Cities in France

Spend some lovely hours in the beautiful Montmartre district. Enjoy a walk around the district, which exudes a real Parisian atmosphere. Visit the beautiful white Basilique du Sacré-Coeur. Built on the highest point in Paris, its white dome is visible from most of the city. (If you have difficulty walking, you can take the cable car up to the church for an extra charge). Wander the narrow streets, see the small square of Place du Tertre, home to many artists and painters, and pass Rue des Saules with its Lapin Agil restaurant and Paris' only vineyard.

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. The city has inspired writers and painters and you will soon realise that this is not just a big city you are visiting, but a mecca for art, culture, fashion, food and innovation. Many new trends, both political and cultural, have emerged from here over the years.

Walk along the Seine or go shopping on the Champs Elysées, where you can also see the Arc de Triomphe at the top and Concorde Square at the bottom. Of course, you must also see the Eiffel Tower. Paris is full of big squares, wide boulevards and green spaces, but it's also worth heading into the smaller neighbourhoods where you'll find the most amazing shops and restaurants inside the small cobbled streets.

The charming town of Orange is a typical Provencal village with pavement cafés, cosy streets and old squares, beautiful façade architecture and an urban environment with a fine selection of shops and inviting restaurants.

Every Thursday there is a pedestrian market in the town square and in July and August opera concerts are held at the amphitheatre, see the programme at www.choregies.asso.fr.

The city has a long history, dating back to 35 BC. Almost as old are its two main attractions - the amphitheatre Theatre Antique with the statue of the Emperor and the Arc de Triomphe. Both are understandably on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The finest wall in my kingdom, as Louis XIV referred to the back wall of the amphitheatre, is the best preserved of the theatres in the western part of the ancient Roman Empire. It seats 8,000-10,000 spectators and is still used for concerts because of its sublime acoustics. The Arc de Triomphe is almost a picture book with its numerous friezes and decorations telling of proud Roman victories on land and sea and, not least, of the defeated Gauls.

Chantilly is a lovely and elegant town located 48 km. north of Paris. You can enjoy a pleasant walk through the streets of the town, but the main attractions are without comparison the town castle and the many green areas. Château de Chantilly is located about 2 km east of the city centre and can be reached by walking via Ave. de la Plaine des Aigles. The castle was left to decay just after the French Revolution, but has since been put back into use. The main attractions today are the impressive castle park and several fine paintings. The castle itself consists of two connected buildings, the Petit Château and the Grand Château, which were rebuilt after the Revolution and were, among other things, military headquarters during the First World War. Today, the Grand Château houses a fine museum with impressive 19th-century interior rooms. There are also many interesting paintings in the museum, including one by Raphael. Also visit the Petit Château, where the highlights are the impressive library and the Prince's apartments.

Go on a cheap summer holiday in the south and visit France and the beautiful capital Paris on a real family holiday. Find child-friendly hotels in the area and explore the big city. Also make sure to stop by the Latin Quarter around Notre Dame, a must for any visitor to Paris. The Latin Quarter is the beautiful old streets of Paris and here you will find the old Sorbonne University, green spaces and some of the best restaurants in the city. In the small streets behind Notre Dame you will find cheap restaurants where you can have a good experience. The finer Michelin restaurants are also here, but you'll need to book in advance. In the area you will also find Ïle St. Louis, the quiet island in the middle of the Seine. You get to the island via a small bridge behind Notre Dame. Here you'll find a small main street filled with small and fun shops selling everything from delicacies to clothes. You'll also find the best ice cream in Paris on the island. Find a cheap weekend break for the whole family or book a mini break with Risskov and enjoy all that a city break to Paris has to offer.

10 km northeast of Chantilly you will find the charming medieval town of Senlis. The small town with its narrow cobbled streets is full of historical sights, including 4 fine museums and the town's great attraction, the 12th-century Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral is large and bright and take a closer look at the Grand Portal, which is on the west side of the cathedral facing Place du Parvis Notre Dame.

