very distinct and famous mark on the world of wine. Perhaps the most famous is Beaujolais Nouveau, a young, sprightly and vibrant wine with fruity flavours, which should not be laid down but enjoyed whilst still fresh.
Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux is in the Aquitaine region of south-west France. It is four times the size of Burgundy and home to 10,000+ wine producers who specialise in the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Their wines are blended and named as follows:
Médoc – A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Margaux – Again with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but leaning more towards Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes for a more delicate taste.
Saint Emilion – A darker red which ages more quickly than other red Bordeaux wines. Made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Barsac – A sweet white wine made with Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
Alsace Wines
The main grape varieties grown in the Alsace region of France to the far north-east of the country and bordering Germany are: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Klevener de Heiligenstein and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Blanc - Well rounded, delicate, fresh and supple, it is a lovely mid range wine.
Riesling - Dry, with a delicate fruitiness it is recognised as one of the world's finest white wine varieties.
Pinot Gris - Full bodied and slightly smoky,
Gewurztraminer – Probably the best-known Alsace wine. It is at once fruity and flowery with more than a hint of spice
Sylvaner – Fresh and light, it is delicate and refreshing.
Muscat d'Alsace – An aromatic dry wine
Pinot Noir – The Alsace Red, the only Alsace Red
Over 90% of the wine from Alsace is white and should be served chilled but not iced as this will inevitably dilute the flavour.
Loire Valley Wines
White, rose, red, sparkling and sweet, the Loire Valley has it all
White Wines
The white wines can vary from crisp and dry to rich and aromatic. They are fruity and refreshing making them ideal accompaniments to a wide range of foods.
Rosé Wines
Rosé wines of the region are refreshing and full flavoured. They are again, excellent accompaniments to food, especially barbecues and picnics.
Red Wines
The Loire Valley's red wines range from fresh and fruity to rich and earthy. The lighter ones can be served chilled and make a refreshing change to white at a summer barbecue. Full bodied reds from the Loire Valley are an excellent accompaniment to hearty dishes.
Sparkling Wines
A Loire Valley sparkling wine is an excellent celebratory drink that can also be enjoyed over a light meal.
Sweet Wines
The sweet wines of the Loire Valley are among the world’s best. They are best enjoyed at the end of a meal, as an accompaniment to a dessert.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we offer a high quality, bespoke removals service. Whatever the size of your European house move or office relocation, should you require full load (FCL), part load (LCL) or groupage, we are happy to help. For your peace of mind we are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and are FAIM registered. We are members of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and BS EN ISO 9001/2000 registered. Contact us today and let us take care of your removals to France.
Click the link below to access our home page and contact us directly.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
France has a wonderful wine producing tradition which stretches back over many centuries and as a result, French wines are widely regarded as among the best in the world. If your removals to France takes you to any of the five regions detailed below, you are in for a real treat; as in many cases you can buy the finest wine direct from the vineyard.
For removals to France, with Hamiltons Removals you are in safe hands. We take care of every aspect of your removal, from the initial survey which is carried out by our time-served removals experts, to the fixing of dates and times. We'll carefully wrap and pack your belongings, keeping them safe at our secure storage facility should that be necessary. We will load and transport your belongings with care and deliver them safely to your new French home.
In this article we shall spotlight some of the most famous wine producing regions in France, the type of wine that is produced in the region, important facts, and hopefully some interesting snippets of information that you may not already be aware of.
Click the link below to access our home page and view our on-line brochure. Get a quick quote online, or apply for a more detailed one, or call us to find out more.
Removals to France
Famous Wine Producing Regions
Champagne
Wine production in this region can be traced back to the middle ages but it started in earnest in the 17th and 18th centuries. Grape varieties that grow particularly well here are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier and their blending has produced some of the oldest, most famous and best selling champagnes including Ruinart, Taittinger, Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot.
Labelled according to taste and vintage, champagnes are classified either as Brut (very dry), Extra dry (slightly sweeter than Brut), Sec (medium dry) and Demi Sec (sweet).
Non-vintage or NV – These champagnes are blended from 2 or 3 vintages and are meant to be enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Vintage – This is made from the best grapes of a single harvest. Conditions are not always perfect for champagne so some vintages will be better than others and some years may not be classified vintage at all.
Blanc de Blancs – This popular champagne uses only the Chardonnay grape.
Blanc de Noirs – This one uses just the Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier varieties.
Rosé – Tinged red, this is made by blending a still red wine with Champagne.
Burgundy Wines
The Burgundy wine region of France can be easily split into six areas. Although the sixth, Beaujolais, does not strictly fall within the Burgundy region, it can reasonably be listed here.
