Most Unusual Restaurants and Bars in France

If you are looking for specialists in removals to and from France, contact Hamiltons who are experienced in household and office moves across the channel. Meanwhile, if you are settling in the country, France is known worldwide for its gastronomy, so you will find plenty of excellent restaurants in your area. But as well as the family-run bistros, Michelin-starred and regional restaurants, there’s also a fair pick of some alternative ones too. Here Hamiltons, the experts in removals to France, throw the spotlight on ten of the country’s most unusual restaurants and bars.

Alex’Cellent Restau, Reims / Aioliwood, Paris – These two restaurants, which are completely separate organisations, serve diners on double-decker buses. Alex’Cellent is an English red bus which can also be hired for private parties – and of course, the bus can come to you! Aioliwood is a plush moving bus/gourmet restaurant/cinema that also serves as a canteen on film sets, and is used for cultural events and festivals.

Dans le Noir, Paris – Translated as ‘in the dark’, this is just what you can expect in this restaurant, which has clocked up some great reviews for service, and atmosphere. You have to leave things that emit the light (such as phones and watches) in a locker at the door as you dine in total blackness. The waiters and waitresses are blind and the idea of the restaurant is that you make use of other senses such as taste, touch and smell.

Eggs & Co, Paris – If you like all things made with eggs – omelette, pancakes, poached or boiled eggs – you’ll be served up a treat here. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch or a private party in the evening here, as the opening times are 10 am until 6 pm. It is a small and cosy restaurant which has had some great reviews.

F-BACC, Fontenay-Trésigny – This is a former French Air Force aeroplane turned restaurant in a small airfield near Paris. Although the outside is decorated in Air France colours, it wasn’t a public passenger plane.

Ice Kube Bar, Paris – You can find this within the Kube Hotel lounge restaurant. The décor changes each year and the bar, shelves and seating are made entirely of ice. You are loaned a jacket and gloves on arrival.

La Table des Gourmets, Paris – Here you can dine in style in spectacular surroundings in a vaulted crypt of a 12th century chapel. It serves French food, lunchtimes and evenings.

L’Eau Vive, Marseilles – This pleasant cafeteria is run by secular missionaries wearing traditional costume. It gets quite busy, especially at weekends, so it’s advisable to book in advance. It’s based within the Notre Dame de la Garde, and you can often hear singing as the food is being prepared. The restaurant and offers good quality food and service at reasonable prices, plus beautiful views.

Les Crayers des Montquartiers, Issy-Les-Moulineaux – This interesting restaurant is in a historic chalk quarry, where you can combine a fixed price guided tour with a five course meal in awe inspiring surroundings with vaulted, stone ceilings. The restaurant and banquet hall seats up to 1000 people and is conveniently located five minutes from Paris. It has clocked up some excellent reviews.

L’Urgence Bar, Paris – Translated as ‘Emergency Room’, it’s a bar rather than a restaurant and is based on a hospital theme. Drinks are served in baby bottles or test tubes and the table tops have syringes beneath them.  It’s somewhere different to go before or after your meal.

Sur un Arbre Perché, Paris – This quirky restaurant, translated as ‘Perched on a Tree’, offers French contemporary dining and two of the tables have swings as chairs. The food is artfully prepared and you may be offered a massage after your meal, to complete the relaxed dining experience.

Hamiltons Removals – Removals to and from France – Click here to find out about our full range of services including packing, unpacking, storage, removals, insurance and specialist moves.

Seven Top Carnivals to Visit After Your Move to France

After undertaking house moves to France, many expats like to attend some of the main carnivals as a way of getting to know their new country and immersing themselves in the culture. There is a strong carnival tradition across the nation, with many famous festivities being organised on and around Mardi Gras, in February or March each year.

With costumed parades, fireworks, songs and dance, these colourful events are entertaining for all the family, and involve a lot of fun for children in particular. They also bring fun and excitement to the winter months.

As experts in organising both business and household removals to France, at Hamiltons we have a detailed knowledge of French culture and lifestyles. Here we look at some of the leading carnivals which you may want to visit following your move from the UK to France.

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1. Nice Carnival: France's biggest carnival is staged on the Riviera for a fortnight in February, leading up to a spectacular parade on Mardi Gras itself. The carnival in Nice dates right back to the 13th century, but the modern event – which attracts a million people annually – was created in the 1870s. One of its most famous features is the Battle of Flowers, with thousands of specially grown blooms being thrown from colourful floats to the crowds lining the streets. Musicians and street entertainers from around the world join in the main processions, led by the “Carnival King”, and there are also parades of lights after dark. The last night sees a bonfire and a massive firework display.

2. Paris Carnival: Many British expats relocating to France set up home in Paris. They discover a wealth of culture there, including the major carnival held each February, which draws hundreds of thousands of people. Paris Carnival is an ancient celebration which was popular as far back as the 1500s, but it disappeared for many years in the 20th century and was only revived in the 1990s. The main highlight is “the parade of the fatted ox”, a huge procession led by an ox in a red robe. The carnival features people in an amazing variety of masks and costumes, as well as live music, jugglers and theatrical performers. Each year's event has a different theme.

