European Holiday Guide
Transcription
European Holiday Guide
European Holiday Guide independent The aim of this guide is to assist you with some of the more important aspects of travelling and holidaying in Europe. It is essential that you take time to read it well before departure, particularly the section headed Preparing for Your Holiday and the Check List of Items to Take. Some useful addresses, telephone numbers and websites of the various tourist boards are also included so that you can obtain additional information about the country and region you are visiting. During the peak season, most campsites employ receptionists who speak some English. They will be able to help you with information about their own site and the services on offer in their region, for example the nearest hypermarket and nearest beach. They are usually happy to recommend their local tourist attractions as well as restaurants suitable for both families and couples. The owners of the smaller sites particularly enjoy contact with their British customers. Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure that the information given in this guide is accurate and up to date we do not accept any responsibility for any changes which may arise. Beynac, Dordogne 1 Contents Page No 3 5 8 8 8 12 13 16 18 20 23 23 24 25 25 47 53 58 63 69 77 82 93 98 102 Preparing for Your Holiday Check List of Things to Take Taking your dog abroad Motoring in Europe The Ferry Taking Your Caravan to Europe Campsite Safety Information Arriving and staying on site Campsite Services and Facilities FRANCE - Motoring in France Shopping in France Eating Out in France Website addresses Public Holidays Places to visit AUSTRIA BELGIUM & LUXEMBOURG GERMANY HOLLAND ITALY SWITZERLAND SPAIN PORTUGAL CROATIA SLOVENIA The websites indicated for each country are well worth accessing to get more specific information about the region. 2 Preparing for Your Holiday New Law re Breathalysers in France Please be aware there is a new law coming in to force from 1st July 2012 that makes it COMPULSORY for all motorists in FRANCE to carry a single use breathalyser. We advise that if you are travelling to (or through) France you should carry at least two disposable breathalysers in order to comply with this new law. The breathalysers you purchase must comply to French regulations and will carry the ‘French certification mark’ ‘NF’. These should be purchased prior to departure in the UK but can also be purchased on the ferry, in most French supermarkets, service/petrol stations or chemists. You could receive an on-the-spot fine if you cannot produce this product when asked. Insurance Check the details of all your insurance cover before you leave. Remember that most travel insurance policies have a limit of £200/£250 on individual items. Your home contents policy will normally cover you for valuables and expensive camping equipment. All sites have a valuables deposit box at reception. It is essential that you take out a personal insurance policy to cover you for any unforseen circumstances such as cancellation, travel delays and most especially hospitilisation benefits that are not fully covered by the EHIC ( the former E111 form). An air ambulance can cost as much as £5,000. Car and caravan/ trailer breakdown insurance is also strongly recommended. The Green Card. It is rarely printed on a card and isn’t usually green. This is still highly recommended although no longer obligatory for those travelling in EC countries. It is, however, essential for nonEEC countries like Switzerland and Croatia. Unfortunately some British insurers only give minimum third party cover abroad, unless you take it out. Most insurance companies no longer charge for this, although some may make a charge of between £15 - £25, and if taking a caravan or trailer, make sure that the card is endorsed accordingly. This extends your comprehensive insurance cover to the continent. To allow for any unexpected delays, give a later return date than planned which normally involves no extra cost. Passports Ensure that your passport is valid. If you do not have one or your previous one has expired, apply for one at least one month before departure. Forms are available from the Post Office, and on line at: www.ips.gov.uk or telephone 0870 521 0410 for further advice. Passports for children All children now have to have their own passports. This includes new-born babies and all children up to the age of 16. Children who are already included on an existing passport may continue to travel with the passport holder until the age of 16. Prices for all passports increase each year so please check the exact amount to be paid online. A Fast track service, guaranteed delivery within one week and Premium service, same day delivery are also available at a much higher price. Please contact the Passport Office Information service telephone 0300 222 0000 or visit their website for further details. Make a note of the number, date and place of issue in a separate place, in case of loss. If you do not hold a British Passport, check any visa requirements with the Embassy of the country you intend to visit. If you lose your passport be sure to obtain a “declaration of loss” from the local police. European Health Insurance Card The EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC) is the size of a credit card and each member of the family has to have their own card. The EHIC entitles all UK residents to reduced cost (sometimes free) health care, if it becomes necessary when travelling in most European countries. It is valid in all the countries in our brochure except Croatia. The EHIC is issued by the Prescription and Pricing Authority and is free of charge. The quickest way to get an EHIC is to apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/travellers and you should receive it within 7 days. You can apply for your spouse/partner and any children up to age of 16 (or 19 if they are in full time education) at the same time as applying for your own. You will need to have the following information to hand for everyone you are applying for: - name and date of birth - NHS or National Insurance number (CHI no.in Scotland and Health & Care no.in N.Ireland) 3 You can also apply by telephone by calling 0845 606 2030 and it will be delivered within 10 days, or pick up a form from the Post Office. If you lose your EHIC, or it is stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement by phone or by post. When your EHIC expires, you can renew it online, by telephone or by post. You can renew it no more than six months prior to its expiry date. If the details on your card change - e.g. if you change your name because you get married or divorced - call the EHIC enquiries line on 0845 605 0707 or write to the EHIC Enquiries service. The EHIC is normally valid for three to five years and covers any medical treatment that becomes necessary during your trip, because of either illness or an accident. The card gives access to stateprovided medical treatment only, and you will be treated on the same basis as an “insured” person living in the country you are visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you’d expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care. If you have to go to hospital, 75 - 100% of the expenses may be exempt. Also the hospital will usually invoice the Insurance Company direct for the balance if you show them your holiday insurance certificate. The EHIC cover never includes the cost of repatriating a patient and therefore should be treated as additional rather than substitute cover. You are therefore advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC. Camping Indemnity Card Although this is not essential, we strongly recommend that you take one with you, as it is another document giving proof of identity and can be left at the site reception instead of your passport. If you have taken out personal & vehicle insurance at Plus level with Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites, this will be forwarded to you automatically. Alternatively, you can purchase a card from us for £8.50 Currency The currency in nearly all Western European countries is euros. Only Britain, Switzerland and Croatia still use their own currencies. Euro Coins: €1, €2 + 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, & 1 cent pieces. Euro Notes - there are 7 denominations in various sizes and colours: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Taking Money With You Take enough local currency to cover emergencies and see you through the first few days (for motorway tolls, food etc.) as banking hours vary from country to country. Although the foreign departments of many banks can provide foreign cash for euros on the spot, it is a good idea to order in advance. It is probably better not to carry too much cash - if you lose it or it is stolen there is no easy way of replacing it. Travel insurance does not normally cover the loss of money. A comprehensive insurance will cover a loss up to a certain amount, usually about £200. Travellers’ Cheques - this is the safest and best way of taking money abroad as well as offering the best exchange rate. Order them in advance from your local bank. Before exchanging travellers cheques on the campsites, ask the receptionist to confirm the exchange rate recommended by their own banks as it may be less favourable than at the local banks. You will need your passport or photographic identification to cash them. British driving licences are only acceptable if you have one with a photograph. Keep a note of the numbers of the travellers cheques in case of loss.Credit Cards - such as Mastercard and Visa (Carte Bleue), can be used for making payments in various establishments, and for drawing money from the bank in emergencies. In France Visa is the most commonly used credit card and is widely accepted at motorway service tolls and in many large shops and petrol stations. Be wary when trying to use your credit card at fuel stations in rural France. Many are fully automated outside opening hours and do not take either British Mastercard or Visa credit cards. Cash is not an option either, so have a good reserve in your tank when leaving major routes. Please note that many petrol stations in Germany, Switzerland and Italy do not accept all forms of bank cards, particularly debit cards. Car and Caravan/Trailer Tent Do make sure that you have your car and caravan thoroughly serviced before departure. Please remember that for vehicle recovery insurance policies, you are required to service your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Carry a simple spares kit (available from the AA, RAC or local dealer) and a temporary plastic windscreen. Take a spare wheel and tyre for your caravan - failure to pack this causes many spoiled holidays. Do check tyre pressures on car (and caravan or trailer). Also check wiper blades and exhaust system. Adjust your headlights so that the dipped beam does not light the wrong side of the road. This can be achieved by deflectors or beam convertors, which 4 can be purchased from AA or RAC offices and retailers selling car accessories. A good hook-on wing mirror is essential for each side of a towing vehicle. Check List of Items to Take *Items Asterisked are Obligatory 1. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Documents Passports* Camping Indemnity Card Ferry tickets (some issued on departure) Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites Booking Confirmation* voucher for sites/hotels Insurance certificates* Green Card for non EC countries* (marked with letter F if towing van) EHIC card* Car Registration Document* Driving Licence* MOT certificate where applicable Car Manual Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites GB sticker* Receipts for valuables recently purchased as proof of purchase for customs Written authority to drive car from owner if it is not owned by you Translation of Driving Licence for Italy* (*for old style green ones only) Certificate of ownership for boats Written permission from parents if taking another family’s child 2. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Car Accessories Red Warning Triangle* (2 in Spain) Reflective jackets for All European countries* (it is advisable to take one jacket per person or a minimum of 2 jackets.) 2x Breathalysers* Spare Parts Kit Spare bulbs and fuses* Cycle Rack Tyre Pressure Gauge First Aid Kit * Spare set of car keys List of foreign service agents Tool kit and Tow Rope Deflector tape for lights CDs or cassettes Car repair manual Towing mirrors Tow bar cover 3. - - - - - - - Books and Guides Information supplied by Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites Maps Any guides to area (e.g Michelin) Foreign Dictionary Phrase Book Personal Reading books Address Book 4. - - Linen Sleeping Bags or similar Pillows 5 - - Tea Towels Towels for shower and beach 5. - - - - - - - - - Clothes Light clothes (T-shirts, shorts, skirts, sandals etc) Sundresses and sunhats Sweaters and jeans (for cool evenings) Track suits Swimming costumes, goggles, beach shoes etc. Cagoules and wellingtons Canvas shoes or rubber shoes for rivers/lakes Walking boots for rambling Nightwear 6. - - - - - For the Children and Sport Buckets and spades, Plastic balls, football etc. Games, Comics, Books Tennis rackets, Dinghy, Windsurfer, Bicycles Table tennis bats and balls, Binoculars and compass 7. Food (some shops on the smaller sites and many others in the low season stock only basics) - Tea bags, Coffee, Sugar, Salt and Pepper - Breakfast Cereal, Fruit Squash. Favourite foods so that you don’t have to shop as soon as you arrive. Please note that if there are any outbreaks of foot and mouth etc. around the time of travel, ferry companies will confiscate all meat and dairy produce at the port. 8. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 9. - - - - - - - - - - - - Camping/Caravanning Equipment Tent/Awning, groundsheet, gazebo Pegs and Mallet (strong pegs for hard ground when very dry or stony) Spare guy ropes, elastics, “D” rings Step for caravan Gas cylinders, Spanner for gas cylinders Table and chairs Adaptor Plug for hook-up Water Carrier, Bucket Levelling aid or spirit Levelling blocks or chocks for caravan//motorhome Spare Wheel/Tyre for caravan/trailer Chemical fluid Polarity tester Waste water container Fire extinguisher Caravan door keys Barbecue (check if allowed on site) Kitchen Items Washing up bowl, Washing-up liquid, Dishcloth/Scourer Washing powder Kitchen cleaner Broom,Dustpan and brush Clothes line and peg, Airer Cooking pans/ frying pan Kettle/Teapot Chopping board, Knives (incl bread knife) Cutlery, Plates, bowls,Cups, Mugs,Glasses Measuring jug, Mixing bowl,Colander/Sieve Tin opener/ bottle opener, Cork screw Kitchen roll, Tinfoil and Clingfilm wrap 6 - - Plastic Waste Bags, Scissors Cool box, ice packs, Plastic Food Containers 10. - - - - - - - - - - - - - Medicine, Toiletries etc Toilet Paper not always provided on sites Basic First Aid Kit Aspirin, Paracetemol, Travel Sickness Pills Personal medicines and pills Antiseptic cream, Plasters Insect Repellent, Ant Powder Fly and Insect Spray Sun Screen and After Sun cream Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush Razor, Shaving Cream, Shampoo Hair Dryer, Mirror, Brushes and combs Cotton Wool,Tissues Toe clippers and scissors, tweezers 11. - - - - - - - - - For the baby Disposable nappies/trainer pants Potty Changing bag, wet wipes, creams Feeder mug, Baby foods Bottles and sterilising unit Buggy/ backpack, Travel cot and high chair Sunshade for pushchair Sunhat and sleep suits Armbands, plastic sandals 12. - - - - - - - - - - - - Other Items Matches, Torch, Tissues Travel Plug (for razors and hairdryers) Travel Iron, Coat hangers String, Rubber bands, insulating tape Thermos, Alarm clock Mobile phone and charger Camera (video, digital and still) films,discs Binoculars, Spare Batteries Sewing Kit, Shoe cleaning Kit Beach items, parasol, windbreak Sunglasses (essential for driving) For the journey It is a good idea to take a large shoulder bag for documents, camera, guides, money etc. as well as plenty of drinks, food in an insulated bag and games for the children. Pack a separate overnight bag if spending the night on the ferry or in a hotel. Before you leave home - - - - - - Switch off water at mains, turn off gas and major electrical appliances, except fridges and freezers Lock all doors and fasten all windows. Cancel newspapers and milk. Give neighbours contact address and telephone number and leave a spare house key with friends or relatives. Make necessary arrangements for your pets. Have the car/caravan/trailer/motorhome serviced. Water plants 7 Taking your Dog Abroad In order to take your pet abroad, it has to have its own passport. You need to plan this very carefully and make the necessary arrangements well in advance. You will also have to book an appointment with a vet in France to arrange for flea and tick treatments between 48 and 24 hours prior to return on the ferry. For further information, contact your local vet or go to: www.defra.gov.uk and click over ‘pet travel scheme’ or phone 0870 241 1710 for a free information pack or www.dogsaway.co.uk or phone 08450 17 10 73 - locates convenient vet in France for modest fee. The individual costs for the above procedures vary according to the individual veterinary surgeon, with the initial cost being over £200. For subsequent trips abroad an annual vaccination booster is all that is necessary . You also have to pay for your pet to cross the channel and for a nightly stay on most campsites. The dog will have to remain in the car throughout the ferry crossing, so a short crossing or night crossing is recommended. It is essential that your dog is kept on a leash while staying on the site. Motoring in Europe Before driving off in a motorhome or towing a caravan or trailer behind, check: * Water and waste bottles and toilet have been emptied * Indicators and lights (car /caravan motorhome) * Roof lights, hatches and windows are closed * Fridge door is secured, it is changed to 12 volt setting * Hob and sink covers are secured * Rear view mirrors are fitted and correctly adjusted * Steadies are up and caravan handbrake is off * Coupling and safety chain * Caravan electrics cable is not touching the ground * Jockey wheel has been raised * Gas bottle has been disconnected. The Ferry Most companies are now issuing Ticket on Departure. Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites will issue you with a reference number to quote at the Check-in Desk. You will then be issued with your ferry ticket on the spot. You must arrive at the port about one hour prior to sailing. If you should miss your ferry, your ticket is usually valid for any sailing, but only subject to availability. Ferry companies reserve the right to make an amendment charge at the port if you do not travel on the sailing booked, particularly if you change your price band, or if your vehicle is longer or higher than that shown on the ticket. It means applying to the ticket office and queuing to await any cancellations. On long sea crossings, this may mean a long wait, particularly if you have an overheight vehicle, such as a caravan or motorhome, as overheight vehicle space is limited on long sea routes. On arrival at the port, you go through ticket control and passport control together. Please note that sailings from Caen leave from a suburb of the town called Ouistreham and the port at Rotterdam is called Europoort. For customers with caravans and motorhomes it is possible to pull up for the night at the ports of Ouistreham (Caen), Roscoff and Cherbourg. This is particularly useful if you arrive at the port from one of the late afternoon or evening sailings or wish to get an early morning crossing. If you prefer there are good overnight campsites near St. Malo and Caen. 8 Ferry Loading Procedure Loading the cars onto the deck is a skilled operation and the position of vehicles on board is usually in accordance with a predetermined plan depending on their length, height, width and weight as well as to comply with security regulations. Sometimes, therefore, you may have to wait longer than others. Even if you are one of the first to arrive at the port, you may have to wait till one of the last to load. You are under the directions of the crew from the moment you enter the vehicle decks and smoking is forbidden at all times on these decks. Before leaving your vehicle make sure that you have switched off your headlights and any other electrical equipment, switched off the ignition, put on your handbrake and placed the vehicle in first gear or “park”. Also make sure that your wing mirrors are pushed in, as they may be knocked by passengers making their way down the very narrow lanes between the rows of cars. Most ferry companies now expect you to ensure that your car alarm is not activated when you leave the car. This means locking the car manually. Access to the vehicle decks is prohibited during the crossing, so lock your car to prevent theft and take everything you need from the car with you. Take note of the number or letter of your vehicle deck to help you relocate your vehicle when it comes to disembarkation. If you have sleeping accommodation booked, claim this as soon as you have boarded. If not, and you require it, ask at the information desk for availability. If you have a cabin, you will be woken up early in the morning, to allow you to breakfast. Listen carefully to all Public Address announcements and once you have rejoined your vehicle for disembarkation, do not start your engine until told to do so by the crew - this avoids polluting the air on the vehicle decks. On board there are usually a cafeteria, restaurant, shops, bar, telephones, games rooms with electronic games and a play area for small children. Films are usually screened in the cinema on long-sea crossings. Disabled passengers If you or a fellow passenger is disabled let the staff at the check-in desk know if they need to be parked next to a lift to get from the vehicle deck to the passenger decks. They will then inform the loading 9 staff who will make sure that you are parked in the correct position and give any assistance needed. In most disembarkation lounges, there are toilets, disabled facilities and baby changing facilities along with refreshments in cafés/bars or vending machines. Eurotunnel When you arrive at the terminal at Folkestone and, if you have already bought a ticket, report directly to the Check-in point for Tickets purchased in Advance where you will receive boarding instructions. When you have loaded leave the windows open so that you can hear announcements during the journey. Please stay in or near your vehicle and ensure that children are supervised at all times. Toilets are located in every third wagon. There are no refreshments on board, so it is a good idea to take some drinks and light snacks with you in the car. The train will enter the Tunnel a minute or two after leaving the platform and normally arrives 27 minutes later in France. Cars powered by LP gas, caravans and motorcaravans with fixed gas bottles are banned from travel. Motoring in Europe Regular stops, changes of driver, snacks and drinks are to be recommended on a long journey, and when driving south, the sun is against you much of the time and sunglasses are essential. Driving on the right presents few difficulties except: - at roundabouts when you drive anti-clockwise - overtaking large vehicles, when your front passenger can be of great assistance - pulling away on to an empty road after a stop, when one may be tempted to head for the wrong side of the road. Conversions 1 mile = 1.6. kilometres. 