Chablis – This northernmost region of Burgundy is highly regarded for its production of the best dry white wines.
The Côte de Nuits – This region is championed as the home of Burgundy red
The Côte de Beaune – Great reds and even greater white Burgundies come from here
The Côte Chalonnaise – Another area for great reds and whites
The Mâconnais – Wines from the south of Burgundy tend to be cheaper and are not meant to be aged. They should be enjoyed while they are still young and fresh.
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is produced using the Gamay grape which is not used in Burgundy by decree of Philippe the Bold in 1395. This move saw the separation of Beaujolais from neighbouring Burgundy, and, as unpopular as it was at the time, this led to the Gamay making its own very distinct and famous mark on the world of wine. Perhaps the most famous is Beaujolais Nouveau, a young, sprightly and vibrant wine with fruity flavours, which should not be laid down but enjoyed whilst still fresh.
Bordeaux Wines
Bordeaux is in the Aquitaine region of south-west France. It is four times the size of Burgundy and home to 10,000+ wine producers who specialise in the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Their wines are blended and named as follows:
Médoc – A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Malbec and Petit Verdot.
Margaux – Again with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but leaning more towards Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes for a more delicate taste.
Saint Emilion – A darker red which ages more quickly than other red Bordeaux wines. Made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Barsac – A sweet white wine made with Sauvignon, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
Alsace Wines
The main grape varieties grown in the Alsace region of France to the far north-east of the country and bordering Germany are: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Klevener de Heiligenstein and Pinot Noir.
Pinot Blanc - Well rounded, delicate, fresh and supple, it is a lovely mid range wine.
Riesling - Dry, with a delicate fruitiness it is recognised as one of the world's finest white wine varieties.
Pinot Gris - Full bodied and slightly smoky,
Gewurztraminer – Probably the best-known Alsace wine. It is at once fruity and flowery with more than a hint of spice
Sylvaner – Fresh and light, it is delicate and refreshing.
Muscat d'Alsace – An aromatic dry wine
Pinot Noir – The Alsace Red, the only Alsace Red
Over 90% of the wine from Alsace is white and should be served chilled but not iced as this will inevitably dilute the flavour.
Loire Valley Wines
White, rose, red, sparkling and sweet, the Loire Valley has it all
White Wines
The white wines can vary from crisp and dry to rich and aromatic. They are fruity and refreshing making them ideal accompaniments to a wide range of foods.
Rosé Wines
Rosé wines of the region are refreshing and full flavoured. They are again, excellent accompaniments to food, especially barbecues and picnics.
Red Wines
The Loire Valley's red wines range from fresh and fruity to rich and earthy. The lighter ones can be served chilled and make a refreshing change to white at a summer barbecue. Full bodied reds from the Loire Valley are an excellent accompaniment to hearty dishes.
Sparkling Wines
A Loire Valley sparkling wine is an excellent celebratory drink that can also be enjoyed over a light meal.
Sweet Wines
The sweet wines of the Loire Valley are among the world’s best. They are best enjoyed at the end of a meal, as an accompaniment to a dessert.
About Hamiltons
At Hamiltons Removals we offer a high quality, bespoke removals service. Whatever the size of your European house move or office relocation, should you require full load (FCL), part load (LCL) or groupage, we are happy to help. For your peace of mind we are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and are FAIM registered. We are members of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and BS EN ISO 9001/2000 registered. Contact us today and let us take care of your removals to France.
Click the link below to access our home page and contact us directly.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Removals to France – Most Fascinating Beaches in France
France is a land of contrasts – bustling cities and rolling countryside, majestic Alpine scenery and stunning beaches – so if your main reason for seeking removals to France to live near the coast and if its beach life you're after, you certainly won’t be disappointed. In France, there are plenty of fascinating and picturesque beaches to explore. They're great for seaside walks, relaxing and recharging your batteries and, of course, they're great for getting a tan too.
If you're looking for a professional removals company to assist you with your removals to France, look no further; Hamiltons provide a removals service that is second to none. We have been providing removals to France for over twenty years now and have built a reputation based on reliability and dedication to customer service. We offer full and part load removals and secure storage. We'll do all the packing and unpacking for you if you want and we even offer a cleaning service to professionally clean the home you are vacating to save you the bother. When it comes to removals, whether they are domestic removals or commercial removals, we go the extra mile and that is what puts us above all the rest.