3. Dunkirk Carnival: Dunkirk might be a relatively small city, but it holds one of France's biggest carnivals. First held in the 1700s, the carnival runs from late January right through to March, and features a whole series of weekend parades and fancy dress balls. Bands of musicians in yellow fishermen's raincoats march through the streets, and kippers are thrown to them from the town hall at the end of the parade as a reward. This carnival has an especially friendly atmosphere and aims to get both locals and visitors involved in the fun.

4. Carnival of Two Banks, Bordeaux: More than 35,000 people line the streets of the city for this annual carnival, usually held in early March. Just as its name suggests, it is held on both banks of the river Garonne. The big parade is full of people wearing elaborate costumes and masks. As well as the procession, there are also many workshops over the weeks running up to it, plus children's activities, concerts and other events. The carnival aims to celebrate cultural diversity and takes a special theme each year.

5. Carnival of Limoux: Proclaiming itself as the “longest-running carnival in the world”, this event covers an even longer period than Dunkirk's. Running for three months from January to March, it sees bands playing traditional music and costumed characters, including the Pierrot, performing every weekend. Parts of the festivities are traditionally conducted in the ancient language of Occitan. At the end of the carnival, a straw figure of King Carnival is ceremonially burnt in the main square.

6. Strasbourg Carnival: Dozens of floats and more than 3,000 people in costume take part in this annual extravaganza, usually held over a weekend in March. Carnival is a big tradition in the Alsace region, celebrating the end of winter and arrival of spring. After a major procession through the city and live musical entertainment, there is more merrymaking at clubs and bars into the night.

7. Chambery Carnival: Children are encouraged to create their own colourful costumes for the annual carnival in this Alpine city in Savoie, usually held in March. Around 20,000 people line the streets for the procession, with music, dance and circus performers all taking part, and an emphasis on gourmet food.

About Hamiltons Removals

Hamiltons has extensive experience of organising house moves to France, and provides a weekly removals service to the country. Our expert service includes professional packing and unpacking if required and we can also advise you on all paperwork. If you need to arrange shipping to Paris or any other area of France, we will ensure the whole process goes smoothly.

Hamiltons Removals – Get in touch now for details of our services.

Following Football in France After Your House Move

What is club football in France if its not an opportunity to see some of the world's best players in action and possibly, depending upon where your house moves to France take you, see them right on your doorstep?

Whatever the reason you're looking to arrange house moves to France, whether it’s for business or pleasure, one thing is for certain, if you are a fan of “the beautiful game”, and happen to be moving to within striking distance of a Ligue 1 club, you are in for a real football treat.

In this article, we take a look at the top French football teams in the order in which they stand at the time of writing. 

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Paris Saint-Germain - Parc des Princes

Parc des Princes, or PSG as they are known as internationally, have risen to footballing greatness over the past 3-4 years. Formed in 1970 as the result of a merger between two smaller clubs - Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain - the club wallowed in mid table obscurity for years but then something marvellous happened, the Qataris came to town. PSG have benefitted recently from a huge injection of cash from Qatar and in true football fashion, it’s this Qatari money that has bought the players, made the team, and has brought home the silverware.

AS Monaco FC - Stade Louis II

Another cash injection, this time from Russia, has doubtless helped keep Monaco up where they belong, though to be fair, they had already been doing rather well for years. They have been at or near the top of the French football league since as far back as the 1970's and 80's, but then in late 2011, a cash genie turned up in the shape of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. His financial backing and the quality of player that his money has bought to the club will surely see AS Monaco FC in the top flight for a long time to come.

LOSC Lille - Stade Pierre-Mauroy

LOSC Lille have enjoyed many successes since their return to top flight French football in 2000–01. They qualified for Europe for the first time in their history, securing a place in the 2000–01 Champions League and since then, under the chairmanship of Michel Seydoux and with the coaching expertise of Claude Puel and later, Rudi Garcia, they have become a regular on the European football scene. In recent times, they've enjoyed successes over such teams as Manchester United, Milan and Liverpool, and in 2011 they won the French league and cup double.

AS Saint-Etienne - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

Known as the Greens because of their distinctive strip, the AS St-Étienne side of 1976 won three successive French league titles, a feat the club has been trying to emulate ever since. There's no shortage of talent here; as recently as 2013, they won the French league cup and they have just gone on to secure a spot in the European competition next season. Romain Hamouma opened the scoring for St-Étienne shortly after the restart when he picked up a pass from Moustapha Bayal Sall. Sall and Mevlüt Erdinç are just two to watch out for here at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Olympique Lyonnais - Stade de Gerland

Olympique Lyonnais, or Lyon as they are more commonly known, have been a top flight French football club for as long as most people can remember. Formed in 1899 or 1950, depending on who you listen to, they won their first Ligue 1 championship in 2002. From then on, having tasted success at the highest level, it seems they have been loathed to give it up, going on to win seven consecutive titles and a raft of silverware from other competitions. Here's hoping their new stadium in Décines-Charpieu, due to open 2015/2016, has a strong-room!

Olympique de Marseille - Stade Vélodrome

Marseille have spent most of their 115 year history in top flight French football. They have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In 1993, they won the UEFA Champions League and in 2010, were once again crowned French champions. Their home ground, the Stade Vélodrome, is at present undergoing a massive refurbishment which will increase its capacity from just over 60,000 to over 67,000. Due for completion some time this year, (2014) it is set to stage the Euro 2016 competition.