1 km = 0.62 miles (To convert km. to miles, divide by 8 and multiply by 5) 1 gallon = 4.5 litres 1 litre = 0.22 gallons Oil 1 pint = 0.57 litres Tyre Pressures 1lb per sq inch = 0.07 kg per sq cm Road Signs Most signs are easy to understand, conforming to the international designs common in the UK although off the motorways, road signs may at first be confusing as they are positioned much lower down than at a junction in the U.K. and can easily be hidden by a passing vehicle. Direction signs are often placed closer to the ground than we are used to and not before the turning but at the junction itself. Never cross a solid yellow line - they are very strict about this , particularly in France. In general on long-haul routes, it is easier to navigate from town to town rather than to try to keep strictly to road numbers. It is a good idea to drive through the European lunch hour when most people pull off the road to eat, generally from noon to 14:30 or later in Spain Do try to avoid large towns and cities during rush hours 08:00 - 09:00, just after lunch, and 17:00 - 18:00 or later in Paris. Traffic Lights These are often positioned well to the side of the road or are suspended overhead in the middle of the road. Care is needed as they are not always repeated on the other side of the junction. They also change from red straight to green. At many junctions during off peak times, the traffic lights may only show one flashing orange light, which indicates that nobody has priority, although giving way to the right usually applies. Take the middle lane in towns as there is often a filter on the right. When negotiating your way round towns, if there is any doubt follow the signs for all directions which usually guide the driver round the town rather than straight through it. Caravans and large motorhomes are often banned from town centres as the roads may be too narrow. Follow signs for HGVs. Petrol Unleaded and diesel are available throughout Europe. LPG is widely available in Holland, Germany and at over 1,700 filling stations in France, particularly in motorway service areas. For other countries consult their tourist offices in London or the AA for latest updates. 10 Legal Requirements - All vehicles must carry an unused breathalyser kit (see page 3) - All drivers must be over 18 years of age, throughout Europe - Seat belts must be worn by the driver and front and back seat passengers. - Under-10’s may not travel in the front in most countries - A red-warning triangle is compulsory for all drivers in case of breakdown, two triangles for Spain. - Stop signs mean stop. You must come to a complete halt and not creep forward in first gear. - No stopping on open roads unless the car is driven off the road. - Overtaking where there is a solid single centre line is heavily penalised. - Spare light bulbs and a medical kit are compulsory. - Beams must be adjusted for right hand drive, easily effected by sticking on black tape. - It is now compulsory to drive with dipped headlights at all times in the following countries offered in the Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites programme: Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia and the Landes region in France. - The vehicle registration document should be carried. - A G. B. sticker or number plate with GB included is also a legal requirement. - Don’t drink and drive. Don’t overload your car, caravan or trailer. - Carrying a Reflective Jacket to put on in case of breakdown is now a legal requirement in several European countries. The AA recommends that each vehicle has at least two jackets or vest one for the driver and one for a passenger who may have to assist with changing a wheel. They must conform to EU standard: BS EN 471:1994 class 1 or 2. - It is forbidden for the driver to use hand held mobile phones in most European countries. Spot checks on foreign vehicles throughout Europe is becoming more frequent and failure to comply with any regulations is liable to heavy on the spot fines. Always ask for a receipt. Procedures have been put in place to allow European authorities to chase up fines in the UK via the DVLA. 11 Taking Your Caravan to Europe Touring caravans may visit Europe for up to 6 consecutive months without formalities. Those left for more than 6 months are subject to VAT and must be covered by insurance with a European company. Speed limits for caravans These are the same as for a car provided the maximum gross weight of the caravan does not exceed the kerb weight of the towing vehicle (excluding passengers but including petrol oil and water). Caravans which exceed the kerb weight of the towing vehicle by less than 30% must not exceed 65 kph and must display a disc to this effect. Remember to respect the 80 kph limit where posted on some motorways. Please observe these legal requirements: - - - - - - - - Any vehicle towing a caravan must be fitted with two clip on wing mirrors. Maximum dimensions are 2.5 metres wide and 11 metres long (for vehicle and trailer maximum length is 18 metres) No passengers may be carried in a moving van. Outside built-up areas, the driver of the towing vehicle is required by law to keep a distance of 50 metres between himself and the vehicle ahead. Vehicles towing caravans are not allowed to drive in the centre of many large cities or on the outer lane of 3-lane motorways. On narrow roads, you must enable vehicles to overtake by slowing down or pulling into the side where possible. In case of breakdown, even if the caravan has hazard warning lights, you must display a red warning triangle at least 30 metres behind. If the caravan is borrowed you must have written authorisation from the owner. Parking your caravan or motorhome Overnight parking in a lay-by is not permitted on any road in Europe. However, in cases of driving fatigue, you can and should pull off the road for a while. Motorways are well-equipped with rest areas but should not be regarded as alternative campsites. On some roads and motorway parking areas, you will find facilities for caravans to take on fresh water, empty toilets and make extended stops. Similarly some towns allow caravans to park on the road. However, you will also find towns forbidding caravans to park: these will have places where you may stop for provisions. The local tourist office will always provide important information. Advice from the Foreign Office: there has been a number of mugging incidents, particularly in France and Spain at the more isolated rest areas, those without petrol stations and cafés. After a series of gas attacks at overseas motorway service areas, we strongly recommend that you spend the night on a designated campsite. There have also been several incidents even in well-lit service areas where ether has been pumped into the van to allow the perpetrators to carry out an easy burglary in caravans and motorhomes. Do consider installing an alarm in your caravan and stopping overnight in a proper campsite. 12 Campsite Safety Information We have prepared this short checklist to help you identify the key points to look for when you arrive. Even if you have visited this campsite before, the layout and facilities may have changed. We ask you to take responsibility for your own safety so please take time to check the following points: Swimming Pools: • • • • • • • • • Swimming pools and waterslides are not always supervised. Supervise your children at all times in and around the pool. Familiarise yourself with the pool rules and regulations, particularly in respect of diving and waterslides. Swimming pool rules and regulations are strictly enforced, especially no swimming when the pool is closed. Non-compliance may result in your eviction from the campsite. Depth markings are not always present or clearly visible. Check the depth of the water before entering and watch out for sudden changes in depth. Always satisfy yourself with the depth of the water before diving. Adhere to the pool rules & regulations in respect of diving. When using waterslides that discharge into the main pool, watch out for other swimmers in the landing area and vacate the landing area quickly. When using the waterslide leave a good space between you and the user in front and be aware of others who may be coming down close behind you. Check the clarity of the water – if you cannot see the bottom do not use the pool and inform your Courier. 13 • • • • • • Be aware that some pools may have underwater features such as submerged rocks and walls. Be cautious when swimming and do not dive. Areas around the pool may be slippery. Be careful when walking and never run around the pool area. Swimming pool areas may not always be fenced off completely or lit at night. Take care when you are in the vicinity of the pool. Be aware that some swimming pool filters do not have covers. Keep clear of uncovered filters and supervise your children at all times. Do not use the pool just after a meal or (adults please note) after drinking alcohol. Please note that there is not always a clear separation between toddler paddling pools, beginners pools and the main pool area. Open Water: • Exercise caution on sites where there are areas of open water both within and beyond the campsite boundaries. • Children should be supervised at all times in and around open water areas. • Diving or swimming in open water can be hazardous and should not be undertaken. • Areas of open water are not always supervised or fenced off. • Open water presents hidden dangers such as underwater obstructions, vegetation and uneven terrain. • We cannot guarantee that areas of open water are safe or that life saving equipment is available. • Satisfy yourself that bridges or jetties are in good repair before using them. • Diving off bridges and jetties or any other structure is dangerous and should not be undertaken. Around the Campsite: • Children should be supervised at all times. • Take care and carry a torch at night as certain areas around the site can be very dark. • Be aware of electricity points and cables around your pitch. • Be aware that electrical boxes may not always be locked. • Do not touch any exposed wires, do not use extension leads or run extension leads outside. • Do not try to access any sockets, light fittings or electricity boxes at the campsite feeder pillars. • When driving around the campsite familiarise yourself with and observe the traffic calming measures. • Exercise caution when moving around the campsite, not all roads and paths are even or free of trip hazards. • Be aware that on some campsites there might be ‘open’ storm drains and steep drops that are not fenced or closed off. • Familiarise yourself with the location of fire fighting equipment. Do not attempt to tackle a fire unless you feel confident to do so. • Familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations with regard to the use of barbecues and the disposal of hot coals. • Exercise caution when moving around the campsite sanitation blocks/facilities. Floors can become slippery when wet. Be careful when showering as the water can get very hot or intermittent and can cause scalding as a result. Children should be supervised at all times when using the campsite sanitation facilities. 14 Children At Play: • • • • • • • • • • • • Play areas are generally unsupervised. Children should be supervised at all times in the play areas and around the campsite. Ride your bike carefully especially in areas which are busy with cars and people. Some campsites offer a bike hire service; bike helmets are not always provided, check that you are satisfied with the maintenance with and general condition of the bikes. Check you are satisfied with the play areas, the equipment and the surface next to equipment before use. Respect the rules that are displayed in the play areas and adhere to the minimum height & age restrictions. The play areas are not always fenced. Supervise your children at all times. When your children attend activities, arrange when and where to meet afterwards. Some campsite activities are not always supervised. Some campsites have farm animals. Be aware that some animals may bite so be cautious and supervise your children at all times. On sites where horse riding is offered, satisfy yourself with the rules and regulations. Please note that horse riding hats are not always provided. All optional activities are usually available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities offered by the site or by third parties. Should you lose your child please report to a courier or campsite reception. On The Beach: • Children should be supervised at all times. • Do not swim in undesignated areas. • Diving off rocks, jetties or any other structure can be hazardous and should not be undertaken. • Always wear adequate sunscreen, even on a cloudy day and drink plenty of water or soft drinks. • Beaches are not always supervised, particularly over lunch time periods. • Check that you understand the warning signs and safety information before you swim or partake in any water-sports and seek clarifi cation from your Couriers if you need to. • Take a parasol or something to provide shade, especially for young children. 15 Arriving and Staying on Site When visiting another country it is always a good idea to remember to act as a guest not a customer. By respecting local customs and cultures and showing friendship to local people you will be helping to forge lasting harmony between people. When you arrive at a campsite, please go to the reception and present the receptionist with the Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites campsite voucher which indicates the number of nights you are staying and that you have already paid. The site will have retained a copy of this voucher and will have your details in their computer system. Normally you will have no additional costs to pay as any tourist tax payable in some areas has been included in your final statement. On the majority of campsites in Germany, both local taxes and electricity will be charged by the site. Your pitch is reserved from mid-afternoon to mid-morning. Most campsite offices close about 20:00, sometimes earlier in the low season - except for the obvious overnight stop sites near the ports. Please check the closing time of the reception on the individual site information, enclosed in your Travel Pack and if for any reason, you will be arriving later than this, give the site a ring to forewarn them. It is absolutely essential to arrive before 10pm as after this time most sites close their gates to traffic and it will be impossible to bring your vehicle in. Please note that it is the campsite who allocate the pitches. Any negotiations concerning pitches is between the customer and the campsite management. We regret that the Eurocamp couriers will not be able to intervene in the allocation of pitches. If for any reason you find the pitch offered totally unsuitable, in the first instance you are advised to consult the site owner or management who will do their best to resolve any problem. If the situation remains unresolved, please contact Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites in the U.K. at their usual office number during office hours. Everything possible will be done to resolve the situation, but we would refer you to the booking conditions in the brochure. If you have a problem whilst on site that entails a change to your itinerary please telephone during office hours. All site fees are paid in advance of your holiday and it may not be possible to obtain a refund for unused nights. Should you wish to extend your stay please ask the site reception and any additional payments can be paid directly to the site. Please note that pitches reserved for an overnight stop or short stays are very seldom the most attractive on the site and indeed some sites keep a separate area for one-night stopovers. Eurocamp Couriers are available on all Eurocamp Independent campsites, however they may not be available in the low season, when Eurocamp are not onsite. In order that the couriers are able to identify all Eurocamp Independent customers, the travel pack will contain a card which should be completed and handed to the couriers on site in order to take advantage of the courier service. We regret that they will not be able to hire or lend out any camping equipment. Our couriers will be conversant with the locality and be able to advise you on, or find out about, the best beaches, good value restaurants, shopping, local amenities, places to visit and local events. They have a noticeboard in their reception which will give some of this information, as well as advice on campsite amenities and regulations. Children’s Couriers there are special children’s couriers on many of our Eurocamp Independent sites, specified in the brochure. These couriers organise games and activities for 5 hours every day (except Tuesdays) for children in the 4-13 age range. Competitions, treasure hunts, football, painting and other similar activities are on offer and the service is free of charge. For safety reasons there are set ratios of children-per-children’s courier, therefore at busy times sessions may have to operate on a first come, first served basis. When staying on an individual site, you are their paying guests and should abide by its campsite rules. Many campsites close their gates at 22:00 or 22:30, after which entry with a car is not possible, and you will have to park your car outside, return to your caravan/tent on foot and collect it in the morning. The gates are often firmly locked during the night and open about 07:00 or 08:00. If you wish to leave earlier than this, pack the car the night before and leave it outside. Do not leave any valuables in it. If you have a caravan or trailer, it will be virtually impossible to make a really early departure, unless previously arranged with the site manager. Serious breaches of campsite regulations can result in the offenders being asked to leave the site. The campsite management are the final arbiters if such a situation arises and Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites do not have any power to countermand their decision. Each site has its own code of behaviour and you will be given a set of the site rules on arrival. 16 On most sites noise should be kept to minimum after 22:00 and some campsite proprietors are firm about maintaining peace and quiet after this time. One common and strictly enforced rule is that young children should be accompanied to toilet blocks by their parents, to ensure that they are properly used and to prevent children playing around them. Speed of cars is restricted to 10km or 5km per hour. Please respect this rule for everybody’s safety. Cyclists should also respect the site rules and remember that those on foot have priority. Waste water should be emptied in specified places, not on open ground or hedges. Please respect vegetation. Do not climb over hedges! Some sites do not allow washing lines to be tied to trees either for aesthetic or protective reasons. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and exercised well away from the pitches, often in special areas. Barriers more and more sites are installing barriers operated by a magnetic card. If this is the case, you should expect to pay a refundable deposit of about £10 on arrival. Barbecues are not allowed on all sites, particularly wooded ones, and may be banned altogether during prolonged dry periods. Security There are remarkably few problems with security on campsites. However, it is a good idea to keep valuables locked up in your car or caravan, well out of sight of casual passers-by. Virtually all campsites have a safe-deposit box and many also have a nightwatchman on site. Great care is needed at beach car parks, where “professionals” often operate, so do not leave anything valuable in your car during the day, even in the boot. L’Escale Saint-Gilles, Bénodet, Brittany 17 Campsite Services and Facilities At some campsites services and facilities such as shops, take-aways and restaurants may only be in operation from early July and close again in late August or early September. Other sites are in full swing throughout the season. Campsite Shops are usually open in the morning and again in the evening from 16:00 - 19/20:00 hours. The goods offered in each campsite shop vary tremendously, ranging from the basics such as bread and dairy products to small supermarkets selling everything including beach accessories. Please note on many sites, particularly in the low season, bread and croissants have to be ordered the evening before and only limited provisions are offered. Take-aways are open in the evening and sometimes at lunchtimes - times vary. At most campsites menus do not change much from day to day, unless they offer a ‘dish of the day’. You nearly always get chips! Often they are good value. Fridge Hire Please note that if you have fridge hire requested on your site voucher, the payment is normally made direct to the site. If you hire a fridge in this country before departure, make sure that you take an adaptor plug suitable for European connection. Bars are open all day until 23:00 or midnight on most sites mid-July to mid-August. There are no restrictions on children entering. Toilets vary. On the majority of sites there are no continental style seatless toilets at all, but some do keep a few to cater for all tastes. Please note that some sites do not provide their own toilet paper or it may run out during busy periods. Washing Clothes and Dishes - most sites provide two separate sinks for each activity. In France le bac à linge is for washing clothes and le bac à vaisselle is for washing up. It is important to take your own bowl as plugs are not always provided and tend to “disappear” during the season. Most sites have washing machines, dryers and ironing facilities as well, operated by a token system obtained at the reception. On many sites there are never enough in the high season, so aim to use them early in the morning or late in the evening. Showers - hot showers are usually free, but some sites make a small charge through a token system e.g. Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Camping Le Letty at Bénodet and Les Abers in Northern Brittany in France also operate a token system. Organised Games/Entertainment - during the high season many sites, but not all, organise activities and entertainment for children and adults alike, sporting competitions, dance evenings, folk groups etc. Several sites have their own small discos or nightclubs. Swimming Pools are usually free and many sites have baby pools and children’s pools. On sites situated next to public pools a charge for entry will be made e.g La Citadelle in the Loire, and Le Champ du Moulin in the Alps. On some of the larger sites, you will have to pay a deposit for a wristband which permits entry. This is refundable on departure. Many swimming pools are unsupervised. It is usually only the larger sites that offer a lifeguard service. Most sites now forbid bermuda shorts in their pools. Only trunks are allowed. (No form of short at all!!) In Germany, Italy, at Playa Joyel in Spain swimming hats are obligatory. Other activities - most sites charge for tennis, mini-golf, riding, boating etc. Prices can be high, particularly for tennis, although may be free in the low season. Mobile phones do not automatically work in Europe. They have to be dual band and calls will be much more expensive. Please contact your network provider for full details. Internet Access More and more sites have made a computer available to those staying on site for sending emails and internet access, and some have Wifi connection. Electricity and adaptors 220 volt electricity is generally available. 2 pin plugs are widely used in Europe. It is often necessary to use a couple of extra fittings particularly in France, i.e the French-to-CEE17 connector and the reverse polarity connector, available from most caravan dealers and some electrical shops. The French connection is often plugged inside a locked connection box which only site staff can unlock.If you have a motorhome, this may mean that you have to leave the unplugged lead on the pitch. Try to drape the lead above the ground when left unhooked. You should also be equipped with 30 - 40 metres of cable to ensure that it is long enough to meet most eventualities. 