In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the prettiest and most interesting beaches in France – one of them could be near to your new home.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Dune of Pyla
This is the tallest sand dune in Europe. They say it’s big enough to be seen from space! From the top, you are presented with an amazing view of the Atlantic Coast and the Bay of Arcachon. Convenient parking (€4) and a staircase have made access and ascension easy and along the way you can pick up ice creams and other beach goodies. You do need to be relatively fit to take on the climb but its well worth the effort.
D-Day Beaches, Normandy
There are 5 beaches here that will forever be remembered for the part they played in WWII: Sword Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. All of them have memorials in place to those that lost their lives there. The best time to visit the area is June 6th, the anniversary of the D-Day landings. Numerous memorial ceremonies mark the occasion and the church bells ring in every town along the coast.
Côte Sauvage, Poitou-Charentes
Wild, unspoiled and rugged, it’s not called the Savage Coast for nothing. This is the ideal place to learn to surf. There are plenty of surf shops and surf schools along this 30km stretch where you can get all the gear you need and learn to use it properly too. Go to Bonne Anse Bay with the kids, they'll love the water park with its slides and amusements. Do bear in mind though, that the roads around here get pretty busy especially over summer weekends.
Pointe de la torche Brittany
This is another great place to sunbathe and surf out of so surf shops, creperies and ice cream parlours abound here. Swimmers though should be aware of the strong tidal currents and warned away from the area around La Torche. You'll see that some fencing has been erected here; this, together with the plant life that has been put in place, is helping to protect the sand dunes. Hikers will love here too. There are a number of quality circular trails and a lovely coastal path that crosses the harbours of Loctudy, Lesconil and Le Guilvinec.
Rondinara Beach Corsica
Rondinara Beach is, quite simply, beautiful. It has been photographed many times for use on picture postcards, its turquoise waters contrasting so vividly with its soft white-sanded fringe. The naturally crescent shaped bay, which is flanked by dark green pines, forms part of a protected nature reserve. The sea is calm and shallow and the sands slope gently into the water making it very safe and an ideal play beach for children. Access has been made easy via a long and occasionally narrow road, which has recently been resurfaced.
Plage de Notre Dame, Île de Porquerolles, Provence Alpes, Cote d’Azur
Plage de Notre-Dame is a gorgeous eucalyptus and pine backed fringe of white sand on the northeastern side of Porquerolle. The island is typical of the unspoilt French Riviera. Mountain bikes are the preferred mode of transport here and there are plenty of bike friendly, sandy paths leading to the beach. The al-fresco restaurants with menus consisting mainly of locally caught fresh fish are in great demand but bear in mind there is no beachside café; it’s far too picturesque a place to allow such a thing.
Plage de Pamperlonne – Cote d’Azure – Saint Tropez
Known as Tahiti Beach, Plage de Pamperlonne is both beautiful and expensive. This is not the place to go if you are watching the pennies; but then, that's part of the attraction. It appeals to the well healed; there's an upmarket clubhouse and the long white sanded beach never gets too crowded. Here, culture, couture and cuisine are blended perfectly with glamour and sophistication; but Pamperlonne is more that: it is also a wonderful nature reserve.
L'Île de Riou, Marseille
Riou is the largest of the islands that go to make up the Marseilles archipelago. It’s great for diving, swimming, snorkelling and scuba; if you love interesting underwater landscapes, you'll love it here. Though there are many beaches in Marseilles, none are as lovely as L’Île de Riou. Covering quite a large area, there is a lot to see and do on the island and it has many unspoilt areas. On land, there're great accommodation and entertainment facilities but it’s not overly commercialised, unlike some other parts of the Riviera.
Paloma Plage, French Riviera,
Variously described as the most beautiful place on the French Rivieria and the ultimate Côte d'Azur experience, if one of your favourite pastimes is celebrity watching, you won’t be disappointed here. Despite being so popular with the Jet Set, the beach is open to the public but the local hoteliers are no fools, they charge up to 20 Euros for the use of their beds and a small fortune for their food and drink knowing that the scenery and their patronage will make it all seem worthwhile.
About Hamiltons Removals
At Hamiltons Removals, we have been offering our removals to France service for over 20 years now. We are proud of the reputation that we have built up in that time: a reputation for excellence in service and quality. Give us the job of taking care of your European removal and you can rest assured it will be handled in an exemplary and professional manner.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
If you're looking for a professional removals company to assist you with your removals to France, look no further; Hamiltons provide a removals service that is second to none. We have been providing removals to France for over twenty years now and have built a reputation based on reliability and dedication to customer service. We offer full and part load removals and secure storage. We'll do all the packing and unpacking for you if you want and we even offer a cleaning service to professionally clean the home you are vacating to save you the bother. When it comes to removals, whether they are domestic removals or commercial removals, we go the extra mile and that is what puts us above all the rest.