Girondins de Bordeaux - Stade Chaban-Delmas

FC Bordeaux, which was founded in 1881, is one of the most successful football clubs in France. They've won six Ligue 1 titles, four Coupe de France titles, three Coupe de la Ligue titles, and three Trophée des champions. The club has also appeared in the most finals in the Coupe de la Ligue, having played in six of the 16 finals contested. Yet another French club to benefit from a stadium upgrade ahead of Euro 2016, Bordeaux are apparently set to strengthen their squad still further with the appointment of French legend Zinedine Zidane as head coach.

Stade de Reims - Stade Auguste Delaune

Over the past 30 years or so, Reims performance on the pitch has been nothing shy of erratic. Stade Reims has been bouncing up and down between Ligues 1, 2 and 3 for decades but lately they seem to be getting things right. Now placed 8th in the French top flight, whatever it is they are doing, they just need to keep doing it. The new Stade Auguste Delaune which stands pretty much on the same site as the old one, is at long last starting to see some football as they welcome, not always successfully, their fellow Ligue 1 contenders.

FC Lorient - Stade du Moustoir

FC Lorient was founded in 1926 and, for much of the time since then, they have been a spring board club for decent young players, rather than a club that has actually sprung itself. They first appeared in Ligue 1 in the 1998–99 season but struggled there under the weight of the financial pressure and stronger competition. Returning to the top flight in 2006,  Lorient  had spent their money on  improving their academy. This led to them spending the next three seasons in Ligue 1. The 2009–10 season saw them reach 5th place in October and end the season in 7th, their best finish to date.

Toulouse FC -  Stade Municipal

Toulouse Football Club was founded in 1937. Like most clubs it has had mixed fortunes over the years, yoyoing between the divisions. They've had their share of glory days too though, perhaps most notably, their victory in a penalty shoot-out over Diego Maradona's Napoli in the 1986–87 UEFA Cup.  The club has now secured its position within the top flight, taking part in the European competition five times and in 2008, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. During that time it  has seen its fair share of famous names too, goalkeeper Fabian Barthez and striker André-Pierre Gignac have both worn the club's colours.

About Hamitons Removals

At Hamiltons Removals we pride ourselves on our customer service and our attention to detail, ensuring that your house moves to France go as smoothly as possible and run to both time and budget.

Click here for a free European removals quote. 

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Rugby in France

Ideas for Low-Cost Family Days Out in Paris Once You Have Moved

The Paris area is among the most popular destinations for British people who are organising domestic removals to France. If you are moving with children, you will be thinking up all sorts of ideas to entertain them during the school holidays and at weekends as they settle into their new French home.

Of course, it is fun to try out some of the most famous attractions, such as climbing the Eiffel Tower or spending a day at the two major theme parks near the city, Disneyland Paris and Parc Asterix. However, such trips can take a toll on the family wallet, so it is good to know some low-cost or free ideas to occupy your offspring.

Hamiltons Removals has extensive experience of organising domestic removals to France, including many moves to Paris. Here is our pick of the best – and cheapest – ways to amuse the family in and around the city.

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1. Visiting Parks – One of the glories of Paris is its fine array of parks, which can be visited free of charge. One of the largest, Parc de la Villette has a dragon garden where the dragon's tongue is a giant slide for children, plus many other play attractions. There are play areas at Parc Monceau and an adventure playground at Bois de Vincennes, along with crazy golf and a boating lake. Parc Andre Citroen has features such as stepping stones and dancing fountains. Be warned, though, that the kids may want a ride in the park's moored helium balloon! You'll need to be fairly fit to climb the steep paths in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, in Belleville, which has waterfalls and temples, and a great number of birds. Last but not least, children will love getting lost in the maze at the main Paris botanic gardens, the Jardin des Plantes.

2. Free Museums – Admission to a number of top Paris museums is free on the first Sunday of the month, making this a good time for families to visit. These include major art museums like the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the spectacular modern building of the Pompidou Centre. There are also many museums which offer free admission on one night a week, plus a number that are free all the time. The first Sundays of the month can get very crowded, with around 27 million tourists visiting Paris every year. However, if you want to go on another day, it's possible to buy a museum pass giving reduced price admission – and under-18s are entitled to free admission to most of the main museums all the time. Do take ID if you have a 16 or 17-year-old, though, to prove they are under 18. Children may not want to spend hours looking at artworks, but there are often special museum activities for them, and you could always try a series of short visits, combined with trips to nearby parks.

3. Browsing Markets – If you have teenagers who like to shop, they might be interested in browsing some of the famous Parisian flea markets and fashion markets. The Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is said to be the world's biggest flea market, with thousands of stalls stretching across a 17 acre site, selling everything from bargain clothes to antiques and toys. Les Puces de Montreuil is another major market, with vintage clothes and antiques on sale. Many pop-up fashion markets are also organised over the year. Of course, there is a danger that a visit to one of these markets might end up costing you more than a family visit to a paid-for attraction!