18 Gas Camping Gaz is widely available and is sold by most large campsites or can be acquired from a local supermarket or hypermarket. Garages in the main holiday areas often sell Camping Gaz. Butagaz and Propane (red Antargaz) bottles are also widely available, but suppliers are unable to refill the standard British bottles. Also the adaptors which fit European bottles do not conform to British standards. If you are not using Camping Gaz, we advise you to take as much gas as you require for your trip or be prepared to pay hefty deposits on the French Butagaz or Primagaz bottles. Le Grande Métairie, Carnac, Brittany 19 Chenonceaux Château, The Loire FRANCE Motoring in France A breathalyser kit must be carried in your vehicle (see page 3). Reflective jackets are now compulsory as well as headlight deflectors and red warning triangles. Medical kits and replacement bulbs are advised. Road Categories A= N= D= V= Autoroute (Motorway) Route Nationale (Major Trunk Road) Route Départmentale - often less busy than N roads and of quite acceptable standard. Sometimes they ‘cut corners’ but be wary, distances on winding roads can be deceptively long. Chemin Vicinal (Local by-road, not used by through traffic) Reclassification of French road numbers The French government is currently transferring the administration of approximately 18,000 kilometres of national roads to local authorities, resulting in the significant re-classification and re-numbering of French roads. This will take several years to complete and road numbers are likely to change slightly. For example the N404 will become the D1404. Be prepared for the road numbers not to correspond with your maps, even if they are new! Speed Limits Motorways: Free Motorways: Ordinary road outside towns: Roads in built-up areas: 130 kph 110kph when wet 110 kph 100kph when wet 90 kph 80kph when wet 50 kph Cars towing a caravan: If the weight of the trailer exceeds that of the car, the speed limits are lower: 20 65kph if the excess is less than 30% and 45kph if the excess is more than 30%. Vehicle Weight in France Motorcaravans, caravans and trailers must not exceed the maximum authorised laden weight written on the vehicles registration certificate. Police can weigh any vehicle thay they suspect is overladen and issue a a fine up to €1500 or more. Bison Futé or Itinéraire Bis is the term used for the road system recommended to guide traffic round congested areas on to more relaxing, scenic routes, and they are indicated by green or yellow arrows. Bison Futé maps, showing recommended routes are readily available free of charge at roadside offices marked Bison Futé. They may also be available at the channel ports. There are 59 Bison Futé centres open during the peak period giving free information on traffic conditions and recommended itineraries. www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr Motorways in France France has over 8,000 km of motorways. A toll system is in operation on most motorways, indicated by a péage sign before you go on. Most operate on a punched card system, which you take as you enter the toll booth by pushing the distributor button and which is handed in as you leave to assess payment. British credit cards may not be accepted in the automatic credit card payment booths when leaving the autoroute. On shorter stretches, the toll may be paid in euro coins thrown into automatic machines. Short stretches of motorway round cities are usually free. There are several different companies running the motorway system so prices per km can vary. A car and caravan count as Category 2 - you pay half as much again for the caravan as a rule. Trailer tents are generally charged at the same rate as caravans. You will find orange emergency telephones every 2 km, parking and resting areas every 10 km and 24-hour petrol stations approximately every 40 km. Petrol stations have many amenities including good toilet facilities. The service areas and “aires de repos” often indicated by a “P” provide excellent spacious stopping points and picnic areas. Toilets and water are also available. Many motorway service restaurants offer specially priced menus for children which often represent good value for money. The food is quite acceptable, but not up to the standards of a small family-run restaurant. Breakdown on the Motorway or the Paris Périphérique Park on the hard shoulder and put out the warning triangle. Do not contact your own insurance company in the first instance. Use one of the orange emergency telephones. This puts you in touch with the police who will send a mechanic to assist you. The fee fixed by government for attendance is about £50. If the mechanic can repair your car within 30 minutes, you pay this fee plus parts; otherwise the car will be towed to the nearest garage where you should contact your vehicle recovery insurance company who will make further arrangements on your behalf. Ensure you get a receipt for any charges for insurance purposes. Motorway information on the radio is FM107.7 www.autoroutes.fr - excellent for tariffs and route planning. www.equipement.gouv.fr access “route” - Other traffic information A toll system is also in operation on some bridges including Le Pont de Tancarville near Le Havre, Le Pont de Normandie, the Viaduc de Millau and the bridge from La Rochelle over to the Ile de Ré. Please note that on the main roads there are fewer petrol stations per distance covered in France than in Great Britain and they rarely open after 20:00 hours except on Autoroutes and near hypermarkets, so be wary of letting your tank run too low. British credit cards are not always accepted at French hypermarkets in the automatic machines . They are accepted when the exit booth is manned during shopping hours. Traffic congestion If heading south, the worst traffic problems occur each weekend throughout July until the middle of the August and when returning each weekend from mid August until the first weekend September. If possible it is a good idea to avoid these days for travelling: Friday pm and Saturday outward and Saturday and Sundays on the return. Fines Although speed limits are higher than in UK, the accident rate is also higher. Speed cameras are now much more common in France particularly on motorways and roads round large towns. Procedures are being put in place for the DVLA in the UK to chase up fines. Severe penalties for road traffic infringements have recently been introduced in France. These include a sentence of up top to 10 yrs imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 euros for causing death whilst over the alcohol limit; a sentence of 7 yrs and fine of 100,000 euros for causing death by dangerous or negligent driving; a sentence of of up to 2 years, a fine of 30,000 euros and seizure of vehicle and device for using any radar detecting device, 21 even if the device is switched off. Drinking & Driving Please note that on the spot fines for speeding (as much as €1,500 ) and drinking and driving are very common in France. Drivers who break French driving laws can also have their driving licences confiscated by French police. Drink driving limits are the same as the UK. Travelling with a motorhome A Motorhome Charter issued by a motorhome builders’ committee in conjunction with the French Government issues certain guidelines to motorhome owners. The most important point is to be considerate about parking, not to impede the view of shops or any other businesses in a town, to avoid upsetting the flow of traffic and to park where possible in an area which is not heavily populated. Overnight parking of motorhomes is controlled in certain towns and cities, but where allowed, public areas should not be monopolised and they should not create any sort of problem for local residents. Evacuation of water etc. must be done in the appropriate places provided and not in any drains or rivers. Campsites more suitable for motorhomes as they are within walking distance of the towns and villages are listed in the Eurocamp Independent or Select Sites brochure. Accidents & Breakdown In the event of an accident, keep calm, do not move your car initially. If somebody is injured, call the emergency services. If you have taken out a Car Breakdown and Recovery Insurance, should an accident occur, you can telephone the emergency telephone number stated in your insurance booklet to get advice. If you are on a motorway, you are obliged to use their own services unless told otherwise. The police need only be called if someone is injured or your vehicle represents a dangerous hazard. Get receipts for everything to be able to claim on your insurance. Emergency telephone numbers: Fire 18, Police 17, Ambulance 15, Operator 13 Directory Enquiries 112. From a mobile phone dial 112 for emergency services. Money Banks: Opening times vary but are generally open from 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. Banks close early on a day before a bank holiday and are often closed on Mondays. Credit cards Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most establishments, provided they are for amounts above 8 euros. Many of the fully automated petrol pumps do not accept English credit cards. There are numerous ATMs in most towns. Post Office or PTT is normally open from 08:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and until 12:00 on Saturday. A letter from France to UK cost €0.55 up 20g. Holiday Health Doctors and Pharmacies The location of the nearest surgery can be provided by the site reception. They are usually happy to make an appointment for you. In an emergency go to the Accident & Emergency Dept of the nearest hospital. There is a wide network of chemists in most towns which operate the same opening hours as shops. There is always one on duty at weekends. Transport Trains: the train service in France is efficient, punctual, and comfortable. France’s extensive railway network connects large cities and towns throughout the country. Smaller towns without train stations are generally linked by bus service to the nearest station. The French National Railroads’ (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer or SNCF, www.sncf.fr) network of inter-city rail links also provides frequent express and high-speed train service known as the TGV or Train à Grande Vitesse. Buses: the most convenient bus services are those run as an extension of rail links by SNCF, which always run to and from the SNCF station and will access areas not accessible by rail. In addition to SNCF buses, private buses can be useful for local and some cross-country journeys. Larger towns usually have a gare routière (bus station), often next to the gare SNCF. However, the private bus companies don’t always work together and frequently leave from an array of different points (the local tourist office will usually help locate them). 22 Cycling The regulations are similar to those for Great Britain, except of course that you cycle on the right hand side of the road. You must use cycle lanes and paths whenever available. We advise you to take out adequate insurance cover for your bicycles. French towns are actively promoting the use of bicycles. Already Rennes, Strasbourg and Nantes have increased the number of cycle paths (120km in Rennes), created parking space for bicycles as well as cycle shelters next to bus shelters. For any further information, please contact: The Touring Dept. Cyclists Touring Club, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford GU2 9JX Tel:0870 8730060 email:[email protected] Shopping in France Even if you have difficulty communicating in French, shopping is no problem. There are many selfservice stores and large hypermarkets on the outskirts of large towns. Most large supermarkets and hypermarkets operate a deposit system for the trolley, so it is a good idea to have a euro piece handy. Ask at the campsite reception for full details. Most shops have longer hours than in the UK often opening at 08:00 and closing at 19:00, although, (with the exception of hypermarkets) generally close from 12 noon until 14:00. Many food shops open for a short time on Sundays. In some areas, there is often restricted opening on Mondays. Some food shops, particularly bakers, open on Sunday mornings. Shops in holiday resorts have different opening times which fluctuate according to the seasonal trade. Types of Shop - Boulangerie: Bakers, best place to find fresh bread and croissants. - Pâtisserie/Confiserie: Cake shop and sweet shop often combined with a boulangerie - Boucherie: sells fresh meat, a butchers. - Charcuterie: literally a pork butcher’s, but it is also the equivalent of our delicatessen, selling cold meat pates, prepared salads, sausages and pizzas. - Alimentation/Epicerie: Small shops selling most items of grocery including vegetables & cheese. - Poissonnerie: Fishmongers, fish is plentiful and reasonably priced in coastal areas e.g. Brittany. - Pharmacie: Chemists, usually distinguished by a green cross, displayed prominently outside. - Quincaillerie/Droguerie: Hardware shop/Ironmongers - Maison de la Presse: Newsagents - Papeterie: Stationers - Librairie: Bookshop (please note that a “library” is “un bibliothèque”) - Fleuriste: Florist. Interflora facilities as in U.K. - Le Tabac: Tobacconists - sells not only cigarettes, tobacco, etc. but also post cards and stamps - Coiffeur/Coiffeuse: Hairdressers - Le Marché: Local market. There are far more open air markets in France than in the UK and they are a real pleasure to visit. You can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, eggs, meat, poultry, fish and especially near the coast a delicious variety of fruits de mer - seafood. Check with site reception for details of local markets - Station d’essence: Petrol Station - Hypermarchés: Hypermarkets- stay open till 21:00 or even 22:00 hours Monday to Saturday. Some food shops, particularly bakers, open on Sunday mornings. Most large supermarkets and hypermarkets operate a deposit system for the trolley, so it is a good idea to have a euro piece handy. Shops in holiday resorts have different opening times which fluctuate according to the seasonal trade. Eating Out The French eat out much more than the British and this is reflected in the number of restaurants to be found and the excellent value for money they offer. Emphasis is placed on eating well, so menus tend to offer a wider choice and dishes are more attractively presented. Most restaurants stop serving meals about 20:45, even earlier in the low season. Children are much more readily welcomed than in the U.K. and many restaurants offer children’s menus. Les Routiers’ restaurants are usually good 23 for an inexpensive meal of good quality. All restaurants are required to display their menu and prices outside. Most restaurants serve ‘à la carte’ meals but these tend to be rather expensive compared to 3 or 4 course set menus which are usually much better value. Many establishments provide a ‘menu touristique’, usually a reasonable meal at a reasonable price. Bread is free and provided in unlimited quantities, but butter usually has to be requested. Where possible, do try the specialities of the region, for example the fish and delicious variety of cheeses in Normandy, the seafood and dry white wine of Brittany, the exotic pâtés and truffles of the Dordogne. The Dordogne is traditionally regarded as the gastronomic heartland of France with 6 course meals a particular speciality. All regions offer something interesting and tasty to try. Frogs legs - les cuisses de grenouille and snails escargots usually served in a delicious garlic sauce are certainly worth testing! Steak or lamb tends to be eaten rather underdone by the French, so you will probably need to ask for it to be “bien cuit” - well done or à point - medium. Bien cuit is regarded as medium cooked by most British customers. Saignant or bleu means very undercooked, not far from raw. Drinks: in cafés and bars it is usual to be served at your table by a waiter. It is normal practice not to pay for your drinks until you are ready to leave. Wine: if there is a local wine this is often a good choice, though not necessarily the cheapest option. A restaurant will usually offer very reasonably priced wines under the following labels: ‘Vin de Table’inexpensive table wine; ‘Un Pichet’ - a jug of table wine, usually reasonable in quality and price; ‘Vin de Pays’ - the local brew, nice to try; ‘Réserve/Cuvée de la Maison’ - usually a good wine and often locally produced at a reasonable price. The basic hallmark of quality is the wording ‘Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée’ (A.O.C.) on the label. This may also appear with the name of the region included, e.g. ‘appellation Bourgogne contrôlée’, ‘appellation St. Emilion contrôlée’. It is normally an indication of a good, basic standard. It does, however, cover a wide range of wines, from the humbly and locally produced, right up to ‘premier cru’. ‘Vin de pays’ is the next step down. Like ‘Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée’ wines, these must come from a particular region but the standards they must reach are lower. Generally a ‘vin de pays’ is a reasonably good local wine and is often excellent value. French beer is normally what we would call lager and is quite strong and always served cold. Sous pression - beer on tap. Une bière - normally a 1/4 litre (just under a half pint) bottle. Un demi or une pression - draught beer (usually cheaper). Un véritable - half litre. Un formidable - a litre. Pastis: this aniseed-based spirit is the most popular apéritif, usually 4-5 parts water to 1 part pastis with lots of ice. Cognac and Armagnac: undoubtedly the king and queen of brandies, ‘Cognac’, coming only from the Charente region, and its lesser known counterpart ‘Armagnac’, from the Pyrenean Basque country. Hot Drinks: coffee - café is normally served black in small cups. If you like it white, ask for un café crème. Café au lait with milk is usually served for breakfast. Chocolate drinks are widely available. Tea is usually weak and black and is often served with a slice of lemon. Water/Mineral Water: ‘eau minérale’ ‘Perrier’ and ‘Vittel’ are fairly inexpensive. Restaurants will usually provide tap water ‘l’eau fraîche’, ‘l’eau naturelle’, or ‘l’eau du robinet’. Most cafés serve sandwiches, croque-monsieurs and snacks but many cafés and restaurants also serve one-course meals such as steak and chips or cold meats. Look for the ‘snack’ sign or ‘plat du jour’. Roadside stalls are available during the summer months selling hamburgers, chips, sandwiches and pizzas, often heralded by signs advertising ‘frites/sandwiches/boissons’. Fast food establishments such as ‘McDonalds’ and ‘Flunch’ are open late and there are many pizzerias, which are often good value. Crêperies are especially prevalent in Brittany, although they are found all over the country. They specialise in the preparation of ‘crêpes’ (wafer thin pancakes, sometimes known as ‘galettes’). Do remember to take a dictionary or simple phrase book to the restaurant with you so that you can fully appreciate what the individual menus offer. There are 5,000 tourist offices across France -they stock leaflets on all the tourist activities in their area and usually employ assistants who speak good English and are very helpful. Useful websites: www.franceguide.com www.france.com www.mappy.com (route planner) www.viamichelin.com (route planner) www.auto-routes.fr (information on motorways) www.meteo.fr (French weather forecast) 24 Public Holidays Jan 1. Jul 14. Aug 15. Nov 1/11. Dec 25 Moveable dates: Easter Monday, Whit Sunday and Monday, Ascension. For recent updates on events in France, refer to www.franceguide.com and click over Festivals and Events. The Eiffel Tower Paris Places to Visit Paris - We strongly recommend that you purchase a good map of Paris and métro system to find your way round Paris easily and fully appreciate it. Paris is one of the most attractive capital cities in the world. It has an exciting enchanting atmosphere that insprires visitors to return time after time. The best way to visit is on foot strolling along the Boulevards discovering side streets, window shopping in some of the top stores or relaxing in pavement cafés. The Métro system is certainly the most convenient way to get around Paris as it is quick, efficient and relatively inexpensive. Tickets can be bought in books or carnets of 10, and there is a standard price for all journeys, but check your ticket applies to all zones that you wish to travel to. RER: an express suburban métro. Métro tickets are valid on these trains within Paris. Buses: the same tickets are used on the buses and the métro. Within Paris, one ticket is now sufficient to cover any journey. In the outskirts, two tickets may be required for longer journeys. Taxis: all taxis have a display panel on the roof and are only allowed to pick up from ranks -stations de taxi. Rates are shown in each cab. Bateaux-mouches: these are pleasure boats that offer trips through the capital on the River Seine. You can pick up one of these leisurely boat trips at le Pont d’Alma and cruise past Paris’ main tourist attractions. 25 Open Tour buses run along three circuits that offer another way to visit Paris, letting you stop wherever and whenever you want. The Paris Grand Tour, Montmartre, and Bastille - Bercy circuits offer guided tours that tell you everything about the capital. A good suggestion is to start with a panoramic view of this intriguing city. There are several points that offer this facility. Tour Eiffel Loudly decried when it was built in 1889, this 300-metre iron tower designed by Gustave Eiffel has become one of the symbols of the capital. Visitors may climb stairs or take the lifts to go up the Tower. The stairs are open to the public and go up to the second floor (120 metres). To reach the top of the tower (280m) visitors must take another lift from the second floor. There may be a long wait at busy times. Those who go to the top or even to the second floor are rewarded by an exceptional view over Paris. www.tour-eiffel.fr Sacré-Coeur on Montmartre Hill Montmartre was just a small village until the 19th century, but then it was absorbed by Paris, and became one of the strongholds for intellectuals and artists, who loved to meet up around the Place du Tertre. It also became the centre of Parisian night life. The Bohemiam way of life and gaiety in the music hall were immortalised by painters like Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. After World War I, the intelligentsia moved to the Left Bank. A small peaceful square in the early morning, this square rapidly becomes one of the most visited parts of the capital. Cabarets, cafétheatres, restaurants with terraces and curiosities of all kinds are found on every corner. It’s crowning glory is the beautiful white basilica of the Sacré Coeur. The white Neo-Byzantine architecture features small cupolas surrounding a large central dome. In the shadows of the Sacré-Coeur is the 12th century church of St Pierre, the only remnant of the Bénédictines. Cathédrale Notre-Dame Begun in 1163 at the initiative of Bishop Maurice de Sully, this imposing cathedral was only completed in 1345, revealing two centuries of evolution in Gothic art from shaky beginnings to full flowering. Mysterious and enticing, a lacework of finely carved stone dominates the area. The nave rises to a height of 35m and houses many small chapels. The cathedral’s façade is a three-dimensional bible whose stone carvings depict the scriptures and legends of saints and biblical kings. Victor Hugo wrote in admiration of the cathedral’s famous stained-glass window: “the great rose window of the façade glows in the half-shadow like a scatter of diamonds, a dazzling spectrum of colour, lighting the farthest end of the nave”. You can climb the 69m twin towers that crown the cathedral to view not only the city but also the gargoyles and celebrated bell tower. www. cathedraledeparis.com Montparnasse Tower In 38 seconds using the fastest lift in Europe you can reach the 56th floor (196m) of this building and experience a magnificent view across Paris through large bay windows. Shopping Parisian food shops and markets can be interesting even if you do not wish to buy. Flea markets or ‘Marchés aux Puces’ are very much a feature of Paris at weekends. The most famous is at the Porte de Clignancourt on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Others are at the Porte de Montreuil, the Place d’Aligre (Métro Ledru Rollin) and the Porte de Vanves. Parks: Most parks within the city are formal, and you cannot therefore sit on the grass. There are plenty of seats though and many parks such as the Champ de Mars and the Jardin de Luxembourg provide children’s entertainments such as puppet shows. Champs Elysées is one of the world’s most famous avenues. In the 19th century it became renowned for its numerous restaurants, cafés and music halls. L’Arc de Triomphe Built by order of Napoleon in 1806 and completed around 1820, this colossal monument in Neo-Classical style dominates the twelve avenues which radiate out from the vast Place de l’Etoile. Since 1920, the arch houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a permanently lit flame burns in honour of those fallen for France on the battlefield. Le Grand Palais & Le Petit Palais Standing at the opposite end of the Champs Elysées the ornate halls made of stone, steel and glass were built for the 1900 World Exhibition. Temporary exhibitions along with the Palace of Discovery occupy these sites today. Place de la Concorde Situated at the eastern end of the Champs Elysées, this magnificent square is adorned with sumptious fountains and the 3,300 year old Obelisk which comes from the Temple of Luxor. During the French Revolution, this square was famous for the guillotine. L’Opéra Garnier a Second Empire architectural masterpiece, this opera house was opened in 1875 and bears the name of its architect. 