Five 'Must See' Villages in France

Submitted By: Mark Scriven

As many of us are aware, France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its combination of art, culture, history and stunning back drops has helped cement itself as a dream location for many of us to visit, but in many cases, this is to experience the more well known areas of the country such as Paris and St Tropez. Many are not aware that along with these well-known locations, France is filled with exquisitely beautiful villages which to those who finally discover them, are seen as gems of France. But what are some of the most beautiful villages within France?
Euguzon is a charming and peaceful village which offers its visitors the tranquility and beauty of calm lakes, rivers and cool streams which provides many opportunities to partake in some leisure and sporting activities. Whether you are looking to swim, sail, water-ski or canoe, the Lac d’ Eguzon can offer a fantastic backdrop for your activity. However, one can also enjoy archery, mountain biking and horse riding while exploring this stunning village. This is a truly traditional village of which hosts a chestnut and apple fair every year during October. While you are welcomed by the aroma of grilled chestnuts and caramelized nuts, you will thoroughly enjoy the sights you see from the live music and folk stories which will fill your ears as you explore.
Saint Gaultier is a small, quaint village situated on the banks of the river Creuse. It is know as one of many fortified villages in France, with many historical buildings and towers which date as far back as the 1500’s. In fact, many of the remains from buildings past can still be found and enjoyed by history enthusiasts. This is a village which is packed full of culture and history, in particular the Abbey which has been renovated many times throughout the years, but still stand proud within the centre of the town on the edge of Brenne National Park which also acts as a great day out for those who enjoy nature as much as history.
Situated 15 kilometers south of Domme is the stunning village of Monpazier. The origins of the village date back from the 13th century and it is this fantastic history which has helped it remain a remarkable town today. With an original market hall still standing, many ancient buildings and a stunning church, there is plenty to be left astounded by here. Due to much of the town’s originality still being intact, this is the ideal location for those who are looking to soak up some real history regarding the towns of France.
This however, means that there are not as many modern facilities typical of many areas within France, but this does not take away from its beauty in any way. Many of the 30 buildings within Monpazier are seen as national monuments so you know that what you do see is something which is certifiably a beautiful landmark. As you explore the town you will also notice many quaint cafes and shops which have stood the test of time, with many dating back centuries.
East of Figeac is the beautiful village of Conques. With a beautiful landscape comprising of the River Dourdo and magnificent mountains and forests, the village itself houses many medieval buildings and narrow village streets which give it s great sense of character and charm. Here, you will find a stunning abbey which was built between the 10th and 12th centuries and stunning views for miles which will leave you feeling breathless. The village was once home to a monastery which was partly destroyed during the 16th century by Protestant uprisings and has been constantly undergone renovations ever since. Along with this fantastic piece of history, you can find many famous pieces of treasure including the renowned golden status of St Foy of whom the abbey was named after. For those looking for history mixed with some spectacular scenery, this is a village not to be missed from your itinerary.
Finally, there is Carcassonne which pulls in up to 3 million visitors every year. While perhaps it is more of a town than a village, its historical uniqueness definitely merits inclusion. There are numerous interesting and enchanting areas to explore within this perfectly preserved Medieval walled town, along with more modern delights to enjoy such as shops and restaurants. There is plenty to see and do here from visiting the castle and the museum of Carcassonne, to the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire which boasts some exquisite stained glass and carvings.
For those who enjoy nature and wildlife, there is also Les Aigles de La Cite which is a great exhibit which features the largest collection of birds of prey in the world. These birds are trained within the Medieval methods of flying freely and is something which you cannot experience just anywhere. The village’s location also allows for many excursions out of town where you are free to explore and learn more about the French culture and history.
For those who already know France, many will have their own favourite villages. Why not spend some time in France and discover your own personal gems.