4. Walking in Paris – It is easy to walk about in Paris, a city very much geared to pedestrians. A stroll from the Arc de Triomphe in the west to Notre Dame in the east will take a couple of hours and offer the chance to see many of the city's main sights, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Tuileries. While walking around the city, you might want to go into some of the churches and cathedrals, such as Notre Dame and Sacre-Coeur, although this might not appeal to some younger children. However, if they like visiting important buildings, it is well worth doing so, and you can always treat your family to a bite to eat along the way.

5. Parisian Transport – When your children get tired of walking, it's worth knowing that there are ways of saving money on transport in the French capital. You can buy a collection of tickets, or “carnet”, for a discount on the price of single journeys, and there are further discounts for children and young people. Weekly and monthly passes are also available.

If you are planning domestic removals to France, Hamiltons Removals are the people to call. We regularly organise shipping from the UK to France for both households and businesses, and offer a full range of services, including professional packing and unpacking.

Click here - for more details about our removals service. 

Are You Moving to France and Love Digging into Unusual Dishes? Here are Some of the Quirkiest Foods to Try

If you are undertaking a house move to France, you will already know the country’s reputation for delicious recipes and top quality ingredients; however, not all these dishes are quite so appealing to UK citizens.  While we may feel that certain parts of a cow or a pig are best placed in a wheelie bin than on a dinner plate, in some regions of France they are a speciality.

For adventurous types moving to France who want to brave some of the more unusual flavours served up by local chefs, this article is for you. Here, we have delved into some of the strangest dishes to discover in a restaurant near you.

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Andouillette, otherwise known as pig colon sausage – You have to have a strong stomach – and nasal passage – for this one as when you break into this sausage, the smell is really powerful, to put it mildly. While some Britons have gone on to love this delicacy, many have gone hungry after the first bite and wouldn’t want to face this dish a second time, not least of all because of the off-putting smell of faeces. Andouillette is mainly served as a hot dish but it can also be served cold and thinly sliced. It is a speciality in the Champagne Ardenne region of France.

Vieux Boulogne, a (very smelly) soft cheese – Again, if you have a strong sense of smell, this is one to avoid. It has been identified by UK scientists at Bedfordshire University as the smelliest cheese – not just in France – but worldwide. Apparently, the cause of the smell of this northern offering is down to beer reacting with the enzymes in the cheese. It said to be even more pungent than the Epoisses de Bourgogne cheese.

Foie gras, or goose fat liver pate – At first glance there’s nothing wrong with the idea of goose fat liver pate; after all chicken liver pate is frequently sold at UK supermarkets. However, it is the controversial technique in making it, by force feeding the geese, that is off-putting to some British diners. However, foie gras is a delicacy that appears in many dishes in the south west of the country. You can discover more about its history at the Foie Gras Museum in Thiviers, Dordogne.

Unusual parts of a cow/pig – While non-vegetarians enjoy beef or pork for their Sunday roast, there are some parts of a cow or pig that we’d rather not have on our dinner plates – tongue, udders, brains and thymus gland to name a few. If you don’t like the idea of eating any of this and still need to brush up on your French, here are some of the things you may want to steer clear of: langue de boeuf (cow’s tongue), tetines (cow udders), ris-de-veau (calf’s thymus gland) and fromage de tete (head cheese), a dish made up of various animal head parts glued together with gelatine. However, if you are an adventurous eater, it’s worth giving it try...after all, you could be pleasantly surprised!

Oursins, otherwise known as sea urchins – Out of all the dishes on this page, this is probably one of the least unusual. After all, here in Britain we eat oysters, clams and winkles (sea snails). Oursins, also known as sea hedgehogs, are a little bit like oysters in texture and can be spread on grilled bread. You can find this speciality in the south of France.

Tricandilles, intestines of a pig – If you like the idea and taste of Andouillette, it will be well worth digging into this dish. Intestines are eaten all over the world, and in Muslim countries such as Turkey for instance, lambs intestines are frequently served. Found in the region of Aquitaine, Tricandilles is a delicacy made of small pigs’ intestines which are boiled in broth and grilled.

Escargot, or land snails – Yes, those slimy things that you find crawling about the garden! Snails are commonly found on the menu in France and are usually served cooked with garlic butter. If you favour more usual dishes and would like to give this starter a try, it is worth it as you may even develop a taste for them! After all, they are said to be rich in nutrients. However, before you try this at home it is worth noting that there are only certain types of land snails that are edible.

Crete de coq, otherwise known as roosters’ combs – Also served in Italy, roosters’ combs are generally a garnish, but it is possible to eat them. They can also be used to add red colouring to certain dishes.

Cuisses de grenouille or frogs’ legs – An article on unusual dishes in France shouldn’t go amiss without mentioning frogs’ legs, which are usually served as a starter. If you put aside the fact that they really are frogs’ legs, it is very tasty dish and actually tastes a bit like chicken. It is very traditional in Paris.

'Viande de cheval' or horse meat – Horse meat was unwittingly served in households across Britain for some time before the media finally brought it to our attention. So, many of us have eaten it without actually realising, although we would rather have known what we were serving up. In France, however, horse meat is served as is, as ‘horse meat’, and it can be bought from specialised butcher’s shops and other food outlets. While the popularity of horse meat has been on the decline in France since the 1970’s, more than 15 per cent of the country’s population has eaten it at some time or another.