A nice excursion outside Paris is the town of Fountainebleau and the forests surrounding the town. This is a lovely breathing space outside the city with fine stone houses, walking trails in the woods and picnic areas. Take a trip to the city or the forests, where Parisians themselves go to get some fresh air. Many climb or 'boulder' on the large sandstones that lie in the woods.

Pont-Audemer is a small French town, also located in the middle of the Risle river. The town's close and natural connection to the water, as well as the settlement over the many small drains from the Risle, have earned it the nickname "The Venice of Normandy." The small medieval town has a few little surprises to offer, ask for a city map at the hotel reception, it may help you find your way around.

Start with a visit to the Saint-Ouen church on Rue de la Republique, a beautiful old church from the 15th century with some exceptionally beautiful stained glass windows and incredible colours. Also visit the Musée Canel, which pays tribute to the humanist and republican, the archaeologist and one of the great proponents of the secular school, Alfred Canel. The cosy museum is divided into floors for the permanent exhibitions, the large library and the temporary exhibitions, which are located on the top floor - definitely worth a visit and Monsieur Canel's spirit is still felt all over the place, on every hall and in every room!

There are also small shops in Pont-Audemer offering a little bit of everything. Here you're likely to find something different and quirky to take home. There are also cosy little cafés and restaurants tucked away in the side streets, so feel free to explore and find out for yourself why the town is called the Venice of Normandy.

Go on a driving holiday in Europe and discover the exciting history hidden in Normandy, France. A self-drive holiday makes it easy to get around and visit the exciting sights and Bayeux is only about half an hour's drive from Caen so is certainly worth a visit. The town's main attraction is the Bayeux Museum, home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry. Let your imagination run riot over the battle scenes on the 70.5-metre-long piece of linen canvas, as arrows whizz by your ears and fierce Vikings with and without heads fight with bloody axes and swords. Get a rare insight into the history of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 with this stunning piece of medieval graffiti with a production date close to the end of the Viking Age - a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a major historical event.

Go on a driving holiday in Europe, but start in Normandy on a cheap self-drive holiday. Find a last-minute hotel and take the family on a real family holiday in France.

Rouen is the historic capital of Normandy and soars with a hundred towers. Every hour of the day it lights up with colours that always reveal something new. This is shown by the cathedral and the famous painting by Claude Monet: the stones are in dialogue with the sun and the stained glass paintings are filled with light while showing the birthplace of Impressionism. There are hundreds of ways to discover Rouen and its historic centre. Take a stroll through the city's old quarter, where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. See more of the city's historic sights. For example, visit the Church of Joan of Arc, built on the site where she was burned. Also visit the city's courthouse, the picturesque atrium of the Aître Saint-Maclou and the cathedral, where Richard the Lionheart is buried.

Caen is the capital of the French region of Basse-Normandie, just two hours' drive from Paris. It has become a new metropolis, as you can reach the coast within 15 minutes. Its history stretches back more than 1000 years and there are still plenty of traces of the past. The most famous person from the city is William the Conqueror, who had both a fortress and two monastery churches built in the city. In one of the monasteries, St. Stephen's Abbey, he himself is buried.

However, Caen is also very well known for the major battles between the Allied forces and the Germans back in 1944. In the fighting, tens of thousands of people lost their lives and the city was completely destroyed. Caen has an interesting museum with an exhibition about the war and the soldiers' cemetery with its many white crosses.

Today you can discover the new, restored Caen, often referred to as a "green city", which took 16 years to rebuild. Caen is an ideal base for active tourists who want to explore Basse-Normandie and Calvados, but also the city itself with its student life and many shops. In addition to visiting the two abbey churches, which are architecturally interesting as they were built at the beginning of Gothic architecture in France, you can also visit the Town Hall (Hotel de Ville), the Art Museum (Musee des Beaux-Arts de Caen) and the Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanique).