Published At: Isnare.com

5 Great Boutique Hotels in Menorca

Submitted By: Mark Scriven

When planning our ideal vacation, we may already have a clear idea in our minds of the location in which we wish to travel to. However, often this can be the easiest decision we can make when planning our vacation as we struggle to find the appropriate accommodation in which to stay at. For those visiting Menorca, there is a wide variety of accommodation to choose from. When holidaying with families, apartment hotels are usually best due to the low price and basics which they provide. However, for a more luxurious and unique experience many people are looking to the high quality boutique hotels that are popping up all over Menorca.
Sant Joan de Binissaida is a charming boutique hotel situated on the east of the island by the port of Mahon. With just 12 bedrooms, a gourmet restaurant, twelve acres of luxuriant gardens and an outdoor pool; it is the perfect residence for those looking for privacy and tranquility. Each room is decorated with its own personality, named after great composers through time due to the owner’s passion for opera, and all rooms overlook a breathtaking view whether it be of the hotels beautiful gardens or the sea.
After enjoying a day by the private pool, you can sit in the gourmet restaurant where you will be served with a new and exciting meal accompanied by local wines of Menorca. The hotel has its own vegetable garden so you are guaranteed to be served only the freshest food throughout your vacation. The hotels surroundings allow for activities such as hiking and biking, horse riding, kayaking and sailing tours; of course for those who wish to sit back and relax, there are some breathtaking views surrounding the premises where you can simply take in all the views Menorca has to offer.
Situated only 300 meters from the quiet Punta Prima beach, Insotel Menorca is a great place to stay for those who are looking for the intimacy of a boutique hotel but with more activities on offer. With gorgeous extensive gardens decorating the perimeter of the hotel, guests can spend their days admiring the beautifully designed Menorcan style buildings, or partake in one of the many activities offered within the hotel. With a spa, beauty centre, minimarket, discotheque and car rental service, guests can enjoy all the hotel has to offer or take a chance to experience the rest of Menorca for them selves.
Due to its close walking distance to the beach, the hotel also offers a wide range of water sports activities to guests as well as the chance to partake in bowls, table tennis, badminton, mountain biking and much more. When it comes to taking a break from your activities, all rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with a wide range of facilities and entertainment appliances whether you are looking to stay in a studio, apartment, family apartment, superior apartment or sea view apartment. This is the perfect boutique hotel for those looking to be in close proximity to the sea.
The hotel Capri, situated in Mahon, the capital of Menorca is situated only 10 minutes from the shopping district of the town and a stones throw away from many of the stunning beaches within Menorca. With fully furnished and comfortable rooms, a gourmet restaurant and spa facilities, guests will enjoy comfort and relaxation throughout the duration of their stay. With a terraced swimming pool overlooking Mahon, you can enjoy all that Menorca can offer in the comfort of the hotel-perfect for enjoying a beautiful sunrise or sunset. This is truly the ideal accommodation for those who are looking to stay in heart of the capital, making it the perfect place to find the best night entertainment and activities to really make your vacation as close to perfect.
SetHotels have many boutique hotels located around Menorca, offering varied locations and facilities From large swimming pools overlooking gorgeous scenery, gourmet restaurants decorated stylishly in modern décor and a wide range of activities to enjoy, guests will thoroughly enjoy their stay with SetHotels. All hotels offer their guests the use of the saunas, Jacuzzis, steam baths and beauty treatments, which will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed. The Hotel El Rompido in particular has a golf course for those looking to do some sport and all hotels offer some fantastic children’s entertainment throughout the day. This is the ideal hotel company to choose for young families who are looking for the ultimate boutique accommodation in which to kick back and relax with their family.
Finally, there is the Club Hotel Aguamarina. Situated above the beach, the hotel boasts a view of the Arenal d’en Castell bay. The complex consists of two main buildings and 4 pools as well as some breathtaking gardens which can be enjoyed whilst taking in the scenery of Menorca. Their two restaurants also overlook the sea, perfect for those gorgeous sunset evenings and 3 bars for those guests who are looking to enjoy some night entertainment.
With a staff of entertainers who work throughout the day to keep their guests happy and occupied, guests will never be left bored here. The hotel also provides a car rental service for those looking to explore Menorca for their selves, as well as a videogame area, gymnasium and a wide variety of sports facilities. This is the ideal location for those looking to do it all whilst not having to sacrifice some of the beautiful landscapes which Menorca has to offer.
For a more intimate and luxurious Menorca holiday, look no further than the many high quality boutique hotels dotted around the island. You will be rewarded with a more memorable experience than offered by many of the standard tourist hotels or holiday apartments.
Published At: Isnare.com