Hamiltons Removals to and from the UK and France - click here for a free quotation so you can enjoy trouble free domestic and commercial removals to France, at the most competitive prices.

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Celebrating Easter in France

If you are organising household removals to France this year or next, with Easter just around the corner, you may be thinking about how the French mark the occasion. If you are moving house with children, the youngest members of the family will excitedly look forward to celebrating the event in their new surroundings. There are many similarities between Easter in France and Britain, and the good news is that you, and the children, won’t miss out on your chocolate treats!

Hamiltons Removals takes a brief look at how the French celebrate Easter so you know what to expect when you move.  Meanwhile, whether you are moving home or office to France, Hamiltons makes the whole process run smoothly as we are specialists in high quality removals to all areas of the country and further afield in Europe and worldwide. We provide household removals to France  to suit your requirements and whether you require packing services, unpacking, specialist removals, storage and/or cleaning of the property you have vacated, just click here to receive your free quotation and find out how much money you can save through Hamiltons.

Easter in France – What to Expect

Easter, which is called Pâques in France, is a major day, as it not only marks the resurrection of Christ, but also embraces spring. Just as in the UK, you will find a host of shop windows decorated with eggs, ribbons....and, more unusually, chocolate fish and bells - so you can stock up on your Easter surprises well in time for the big day. One major thing of note is that instead of a bunny, Easter in France is marked by a Fish, called Poission d’Avril, or Easter fish. And, anyone over the age of 18 years should remember to watch their back at this time, as one of the traditions is for children to stick paper fish on the back of as many adults as they can find!

Another fundamental difference about the festivities in France is that you won’t find any church bells ringing in the few days before Easter. Most of the population are Roman Catholic, and it is a tradition for the church bells to remain silent from Good Friday until Easter Sunday. The story behind this is that the chimes fly to the Vatican – taking the distress of Christ’s Crucifixion with them – and they return to towns and villages on Easter Day to mark the resurrection. The children are told that when the bells return, they bring eggs and goodies with them.

Easter Egg Hunts and Games

Just as in England, youngsters can expect to wake up to an array of delicious chocolate treats such as chocolate eggs, bells and fish; and they can also enjoy an egg hunt in their gardens, or around their homes. Some families make nests the night before and put them out in the garden, ready to receive the treats! There are also a variety of games played at Easter. One of the most common is an egg rolling competition; this is where children decorate raw eggs and roll them down a specially constructed gentle slope. The egg that survives, or rolls the furthest, is the winner. Another game is an egg throwing game, where children throw eggs into the air and catch them and the owner of the first egg that breaks loses the game.

On the lead up to Easter Day, on Palm Sunday, the children might carry decorative branches to church for the priest to bless them. This is to remember when Jesus rode into Jerusalem and people laid palm leaves on the ground before him. On Easter Day, many families will attend a church service, after which they will host a dinner for friends and family where traditionally a leg of lamb or lamb stew is served. Guests may also exchange gifts which may include Easter baskets of goodies for the children. 

Easter Festivals and Events

As it is a public holiday at this time, you will find all sorts of events and activities taking place across France including parades and carnivals, so it is well worth contacting your local Tourist Information Centre or browsing the local newspaper to find out what is going on in your area.

About Hamiltons Removals

For household removals to France, or office moves to France, Hamiltons Removals  are the people to call. We have 20 years of experience in UK, Europe wide and international removals and offer high standards of service at low prices. Just click on the above link to find out more about our services and what we can do for you.

Bringing in the New Year in Paris – A Round Up of the Celebrations

If you are moving house from the UK to France, you will be delighted to know that the French celebrate the New Year in style. On New Year’s Eve in 2013, thousands of festivities took place up and down the country, although some of the biggest events were to be found in Paris. If you have missed the 2013/14 celebrations, don’t worry, you still have plenty of chance to soak up the atmosphere next year. This article gives a round-up of some of the best New Year celebrations in Paris which will give you some idea of what to expect.

Hamiltons Removals operate a weekly removals to France service from the UK and also provide removals back the other way. If you are moving house from the UK to France we are proud of the high standard of service we provide, at very competitive prices. We are specialists in European removals and also provide shipping to international destinations. Just click on the link above to find out more about our full and part load removals to France service or click here to receive your free quotation.

Lights – Paris, the city of romance, is rated one of the top places around the world to see in the New Year. If you like to mingle with the crowds, the top place to head for is the Champs-Élysées, where you will be rewarded with a magnificent light show around the Eiffel Tower. The trick is to arrive early as people usually start congregating down the Champs-Élysées at about 9pm. For a more relaxed street party celebration, however, it is best to head to the Sacré Coeur Cathedral Plaza in Montmartre. It is also worth mentioning that for two days around New Year, Paris hosts a grand parade involving singing, dancing and street entertainment. It finishes up, as you would expect, near the Eiffel Tower.