In this article, we will be taking a look at some of the prettiest and most interesting beaches in France – one of them could be near to your new home.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service.
Dune of Pyla
This is the tallest sand dune in Europe. They say it’s big enough to be seen from space! From the top, you are presented with an amazing view of the Atlantic Coast and the Bay of Arcachon. Convenient parking (€4) and a staircase have made access and ascension easy and along the way you can pick up ice creams and other beach goodies. You do need to be relatively fit to take on the climb but its well worth the effort.
D-Day Beaches, Normandy
There are 5 beaches here that will forever be remembered for the part they played in WWII: Sword Beach, Juno Beach, Gold Beach, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. All of them have memorials in place to those that lost their lives there. The best time to visit the area is June 6th, the anniversary of the D-Day landings. Numerous memorial ceremonies mark the occasion and the church bells ring in every town along the coast.
Côte Sauvage, Poitou-Charentes
Wild, unspoiled and rugged, it’s not called the Savage Coast for nothing. This is the ideal place to learn to surf. There are plenty of surf shops and surf schools along this 30km stretch where you can get all the gear you need and learn to use it properly too. Go to Bonne Anse Bay with the kids, they'll love the water park with its slides and amusements. Do bear in mind though, that the roads around here get pretty busy especially over summer weekends.
Pointe de la torche Brittany
This is another great place to sunbathe and surf out of so surf shops, creperies and ice cream parlours abound here. Swimmers though should be aware of the strong tidal currents and warned away from the area around La Torche. You'll see that some fencing has been erected here; this, together with the plant life that has been put in place, is helping to protect the sand dunes. Hikers will love here too. There are a number of quality circular trails and a lovely coastal path that crosses the harbours of Loctudy, Lesconil and Le Guilvinec.
Rondinara Beach Corsica
Rondinara Beach is, quite simply, beautiful. It has been photographed many times for use on picture postcards, its turquoise waters contrasting so vividly with its soft white-sanded fringe. The naturally crescent shaped bay, which is flanked by dark green pines, forms part of a protected nature reserve. The sea is calm and shallow and the sands slope gently into the water making it very safe and an ideal play beach for children. Access has been made easy via a long and occasionally narrow road, which has recently been resurfaced.
Plage de Notre Dame, Île de Porquerolles, Provence Alpes, Cote d’Azur
Plage de Notre-Dame is a gorgeous eucalyptus and pine backed fringe of white sand on the northeastern side of Porquerolle. The island is typical of the unspoilt French Riviera. Mountain bikes are the preferred mode of transport here and there are plenty of bike friendly, sandy paths leading to the beach. The al-fresco restaurants with menus consisting mainly of locally caught fresh fish are in great demand but bear in mind there is no beachside café; it’s far too picturesque a place to allow such a thing.
Plage de Pamperlonne – Cote d’Azure – Saint Tropez
Known as Tahiti Beach, Plage de Pamperlonne is both beautiful and expensive. This is not the place to go if you are watching the pennies; but then, that's part of the attraction. It appeals to the well healed; there's an upmarket clubhouse and the long white sanded beach never gets too crowded. Here, culture, couture and cuisine are blended perfectly with glamour and sophistication; but Pamperlonne is more that: it is also a wonderful nature reserve.
L'Île de Riou, Marseille
Riou is the largest of the islands that go to make up the Marseilles archipelago. It’s great for diving, swimming, snorkelling and scuba; if you love interesting underwater landscapes, you'll love it here. Though there are many beaches in Marseilles, none are as lovely as L’Île de Riou. Covering quite a large area, there is a lot to see and do on the island and it has many unspoilt areas. On land, there're great accommodation and entertainment facilities but it’s not overly commercialised, unlike some other parts of the Riviera.
Paloma Plage, French Riviera,
Variously described as the most beautiful place on the French Rivieria and the ultimate Côte d'Azur experience, if one of your favourite pastimes is celebrity watching, you won’t be disappointed here. Despite being so popular with the Jet Set, the beach is open to the public but the local hoteliers are no fools, they charge up to 20 Euros for the use of their beds and a small fortune for their food and drink knowing that the scenery and their patronage will make it all seem worthwhile.
About Hamiltons Removals
At Hamiltons Removals, we have been offering our removals to France service for over 20 years now. We are proud of the reputation that we have built up in that time: a reputation for excellence in service and quality. Give us the job of taking care of your European removal and you can rest assured it will be handled in an exemplary and professional manner.
Removals to France – click here to find out more about our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.
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