5 Great Theme Parks in Spain

Submitted By: Mark Scriven

Many tourists to Spain will want to visit a theme park or two in order to make their holiday truly enjoyable. It is a known fact that Spain is home to some of the best tourist attractions, especially in terms of theme parks. Theme parks are a great way in which to spend a day out during your vacation, no matter what age you are and no matter where within the country you are visiting, you are sure to find a great theme park which can be enjoyed by all.
Port Aventura theme park in Salou is situated only one hour from Barcelona and is part of the Universal Mediterranea Resort. Designed to display various exotic destinations around the globe, guests can begin their day in the Spanish region of Catalunya which is themed as a typical Mediterranean port. During their time at the park, visitors can also experience other delights such as the folklore of Polynesia, The Great Wall of China and Mexico. Each themed area has its own rides which are suitable for various ages and also different levels of bravery!
Some of the parks highlights include Dragon Kahn which boasts an 8 loop rollercoaster, Furius Baco and Hurakan Condor; but the park also houses many restaurants, bars, shops and even some live entertainment throughout the day for those who are looking to take a breather from the rides. The season typically runs from March through to November, but those who choose to stay within one of the parks hotels will find that they are able to enter the park before it is open to the public.
Terra Mitica in Benidorm is known for having more annual sunshine hours than any other European theme park location-perfect for those sun worshippers! Designed with a Mediterranean world of ancient legends and mysteries, visitors will be spoilt with areas themed around 5 zones- Egypt, Greece, Rome, Iberia and The Islands. Many of the rides at Terra Mitica are of a great size, so are best for those who are slightly older or are pure adrenaline junkies.
Some of the highlights include SynKope, Titanide and Inferno which sees riders being launched at 60km an hour whilst riding up, down, forward, backwards and everything in between-definitely an experience you may not find at other theme parks. Again, you will find a variety of shops and restaurants to visit in between rides, as well as some fantastic shows such as Tarantela which is a circus performance filled with dance, humor and pure magic in terms of performance.
Isla Magica in Sevilla is situated in the heart of Andalucia, which is deemed as one of the most beautiful cities within Spain. The parks theme revolves around the history and culture of the city, with designs which portray the adventures of the Spanish pioneers in the New World. The 6 zones which consist of Port to the Indies, Americas Gateway, Amazonia, the Pirate’s Den, The Font of youth and El Dorado all house thrilling rides which will suit all tastes and ages and many characters brought to life throughout the park thanks to the team of fantastic entertainment staff.
Some of the highlights include El Dasafio, Ciklon and the new attraction Audiovisual. The park has a wide range of exotic restaurants and shops which will cater for all budgets and tastes and entertainment shows which depict the history behind the city.
Over the past few years, there has been a huge boom in theme parks which revolve around the world of film and entertainment. Warner Brothers Movie World in Madrid is just one such theme park. Designed to the same high quality which you would expect of the American film theme parks, Warner Bros. Movie World offers visitors the chance to explore around 5 different themed areas which are based on different sets and characters from many of the Warner Bros. films.
As you would expect, there are many entertainment shows, but the park also boasts some fantastic rides such as Superman (situated in Superheroes World), The Haunted Hotel (situated in WB Movie World), and Coaster Express (situated in Old West Territory). Due to its fantastic mix of family friendly rides and adrenaline pumping attractions, this is a great family day out. Each area also has its own themed restaurants and shops which not only help to make it a great day out for kids, but adults too.
Finally, there is Sioux City in Gran Canaria. This is a chance to back in time to Wild, Wild West where visitors will get the chance to meet mythical warriors such as White Herb and may even find themselves involved in a bank hold-up or a shoot out! This park is all about recreating the era of the Wild West with rustic barbecues, can-can girls, sheriffs, western music and plenty of gunfights!
Thanks to its dedicated theme, visitors will be spilt with a wide range of shows and entertainment throughout the day, and even the chance for the kids to dress up as Indians and watch the fantastic shows such as Indian Rain Dance and a Saloon fight. This park is more for those who enjoy exploring and being astounded by the performances of the entertainers rather than ride a theme park ride; and due to the slight violence theme, is best not for young families. However, those who visit this park will be left with a great day our full of fun and frolics.
Taking a holiday in Spain is as much about the different forms of entertainment you can find as it is about the weather and other natural sights. For those who are looking to get a bit of fun and laughter into their holiday, don’t hesitate to visit one of the top parks in Spain and make it a holiday to be enjoyed by all.