26 Musée du Louvre One of the most famous buildings and museum in the world, this former royal residence is one of the capital’s essential sites to visit. The Louvre Palace was first built in the 16th century by François I, and underwent many transformations until it took on its present appearance in the mid 19th century. The immense glass-sided pyramid designed by the Sino-American architect I. M. Peï which stands in its centre also testifies to the vitality and creative inspiration which still reign there today. www.louvre.fr Other places of interest in the centre: Les Halles This ultra-modern Halles-Beaubourg quarter dates back to the 12th century when the Halles marketplace was a busy trading site. Today it is a bustling complex of museums, shops and restaurants. The cascading metal and glass structure allows it to harmonise with the older buildings in the area including the elaborate 17th century church of St-Eustache. Centre Georges Pompidou This vast multi-purpose cultural centre is made of a unique design of steel and glass piping. It houses an immense collection of 20th century and contemporary art including Braque, Matisse and Picasso as well as Abstractionists like Kandisky and Klee and the Surrealists Dali and Miro. Its plaza is famous for street performers. www.cnac-gp.fr L’Hotel de Ville This Paris City Hall dates from 17th century and was rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neo-Renaissance style. Le Marais is 13th century swampland which later became the residential suburb of the French nobility. This area is a jewel of 16th and 17th century mansions with exquisite courtyards. La Place de la Bastille is the spot where the famous prison that was stormed in 1789 once stood. The July Column now standing in the centre commemorates those killed in the struggles of July 1830 and 1848. It is dominated by the vast rotund glass façade of the Bastille Opera House. La Grande Arche is the culminating point of an axis connecting the Louvre, the Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. This enormous concrete cube contains office space for government agencies and multi-national companies. La Défense is a sprawling project begun in 1958 as a model of urban efficiency and is a colony of skyscraper offices and unusual glass and concrete structures. It features self-sufficient office complexes and an underground communications network. Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie de la Villette is a museum that houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, a planetarium, the Geode (180° curved cinema screen), and a submarine converted into a museum. Here visitors can discover science through games, observations exhibitions and interactive experiences. A 55-hectare park surrounds it, with various cultural sites such as the Cité de la Musique. Entertainment in Paris Paris is renowned for its nightlife and famous cabarets including:Le Crazy Horse on the Avenue George V, Les Folies Bergères in the Rue Saulnier, Le Lido on the Avenue des Champs Elysées, Le Moulin Rouge on the Place Blanche. Around Paris Château de Versailles (south west of Paris) Among the most famous monuments in the world, this masterpiece was transformed by the Sun King Louis XIV. He turned a small hunting lodge into the most grandiose palace of Europe with the help of the genius of the 17th century’s greatest artists. A visit to the château concentrates on the royal apartments, the illustrious Hall of mirrors, the chapel and the opera. Just like every part of the château, the gardens landscaped by Le Nôtre, the King’s vegetable garden, the Grand Trianon, the Petit Trianon and the town itself are all worthy of close attention. The opulence of the King and his courtiers ultimately led to the demise of the French monarchy. St Germain-en-Laye (west of Paris) One of Ile-de-France’s seven royal cities, Saint-Germain-en-Laye boasts one of its most remarkable châteaux. Built on the foundations of a feudal fort on the initiative of François I, it was greatly appreciated by Louis XIV, who arranged for a series of gardens and a vast terrace designed by Le Nôtre to be added. The château also houses the Musée des Antiquités Nationales. The Château de Saint-Cloud (just west of Paris) - the home of Napoleon - was burned down in 1870. The magnificent 460-hectare park - designed by Le Nôtre - remains, most of which is covered by a majestic forest. The 90m Grande Cascade is worth the visit in itself. 27 Château de Fontainbleau (south-east of Paris) Attracted notably by the immense surrounding forest full of game, François I decided in 1527 to enlarge what was then just a modest fortified château, making it one of the most prestigious royal residences. Its magnificent architecture and gardens make it one of the jewels of French art. Part of the château houses the Napoleon Museum. Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (south-east of Paris) The harmony of its construction designed by Le Vau, the grandeur of its gardens landscaped by Le Nôtre, and the beauty of the ensemble are such that its ingenious sponsor, Nicolas Fouquet, incurred the wrath of a furiously jealous Louis XIV. Its creators, on the other hand, obtained the favour of the king, who later employed them for the building of Versailles. Theme Parks Disneyland®Park Situated at Marne-la-Vallée 32km north west of centre of Paris. Here you can visit the 5 imaginary lands, Main St USA, Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. It is an action-packed park with over 80 attractions including a trip to the Moon on Space Mountain a thrilling ride on Big Thunder Mountain, daily parades and regular visits from Disney characters. Waltdisney Studios® Park next to the main park includes amongst its attractions Stunt Motor Shows, the Art of Disney cartoons and a TV Production Tour. www.disneylandparis.com Parc Astérix Situated 30 km north of Paris between exits 7 and 8 of the Paris – Lille A1 motorway. A theme park based around the “Gaulish” world of Astérix and Obélix. It has several adventure areas and includes some amazing roller coaster rides including La Tonnerre de Zeus - 1.2km full of double loops at a speed of 80km an hour and Goudurix which turns you upside down at least 7 times. Visit also the Flying Chairs ride and the Dolphinarium. This park is more suitable for older children over 10yrs old and is an experience not to be missed. www.parcasterix.com Pays France Miniature Situated at Elancourt, not far from Versailles and the N12 heading west of Paris, this exceptional park consists of a vast map of France covering 5 hectares that you explore on foot, admiring some 160 of the country’s major monuments reduced to 1/30 scale. Aquaboulevard Situated in the Rue Louis Armand this is the biggest Water Park in Europe: 7000 m≈ dedicated to relaxation, getting away from it all and fun. Tropical surroundings: air and water at 29°C all year round. 10 giant waterslides, wave pools, jacuzzis, outdoor beach, contraflow water courses and lots of other water play equipment. Also on the site, a 14 screen cinema complex, 7 restaurants, the Forest Hill club - Europe’s largest fitness club, 1000 m≈ sports store, play area. Jardin d’Acclimatation Located in the Bois de Boulogne, the best known outdoor leisure area in Paris, this garden has a host of attractions to amuse children, radio-controlled boats, mini-cars, a puppet show, hall of mirrors mini-farm and circus. www.paris.org, www.parisinfo.com Calais Nord/Pas de Calais An area only two hours from Paris, London or Brussels, with 120 kilometres of fine sandy beaches, sand dunes and cliffs that stretch along the Côte d’Opale from Calais to Berck-surMer. Along the way there are charming fishing villages to visit like Audresselles or Wissant as well as famous seaside resorts with their Anglo-Norman style villas like Wimereux, Hardelot or Le Touquet Paris-Plage. They have managed to preserve all the charm of their original turn-of-the century architectural styles. It is an area that can be visited on foot or by bicycle – there are over 58 new cycle routes in the Pas-de-Calais. The bourgeois towns of Béthune and Arras are steeped in Flemish with a little Spanish influence and mark out the limits of a vast territory which covers the Artois plains, the coal mining country and agricultural villages. This land lived through the bitter World War I and today hundreds of small cemeteries and white crosses stand as souvenirs to the fierce fighting which took place in the area. Dunkerque, which literally means the church of the dunes is situated in the Nord region about 35 minutes from Calais via 28 the toll-free A16. It was originally established in about 800 AD as a small fishing village and because of its strategic position has been fought over by the French, Spanish, English and Dutch. Dunkerque was the scene of Operation Dynamo in May-June 1940 and was also the last French town liberated on 10th May 1945. Today it is France’s third largest port, a dynamic city which looks out onto the busiest shipping lanes in Europe. As the busiest port in Europe, Calais has a legitimate claim to the title “Gateway to Europe”. The Romans, Spanish, English and Germans have all taken Calais at various times throughout history. The most recent invasion was of course during World War II when the town was under German occupation. The main shopping streets in Calais are the Boulevards Jacquard and Lafayette as well as the Rue Royale. The War Museum is well worth a visit. Grand Site National des Caps: Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez. - these two immense cliffs offer magnificent views over the busiest navigation channel in the world. On a clear day you can even catch sight of the British coastline (just 34kms away), as well as the flotilla of “flobarts” (local fishing boats), trawlers, pleasure boats and car ferries, that bob up and down on the sea. In Roman times Boulogne was the shortest route to England. The harbour is full of fishing vessels and the charming old town perched on a hill, has cobbled streets, ramparts, a beautiful cathedral and a superb château museum.. The old town is good for gifts and restaurants while fresh fish is sold every day on the Quayside Boulevard Gambetta. Apart from a large variety of museums, Boulogne also boasts the famous Nausicaa - France’s National Sea Centre. It has become an international landmark with an amazing high-tech exhibition including a shark ring, touch tank and sea lion area with particular emphasis on sea management and the importance of ecology. Le Touquet is a chic seaside resort, nicknamed Paris-Plage or Paris-by-the-sea. It was built in the 1920’s when it was a choice of destination for the British aristocracy and wealthy Parisians. The celebrated Westminster Hotel has an impressive photographic gallery which records visits of famous stars like Sean Connery amd Marlene Dietrich. Today the resort offers an enormous number of sporting activities including golf, horse-riding, sand yachting and tennis. Attractions include Aqualud - an indoor and outdoor leisure pool with waves giant waterslide, rivers, jacuzzi and sauna and two white-knuckle rides The Black Hole and The Twister ; Thalgotherapy Centre and Thalassatherapy Centre; and two 18-hole golf courses. Nearby, Merlimont offers the Bagatelle Amusement Park, the oldest fun park in France which was opened in 1956. It still offers plenty of attractions for all the family including the “Raft” which sweeps you around in a twister of water and the “Coléoz Arbres” white knuckle ride, speeding high and low above the trees. www.crt-nordpasdecalais.fr Arromanches Picardy Picardie is the perfect destination for a short break - starting 45 miles south of Calais and going all the way down to just above Paris, by Charles de Gaulle airport. It is a region of rolling wooded countryside full of pretty little villages and lovely old towns like Amiens, Abbeville or Beauvais with their Gothic architecture and traditional markets. Laon or Senlis, Chantilly or Soissons - they could really surprise you. This is wonderful walking, riding, cycling and golfing country. In the 12th century, the forests of Picardie were the hunting grounds of kings and prelates, and today they are hardly changed. Not only vast - just short of one million acres - the woods and forests of Picardie are amazingly diverse, home to a remarkable range of flowers and animals, notably many types of deer. Wild boar still roam and trees can be centuries old. The Picardie coast itself stretches for about 60kms. Majestic white chalky cliffs mark the southern end of the coastline, while to the north splendid sand dunes border the beaches. The River Somme meets the sea in the spectacular Baie de Somme, where the ever-changing light has inspired artists such as Sisley, Degas and Seurat. It is classified as one of the most beautiful bays in the world and is home to France’s largest colony of seals. Every effort has been made to safeguard these endangered creatures and to allow them to survive in their natural habitat. They will occasionally pop up for a friendly glance at promenaders on the waterfront 29 at Saint-Valery-sur-Somme. Also nearby you can visit the famous Parc Marquenterre d’Ornithologie, a magnificent bird sanctuary situated in the Baie de la Somme, full of wld birds and amazing fauna. There are easy walks between 3km and 6km and you can explore its dunes, rabbit warrens and marshes. Compiègne is undoubtedly one of the most interesting towns in Picardy. While the town and nearby forest are best known for the signing of the Armistice in 1918, the château and vintage car museum are also worth visiting. There are countless British and Allied memorials and cemeteries throughout the area, together with some French ones. The many graves provide an emotional testimony to those who died during the horrors of the two World Wars. A tour of the Somme battlefields should start with the fascinating World War I museum built into the old ramparts at Péronne - the Historial de la Grande Guerre. The museum presents a careful analysis of the events leading to the Great War, and depicts the impact of the war on the lives of ordinary people too. Material on display represents all the key actors in the conflict with special emphasis on the British and the Commonwealth. There is also a film show at the Historial which gives a personal account of the true life of a young British soldier. The Musée des Abris-Somme 1916, in Albert, must not be missed. The town was the refuge of the British rearguard and the museum is located in a tunnel which was converted into an air raid shelter in 1939. The museum recreates the life of the Tommy in the trenches in the July 1916 German offensive. From there, too, you can start your visit to the surrounding numerous war memorials and cemeteries. These include the British memorial at Thiepval and the Canadian one at Beaumont-Hamel. The impressive memorial at Vimy is a moving tribute to the 17,000 Canadians who died here in 1917. Nearby, the old trenches provide a chilling reminder of the front lines. Notre-Dame de Lorette is the main French cemetery with more than 20,000 graves from the First World War. Bellicourt, situated just north of St. Quentin, is an American memorial with a cemetery in the nearby village of Bony. An excellent and fully selfexplanatory booklet is available in English with brief descriptions so you can select how much you wish to see of the monuments and battlefields of the Somme. The Aisne department is one of the undiscovered corners of France, tucked away in the southern half of Picardy, a place people hurry past on their way to Paris or Champagne. The villages are small and full of flowers, the hilltop town of Laon resembles somewhere in Provence, and the rivers wind gently through the valleys. www.picardy.org www.picardie.fr Reims Champagne In Reims there are actually 250 kms of wine cellars and most of the well known Champagne houses offer tours. Epernay is famous for the high quality champagne produced in the region. Guided tours and tastings are organised in all the large champagne houses. Troyes is a ‘City of Arts’, with many restored half-timbered houses in narrow picturesque streets. The best area to explore the old alleyways and streets is around the rue Champeaux. Joinville typifies a Champagne village, with a 16th century castle, the ‘Château du Grand Jardin’. The old town of Langres has a 12th century cathedral, which has been rebuilt and renovated many times. It is pleasant to take a walk along the town walls, where it is possible to visit two of the towers. 30 Honfleur Normandy This region is as large as Belgium offering over 400 miles of magnificent coastline and a wealth of wonderful sights and scenery, unfortunately often forgotten by the tourist as he makes his way southwards from one of its four major Channel ports. These are Dieppe, Cherbourg, Le Havre, and Caen (or Ouistreham). History It was William, Duke of Normandy who set sail in 1066 to claim his inheritance to the English throne and establish what was to become an enduring Norman influence on English life. Almost 400 years later, Normandy, by then part of the Kingdom of France, fell under English rule and despite the execution in Rouen of Joan of Arc, followers of the “Maid of Orléans” succeeded in driving the English back across the Channel. The British returned to Normandy just over 60 years ago under very different circumstances. In 1944 the Allied Forces succeeded in tricking Hitler to defend the Calais area against invasion while launching one of the largest waterborne assaults on the Beaches of Normandy. Between D-Day on June 6th and August 21st, the Allied Forces managed to push the occupying troops out of Normandy and thus created the “Liberty Way” which stretched right through to the Ardennes. Some of the most tourist spots are listed below. Honfleur is a delightful little fishing port and yachting harbour where a stroll down the narrow streets allows the visitor to view the old timber-framed Norman houses with slate roofs. These were once the homes of famous French people including the poet Charles Baudelaire, the humorist Alphonse Allais and the composer Erik Satie. Honfleur’s beauty also captivated many an impressionist painter such as Eugene Boudin, Monet and Courbet who also painted the verdant pastures of the Auge area just outside the town. www.ot-honfleur.com Deauville, Trouville and Cabourg have all become fashionable holiday resorts. Indeed Deauville has all the trappings of a top international resort, famous for racing, regattas and car rallies. It is full of grand hotels, chic restaurants and fashion houses. Its sense of style and elegance appeals greatly to the British jet set including the British royal family. www.deauville.org Trouville lies just across the river - it is a far more traditional resort but still worthy of a visit. Pont l’Evêque - many of its houses were lost during the last war but it still has some points of interest. In particular, the main street is an excellent example of medieval France. The town’s greatest claim to fame is its distinctive cheese and the Calvados distillery, which is worth a visit. Bayeux, has an exceptional architectural heritage including streets lined with attractive, slate-rooved old houses, and a magnificent cathedral. It owes its fame, of course, to the unique Bayeux Tapestry. This is actually an embroidery in wool on a background of linen 230 feet long and 20 inches high (70m x 0.5m). It is a pictorial account of the events leading up to the military invasion of England and the expedition led by William, duke of Normandy. The tapestry can be viewed every day except Christmas and New Year with an audio-guided tour in 6 languages including English. www.bayeux-tourism.com. Due west of the port of Ouistreham stretching round to Carentan are the famous D-Day Landing Beaches. Those involved in the victory on 6th June 1944 will never forget the sorrows and triumphs of Operation Overlord carried out under the supervision of Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery. Airborne divisions landed at the two extreme limits of the invasion front Ste Mère l’Eglise and Bénouville. Meanwhile beach-heads were established in the Anglo-Canadian sector under the names of Gold, Juno and Sword Beach and in the American sector under those of Omaha Beach and Utah Beach. Visitors to these beaches can now see monuments erected in commemoration of those events as well as War Museums and Military Cemeteries nearby. Just south of Ouistreham is Pegasus Bridge at Benouville, the permanent site of the airborne troops’ museum. On an inland cliff, north of Caen, a magnifcent museum called the Caen Memorial Museum has been built as a tribute and symbol of hope for future peace. Le Memorial de Paix uses modern, audiovisual and computer technology to tell the story of World War I, the dark years leading to World War II, and features the D-Day landings and the decisive battle of Normandy. One very moving audio-visual presentation shows simultaneous and stunning archive films of Allied preparations before Operation Overlord. It also has an excellent website : www.memorial-caen.fr 31 Le Mont-Saint-Michel and its Baie are among the modern wonders of the world. Both of them are on the Natural and Cultural World Heritage list drawn up by UNESCO. They form one of our great classified beauty spots because of their architecture, the natural beauty of their setting and their legends. No matter which direction you choose, Mont St. Michel will be visible long before you arrive, giving early warning of the imposing presence the ancient mount enjoys. Standing almost 150 metres above sea level, the steep winding street leads eventually, and after many steps, to the Gothic Abbey. If you intend to visit the abbey, it is a good idea to buy your tickets at the bottom of the mount - just after passing through the main gate. Even for the less energetic a stroll along the ramparts affords spectacular views. It is also a spot where the visitor can witness the strongest tides in Europe. During the highest tides, there is a difference of almost 50 ft. between