Nightlife – A memorable way to bring in the New Year is to go to one of the cabarets, or if you like to party, why not dance the night away at one of the city’s many clubs? Madam, Masquerade, Jane Club, Mix Club, Rex, The WAG, Les Planches and 1979 were just some of the clubs hosting events last year. Those who are settled in their host country may well get invited to one of the many balls and private parties, which gives you a great excuse to put on your best eveningwear. And, you never know, you might be lucky enough to get a kiss! It is traditional to pop open a bottle of bubbly when the clock strikes 12 and kiss the person next to you (on the cheek, of course!).

Restaurants – France is well known for its excellent cuisine and there are plenty of restaurants in and around Paris where you can bring in the New Year. Most of the restaurants will offer fairly pricy set menus, and champagne and Foie Gras may be among the delights on the menu. For something really special, why not book a table at one of the Eiffel Tower restaurants? Dinner cruises are also big in Paris, and what could be more romantic than sailing down the River Seine at New Year? Just make sure you book well in advance so you can be sure of a place on the cruise, barge or sailing boat.

For a high quality service you can rely on, moving house from the UK to France will go smoothly with Hamiltons Removals  at the helm. Our removals are tailored to suit your requirements, just click on the link above to find out what we can do for you.

European Removals to France: Why Paris is a Popular Place for Expats to Move to

While European removals to France is one of our most popular requests, Paris is one of the favourite cities to move to. In fact, as many as 8,500 British people live and work in Paris, a city known as the worldwide capital of romance, art and fashion. However, it is also one of the world’s most expensive capitals for expatriate employees, so what makes it so appealing? Hamiltons looks at the attraction of Paris, and, in addition to a job move, why so may people choose to settle in this city.

Hamiltons Removals are experienced in domestic and commercial removals to France and we have made scores of successful moves to Paris during our 20 year history.  Whether you want a full packing, unpacking service, sole use of a container or a groupage service, we provide tailor made packages for European removals to France.

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Why British People Like to Live in Paris

Mention to friends and family that you are moving to Paris and your response is likely to be one of fascination, followed by a slight trace of envy. There’s something chic and glamorous about moving to Paris, and, as it is so close to the UK, it is easy to jet home for the weekend to visit those back home.  If you are moving house to Paris, this article looks at why it is such a popular and stylish city to put down roots

Culture

Paris is a leading city of culture: whether you enjoy opera, art, music or theatre, you’ll find plenty of places to go to enjoy a wonderful evening out. The city is most popular for its art museums, with Musée D’Orsay and the Louvre being prime tourist destinations, but there are also plenty of little known places to visit, such as Musée de la Publicité, a museum dedicated to advertising and poster art.

If you like theatre or opera, you’ll also be spoiled for choice as Paris has over 100 theatres, including Opera de la Bastille, a modern opera house, and Comédie Française, the oldest theatre group in France. And, if you enjoy classical music, the Orchestre de Paris performs the majority of its concerts at the Parisian concert hall, Salle Pleyel.

Food

France is known the world over for its culinary delights, but you won’t just be limited to French dishes when you move. Instead, you will have all sorts of flavours to choose from as cuisine from all over the world is represented here. From Michelin Starred French restaurants to North African restaurants, Asian restaurants, Israeli, Japanese and Italian, you will find pretty much anything to suit your palate. Eateries are available in all price ranges, from the top end of the market, to fast food. As a general rule it is best to stay away from the main tourist areas, so you don’t have the pay the extra prices.

Work

Expats moving to Paris work in all sorts of areas, although the majority of these are in the high value service industries such as finance, IT, and technology. Many large scale international companies have offices in France, so employees often take up positions in Paris through relocations - although as the city is such a popular destination, these jobs are generally few and far between.  Other expat positions include posts as au pairs, nannies, babysitters, or English teachers.

Fashion

Paris has been named globally as the ‘capital of style’, so it has long been attracting people from the modelling industry. And, with the Paris Fashion Week featuring twice yearly, it is a huge draw for fashionistas. It is also a centre for haute couture, and its numerous exclusive boutiques makes it the perfect shopping destination for high earners. So, if you like to splash out on clothing and accessories, there’s plenty to delight in Paris.

Study

A number of British students move to Paris each year to study at one of the city’s universities, particularly the famous and prestigious Sorbonne. Others move here as a temporary measure to brush up on their language skills - as the only true way of learning French is to live and speak among the locals. Paris also appeals for those who want to study art, design and/or fashion.

About Hamiltons Removals

If you are moving to house from the UK to France, Hamiltons offer a high quality, competitive service. We provide a weekly removals to France service and also offer a special service, where you set the date for your move.

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Removals from the UK to France: the Country’s Most Interesting Contemporary Art Museums and Galleries

France has long been regarded as the home of modern art so if you're moving to France and have a liking for all things contemporary, be sure to free up a couple of weekends to take in the sights.

Your removals from the UK to France with its world renowned galleries could give you an opportunity to see a fresco by Hazlo, an oil on canvas by Doro T or a bronze from the hands of sculptress Pascale Camy.

Moving house to France, and to Paris in particular, will present you with an array of modern art galleries and museums. This article aims its focus not just on contemporary art in the capital, but also those works that can be seen elsewhere in France. Hamiltons are the experts in the removals of household goods and furniture to France, as well as modern art, fine art and antiques.

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Excellent Contemporary French Art Galleries and Museums

Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
Avenue du Président Wilson,
75116 Paris.

