Multicultural Language Café -EVS Volunteering in Semper Avanti: 10 places to visit in .... France

1) The Sellout of Lille :

Maybe the North of France is not very attractive for you but you can believe me: It’s a very nice region and you can love it for many different things. If you come in the North, go to Lille the first week-end of September for see the very famous sellout. During this long week-end (without interruption), 10 000 exhibitors settled in the streets of Lille to sell their business. It’s one of the most important rally in France. This Event is growing in the XII and XIII century. At that time it lasted 30 days. The first 15 days were spent on installing sellers. Now, this Event attract a lot of people from the rest of the World. The sellout stretches over 100km sidewalk. You can find full of treasures and especially discover the conviviality and kidness of the people of the North. Under the sun or rain, nothing stops the seellers!! Also, when your foot will completely destroyed to be walking for many hours, you can stop you for eating traditional mussels frits. You will see the huge piles of empty mussel shells before restaurants. It is a kind of competition for the restaurateurs. Also there are many activities to accompagny this event (half-marathon, concerts, rides…). So, I suggested you go to this event once in your life!

Huge piles of empty mussel shells

2) Strasbourg is a border town with Germany. It’s host differents European and International institutions, including the Council of Europe since 1949, the European Parliament since 1957, the European Ombudsman or the seat of the European TV channel Arte. As such, it’s frequently described as ‘’European Capital’’. Also, it is the third most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. The atmosphere is especially magical and unique in this period. Also, the district ‘’Petite France’’ is particulary pretty. The half-timbered houses dating from the XVI and the XVII centuries. These buildings housed tanners families who lived there, worked there and there were drying their skins on the top floor. And take the time to go to Colmar (less than 1 hour by car). The architecture is also particularly lovely.

3) The Alps : The mountains to the East. There is the largest lake of France who called ‘’The Leman lake’’ (the area is 581,3 km2). It's located between Switzerland and France. Just look and breath..

The Leman Lake

Also you can see ‘’The white Mont’’: It is the highest peak in Western Europe. That’s why it has the nickname ‘’Roof of Europe’’. The first ascent was in 1786. If you have soul adventurer, you can try to climb it with serious preparation! The last known measure is 4 808.73 meters. Good luck!

4) The castles of Loire : If you are interesting by History, I am sure that you can like this next point. In the beautiful area in the North West: ‘’ Le Val de Loire ‘’, accrosed by the largest river of France: ‘’La Loire‘’ (1 006 km). If you follow this river, you can visit 50 castles built or substantially altered during the French Renaissance (XVe – XVIe centuries). The concept of ‘’Casltes of Loire‘’ is very attractif for tourists and we can anderstand that.. It’s not everywhere that we find this density of monuments to visit. Many discovery tours of the Loire castles are possible but the best way to visit is by bike. If all have in common elegant gardens and strength of tufa (the soft stone taken from the slopes of the Loire) all of them do not forget to claim its difference: the variety of architectures, the personality of their past owners and make each visit a time apart.

Chambord Castle

Castle of Angers

5) Carnival of Dunkerque. Back in the North. Welcome to Dunkerque! If you like party, go to the carnival! This event is around Shrove Tuesday and it lasts 2 and a half months. The origins of this carnival date back to the early XVII century. The owners offered to fishermen, before leaving for six months of the cod fishery in Iceland, a meal and a party (the "Foye"), as well as half of their pay. Many of them did not return (lost at sea, sinking ...) leaving women and children with nothing. Now, this is an event that is impossible to miss for northerners. During this period, Age, work and social class does not matter. But if you want participate, you have to respect some rules like traditions, knowledge songs and of course, you have to be disguised or masked… Carnival is the opportunity to let off steam and give free rein to his imagination. Also, many men dress up as women. So, it’s a very funny event !

6) The Provence is a very pretty region. Located in the South East, on the border with Italy.

This is typical Provencal landscape : A lavender field.

Avignon Bridge

‘’ Les gorges du Verdon ‘’

Creeks between Marseille and Cassis

7) Corsica is an island and a French territorial community, located in the Mediterranean Sea. Reliefs, cliffs, white water lakes framed by mountains, are all exceptional landscapes. The island is more than a stretch of rocks, bordered by enchanting beaches, it is a mountain jewel set on the Mediterranean!

8) ‘’La Bretagne’’ is a geographical and cultural entity with a strong identity. This region is located in the North West. Spectacular seascapes, intimate bays or friendly valleys, vast dunes with sensual lines ... Nature changes every turn. It's intertwines the land and the sea. It is the infinity and sweetness. The Breton soul is reflected in its contrasts.

The Mont ''Saint Michel''

9) The French overseas territories: Do you know that several territories of the French Republic are located outside of the European continent? These are called ‘’DOM TOM’’. From the former French colonial empire, these territories are located in America, Oceania, the Indian Ocean and Antarctica and are subject to very different legal and administrative systems.

The Reunion Island

Guadeloupe

10) Paris: I couldn’t finish without speaking about Paris. Of course, Paris is a great city to visit in France. The French capital attracts many visitors who come to discover famous monuments and places. The possibilities of cultural visits are numerous and there is something for everyone.

Art lovers will choose the Beaubourg, Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay or Musee Cluny. Le Louvre is considered one of the most important museums in the world and home to the famous Mona Lisa. The Louvre hosts have up to 6 million visitors a year. You can also see the works of Pablo Picasso and Rodin, in the Musee Picasso and Musee Rodin, respectively.

Le Louvre

Others may prefer to see the most visited monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower or the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Eiffel Tower

If you prefer shopping or gastronomy, Paris is also a city for you.

Indeed, many opportunities for romantic walks leave you with unforgettable memories.. Stroll in Saint Germain des Prés, Montmartre, Marais, along the Canal Saint-Martin..