the ebb and flow, the height of a fivestorey building. www.normandy-tourism.org Douarnenez Brittany A long peninsula on the western edge of Europe ,Brittany is intimately linked to the sea and has been shaped by the swells of the ocean and the weather. The coastline is made up of hundreds of headlands, bays, coves and inlets. The north has been endowed with a magnificent, hard jagged coastline with dramatic views. The south has been blessed with a mild climate vast sandy beaches and hundreds of islands making it a sailor’s paradise. Inland the lush green countryside is crisscrossed with woods, lakes, rivers and hills. It is also a province full of traditions and folklore. Many signs are bi-lingual, posted in Breton, a language which has stong affiliations with Welsh, as well as in French. The seafood of the region is wonderful - mussels, oysters, prawns, langoustines etc. can be found in abundance in the markets and the numerous seafood restaurants and should be washed down with a glass or two of Muscadet, the delicious dry white wine produced by the neighbouring Loire region. Another splendid speciality not to be missed is the Breton pancake. When made with salt and buckwheat flour and filled with cheese, bacon or any other savoury content, it is called a galette. The sweet version made with white flour and served with sugar, jam, fruit and cream fillings is called a crêpe and both can be sampled in one of the many crêperies. The picturesque Côte d’Emeraude coastline in the north stretches from Dinard round to Mont St. Michel and offers an enormous variety in its short length ranging from fine sandy beaches to rocky outcrops. Dinard is a fashionable resort with a fine sheltered beach of golden sand, full of good restaurants and a good night life particularly well known for its upmarket casino. It looks across the estuary of the River Rance to St. Malo, a medieval walled city with restaurant-lined squares and narrow, cobbled streets as well as a large fishing port. The popular resort of St. Cast has one of the largest sandy beaches in Brittany. Dinan, which is down river from St. Malo, is another ancient walled town, dominated by a castle overlooking the Rance. Wander through the animated old cobbled streets, and along the ramparts to appreciate its medieval charm.Its most picturesque street is the Rue d’Horloge with a belfry and houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Combourg is a lakeside town dominated by an imposing feudal castle. Dol de Bretagne is a charming market town with quaint streets and shops dominated by an imposing 13th century granite cathedral which offers magnificent views from its tower. Perros-Guirec and Tregastel are two busy seaside resorts on the Pink Granite coast renowned for its amazing rock formations. Brest is both a great naval port and one of Brittany’s most important towns. Sights include the castle, the naval museum, and Océanopolis, an Ocean Discovery Park, ideal for the whole family. Lac de Guerlédan is considered one of Brittany’s finest sights and also a good spot for walking and watersports. The dramatic Point du Raz, is just about the most westerly point of mainland France. The western area 32 of Brittany called Finistère Between here and the Baie of Douarnenez are some of the most impressive rocks and cliffs in Brittany. There are a number of old towns to explore in the Finistère, the western region. Morlaix, characterised not only by its half-timbered houses but also by its massive two-storey railway viaduct which towers 60 metres over the riverside below. Bénodet is a small picturesque resort popular with the British. It is a lively resort which offers a good selection of cafes and shops. It has an attractive wooded setting at the mouth of the Odet river and the best view of the town is from the Pont de Cornouaille spanning the Odet behind the resort or from the pretty little village of Sainte Marine where you can enjoy a drink or a crêpe in one of the bars overlooking the river mouth. Locronan a “Petite cité de caractère” is a major tourist attraction. It is lined with granite stone houses, has a medieval church with fine wood carvings, a perfectly preserved Renaissance square and a wide variety of local crafts. Concarneau 20km to the east is still an important fishing port, its most important feature being the ancient ramparts. Pont Aven, a delightful old port at the mouth of the Aven river is famous as the town of artists and is full of pretty little art galleries. Quimper built on the banks of the River Odet,the former capital of Cornouaille and now the administrative centre of Finistère is still a focal point of traditional Breton culture and hosts to the annual Festival de Cornouaille (week preceding the fourth Sunday in July). The town is centred around the splendid twin-spired St Corentin cathedral which dates from the 13th century. It faces the old town with its streets which still keep their medieval names and are full of shops, restaurants and bars. Southern Brittany is renowned for its clement climate and all its offshore islands making it the perfect spot for the keen sailor. La Trinité, although still a thriving fishing port is one of Brittany’s most popular marinas. The town has a network of pretty streets and is quite charming. One of the most notable attractions of the region is Carnac, famous not only for its beaches but more importantly for the thousands of standing stones or megaliths arranged in alignements to the north of the town. Auray offers a contrast between its charming medieval buildings, especially narrow streets and alleys and the active commercial atmosphere derived from oyster breeding, tourism and pleasure boating. The old city of Vannes, the ancient Breton capital is dominated by imposing ramparts and 15th century halftimbered houses. The 14th century château in Josselin with its four pepperpot towers is one of the the most beautiful in Brittany standing on the banks of the river and housing a lovely collection of antique dolls. The principal attraction of La Baule is the 5km curve of excellent beach, the largest in Europe, which offers great facilities ranging from windsurfing and sailing to well-equipped children’s clubs. Behind the seafront tree-lined avenues house attractive old but very smart hotels as well as upmarket shops, lively cafes and restaurants, all creating a vibrant animated atmosphere. Le Croisic just north of La Baule is a busy little fishing and sailing harbour and an excellent place to sample locally raised oysters and shellfish. Further north Guérande on the edge of Parc Naturel de Brière is a perfectly preserved medieval town with magnificent walls and tiny cobbled streets full of craft shops, creperies and cafes. Penestin, Piriac and La Turballe are all worth a visit. South-east of La Baule, a trip across the splendid Pont St. Nazaire, which connects Brittany to the Vendee is highly recommended. www.brittanytourism.com Pointe des Saumonards Vendée and Atlantic Islands A region of sun, sea and sand which offers over 200km of flat almost unspoilt coastline interspersed with fishing ports, marinas and lively resorts. It is renowned as one of the sunniest Atlantic coastlines and for the safety of its long sandy beaches. The coastline stretches from the area near Pornic in the north to Aiguillon sur Mer just below La Tranche in the south. Inland is a flat, marshy area criss-crossed with canals and rich in fertile pastureland, similar in appearance to the fenland regions of East Anglia. Here and there brilliant white cottages “bourrines” show up as bright splashes in the vast landscape and the countryside is dotted with windmills. The Vendée is also home to two of France’s famous dry white wines Muscadet and Gros Plant Nantais, which perfectly complement the many delicious sea-food dishes. It is great cycling country with numerous signed bicycle routes. 33 Pornic is a very attractive fishing town with many old streets and a busy harbour front. as well as a yachting marina. The 13th-century château dominates the town. St Jean de Monts - the old town is separated from the sea by wooded dunes but has expanded for 3km along the immense beach of fine sand to become one of the main modern seaside resorts of this area. It is not renowned for the beauty of its architecture but does boast good well laid out access roads. Parking for the beaches here usually poses no problem. St. Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (With St. Hilaire de Riez forms the built up area of Havre de Vie). There are two beaches, one of either side of the inlet of the Vie, the Grand Plage of St. Gilles and the plage de Boisvinet. To the right of the river lies one of the oldest fishing ports of the coast, home to over 200 boats including many tuna vessels. The 16th/17th century church in St. Gilles boasts a fine stained-glass window. Jard-sur-Mer offers a port, two beaches, a forest of large pinetrees and just outside along the coast road the famous Monastery of Notre Dame de Lieu-Dieu founded by Richard Lion Heart, King of England and Duke of Aquitaine. La Tranche-sur-Mer is an attractive tourist resort renowned for its splendid beaches. L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer and La Faute-sur-Mer are famous for the cultivation of oysters and mussels. This little island of Ile d’Yeu has a very impressive coastline, picturesque little villages and an imposing castle. The island of Ile de Ré is steeped in tradition, with its picturesque villages of whitewashed stone. There is a toll-bridge joining the island to the mainland. Ile d’Oléron is a very popular holiday spot, accessible via a bridge. France’s second largest island (after Corsica), the main industry is oyster farming, with many oyster beds on the east coast. The western sandy coast has a wealth of superb beaches. Château d’Oléron, now the island’s chief port, has remains of its 17th century citadel and ramparts. There are several places of interest to visit inland including the château and car museum in Talmont St Hilaire, the Château of La Guignardière near Avrillé, the Château d’Apremont, the pretty little town of Coex amd most important of all Le Puy du Fou. This is an enormous recreational park situated between 65km and 80km from the coast in direction of Cholet and we highly recommend taking a day away from the beach or swimming pool to visit it. Set in the grounds of a magnificent Renaissance castle, the park offers a combination of culture, history and ecology. Open: 10 am - 7 pm on selected days at the end of April, May, June and September and daily throughout July and August. You can witness a superb display of falconry and admire the beauty of these birds of prey in flight. A marvellous display of horsemanship can be seen near the castle walls and in the reconstructed 18th century not only do the artisans proudly display their skils, but musicians in traditional dress sing and play old tunes on the instruments of the olden days. You will also be able to hear a 21-bell clarillon, unique in France. The surrounding fields and woods offer musical fountains, valleys of flowers and ancient breeds of animals. You can also watch a display where you are taken back to time of the Vikings to the year 1,000. On Friday and Saturday evenings only, a spectacular and quite unique Cinescenic Show is staged. It is presented by local people involving 1,000 actors, 50 horsemen, 300 fireworks, over 1,500 spotlights and the best fountains in Europe. It is a 90 minute extravaganza of the most stunning special effects. It is essential to check the exact dates of the shows on the Puy du Fou website. www.puydufou.com. Two water parks worth a visit are : - Atlantic Toboggan at St Hilaire-de-Riez is a good day out for the whole family. It offers a variety of activities from a selection of waterslides to a lake for pedaloes. There is a children’s pool and main pool for swimming, a wave machine, jacuzzi and waterfall. There is also a mini-golf, an adventure park and indoor games room. - Parc d’Attractions des Dunes at Brem-sur-Mer. There are a variety of attractions on offer ranging from waterslides, pedalo hire, children’s play area, pedal carts, superb mini-golf and a ball pond. This park is particularly suitable for younger children. 34 Puy de Foy Charente Maritime This is an area renowned for its clement climate, delightful beaches, and coastal fortifications once designed to keep the British at bay. Away from the seaside resorts and towns the region is full of vineyards. The grapes are used to make the famous cognac, Pineau de Charentes, a delicious local aperitif and of course a variety of white and red wines to complement the oyster and mussel dishes which are highly recommended. The islands off the coast are also worth a visit. Marennes is a world renowned oyster farming capital, opposite Ile d’ Oléron. Due to its geographical location, the town has focused its efforts primarily on developing the tourist trade, but it has succeeded in preserving its historical significance, with a number of prestigious monuments spared by the wars. St. Palais-sur-Mer located on the Côte de Beauté at the mouth of the Gironde River is a coastal resort which gives access to 4.5km of fine sandy beaches. These beaches offer sheltered coves, sand dunes, panoramic viewpoints and legendary rock formations - like Le Point du Diable, La Roche au Moine and Le Puits de l’Auture. At the heart of the town there is a protected pedestrian area called Le Parc de Loisirs du Marais du Rha where a large area of lawns and trees surround a lake. Here you can take a gentle stroll and enjoy a leisurely picnic or participate in one of the following activities in the park: fishing, tennis, table-tennis, minigolf and French “boules”. Royan slightly south of St. Palais is the largest and most modern of the seaside resorts along this Charente coastline, the best feature being its beaches, which are well-supervised with coastguards constantly on the look-out. It is good for all types of watersports, including windsurfing and sailing. The attractive promenade behind the town beach houses many of the town’s hotels and the wide treelined boulevards behind Royan’s excellent main beach offer a good selection of shops. There is also a large outdoor and indoor daily market nearby. Royan has lots of open-air restaurants and cafés along the seafront many specialising in seafood. It also offers a good nightlife. The 1950’s cathedral is the town’s top tourist feature - a triumph of reinforced concrete which is visible from almost every street corner, but some of the newer parts of the town are not particularly attractive. Another tourist attraction is the large open-plan Zoo at La Palmyre situated about 16 km north of Royan. Further north still are the beaches of La Grande Côte and La Côte Sauvage, renowned for their long stretches of sand, backed by dunes and swathes of towering pine trees called La Fôret de la Courbre. It is, however, an area where you need to take care if swimming, as there can be a very strong undertow in the sea at times; this is indicated by a red flag flying on the beach and should not be ignored. It may look relatively calm, but every year accidents are reported because the warnings have not been respected. La Rochelle is a town dominated by a pair of medieval towers called La Tour St. Nicolas and La Tour de la Chaine. A lively market right on the quayside has an interesting easy-going atmosphere and there are splendid Renaissance town houses and quaint, narrow, cobbled streets. Cognac about 60km from Royan is situated on the Charente river and along its riverbanks some of the world’s most famous cognac distilleries are to be found. Tours of the distilleries round the cellars and warehouses appeal to many tourists. www.cognac.fr 35 Biarritz The South West: Gironde, Landes and Pyrénées Atlantique A region of wide open spaces renowned for its ocean, forests, vineyards, lakes and mountains. Together with the Dordogne and the Lot-et-Garonne, it is an area collectively known as the Aquitaine. It stretches from the Gironde estuary and Bordeaux in the north to Biarritz and the Pyrénées mountains in the south. Surfers will enjoy the impressive Atlantic breakers which pound the coast while the lagoons and lakes are a paradise for watersports enthusiasts particularly windsurfers and yachtsmen. Bordeaux is a bustling port with extensive shopping centres. There are ample architectural memorials to various ages of Bordeaux’s power - a Roman amphitheatre, the vast Gothic cathedral of St. André, and the old quarter of St. Pierre. The ‘Place de la Comédie’ is one of the most elegant squares in Europe. Next door is the celebrated ‘Vinothèque’, which sells an enormous.range of Bordeaux wines. Bassin d’Arcachon is like a vast indentation in the pine forest and has the air of a lagoon. It is subject to the tides, and is protected from the winds by the Cap Ferret headland. The “bassin” owes its unique character to the endless sandbanks uncovered at low tide. Arcachon resort dates from the period of Napolean III and still remains popular at the beginning of the 21st century - summer visitors flock to the many sports and cultural events as well as enjoying sailing from the marina. There are over 10 kilometres of sandy beaches leading up to the Dune du Pyla which is the highest sand dune in Europe: 2.7kms long, 500m wide and 104m high. As there is no vegetation covering the dune, its shape is continually changing. There are two ways to reach the summit, either an arduous walk up the sand or to climb the 190 steps. It is certainly worth the effort to witness the views, especially the western horizon at sunset. Mont de Marsan, the capital of the Landes is surrounded by countryside and forests and not far from either the sea or the hills of Armagnac. It was a major centre from medieval times until the French Revolution. Dax to the south-west is famous for the curative properties of its hot springs and mud baths. The historic city, first founded by the Romans, is the largest spa in France. Bayonne is right on the borders of the Landes and Basque country and has a long tradition as a port. There is a wealth of medieval architecture demonstrating both Gascon and Basque influences. Biarritz is a beautifully elegant town , famed for its hortensia flowers and attractive promenades along the cliffs, in particular the one starting from the Grand Plage, around the Rocher de la Vierge to the southern beaches. This is the surfing centre of France and probably Europe. It also has 4 golf courses within a 15km radius of the town. Saint Jean-de-Luz is not only a picturesque fishing port but also one of the most fashionable and cosmopolitan resorts in France. It has a medieval background and evidence of Spanish and Moorish influence. Its beautiful white houses contrast with the green slopes of the Basque mountains and the magnificent bay is surrounded by beaches and protected by dykes. Oloron Sainte Marie, a typical Haut Béarn town just a few miles inland was an important stopping place on the Road to Santiago de Compostella. The old wool-washers’ houses are reflected in the rivers while the Cathédrale de Sainte Marie was built by the returning crusaders. Pau, the capital of the Béarn province and now a university town is the most elegant of the towns and cities that overlook the Pyrénées The 19th century castle stands at the western end of the magnificent Boulevard des Pyrénéesand offers superb views towards the mountains. St Jean Pied de Port is an ancient town with many 16th century buildings and is used as a stopping place for pilgrims on their way to Spain. 36 Loches Loire The châteaux of the Loire are the main attraction of the area, but it is unlikely that the visitor would want to see more than a few of these beautiful stately buildings at one time. The valley is very attractive in its own right and offers beautiful scenery, fine food and local wines and history which predates the châteaux . It is a very flat region and great for cycling, even for novices. The Loire river rises in the departement of the Ardèche and flows for more than 1,000 km before it reaches the Atlantic between Southern Brittany and the Vendée. However, it is only the stretch of about 200 km between Angers and Orléans that is generally thought of as the Loire Valley. Chambord is the best known and perhaps the most fascinating of the châteaux of the Loire. It is the largest of the Renaissance palaces, built at the beginning of the 16th Century in an extensive park. From a distance the building looks quite symmetrical but once closer the visitor can appreciate that 800 capitals and 365 towers, spires and turrets on each side are completely different. The exterior is intricate and impressive and the interior cavernous. Amboise château dates from the middle ages and occupies a strategic postion looking over one of the few bridges over the river. Blois is one of the symbols of French Renaissance art. Chaumont overlooks the Loire and is surrounded by a beautiful English-style park designed in the 19th century. Chenonceau has five elegant arches, which span the river Cher and is a fine example of graceful architecture in a sumptuous setting. Built in the classical style of the 17th century and set in a large park, Cheverny could be described as an elegant country mansion. Three châteaux between Tours and Saumur are definitely worth a visit: Aizay Le Rideau built on an island in the middle of the Indre, Château d’Ussé also called the Castle of the Sleeping Beauty and Villandry renowned for the elegance of its Renaissance architecture and magnificent gardens. Chinon is an impressive ruin and powerful medieval stronghold towering over the old town and river Vienne. century keep. Langeais has a forbidding exterior but elegant, beautifully furnished apartments. Loches has one of the most celebrated X1th century fortresses with impressive dungeons and extensive ramparts. The attractive little château of MontreuilBellay stands surrounded by ramparts, towers and moats. One of the oldest towns of the Loire Valley is Saumur and its château one of the best known. The old quarter is grouped round the riverbank beneath the château. Doué-la-Fontaine, a pleasant small town is famous for its roses and troglodyte dwellings, particularly those at Rochemenier. There is also a good zoo. Fontevraud was once one of the wealthiest abbeys in France and is where Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart are buried. Angers has a large, medieval ‘château fort’. Tours is one of the oldest cities in France and capital of the central Loire and is now a busy modern city. The old medieval town with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses and 18th century ‘hôtels’, surrounds the cathedral. The ‘Tour de Guise’ is all that remains of the 12th century fortress. The ‘Pavillon de Mars’ houses a fascinating waxworks museum, which traces the highlights of Touraine’s history. For a different view of one or more of the châteaux, visit an evening Son-et-Lumière show. These take place regularly through the season at Azay-le-Rideau, Blois, Chambord and Chenonceau and during July and August at Amboise and Loches. If you want to see something of the late 20th and 21st century for a change, a full day visit to FUTUROSCOPE, a technological theme park on the A10/N10 some 80 km south of Tours and just north of Poitiers, is highly recommended. The site is full of permanent exhibitions and fascinating film show experiences. Do not miss the sound and light show staged every evening at about 10pm from the first Saturday in April until the end of August.Further information about Futuroscope can be found on www.futuroscope.com which also details opening dates and times. The Loire Valley produces some of the best known French wines including the ‘rosés d’Anjou’. It is possible to taste the wines both at the houses of the ‘vignerons’ (the small local producers) and at the ‘caves’, the wine cellars run by growers’ co-operatives or the larger commercial firms. The sparkling wines from Saumur are a highly respected alternative to champagne. 