Where else could we start but the Museum of Modern Art in Paris? This beautiful building houses some of the greatest modern artworks ever created. Their current exhibition “Decorum”, on show until 9th February 2014, features carpets and tapestries from artists such as Francis Bacon and Vidya Gastaldon. The exhibition highlights this unusual art form, displaying its visual and artistic merits as well as its functionality.

Musée d'Orsay
Rue de Lille
75343 Paris

Another must-see for all modern art aficionados is the Musée d'Orsay, which features graphic arts displays, architecture and photographic exhibitions. On show until 2nd January 2014 is an exhibition entitled Masculine / Masculine which takes an interpretive and playful look at all aspects of male nudity in art from 1800 to the present day and includes paintings, sculptures, graphics and photography.

Backside Gallery,
Rue de l'évêché
13002 Marseilles

Despite its rather comical name, Backside Gallery is about as modern as any white space gallery gets. It’s a real experience in hard core, edge of reason art. The gallery has a space for performance art as well as installations , screenings and exhibitions. No matter what the artistic medium, as long as the audience feels the sweat of creative urban energy, the exhibition will roll.

Atelier de Visu
Rue des Trois Rois
13006 Marseille

Dedicated to the art of photography, Atelier de Visu features exhibitions, residencies, screenings and debates. It provides exhibition space for young photographers and renowned photographic artists alike to promote their work, providing them with public visibility and the chance to expose their work to a wider audience.

Musée Saint-Croix,
Rue Jean Jaurès
86000 Poitiers

Contemporary art has found a home in Poitiers. Here, lovers of modern art can see works by Bonnard , Vuillard , Sisley, Marquet , Max Ernst and Mondrian amongst many others. With displays covering the 19th Century, regional history and the Middle Ages, this museum tracks the development of art and the different art forms through the ages.

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art,
Promenade des Arts,
06000 Nice

This remarkable museum boasts more than 1,200 works from over 300 artists, placing emphasis on the 1960s with a display of Art Deco, Warhol's pop art, abstract works by Yves Klein, Kenneth Noland, Jules Olitski and Larry Poons, and the Minimalism of Sol LeWitt, Richard Serra and Ellsworth Kelly.

Musee Calvet
Rue Joseph Vernet
84000 Avignon

Among the collections here are important works from the 16th through to the 20th centuries as well as a section devoted to modern art. Head for the Victor Martin Room on the ground floor, where you'll find an extensive collection of modern art from the 1860s to the 1930s, including some fine examples of 1920s expressionism.

Musee Caree D’Art
Place de la Maison Carrée
30000 Nîmes

This magnificent nine storey glass and steel building is home to more than 400 works of art, dating from the 1960s to the present day. The New Realism, Supports-Surfaces and Figuration movements are all represented here.

About Hamiltons Removals

If you are moving house to France Hamiltons are the experts in removals from the UK to France and removals to Europe. Whether you prefer sole use of a container, or would like a groupage service, contact us direct  to receive a competitive quote for your move.

Moving House to France: Best Family Orientated Museums to Visit

If you are planning on moving house to France and have children in tow, you will doubtless, have already done some research on the many different and exciting ways in which you can entertain them. In this, the latest of our removals to France blog articles, we would like to share with you some ideas about where to take them during the holidays. One such idea might be to visit one of the many family friendly museums that are dotted all over France.

If you're moving to Languedoc-Roussillon in the south of France, for example, you won’t be too far away from the Dinosaur Museum in Mèze; and those of you moving house to Marseille, might want to pop along to the The Préau des Accoules, a museum designed especially for children.

There are many other museums in France that look at things from a child's perspective and we have listed some of them here; but if you know of any we haven’t covered, by all means tell us about them in the comments section below and we'll try to feature them in a future post on the subject.

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Meanwhile, here is our guide to some of the best and most family friendly museums France has to offer.

Grande Galerie de l’Evolution
36 Rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire,
75005 Paris

One of the most family friendly attractions in Paris, this place is a real education. Not only does it introduce you to all kinds of animal and plant life, it also shows you the impact that we humans have had upon their lives. You'll see life size, animated models of creatures, large and small, and learn about their interaction and interdependence. The museum addresses the heady issues of biodiversity and the environment in a fun, practical way. It invites children and adults alike to observe and learn about the different ecosystems at work in our towns and cities, and in our rivers and tropical forests.

Stade de France
93216 Saint-Denis

If your kids are mad on football or rugby, this is a must-see for them. Guided tours of the stadium take in the presidential lodge, the changing rooms, the players’ tunnel, and a wonderful museum depicting the stadium's construction and it’s most significant events. The tour lasts about an hour with an extra 30 minutes allocated for you to spend at the museum. Summer tours run every hour between 10:00am and 5:00pm and winter tours operate at 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pm. No tours operate on match days, or the day before.

Dinosaur Museum
Route Départemental 613
34140, Meze

Located on what was once a spawning ground for these monsters, the Meze Dinosaur Museum will capture your children's imagination and keep them entertained for hours. Here, life size models of these incredible creatures can be seen amongst the trees. Some are grazing, whilst others are poised for confrontation. There is a great deal of information about Brachiosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops and all the other pre-historic animals, as well as related ones that are still with us today like crocodiles and turtles. A second and equally informative museum at the same site concerns itself with the birth of mankind.

