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.
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
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.
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