37 Domme Dordogne The Dordogne is located in south-west France, most of it in the Aquitaine basin. with the north-east bordering on the Massif Central. It is the third largest “département” in France and the chief town is Périgueux. The countryside in the north is a delightful combination of rests, meadows, streams and lakes. Nontron overlooking the gorges de Bandiat has attractive ramparts and old streets. Brantôme is famous for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey overlooking the Dronne river. The two main towns of the central Dordogne are Sarlat and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Much of the charm of Sarlat lies in its narrow streets, secluded courtyards and old stone buildings. The protected town centre offers remarkable architecture like the Maison de la Boetie, the cathedral, la Chapelle des Penitents Blancs and la Lanterne des Morts. The layout of the town lends itself to street entertainment and shows in July and August. Les Eyzies is one of the leading world centres of prehistory and occupies a pleasant position surrounded by greentopped cliffs, at the confluence of the Beune and the Vézère. Souillac is renowned for its Byzantine style former abbey church. Rocamadour, whilst rather touristy, is regarded as the jewel of the Dordogne, clinging dramatically to an almost vertical 150 metre cliff. The fascinating ecclesiastical city, dominated by the castle, gives those who climb up its steps (more than 140!!) an unforgettable panorama. La Roque-Gageac is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in France with picturesque houses and alleys on the cliffs of the Dordogne. Limeuil occupies a unique and important defensive position overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers and is a great spot for canoeing and swimming. Along the Dordogne river there are also many beautiful châteaux. Les Milandes is a beautiful white Renaissance dwelling with terraces and gardens looking down towards the Dordogne. Beynac towers over the attractive riverside village, offering magnificent views of the Dordogne valley. Castelnaud was once a ruin, but is now largely restored and is home to an excellent Museum of Medieval Warfare. The 17th-century château of Veyrignac has been carefully restored since it’s burning during the Second World War. Castelnau-Bretenoux is undoubtedly one of the region’s great castles and a fine example of medieval military architecture. Biron is another of the great ‘châteaux forts’ of the region.and Monpazier is one of the oldest bastide towns in Europe renowned for its wonderful main square. The Dordogne is not only famous for its wonderful range of châteaux but also all its fascinating variety of caves. La Grotte de Lascaux II, La Grotte de Font-de-Gaume and La Gouffre de Padirac are among those worth a visit. The region is renowned for its wonderful gastronomy. The cuisine is rich and delicious, specialising in “confits” of goose, duck and rabbit, where the dish is cooked in its own fat. “Pâté de foie gras” is the main delicacy of the region, Other items on their menus are “rillettes” which are small pieces of (or minced) goose or duck meat cooked and preserved in its own fat, and “gesier confit” which is gizzard cooked and preserved in fat. Truffles, often dug out of the ground by pigs, are a prized garnish on many dishes, although their enjoyment is largely a matter of taste. For dessert you may wish to try ‘clafoutis’, a local flan decorated with plump black cherries or ‘Gâteau aux Noix’, a delicious walnut cake. Restaurants need not be expensive and are not limited just to the towns. All meals can be washed down with a glass of local Cahors or Bergerac wine and at very reasonable prices! To round off any meal, the region offers a large range of fruit liqueurs. The most interesting of these are ‘Crème de Noix’, ‘Eau de Noix’ or ‘Brou de Noix’, a delicious walnut liqueur. Vosges and Jura The Vosges mountains form the western edge of the Rhine rift valley and are separated from the Jura Mountains to the south by the Belfort Gap. The hills and rich green country of the Vosges spread fanwise across Eastern France. Visitors have an infinite number of walks to choose from along lush plains decked with wild flowers or shady paths in the forests. Epinal is the county town of the Vosges and provides a powerful link between plain and mountain. In 38 the 10th Century it was a small stronghold, but is now a city with an attractive basilica. The spring waters of the Vosges Lac de Chalain have given rise to numerous therapeutic spas and health resorts such as Vittel, Contrexéville and Plombières. Gérardmer, is the jewel of the Vosges, as it is dominated by a lake and surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls - it is also famous for its textile industry. Belfort, built on both banks of the river Savoureuse is renowned for its military history. Besançon, the capital of Franche-Comté is set in a loop of the river Doubs, and has much to see of interest. In Dole there are many interesting old houses dating from the 15th, 16th and 17th and lovely views of the old town. Clairvaux-les-Lacs is a lovely little country town surrounded by pine forests and two lakes. Strasbourg is one of the largest and most attractive cities in France and is a lively place dominated by a red sandstone cathedral with beautiful stained glass windows, tapestries and carvings. The old quarter, the best preserved part of Strasbourg, seems untouched by the 20th century. Colmar with pretty carved wooden houses in its old quarter is a typically Alsatian town. Mulhouse has the world’s largest car museum!This wonderful collection, built up by the Schlumpf brothers, consists of more than 600 motor vehicles and 90 well-known makes. A unique 20,000 m≈ display of cars to be discovered: Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Mercedes, Panhar, Levassor, .... Two spots not to miss: Baume-les-Messieurs Caves, near Lons le Saunier are 30 million years old. Located at the end of Baume-les-Messieurs’ Blind Valley, they open out on to 500 m of accessible galleries enabling the visitor to explore (120m underground) 30 – 80 m high rooms with spectacular lighting effects, rock formations and a beautiful waterfall at the cave entrance, Cascade du Hérisson – a magnificent waterfall near Clairvaux-les-Lacs. Local specialities include la Fondue Comtoise made from Comté’ cheese, dry Jura wine and a dash of Kirsch. The German influence is strong: Quiche Lorraine, Tarte à l’Oignon -savoury onion tart and Choucroute Garnie, pickled cabbage cooked and garnished with various meats and sausages. Strongly flavoured cheese from Munster is ranked as one of France’s greatest. The Jura produces lovely rosé wines. Wines from Alsace include Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Muscat d’Alsace. Burgundy Burgundy’s natural riches and colourful history have marked the region with some of the finest heritage of European art and architecture. It is a beautiful fertile land, whose wealth is nurtured by farmers, vinegrowers and foresters. The reputation of the local cuisine is famous throughout the world, while its wines are a byword for the very best. However Burgundy is not reserved solely for wine connoisseurs and lovers of art and architecture. The visitor has a choice of activities as varied as the region’s landscapes, lakes, canals and rivers including numerous châteaux and beautiful towns. Auxerre, is built on charming terraces overlooking the River Yonne. The Gothic cathedral of St. Etienne dates from the 13th Century. Nevers has been famous for pottery since the 16th century and has many interesting streets and buildings the Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, ‘Porte du Croux’ gateway and the St. Etienne church. Beaune is renowned for the brilliantly coloured tiled roofs of the Hôtel-Dieu which have come to symbolise Burgundy throughout the world. No expense was spared in the building 39 of this monument dating from a time when the power of the Dukes of Burgundy extended as far afield as Flanders and the present-day Netherlands. When in Beaune it is essential to visit the ‘Musée du Vin’ and the former hôtel of the Dukes of Burgundy to see the history and work of the vineyards and wine. South of Beaune is the ‘Archéodrome’, a museum devoted to the early history of Burgundy with life-size models of Neolithic dwellings. Cluny A single spire, at once elegant and robust, rises in the Burgundian sky – all that remains of what was once the largest, mightiest and most influential abbey of the Middle Ages. In spite of the destruction during the French Revolution there is still much to admire and learn from an exhaustive visit of Cluny and the exploration of the many buildings representing the Cluny style. Many houses in the town’s historical centre still bear some resemblance to their appearance when the Abbey was at its in its heyday. Dijon The former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is the veritable heart of the ducal capital which is now also the capital of an administrative region. It houses, along with the Town Hall, the Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux Arts), one of the great museums of Europe. Chalon-sur-Saône is a major commercial and industrial centre offering a wide range of tourist attractions ranging from Cathedral of Saint Vincent built in three stages from the 11th to 15th century to remarkable houses in the old part of the town. The Musée Niepce is well known as a museum of early photography. Mâcon The most southerly town in Burgundy, it is gateway to the south and the Saône river is nearly 300 metres wide here. Although Meursault is only a small village, it is famous as a producer of one of the world’s finest white wines. Things to see include the medieval church of St. Nicholas and the ‘Hôtel de Ville’, originally a fortified country château. South of Beaune is the ‘Archéodrome’, a museum devoted to the early history of Burgundy with life-size models of Neolithic dwellings. Burgundians know how to use their local products to best effect. They have a genuine love of food, and their reputation for cuisine and good wines is second to none. Burgundy’s range of culinary experiences includes ordinary inns on the banks of a river, formula “assiette de pays”, offering the very best of local cooking as well as many prestigious restaurants. Specialities include snails, cooked with parsley and garlic butter, ‘jambon persillé’, ham with parsley, served up with the famous Dijon mustard and a selection of gherkins and mixed pickles. Many dishes are, naturally, cooked in the local wine, notably ‘boeuf bourguignon’. The vineyards of Burgundy stretching from Dijon south to Santenay are amongst the world’s finest wine producing regions. It is the most famous of Burgundy’s products and its best ambassador. Throughout the province, from north to south, are prestigious appellations : Chablis, Coteaux de l’Auxerrois, CôtedeNuits, Côte-de-Beaune, Hautes Côtes, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais, not forgetting the vineyards of Pouilly sur Loire and Couchois. Cantobre Massif Central Auvergne, Aveyron and Ardèche Sculpted by fire, the Auvergne is the largest volcanic region in Europe and has four volcanic massifs, the youngest of which dates back 10,000 years. For the enthusiast it is a veritable open-air geological exhibition. The last volcanic eruption was some 5800 years ago. Lakes, rivers, rapids and thermal springs - water is ever present in the Auvergne, creating some unusual phenomena and the region is renowned for its spa resorts, including Chaudes-Aigues, Vichy and Le Mont d’Oré at the foot of the Puy de Sancy, the highest mountain in the Massif Central. Towns worth visiting include St. Nectaire with its wonderful cathedral like church, Le Puy-en-Velay, famous for its coloured roofs, narrow streets and distinctly Italian air and Issoire with its ancient Benedictine abbey. The small town of Murol occupies a unique location in the heart of the Auvergne mountains right by the magnificent Lac 40 Chambon. It has a delightful gothic style church famed for its interior decoration and 12th century château. Places to visit nearby include the Lake and the Chaudefour valley with the Crête du Coq and Dent de la Rancune. Vulcania - a volcanic theme park, situated at Saint-Ours-les-Roches, just off the road linking ClermontFerrand to Limoges. It covers an area of 57 hectares and is the first scientific exploration park designed for both young and old who wish to discover and understand the fascinating universe of volcanoes and the earth sciences. Satellite images, moving models and an audio visual show on a giant screen, a film ‘in relief’ and various simulations all help make it an unforgettable visit. The Aveyron is a magnificent region of breathtaking scenery where deep chasms in the valleys of the Tarn and Dourbie were formed thousands of years ago. Many people visit the area for the canoeing, rafting and hang-gliding. A canoe trip along the Tarn gorges is an unforgettable experience. Millau in the heart of the Aveyron continues to be a shopping centre for leather goods and is also the ideal base for numerous excursions either on foot or by car. It is also home to the amazing Viaduc de Millau, designed by British architect Norman Foster. To visit the viewing point for this magnificent structure, together with the visitors’s centre, leave the A75 motorway at sortie/exit 45. From Millau you can drive along the valleys and see picturesque villages perched on the top of cliffs like Peyreleau, Cantobre, Saint-Véran. In the centre of the Causse de Larzac, you will find La Couvertoirade, a fantastic Knights Templar town encased in five-sided outer wall. Montpellier-le-Vieux is a weird universe of amazing rock formations. Water and wind transformed the grey rocks of the Causse Noir into a wonderful city which has now become the shelter for delicate flora. You can walk on well signed footpaths or take the little green train that will lead you to the heart of this imposing site. Aven Armand, an extraordinary cave of stalcamites and stalactites, 75m deep, discovered one Sunday afternoon in September 1897 by Louis Armand. Roquefort, home of the famous blue-veined cheese, which offers a fascinating visit. This ewes-milk cheese has been made here for centuries in huge caves where gigantic chimneys and air ducts allow the slow penetration of saturated air. Conques, a stopover on one of the four routes to Santiago de Compostella, is a delightful town that fits snugly into the hillside known as the “conque” (from the latin “concha” : shell) when it was chosen as a retreat from the oustide world by a hermit in the VIIth century. The Ardèche Gorges remain one of the richest natural sites in Europe. It is a region of beautiful unspoilt scenery, rushing rivers, dramatic gorges, wonderful lakes and cultural traditions ranging from prehistoric times to the present day. The whole region lying west of the main autoroute to the Mediterranean, covers a vast area from Annonay in the north right down to Vallon Pont d’Arc and Pont St Esprit in the south. Our sites are all situated in the Southern Ardèche region, well-known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful riverside beaches and canoe-kayaking. The Ardèche is a favourite place for sporting holidays. Apart from canoe-kayak, mountain biking, paragliding, climbing, potholing, or simply hiking, canyoning and caving are also popular. Le Pont d’Arc is a graceful natural arch over the river Ardèche, in the heart of the Ardèche gorge. Little footpaths lead to its base where you will find spectacular scenic routes to explore over 19 miles of the gorge. The modernised town of Vallon Pont d’Arc has plenty of bars and restaurants. The beautifully positioned hilltop town of Largentière is worth a visit because of its lovely quaint local market and interesting old quarter overlooked by a château. The old village of Labeaume is very picturesque with houses merging almost totally into the rock face. Vogüé is dominated by a château, which is open for visits in the afternoon. There are medieval streets to explore and a number of river beaches. There are also several amazing caves to visit in the area including Aven d’Orgnac and Aven Grotte de la Forestière. Midi-Pyrénées and Pyrénées This region is one of the most varied in France, ranging from warm limestone plateaux to the snowy peaks 170 miles south in the Pyrénées mountains. Dozens of medieval towns and fortified villages are scattered along the hilltops and valleys. Many towns are “bastides”, built in the 12th and 13th centuries in an orderly fashion around a central market place, often with shady stone-arched arcades. Richard the Lionheart fought here and this area saw the only Crusade ever launched against a Western country, 41 a war in which Simon de Montfort tarnished the family name with the persecution of the Cathar “heretics”. The region possesses a wealth of art from prehistoric wallpaintings to Romanesque cloisters. There is an amazing collection of works by Toulouse-Lautrec in his native town of Albi. Midi-Pyrénées is also a region of castles, thick-walled houses and rolling farmland with attractive old dovecots. It is an area renowned for its foie gras, Roquefort cheese, and Armagnac. It is also a region of great contrast between rural Gascony, the land of D’Artagnan, the musketeer, and the bustling city life of Toulouse, important aerospace centre, university city and capital of the area. Toulouse also marks the start of the Canal du Midi, a world heritage site linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Towns to visit in the Midi-Pyrénées include the following: Foix, famous for its 11th – 15th century castle. Carcassonne (south west of Nimes, on the eastern edge of Pyrénées region)This medieval walled Cité is one of the most amazing sights in France. Seen from a distance it looks almost like a model, dreamlike with its turrets and castellations, too perfect to be real - a sight you will not forget! Auch (pronounced Osh) is the capital of Gascony in the Gers département. This former Gallo-Roman city contains a monumental staircase (370 steps) leading from the lower to the upper town, where the visitor comes face to face with a statue of the local hero D’Artagnan, the famous musketeer. Castellane La Romieu, an ancient walled town on the road to Santiago de Compostella which has one architectural gem, a 14th century collegiate church with a mysterious past and rich Gothic paintings. Condom, the town of seven churches and the former Bishop’s Palace of Bossuet, where the 16th century cathedral, flamboyant cloister and ancient town houses are of particular interest. Lourdes Every year particularly during the summer months, Lourdes’ many ceremonies and processions attract thousands of pilgrims. The most important place of pilgrimage is the Massabieille grotto where the Virgin Mary appeared on 18 occasions to local peasant Bernadette Soubirous. The Hautes Pyrénées offers a stunning variety of flaura and fauna. Hundreds of miles of paths run through the park with refuges to accommodate hikers and mountaineers. They range from the 150km GR10 path which links the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and runs through the park from East to West, to 2-, 3- and 4- hour walks among the peaks, tarns, cirques and corries. Walkers will discover a wealth of wildlife, pure mountain streams, magnificent beech and pine forests and above all glorious views absolutely everywhere. Places of access to the mountains include Luz St Sauveur, Les Cauterets, Saint Lary and Arrens-Marsous. It is also a superb area to go white-water rafting and canoeing. The Cirque de Gavarnie is a magnificent glacial cirque, rising to over 4,000ft which has been scoured by the ice into a near-perfect semi-circle. It can be reached via the village of Gavarnie, on foot, by donkey or on horseback. The view on to the Cirque is splendid, steep rock, walls, snow capped peaks the great waterfall reached by a signposted footpath. There is an impressive view from above this waterfall (420m), which is the highest in Europe, over the waters of the ice-covered lake of Mont Perdu. The Pic du Midi de Bigorre dominates the neighbouring peaks for miles around and is a protected heritage site with an observatory on the peak.The site can be visited via le Col du Tourmalet either on foot or using a cable car and offers unique views over the whole chain. The steep walk up the mountainside is well signed and highly recommended. The Road over the Passes Numerous passes in the Pyrénées are well known because of the “Tour de France” bike race, including Aspin, Tourmalet, Peyresoude… These mountain roads that run from valley to valley reveal an ever changing landscape at every bend. The Pic du Midi gives way to the Arbizon Massif. You then overlook the valleys of the the Upper Adour, Aure and Louron with splendid panoramic views from each pass. 42 French Alps Renowned for their glaciers, deep gorges, mountain passes and lakes, this area is a haven for tourism both in winter and summer. It is a region of natural contrasts ranging from the magnificence and majesty of the Mont Blanc massif to the solitude and unspoiled natural beauty of the nature reserves and the pleasant green plains of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), Lac d’Annecy, Lac du Bourget and Lac d’Aiguebelette. The mountain ranges rise majestically to a height of 4,800m. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in western Europe. The region has an excellent road network system, fully maintained in all types of weather conditions. Access to ski resorts is guaranteed at all times. Walking A wide range of cross-country walks and alpine treksare on offer. The tour of Mont Blanc is perhaps the best known trek in the region. However other lesser known trails cross the Chablais, Bornes and Aravis mountain ranges. Treks across Haute-Savoie’s Grande Randonnée trails (G.R.s) enable hikers to discover some of the region’s finest scenery. They avoid built-up areas and link up with resting places and supply points along the way. Country hikes across the valleys and plains can take place from May onwards. Treks in the medium-range mountains start in June and continue throughout the season until late November. Always ask for advice at the tourist offices to check on the accessibility of the footpaths and check the weather forecast before setting off as there are three levels of difficulty. Lac d’Annecy is reputedly France’s most beautiful lake and Europe’s purest. The town of Annecy, at the north end of the lake, is full of narrow streets and has many canals lined with flower bedecked balconies, making it extremely picturesque and overlooked by an 11th century château. On the lake, there is a steamer, which calls at many lakeside villages such as Talloires, one of the most expensive resorts on the lake. It is separated from its neighbour, Menthon, also overlooked by a château, by the ‘Roc de Chère’, a wooded rocky promontory. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is busy all year round, with skiers during the winter and walkers and climbers in the summer. This is largely a Victorian town, bearing witness to the early, pioneering days of mountaineering. Climbers are now mainly drawn by the technical difficulty of the ‘Aiguilles’, jagged rock needles, rather more comfortably viewed by cable-car, for example to the Aiguille du Midi or the ‘téléphérique du Brevent’. There is also a rack railway up to ‘La Mer de Glace’. Any ascent of Mont Blanc will be amply rewarded by the truly breathtaking views. Aix-les-Bains is situated on the edge of the Lac du Bourget and is also France’s second busiest spa town, renowned for its balneotherapy. The queen of Aix-les-Bains, however, was Queen Victoria, who came incognito under the title of Countess of Balmoral. She liked the waters and the climate of Aix so much that in 1888, she wanted to buy a domain on the hill of Tresserve to build a second home. This plan did not succeed. You will also be able to discover the other features of the town, including the 18-hole golf course, cruises on the lake, the Casino, the racecourse and many guided tours. The Lac du Bourget offers all manner of water sports - sailing, wind surfing, water-skiing and underwater diving. The first pleasure boats were seen in Aix at the end of the 19th century. The pretty lake of Lac d’Aiguebelette, with its clean waters, is popular with water sports enthusiasts. The western and southern shores are the most accessible and visitors will find a number of pleasant, sandy beaches along the lakeside. Le Bourg-d’Oisans, a small, lively town, is the scene of frequent fairs and markets and centre of some of the most attractive scenery in the area. Above Le Bourg d’Oisans is the ski resort of Alpe d’Huez, which is reached by a spectacular road of twenty one hairpin bends. From the resort there is a cable car up to the Pic du Lac Blanc with superb views as far as Mont Blanc and the Massif Central. Summer skiing is possible in the area, if there are suitable weather conditions. Regional Specialities include Alpine Cheeses such as Beaufort, a pressed cooked cheese, Tomme de Savoie, and Tomes des Bauges, pressed uncooked cheeses. Reblochon is a semi-pressed, uncooked cheese. Abondance, made from cow’s milk and Chevrotin des Aravis, made from goat’s milk are delicious farmhouse cheeses. The areas most famous cooked cheese dish made by mixing it with white 43 wine is of course fondue. Cooked Meats include pormoniers which are fresh sausages made from pig’s offal and herbs; diots; small fresh pork sausages simmered in white wine with onions and herbs; grelots; pork sausages with herbs and nuts and Savoie ham. Wines – the local perlant wines make a good aperitif. The whites go well with fondues (especially raclette), seafood, fish, cheese and cakes, while the reds and rosés make an ideal accompaniment for game, red and white meat, and rich Savoie cheeses. Canyon du Verdon Provence and Rhône Valley There are many delightful places to visit in the so-called “Provence” region of France. They are all situated in the area just north of the Mediterranean and are within easy driving distance of the main autoroute south. Aix-en-Provence (east of the A8) is a city of water springs and art, which is a magnificent example of the Provençal way of living so admired by the rest of the world. The boulevards shaded by majestic sycamores, the streets bordered by rich private residences, the discreet squares ornamented with beautiful fountains and garnished with welcoming sidewalk cafés, Aix inevitably seduces those who take the time to linger. Avignon (west of A7) is bursting with life and energy, yet echoing with history, this ancient riverside fortress city is quintessentially southern. From the bank of the broad turbulent river Rhône rise its magnificent ramparts. The famous bridge of the nursery rhyme - Sur le Pont d’Avignon projects oddly into the river, its broken arches stretching just half way across. The uninhabited and immense Palais des Papes or Papal Palace is the most important landmark after the bridge. St Rémy de Provence (south of Avignon) located at the foot of the Alpilles, has an exceptionally rich historical heritage. This small, dynamic city has kept its traditions and personality. Seduced by the setting and atmosphere of the town, many writers, painters and musicians have chosen to live here and it is the ideal departure point for discovering the Alpilles region. The lively streets of the town centre, house private residences from the 17th and 18th century with magnificent facades. Le Pont du Gard, at Remoulins (west of Avignon) Admirably integrated into a natural site that has preserved its wild charm, The Pont du Gard fascinates each of its visitors with its elegance and majesty. Two thousand years after its construction, this ancient edifice is still a veritable masterpiece, as much for the technical prowess involved, as for its simple beauty. This monument has been registered as a World Heritage of Man site since 1985. It attracts more than a million tourists each year and is the 2nd most visited provincial monument after Mont-Saint-Michel. Arles (south west of Avignon) sits on a low hill where the Rhône river branches in two parts to the sea. The major Roman sites, such as the Arena and the Theatre are unique as they are integrated into the houses and buildings of the town, rather than sitting apart as they do in other places. The streets of this city are truly medieval in character: narrow and winding between ancient buildings. Nîmes (west of Avignon) A panoramic view over the town’s roof tops from the Tour Magne shows the history of Nîmes at a glance. To the east, the oval of the Roman Arena is a flashback to the past splendours of the ancient city. A short distance further on, stands the tower of the 12th century Cathédrale St Pastor which dominates the narrow streets of the old town and still bears witness to their medieval past. Valence is well worth a visit, not only for the range of shops, excellent restaurants and market, but also for its stunning position and cathedral. Dominated by the St. Apollinaire cathedral, rebuilt in the 17th century, the town is built on terraces, which run down to the Rhône at the base of the valley. The old town, surrounded by ramparts, has a maze of alleys and winding streets where you will find some interesting shops. The Gorges du Verdon, known as the Grand Canyon of Europe, although not of quite the same 44 proportions, are nevertheless most impressive. It is possible to do a round trip of the gorges, one way on the ‘Corniche Sublime’ (D71) and the other on the slightly less spectacular northern side (D952). Driving around the gorge you will see tremendous panoramas and breathtaking views. The small town of Castellane has become an important tourist centre because of its position on the ‘Route Napoléon’ and at the head of the eastern end of the Gorges du Verdon. The main square is pleasant and there are several interesting old buildings in the town. Pride of place must go to the chapel of Notre-Dame-duRoc, built on a narrow, rocky needle, which towers over the town and neighbouring valley. The chapel is reached on foot. Leaving Castellane on the D955, you gain fine views of the Castellane basin and soon reach the Lac de Castillon. The road runs along the dam, giving interesting views of the long, narrow reservoir. The lake is a super spot to spend an afternoon sunbathing or swimming. Grasse is the world-famous centre of perfume production and surrounded by immense fields of flowers. A visit to the Molinard or Fragonard perfume factories is recommended. Other points of interest include a cathedral dating from the 12th century (which was restored in the 17th century), and a museum devoted to Provençal art and history. The mountain scenery beyond Grasse is very attractive, as you pass through the Loup valley and the Alpine foothills. Tournette-sur-Loup, situated between Grasse and Vence is an unusual fortified village standing on a rocky plateau above a sheer drop. The weavers, potters, painters and sculptors who live here have made it an arts and crafts centre. Vence is a picturesque old market town favoured by artists. Henri Matisse designed and decorated a chapel here between 1947 and 1951. St. Paul-en Aix-enProvence, the historic and beautiful university spa town and ancient capital of Provence, is a fascinating town of 17th-18th century houses, quiet squares and fountains with several notable buildings, art galleries and museums. Cézanne’s studio is open to visitors, who can see where the master created some of his famous paintings. Languedoc Roussillon Sommieres This region stretches from the Pyrénées-Orientales on the Spanish border to Provence. It is bathed in the warm Mediterranean climate which boasts an average 300 days of sunshine per year. You are rarely far from both mountains and sea. On the western side, the foothills of the Pyrénées fall down to meet the sea at Argelès-sur-Mer and on the eastern side the majestic river Rhône flows through Provence before finally exiting to the sea near Marseilles. The coastline offers a kaleidoscope of scenery. This region also known as French Catalonia, has a fascinating cultural and gastronomic mix of French and Spanish. The region is heavily planted with vines and produces some excellent wines. Argelès, a gateway to Spain, is situated in the southernmost part of the region at the foot of the Pyrénées. There are 7 km of beaches and 3 km of creeks. The resort retains the label “Kid” and is awarded with the Blue Flag for Clean Beaches every year. There are sporting and relaxing activities for everyone: supervised beaches from June till September, children’s clubs, sailing schools, windsurfing, bobskiing, deepsea diving, boat hiring, sea-trips, sea-kayak, waterskiing, pedalos and balneotherapy. Collioure is the jewel of the Côte Vermeille. This Catalan fishing village has for centuries impressed travellers and traders, artists and invaders with its simple beauty. The little harbour is a perfect gem, protected by sea walls and a fortified village church on one side and a 12th century “Royal Castle” on the other. Beside the church with its curious round lighthouse there are small secluded beaches. Behind the waterfront is a delightful maze of narrow streets lined with artists shops, restaurants and cafes. Agde has retained its importance in the fish, wine and agricultural trades and the nearby Cap d’Agde is a colourful holiday resort. The Camargue is most famous for its marshy wilderness and its beautiful white horses. A tour of the area should certainly include the walled town of Aigues-Mortes. To the south is Le Grau-du-Roi, a lively fishing port and the striking, purpose-built marina village of Port-Camargue. Further east is Les Stes. Maries-de-la-Mer, with its fortified church hosts an annual gypsy festival. The Carmargue museum is also an interesting stopping place. 45 St Maxime La Côte d’Azur or French Riviera This area stretching from Toulon to Nice is one of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of coastline with lovely sandy beaches and rocky promontories set against the magnificent backdrop of the Maritime Alps and pine covered hills of Provence. Roquebrune-sur-Argens, “Cité Millénaire”, is an ancient town located in an expansive pine forest, accentuated by the beautiful red cliffs of the Rocher de Roquebrune, and cooled by the Argens river. Narrow old streets run between the old buildings and past the 16th century church. St. Tropez is now one of the best known resorts in Europe, very fashionable and very expensive. The harbour teems with life. Older buildings worth visiting include the 19th-century church, built in Italian baroque style, and the 16th-century citadel, from which there are fine views over the town and the bay. This modern resort of Port-Grimaud has been built in the style of a typical Provençal village and is unusual in that no cars are allowed in the village. There is an elegant collection of colourful houses and a well-equipped marina. In Fréjus you can see the aqueduct, two gateways, the amphitheatre and, above all, the arena, which lends a marvellously dramatic setting to the concerts, which are occasionally staged there. To the north lies the large, beautifully situated Lac de St Cassien. St. Raphaël is a fashionable resort with a large marina and sheltered beach. The old harbour is a hub of activity with cafés and shops lining the broad pavements and street artists and buskers entertaining the crowds. The museum of underwater archaeology contains an interesting collection of artefacts from sunken ships. One of the Riviera’s great showpieces, Cannes remains an elegant and expensive resort. It is worth visiting the celebrated ‘Boulevard de la Croisette’ with its flower borders, palm trees, smart shops and expensive hotels. The Film Festival takes place in May. Le Suquet is the old town, dominated by the 16th century church. The square is still lined by the old town wall and ashady terrace affords excellent views of the harbour area. Also just outside the town is Le Cannet, a small resort retaining much of its traditional charm amid a semi-circle of wooded hills. Nice is the undisputed ‘Queen of the Riviera’ with its world famous sea front. The old town is a maze of alleys, interspersed with little squares and markets, in particular, the flower market. The town is rich in museums, art galleries and majestic buildings. Monaco consists primarily of the old, picturesque town of Monaco and the great, legendary gambling centre of Monte-Carlo, itself a most attractive town. During July and August there are magnificent firework displays most Friday evenings and the famous Grand Prix is in May. The western part of the country is mountainous with peaks ranging from 2,500m to more than 3,700m. In Eastern Austria mountains reach 2,500m in height and the extreme eastern part is characterised by the lowlands of the Danube Valley. Temperatures depend on altitude with an average of -5º in January and 25º in Salzburg in July. Summer evenings tend to be cool. The driest months are May, September and the first half of Ocotober. From June to August, any rainfall comes in the form of thunderstorms, so hikers need to be well-prepared. 46 AUSTRIA Motoring in Austria It is approximately 647 miles (1,035kms) from the UK to the Austrian border and the drive will take between 10 and 12 hours.. Traffic regulations are similar to those in other European countries including driving on the right. But remember to allow for the mountainous nature of the terrain. In the Alps gradients from one in seventeen to steeper than one in seven may be encountered. Speed Limits Motorways 130 kph (80 mph) Main Roads 100 kph (62 mph) Built-up Areas 50 kph (30 mph) Vehicles towing a trailer are restricted to 100 kph on all roads including motorways.Between 10pm. and 5am. speed is limited to 110 kph on the A8, A9, A10, A12, A13 and A14 motorways. In the Vorarlberg the maximum speed is 80 kph. It should be noted that there are frequent speed checks by the Austrian police with fines given for offenders. Seat Belts The wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Children under 12 may not occupy the front of a car. except where special seats are installed. Headlights Cars should be driven with dipped headlights on all the time. Motorway Toll (Autobahn Vignette) Austria’s motorways and duel carriageways are now subject to toll. The driver has to purchase a sticker to put on the windscreen of the car. Failure to have a motorway sticker will mean a heavy on the spot fine. They are available at border crossings and at larger petrol stations. 47 A 10-day sticker for cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes is €7.70. The sticker for 2 consecutive months costs €22.20. This tax includes caravans and trailers.This Motorway Tax Disc does not cover tolls through tunnels and over Alpine passes,although it will entitle you to 15% reduction for several of them. Tolls are charged on the following motorways: A10 Tauern, A9 Pyhrn, A13 Brenner, S16 Arlberg Tunnel. Reflective jackets. It is compulsory to carry two in the car in case of breakdown. On mountain roads, uphill traffic takes priority. Please note that several mountain passes from Austria to Italy are prohibited to caravans. Road signs: it is common practice with the smaller towns and villages to signpost the valley in which they lie, rather than a particular town. For this reason it is important to have a good local map. Fuel All grades of unleaded petrol plus diesel and LPG are readily available. Do not rely on paying by credit cards as not all garages accept foreign credit cards. Drinking and Driving: do not drink and drive. The maximum permitted blood alcohol level is 80mg and police have the power to levy large fines and confiscate a driving licence on the spot. Mobile phones: a ‘hands free’ system, which has been fitted correctly, must be used. Disregarding this can result in a fine up to €730. Accidents and breakdown: On motorways and main roads emergency assistance is provided by the Austrian motoring club OAMTC (tel: 120). Reflective jackets. It is compulsory to carry two in the car in case of breakdown. In the event of an accident a bi-lingual accident form must be completed. If help is needed dial the local prefix number then 133 for the police, 144 for Ambulance, or 122 for the Fire Brigade. Motorists are required to carry a first aid kit when driving in Austria and a warning triangle, which should be, positioned 1m from the kerb so it is visible from 100m after an accident or breakdown. Fines: Austrian police are empowered to levy ‘on-the-spot’ fines for certain driving offences and must issue receipts. For higher fines the driver must pay a deposit and the remainder within two weeks. Parking: most of the larger towns have ‘blue zones’ where parking is limited to between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours. Parking discs (‘Parkscheibe’) can be obtained free from tobacconists (‘TabakTrafik’) or local police stations for these zones, except in some major cities where tickets must be purchased, again from tobacconists. Tickets or discs should be clearly displayed on the inside of the windscreen. Parking is forbidden where there is the sign ‘Beschränkung für Halten oder Parken’ or ‘Halten Verboten’, or crosses marked on the road. Also do not park on the left in one-way streets or on priority roads outside built-up areas when there is poor visibility. Go-Box for large motorhomes All vehicles with a weight of more than 3.5 t must be equipped with an on-board device, the so-called GO-Box. This weight only applies to the vehicle towing the caravan/camper van. The toll system, which does not require the driver to stop or use a certain lane while the toll is collected, has been in operation since January 1, 2004. The system is as simple as can be; it consists of two components visible to the driver, the toll gantries and the on-board units. Drivers are obliged to install the so-called GO-Boxes in their vehicles. The GO-Box is the size of a cigarette box. It ensures accurate toll collection from inside the vehicle. Communication of the small unit that is mounted on the inside of the windscreen and the toll gantries is based on microwave technology. The GO-Box is available from Petrol and Service Stations in Austria and neighbouring countries. Language spoken in Austria is German, but English is widely understood and spoken. Money Currency Austria uses the Euro. Credit Cards Please note that credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the U.K.and Ireland. Banks are open mostly from 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 15:00, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday but remain open to 17:30 on Thursday. They are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at all banks and bureaux de change with an identification document such as passport. Post Offices The respective opening hours of post offices vary and are posted at the entrances of 48 the post offices.Some main and station post offices in larger cities are also open at night, as well as Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, however with a restricted range of services. Generally you can rely on them being open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. Briefmarken stamps can be bought from a Postampt - post office, as well as tobacconistswith your postcards from a Tabak - tobacconists. Mail boxes are painted yellow; red stripes indicate that they are also emptied at weekends and on bank holidays. Telephoning For local calls you can use a kiosk, but it is often easier to go to the Post Office. Phone cards can be obtained from the Post Office. Dial 00 44 for Britain followed by the STD code omitting the first 0. To obtain the operator when in difficulty, dial 08. Emergency no’s Police: 133, Ambulance: 144 Fire: 122 Mountain Rescue: 140 Holiday Health Medical Service, Pharmacies: Austria is ‘well-stocked’ with doctors and pharmacies. Pharmacies operate a rota system for night and Sunday duty; when closed a notice is displayed giving the addresses of the nearest pharmacies that are open. Prescribed medicines can be obtained from any pharmacy but part of the cost will have to be paid so all receipts must be kept in order to claim on holiday insurance. Hospital treatment: in-patient treatment in public hospitals is free on production of a British passport or an admission voucher provided by a doctor, except for a small charge for the first 28 days in hospital. If treated at a private hospital, it may be possible to get a refund from the Regional Health Insurance Office of the amount, which would have been paid for a public hospital If a visit to forested areas is planned, it is advisable to seek medical advice before travelling about inoculations for tick borne encephalitis, which is endemic from spring to autumn. Transport Trains: there is an hourly or two hourly service on all major routes. Children under 6 years old travel free as long as no seat is claimed for them. Children aged between 6 and 15 pay half fare, and there are various reduced price passes available. Buses: run by both local authorities and by private companies. Some train passes may also be valid on buses, and bus routes often begin and end near railway stations. Traffic news: ‘Blue Danube Radio’ broadcasts traffic news in English. The Austrian radio station ‘Ö3’ also broadcasts traffic news after the hourly news bulletin. Shopping Most shops open from about 08:00 to 18:00, closing for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 and on Saturday afternoons. Longer opening hours may exist in tourist areas. Prices are somewhat higher than in the UK and the easiest place to shop is in the supermarkets. The best fresh produce to buy will vary from region to region but the Austrians are particularly fond of meat dishes and desserts. Pork and veal are the most common meats. As for sweet treats, it is well worth tasting a few of the scrumptious cakes and pastries on offer. As part of the environmental programme Austria operates a ‘bottle return policy’ making it possible to obtain money back on returned bottles. Bäckerei - bakers - sells bread in many shapes, ranging from the long French loaf to delicious crusty rolls Brötchen or Semeln for breakfast. For a change try some black bread - Schwarzbröt Lebensmittel is the sign for a shop selling food. Fleishauer - butcher - not only sells fresh meat but also stocks various delicacies, different kinds of d meats, the famous Wurst etc. You can often buy sliced meat and have it put into a roll for an instant sandwich of your choice known as a Wurstbrot. Supermarkt - Supermarkets are well stocked and generally very good value. Apotheke - pharmacy supplies medicines. Drogerie - sells such items as toothpaste, toothbrushes and sun-tan cream 49 Eating Out Austrian cooking is very rich and markedly different from French, Italian and German cooking. Restaurant meals range from the simple and inexpensive to sumptuous gastronomy but even the most basic ‘Gasthaus’ takes pride in its cuisine. Simpler restaurants offer good value for money and most display their menu and prices outside. Lunch is served from 12:00 noon until 14:00 and dinner from 18:00 until 22:00.You will nearly always find that the Tagesmenu (menu of the day) is good value. Wienerschnitzel -veal fried in egg and bread crumbs is served in nearly all Austrian restaurants. Apart from that, the most common meat found on Tyrolean menus is roast venison Reh or Hirschbraten served with orange or cranberry sauce and sometimes with dollops of cream. A good meal is better value than snacks - although sitting down to a coffee and cakes in a typical local cafe will be a memorable part of your holiday. Cakes, for which Austria is renowned, are served all day in a ‘Kaffeehaus’. There are nearly sixty mouth-watering varieties of cake, or ‘torte’, to choose