The Preau des Accoules
29 Montée des Accoules,
13002 Marseille

What this museum does well is take the heavier subjects of art and history and replay them from a child's perspective. Recent installations have seen them display paintings on loan from one of the country's leading museums, and have the children recreate them through paint and crayon. Another exhibition of sculpture gave the children the opportunity to try their hand at this art form. The Preau des Accoules does this type of thing on a regular basis, turning trips to the museum into fun, creative days out, which children from as young as five years old can enjoy.

CAP Sciences
20 Quai de Bacalan,
33300 Bordeaux

The Science Museum in Bordeaux offers workshops for children of all ages, across a wide range of subjects. At CAP they can learn all about the photography process and go on to develop their own photographs. They also offer workshops on other interesting scientific subjects like robotics, chemistry, electricity and astronomy. Other subjects covered are exploration and discovery as well as cookery, in which budding young chefs get to experience working as part of a team in a kitchen. This guided workshop will guarantee they produce something tasty, which is great since they also get to eat it!

Air and Space Museum
180 Esplanade de l'Air et de l'Espace,
93350 Le Bourget

Six miles north of Paris, Le Bourget Airport is home to the fascinating Museum of Air and Space. Eleven exhibition halls display the history of French aviation, from the first flying machines to present day fighter planes, combat helicopters, satellites and rockets. Some famous passenger jets are here too, including Concorde, the Boeing747 and the Dakota. Two not-to-be-missed installations are the Planetarium, a must for all star gazers, and Planet Pilot, a space divided into four sections covering man's first flight, air travel, man's travels into space and living and working in space.

About Hamiltons Removals

Hamiltons Removals offers bespoke European removals. We are members of the British Association of Removers and The Road Haulage Association and we are BS EN ISO 9001:2000 registered, so if you are moving house to France, why not give us a call? For further information, visit our website www.hamiltonsremovals.co.uk

Removals to France: Beach Activities to Take up When You Move

Many people move house to France to enjoy a better quality of life, and a large percentage choose to settle in a seaside location to live either in walking distance, or at the very least, a short drive away from the beach. Fortunately France has just over 2,000 miles of coastline, and whether you are moving to Brittany or Normandy on the North Coast, Poitou-Charentes on the Atlantic Coast, or the French Riviera, bordering the Mediterranean, there are some wonderful beaches to explore.

If you enjoy being out on the water and have already organised your removals to France, you will be looking forward to trying out some of the wonderful sports or leisure activities, or simply relaxing with a book on the beach. Fortunately, there are plenty of water based activities in France and here’s our pick of the best:

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Sailing – If you are moving house to France and love freedom of being out on the water, sailing is a fantastic sport to take up. Whether you want to enjoy the beauty of the French scenery from the lakes or rivers, or simply want to explore the coastline and discover new beaches and coves, there are sail schools all over France. And, if you have your own yacht, you will have a pick of marinas to moor it on. Among them is the glamorous Riviera, or the attractive marina of St Malo in Brittany, which is a great base for exploring the North Coast – and you can even head for lunch on one of the British Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney or Sark. Another is La Rochelle in Poitou-Charentes, one of the country’s sailing capitals; its vast marina is set to extend to become the largest in Europe.

Jet-Skiing – Jet-skiing, which has been likened to motor-biking on water, is a fun, adrenalin fuelled activity. You can hire one from one of the beaches, or if you like the sport enough, you can invest in your own jet-ski and whizz around the coast or stop off at some of the deserted, hidden beaches that can only be accessed on the water. Some of the best places for jet-skiing in France are the areas popular with tourists, such as Poitou-Charentes, and again, the Cote d’Azur. Jet-skiing will suit those who love the beauty of the coastline and want a thrill ride.

Diving – Diving is a great sport to take up as you will see the marine life at first hand and, if you are an experienced diver, you can get even more adventurous and explore ancient shipwrecks. It is recommended that May to November are the best months to go diving in France and there are a host of opportunities for divers of all levels. While the Lot Valley area offers some great places for cave diving, the Mediterranean offers the chance to see coral reefs, wrecks and caverns. For wrecks dating from the two world wars, the coast of Southern France offers some amazing diving opportunities.

Surfing – Whether you are seven years old or seventy, surfing is a fantastic sport to take up. If you try it and enjoy it, it’s guaranteed to get you hooked, and you’ll soon be investing in your own surfboard, wet suit and wax and checking the local tide tables. There are surf schools aplenty in France and among the best areas to go surfing include the Atlantic Coast from Bordeaux to Biarritz. If you need to brush up on your French, in Biarritz you can take niche courses that combine French lessons with surfing!

Kayaking and Canoeing – You don’t have to head to the coast to go kayaking or canoeing, there are also opportunities to try the sport on some of the country’s rivers or lakes. The Dordogne River, for instance, is an ideal spot for this, and you can even combine it with other adventurous activities such as rock-climbing, hang gliding or mountain biking. If you are a lover of the great outdoors, you can admire the stunning scenery as you cut through the waters in your canoe.

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