Like anywhere else in France, the city is teeming with good restaurants. Try something local, like cider-marinated ham or even a glass of Calvados (apple brandy, which is distilled cider).

This breathtaking city is also the capital of beautiful Alsace and geographically we are in the north-east of France, very close to the border with Germany. In fact, Strasbourg is considered the capital of Europe, as it is also home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus and was then known as Argentoratum.

A must is the famous cathedral, Cathédrale Nôtre-Dame, which is considered the centre of the city and also the centre of the old town. Between 1647 and 1874, it was the tallest building in the world with its 142-metre tower, until that record was surpassed in 1874 by the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral. Nikolajs kirche in Hamburg. It's not hard to be impressed that 1000 years ago it was possible to build such a magnificent cathedral. Although parts of the church are still built in the Romanesque style, the cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in the area.

Also visit "Petite France", a picturesque neighbourhood in the old town, located between the rivers and south of Grande Ile. Here you'll find the city's most beautiful buildings, cobbled streets, romantic little bridges and canals that criss-cross the pretty quarter. Grande Ile is an island created by the flow of the rivers and is located in the middle of Strasbourg.

Colmar also has a "Petite Venise", or Little Venice, thanks to the location of the beautiful half-timbered houses that sit right on the river Launch and the many beautiful canals spreading like a net around the city centre, à la Venice. Try a boat trip up the river or explore the beautiful and well-preserved city, whose incredible richness and diversity is reflected in both the architecture and the city's distinctive history. Find child-friendly hotels for your trip at Risskov.

It certainly pays to bring a guidebook and read up on the charming half-timbered houses in the centre, each with a unique story to tell.

A trip to St Martin's Church in the centre of the city is certainly an experience too, and despite its large size, it is still considered just a church. Also visit the Unterlinden Museum, housed in an old monastery. It houses Issenheim's world-famous altarpiece and Martin Schongauer's Passion Altar, with its 24 paintings both front and back, among other things, and the museum's collection also houses a number of paintings and sculptures from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance. There are also a number of modern works, so there really is something for every artistic taste. The old monastery certainly adds to the unique and exciting atmosphere of both the site and the exhibitions.

There are also plenty of charming little shops in Colmar, tucked away in the small streets, but it's in the old town that you'll find the best shopping. The many small shops with exquisite goods and interesting antique shops hide interesting stories to take home, so there are great opportunities to find just the little thing to give as a gift to someone special. There are also good opportunities to get something good to eat, and the excellent wines from the Rhine Valley in particular are likely to bring a few red cheeks.

Find cheap hotels near Colmar at Risskov and take the whole family on a summer, winter or autumn holiday in France.

Turckheim is a cosy town located in Alsace just west of Colmar and on the area's beautiful wine route. In this cosy town there are several walks you can go on, which will give you a nice picture of the town. You can take the high route where you can walk from a hilltop and enjoy the view of the city's rooftops. As Turckheim is a wine town, it is also a good idea to take a walk and have a closer look at the many vineyards that surround the town. You can also enjoy a glass of good wine at one of the many taverns.

As you move around the city, it's also a good idea to take a closer look at its many beautiful old buildings. For example, walk past the city gate of France, which was once used as a trading point, mainly for trade with Switzerland. The Munster city gate is also interesting, as it was here that the witches were led through on their way to the stake. Also take the tour past the fine town hall, which dates back to the 17th century.

Go on holiday in your own car and discover France at its best. Visit the small traditional village of Bonhomme, where you will find a few hotels, wine shops and restaurants. From here you can start a hiking or cycling tour to explore Alsace and the Vosges. In the Kayserberg Valley, between vineyards and mountains, you will discover on a hike the cultural richness and the beautiful nature of this region. You can hike in the Vosges National Park in Alsace or on trails through the vineyards - they are all well signposted. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible in the area. Find a family-friendly driving holiday with child-friendly hotels at Risskov.