Published At: Isnare.com

5 ‘Must See’ Historical Tourist Sites in Italy

Submitted By: Mark Scriven

For those who make the decision to visit Italy, it is more often than not to experience the culture, art and history so well associated with the country. When it comes to visiting Italy, it is simply not possible to only be astounded by one site due to the rich level of culture that can be found at every corner. Thanks to many of the historical programs on television, the internet and books, many of us are now more educated on the many gems which can be found in Italy; however, when it comes to seeing all that Italy has to offer, one trip may not be enough. Here are 5 of the very best historical sites you must visit on your next trip to Italy.
Florence is one of the most beautiful and historically important cities in Italy and one of the most important sites to visit is the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte. The beautifully designed church which was constructed around 1013 was so named after St Miniato, an Armenian Prince who was beheaded for being a Christian. There are many who believe the legend that after being thrown to the beats in the Amphitheatre, a panther refused to eat him.
Due to this, St Miniato was beheaded by the emperor and legend has it, he carried his own head up the hill of Mount Fiorentinus to his hermitage which later become the site in which the church was built on. Regardless of whether you believe this story or not, one thing which you cannot deny is the sheer beauty which comes from the building itself, and the history in which it holds. It is not only deemed as one of the most beautiful churches within Italy, but also one of the most peaceful and tranquil sites in the whole of Italy.
One of the largest cathedrals in the world, the Duomo di Milano is a truly magnificent structure of which construction was started during the 14th century. After its completion during the 19th century, the church was completed with a spire which reaches u to 349 feet and is able to seat up to 40,000 people. Many have realized the true beauty which comes from the architecture of churches and this cathedral is no exception. It is a sight which will truly amaze you with its magnificent stature.
We are all aware of the Vatican City, but thanks to certain entertainment films, the overall look of the site is something which is much more recognizable to many. It is known as the smallest independent country world, but still marks itself as a historical sight within Italy. Its small population of just 932 people allows for the huge burst of tourists which visit the site every year, all eager to catch a glimpse of the Pope within the holy city.
Although exceptionally old in age, the site is still incredibly beautiful with much of the original medieval walls in the city, to the Sistine chapel which houses one of the most famous paintings in the world, to the many historical museums which are situated within the city. This is something which should be viewed by all-no matter how unreligious you may feel you are just so you can experience this beautifully historical site.
Throughout the past few centuries, there has been a huge advance into archaeology which has enabled us to discover new and exciting sites throughout the world. Over the past two centuries, the ruins of Pompeii have been investigated which has revealed a brilliantly preserved city which was originally lost to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. Due to the length of time in which the city has been kept under wraps for, it can be somewhat haunting to explore the ruins, but is also something which many will find exceedingly interesting and impressive. Something which you simply cannot even imagine in your wildest dreams without seeing it for real, however due to its size many feel that you simply cannot see the entirety of the ruins in just one day.
Finally, there is the infamous Coliseum located in Rome. The coliseum has become one of the most iconic sites within Italy thanks to its ancient history and beautiful architecture. Standing at around 165 feet tall and 600 feet long, this magnificent building held up to 50,000 people during its glory days that were eager to watch a traditional fight, which would be overseen by the emperors of the time. This is somewhere that all history fanatics must visit whilst in Italy in order to learn more about the history behind the country’s architecture and culture. When standing in the middle of the coliseum, it is hard to not feel in awe of its greatness and the history in which it holds.
Of course, there are many other historic sites within Italy that hold just as much beauty and culture as the ones mentioned. For those who are truly fanatical about their history and the culture of Italy, these will not be hard to find yourself but for those who are somewhat unsure of what is deemed as a great historical site, one look at these magnificent sites and you will be thirsty to learn more.

Published At: Isnare.com