Go on a cheap summer or winter holiday with Risskov and come to Flanders in France on a family holiday and in your own car. Head to the capital of Flanders, Lille, and enjoy the city's surroundings. Lille is divided into two parts by Boulevard de la Liberté. North of this boulevard you will find the old town with its narrow streets and cobbled pavements. The old town hasn't changed in centuries, except for the addition of more shops and a lively street trade.

When in Lille, don't miss the Old Town Street Market, which takes place every Sunday. The old town is also full of cosy cafés and shops. South of the main boulevard you'll find the new town, with wider streets and a slightly less atmospheric atmosphere.

In Lille, you can buy a discount card for all attractions, which gives free access to over 30 sites in Lille and the region, as well as public transport.

Don't miss a visit to the house where Charles de Gaulle was born, and if you're an art lover, the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille is voted the second best museum in France, after the Louvre in Paris. The museum has impressive works by Donatello, Raphael, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and others. You can also go on a guided tour or discover the city on a Seg-Way or on a bike on the city's many cycle paths. The hotel staff will be happy to help you with information about the city, sights and maps. Drive to Lille in France and find child-friendly hotels at Risskov and explore the historic city of Lille in Flanders.

When holidaying by car in France, take the scenic drive along Normandy's popular Flower Coast to the cosy port town of Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine. In Honfleur you can enjoy a delicious fish dinner at the small harbour, where a host of small restaurants serve fresh fish. Another option in the area is to visit a Calvados distillery. Normandy is famous for its more than 9 million apple trees. The apples are used in the production of cider and calvados. Learn more about the production methods and, of course, taste the fresh drink. Summer holidays in France are almost synonymous with culinary experiences of many kinds!

Take a driving holiday to the small town of Haguenau, located in Alsace Haguenau Nord, about 35 km north of Strasbourg. Today, the town is home to over 35,000 inhabitants and has acted as a hub throughout history thanks to its central and beautiful location, in the middle of a large forest of over 14,000 hectares. Surrounded by greenery, Haguenau, with its 580 shops and markets, is also a good place to stop for a spot of shopping. There are restaurants and bars and in fact it's quite a lively little town.

Haguenau was founded around 1115 by Frederick Borgne and after a rich and turbulent period including fire and German takeover, Haguenau is today the largest centre of employment in northern Alsace.

The city has two museums and there are many monuments in the heart of the city.

Find a cheap summer holiday south with Risskov and drive to Bouxwiller in France, which is also one of the most beautiful towns in northern Alsace, known for its architectural and historical treasures. The town has retained its charm with its half-timbered houses and narrow streets and around the castle park you can still admire the buildings that were once part of the Cathedral.

Bouxwiller is an active town that also attracts many tourists, especially in summer, but the famous Christmas market is certainly an experience too, and starts in early December. Bouxwiller is also known for its big hill, Bastberg, from where there is a great view over the whole area, which by the way is also known for its many witches!

Bouxwiller dates back to Roman times and was already mentioned in a document in the year 725. There are a number of museums in the town, Pays de Hanau and Musee Judeo-Alsacien, and it's easy to spend days in the charming little town. Find a cheap weekend break for the whole family in Alsace with child-friendly hotels and plenty of exciting things to do in the area, including those for children.

One of the spring classics, as you know, is Paris - Roubaix, also known as the toughest one-day stage in cycling, and the famous 'cobbles' are certainly part of the excitement, as the slightest mistake can cause serious changes in the classification.

But Roubaix is also much more than just a bike race. Also known as the town of a thousand chimneys, but that was many years ago now, and if visitors get to know Roubaix a little better, it's actually an underrated and very charming town. Visit the exciting La Piscine Museum or La Manufacture. Enjoy a drink in one of the numerous bars or cafés and try French gastronomy with good wines and local produce.