from which are often smothered in whipped cream. The most famous is Sachertorte which has become the symbol of Viennese confectionery worldwide. Only the finest ingredients - pure chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, flour, and apricot jam - are used to make it. It must be served fresh with freshly beaten, lightly sweetened cream, which the Austrians call “Schlagobers.” You can also get coffee in a bar, and there are no age restrictions, so you can also take the children. For black coffee, ask for ‘ein Verlängerter’ or ‘eine Tasse Kaffee’. For white coffee, ask for ‘ein Melange’, or ‘ein Cappuccino’ for coffee with whipped cream. ‘Ein Mokka’ is a very strong black coffee. Drinks are never included in a set menu price. A service charge of around 10 - 15% is almost invariably included in the price on the menu but it is customary to leave an additional tip - about 5%, depending on the service which is usually attentive and courteous making dining out in Austria a pleasantly relaxed way of spending the evening. Wine: Austria has a famous tradition of making light wine for local consumption, and it can be bought by the glass, the bottle or as ‘offener Wein’, in a jug. As this latter will normally be local wine, it is uncommon in the Tirol where no vines are grown. Today, eastern Austria produces some of the finest white wines in Europe. Imported spirits are expensive compared to the locally produced fruit distillations such as ‘Schnapps’, the standard Austrian tipple and ‘Slivowitz’ -plum brandy. The most popular soft drinks are ‘Apfelsaft’ apple juice, ‘Traubensaft’ (grape juice) and Himbeersaft’ (raspberry juice), as well as ‘Almdudler’, a sparkling Austrian drink, and bottled mineral waters. Also available are the international soft drinks such as cola, lemonade, etc. Public Holidays Fixed holidays: 1/6 January: 1 May, 15 August, 26 October, 1 November, 8, 25/26 December Variable Holidays: Easter Monday , Ascension Day Corpus Christi. As Austria is a Catholic country, there may also be local holidays in honour of a patron saint. Austrian National Tourist Office, 9- 11 Richmond Bldgs, London W1D 3HF. Tel: 0207-440 3830 Website: www.austria-tourism.at www.austria.info/uk for Vienna: www.info.wien.at for Tyrol: www.tiscover.com/tirol Places to Visit Austria offers a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities along with a genuinely warm and friendly welcome. Carinthia, the most southerly of the eight provinces is a land of mountains, lakes and southern sunshine. The Tirol is a paradise for ramblers and walkers during the summer where cable-cars and mountain railways help you appreciate the snow-capped peaks and flower-studded Alpine meadows. Salzburgerland is an area of crystal clear lakes and impressive mountain ranges ideal for walking, watersports or relaxing in the clear mountain air. Tirol Innsbruck still retains a distinctively Alpine atmosphere. Its setting is practically unique amongst European cities and there is much in the city to remind you of its past. The most interesting sights are in the old quarter, clustered round the cathedral, in itself a very pleasant area in which to wander. The cathedral is worth a look inside as is the Hofburg palace, particularly the great hall. The best known sight is the ‘Goldenes Dachl’, an intricately carved early Renaissance porch, usually noted above all for its gold-covered roof. Those interested in sculpture will find a visit to the ‘Silberne Kapelle’ (silver chapel) and the Emperor Maximilian’s tomb of great interest. Of more general interest perhaps is the ‘Tiroler Volkskunstmuseum’ (Folk Museum), which displays models of peasants’ houses, reconstructions 50 of the interiors, costumes, local musical instruments, games, tools etc. The Stubai Alps are to the west of Innsbruck with the highest peaks being in excess of 3000m. The best access is by way of the attractive Stubaital valley. The road goes to the village of Neustift and the Mutterbergalm. From here cablecars run to a large mountain inn, the Dresdener Hütte, and a second stage up to the glaciers above, where summer skiing is possible. This is a particularly recommended excursion. To the south, the valley road from Steinach to Gschnitz gives access to several fine approach paths and a road runs from Gries am Brenner to the Obernberger See, an attractive mountain lake. The Zugspitze is, in fact, one of the Bavarian Alps, being just across the border. There are, however, cable car rides up from Ehrwald, northeast of Innsbruck, on the Austrian side. Despite the cost, they are certainly worth the trip - the magnificent panorama from the summit of the Zugspitze will, on a fine day, include the Grossglockner, the Swiss border, the southern Bavarian Alps and, of course, the mountains around Innsbruck. The Zugspitze can also be approached from Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany. Natters is a small village but, with its sister village, Mutters, is something of a holiday resort, particularly for walkers. It is very typically Tirolean with its onion-towered church and the farmhouses with their manure heaps outside (traditionally, the bigger the heap, the greater the farmer’s status!) Salzburgerland Salzburg was, for a long time, powerful as the seat of the prince-bishops who ruled the town and surrounding countryside (the Salzkammergut) rich in the salt from which their wealth was derived. Nowadays it is perhaps better known as the birthplace of Mozart. The influence of both has made the city one of the most interesting in Europe. The old town, with its churches and Italianate palaces built for the bishops, and colourful streets winding between shops and town houses, is brought to life by the buskers who serenade on every corner. Sights to see in particular include the cathedral square, St. Peter’s Church, the residence of the archbishop, Mozart’s birthplace and the Hohensalzburg fortress, with its excellent views of the city and surrounding area. Salzburg is also a place simply to wander around, savouring the atmosphere and August, the time of the Salzburg festival, is a particularly lively time with plays and concerts on every day. Zell am See - a climb on foot or by cable car from the town to the top of the Smittenhohe is an excellent way to get one’s bearings and to appreciate the geography of the area. The Zeller See is unusually warm for an Alpine lake as it is not fed by glacier water, so swimming and windsurfing on the lake are as popular as boating and fishing. St. Wolfgang one of the most popular resorts in the whole of Austria in a beautiful setting on the banks of the Wolfgangsee. The village centre has an ancient pilgrimage church and frescoed old buildings as well as the ‘White Horse Inn’ made famous by the Operetta of the same name. Music is very important to the resort, with light classical, folklore and operatic concerts and twice weekly brass band concerts in the village square. ‘The Sound of Music’ was filmed in nearby Salzburg and this area. Kössen is located in a spacious valley basin, amidst the impressive peaks of the Kaiser mountains and Kitzbühel Alps. It has a very pleasant and vivacious village character, and the beautiful houses are renowned for their rich painted facades and luscious window boxes. The parish church in the town, consecrated to Saint Peter and St. Paul, is the principal historical monument of the village and is at the same time one of the most important sacred buildings of the Tiroler Unterland region. The Hochschanz-Kalvarienberg nature trail is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Kössen. Panels give information on the fauna and flora in the wood. In order to make it suitable for everyone this trail is easy to walk. Many benches and tables have been installed in attractive spots along the route. The marvellous view of the whole Kaiserwinkel region with the majestic peaks of the “Kaiser” mountain range should delight everyone. Mountains Whilst there are many interesting excursions into the mountains which are possible by car, exploration by railway, cable car, chairlift, foot or any combination of these may prove more rewarding. For walking, a good pair of shoes or, much better, walking boots is an obvious essential and, on longer walks, anoraks and jumpers should be taken. Paths are generally well marked, particularly in the valleys. Maps these are easily obtainable in all the main towns and mountain centres. The 1:50,000 ‘Kompass Wanderkarte’ series, issued by the Austrian Alpine Club, is very clear and will probably be the best buy. Another interesting publication is a small book entitled ‘Mountain Rambles in Austria’, an Austrian government publication which can be obtained from most Austrian tourist agencies abroad. Incidentally, equipment for walkers is easy to find in Austria and often very reasonably priced. Mountain inns are a 51 delightful feature of the Austrian Alpine scene. Their basic function is to provide refreshment and very often accommodation for walkers and mountaineers, both in the valleys and at higher altitudes. Cable-Car/Chair-Lift Rides An excellent idea to combine with walking. Some cable cars are not open until the beginning of June, so check locally. The access paths are well defined and signposted and, although some are arduous, they do not as a rule present any technical difficulties. Several possibilities from Kaprun and Zell am See. The ten minute cable car trip from Hallein on to The Dürnberg is unforgettable and brings you to the starting point for visiting the salt mine, the mining museum, the open air museum with the Celtic village and the royal grave at Bad Dürnberg. Innsbruck 52 Bruges BELGIUM & LUXEMBOURG Motoring in Belgium & Luxembourg Belgium and Luxembourg have similarities not only in their geography, but also the driving rules and regulations. Speed Limits Motorways 120 kph (74 mph) Main Road 90 kph (56 mph) Built-up areas 50 kph (30 mph) Seat Belts - Wearing of seat belts is compulsory. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front in Belgium and in Luxembourg under 10’s are recommended to sit in the back. A child of any age must have a suitable restraining system. Driving on sidelights is not allowed at night in Luxembourg. Sidelights required when parked at night where there is no public lighting. Compulsory to flash headlights at night when overtaking outside builtup areas. Motorways The system is good throughout and is toll free. Two motorways take you to the Ardennes and Brussels from the ferry ports: * via France E42 (Calais - Lille - Tournai - Namur - Liège) * via Ostend E40 (Ostend - Brussels - Liège) Where trams are used in Belgian towns and cities remember these take priority over all other vehicles and that overtaking is strictly forbidden when passengers are alighting or getting on trams and buses. Driving on sidelights is not allowed at night in Luxembourg. Speed trap cameras and unmarked police cars operate throughout Belgium and on the spot fines are common. Fuel - All types of petrol are available. Credit cards are accepted at the majority of service stations.It is forbidden to carry fuel in a can in a vehicle. 53 Drinking and Driving: There are severe penalties if you drink and dirve including fines or prison. If you cannot pay a fine on the spot your car will be impounded. Accidents and Breakdown: place the warning triangle, which should be carried at all times, 30m behind the vehicle (it must be visible from at least 100m.). Dial 112 to call the emergency services from a mobile phone in both countries. Fines: fines are on the spot. Unauthorised or dangerous parking can result in a car being impounded or removed. Parking: permitted in ‘Blue Zones’ only with a properly displayed parking disc. Parking meters and ticket machines are also in use. The police will clamp illegally parked vehicles. Money Currency: both countries use the Euro. Banks are open from 09:00 to 16:00 in Belgium. In Luxembourg there is no steadfast rule, although generally they tend to be 09:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 16:00, and a number are open over the lunch period. Credit Cards: the major credit cards, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club, are widely accepted but often a minimum sales amount is required. You should check whether this is the case before each transaction. Travellers’ Cheques: to change travellers’ cheques you will need your passport or some form of photographic identification. The commission charge will vary depending on where cheques are exchanged. Post offices: usually open from 8.00 a.m. to 13.30 am and from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekdays (closed Saturdays). Some smaller offices may have shorter opening hours. The postage boxes are yellow and are attached to walls. Telephoning from Belgium and Luxembourg back to U.K. 00 - 44. In Belgium emergency number for police is 101 and for medical services 100. From a mobile it is 112. In Luxembourg its is 113 for police and 112 for medical services. Holiday Health Medical and Dental Treatment: treatments and prescribed medicines must be paid for. Obtain and keep all receipts for everything paid for then a refund an be claimed although not always for the full amount. Language In Belgium, French is spoken in Wallonia and Brussels, German in the eastern cantons and Flemish by 15% of people in the Brussels region. In Luxembourg French and German are the main languages spoken. Transport In Belgium Metro is available only in Brussels. A dense train network connects all of Belgium. National and international passes are available at major train stations in Belgium. The B-rail website will give you timetables, price and online ticket for your train trip in Belgium. Trains leave, on average, every half- hour between all major Belgian cities. The first train leaves at approximately 5:00 am and the last one departs at approximately 11:00 pm. In Luxemourg the train and bus network overs more than 870 miles and practically every locality has bus connections. Times tables (for bus and train) are on sale at the stations and different book shops. Departure and arrival hours of public trasport are found at the bus stops and at the stations. Shopping In Belgium shops are usually open from 09:00 to 18:00, but many will still be trading late into the evening or even on a Sunday. In smaller towns and villages , a number of shops close for lunch. Virtually all towns have a weekly market day. Special markets are well worth a visit. Information about antique, flower vegetable markets and rummage sales are available from the local tourist office. In Luxembourg the scattering of small traditional shops make it an excellent shopping centre. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are generally the easiest and cheapest places to shop for foodstuffs. 54 Typical products from Luxembourg are Moselle wine, chocolates, Villeroy & Boch porcelain. Shopping hours: normal shopping hours are from 8.00am. to 12 noon and from 2.00 pm. to 6.00 p.m. Shops are often closed on Monday mornings and late night shopping may operate one evening a week, usually Thursdays. Eating Out A gourmet’s dream - the food tends to be very rich with even more butter and cream lavished on the cuisine than in France. You can wash down your meal with French or German wines (also obtainable cheaply in the self-service stores), but the national drink is locally-brewed beer. Belgium is a country famous for its local breweries. Over one hundred beers will testify to its Burgundian origin.There will of course be a wide choice of cream cakes and desserts with which to finish. Prices vary enormously so study the menu at the entrance to choose a restaurant that suits your mood, your appetite and your pocket. There is a good range of restaurants and cafés in Luxembourg where anything from a snack to a full meal is available. Many hotels also have restaurants open to non-residents. Most cafés serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate and the usual range of soft drinks as well as alcohol. By law all restaurants must show their menu with prices outside the door. The ‘Menu du jour’ or ‘Menu Touristique’ is a full 3-course meal (drinks not included).Luxembourg cuisine is understandably a combination of German heartiness and Franco-Belgian finesse. Specialities include smoked pork with broad beans - ‘Judd mat Gaardebounen’, jellied suckling pig - ‘cochon de lait en gelée’, smoked Ardennes ham - ‘Eisleker Haam’ - cut very thinly and served boiled or raw, either on a slice of bread or on its own and garnished with asparagus. Local wines are mainly produced along the banks of the Moselle river. Whilst they resemble the wines of the French Moselle, they are drier and not as fruity. Public Holidays In Belgium: Jan 1. Jul 21. Aug 15. Nov 1/11. Dec 25 plus Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Ascension Day In Luxembourg: Jan 1. Jun 23. Aug 15. Sep 3. Nov 1. Dec 25/26 plus Easter Monday, Whit Monday, Ascension Day Belgian Tourist Office for Brussels & Ardennes, 225 Marsh Wall London E14 9FW Tel: 0800 9545 245 website: www.belgium-tourism.com For Flanders: Flanders House, 1A Cavendish Sq London W16 0LD Tel: 0906 3020 245 website: www.visit.flanders.co.uk Luxembourg National Tourist & Trade Office, 122 Regent St. London W1 R 5FE Tel: 020 7434 2800 website: www.luxembourg.co.uk Places to visit in Belgium Ghent, the capital of Flanders is famous primarily for the production of luxurious cloths which were exported all over Western Europe and Northern Africa. Ghent has become one of the largest and most heavily populated cities in Flanders, a city of European significance and north of the Alps surpassed only by Paris. Medieval Ghent was at one time Anglophile and at another Francophile. The town obstinately played off France against England, using both superpowers for its own economic and political interests. Visiting Ghent means strolling through European history. Apart from 2 medieval castles, 19 museums, 5 abbeys and 3 beguinages, you will come across dozens of churches and historic buildings. From the beautiful monumental St. Michael’s Bridge, there is an unparalleled three-way view of three of Ghent’s most famous towers. St.Bavo’s Cathedral is a beautiful building which combines three different architectural styles, Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. The Belfry, situated next to the cathedral, was a symbol of the power of the different guildsin the Middle Ages. A boat trip on the Canals is highly recommended.Covered and uncovered boats leave and return to the Graslei each day from Easter to the end of October between 10:00 and 19:00. Boats leave every 30 minutes and the trip lasts about 35 minutes. Bruges (Brugge) is regarded as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. It is a romantic open-air museum of churches, elegant houses, famous canals and internal ports and is best visited on foot. You can park the car on the ring road or in one of the town centre’s underground car parks. A walk or boat trip along 55 the canals will reveal the most picturesque part of the romantic inner city. A boat trip lasts about half an hour and you can then continue your trip on foot. In the Middle Ages, Bruges was an international port linked to the sea by the Zwin. The poetically named Lake of Love was the internal port of Bruges. The enormous main square or Grote Markt is dominated by The Belfry famous for its 83m high octagonal tower and its magnificent carillon. Brussels (Bruxelles or Brussel) represents the core of Belgian economic, political and cultural life and is now home to more international organisations than any other capital in Europe. It has become the centre of gravity for all currents of ideas and activity. Building development is tremendous - huge administrative blocks and commercial centres have sprung up everywhere. The rich tradition of its majestic architecture means that it is able to boast one of the most beautiful old squares in the world which creates a striking contrast with the futuristic Atomium. The Grand Place is surrounded by a labyrinth of small streets, full of friendly hustle and bustle, which together form the “Sacred Isle”. The streets here have evocative names such as Pepper Street, Butter Street, Butchers’ Street, Meat and Bread Street and Herb Market Street. Today these streets are lined with shops offering Brussels’ world-famous lace, typical Belgian restaurants, boutiques and centuries of memories. Shopping is a pleasure in Brussels and the choice and variety of goods is impressive. For those who enjoy looking for more unusual bargains, a flea market is held every day in ‘Place du Jeu de Balle’ and a daily flower market adds a splash of colour to the ‘Grand-Place’. Museums and art galleries in Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp are worth a visit to see some of the masterpieces of Flemish art and culture. Bruges 56 Places to Visit in Luxembourg Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and one of the most important administrative centres of Europe. It is the home of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg as well as of the country’s government and the European Parliament and Court of Justice. It is a very striking city with beautiful hills and valleys, busy shopping streets and pretty garden terraces. The old part of the city is where all the principal sights and shopping areas are to be found as well as the impressive Ducal Palace. The Notre-Dame cathedral was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century. The European Parliament building and the Court of Justice are in the section of the city known as Kirchberg. Walking routes through the old parts of the city are available from the Tourist information office. Larochette is a quaint old market town lying in the narrow, rocky valley of the ‘White Ernz’ and is a very popular tourist centre. The town is dominated by the ruins of two ancient castles which stand on a rocky crag, once part of a hugefortress whose origins date back to the 12th and 14th centuries. Concerts and cultural activities take place all year round in Larochette, but the main attraction is the town’s beautiful natural setting amid superb walking country. There are numerous pathways leading from the town, one of the most attractive being to the ‘Nommerlayen’, and to the famous ‘Champignon’, or ‘mushroom rock’. Diekirch, is a commercial and cultural centre whose church dates from the 7th and 9th centuries. The streets and lanes, the public squares with their fountains, the brewery and the houses of old Diekirch all deserve a visit. The Moellderdall Region (Mullerthal). This is Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland”, a fascinating landscape of curious sandstone rock formations, narrow passages, deep ravines and mysterious caves. The extensive network of well-maintained footpaths invites the visitor to discover the dramatic landscape of picturesque gorges, ancestral castles and romantic waterfalls. Echternach is a beautiful town lying on the banks of the Sure river, which forms the border with Germany. It is especially well-known for its dancing procession which takes place each Whit Tuesday. It is the only one of its kind in the whole world dating back for centuries and attracts thousands of pilgrims and interested spectators. The Moellderdall Region (Mullerthal) is Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland”, a fascinating landscape of curious sandstone rock formations, narrow passages, deep ravines and mysterious caves. The extensive network of well-maintained footpaths invites the visitor to discover the dramatic landscape of picturesque gorges, ancestral castles and romantic waterfalls. The country has many varied attractions to offer the tourist: delightful scenery, interesting historic cities and a wide range of recreational activities. In the north are the North Sea and Baltic coast with its myriad of islands. The adjoining North German plain is dotted with low hills and a multitude of lakes. Then comes the densely wooded medium altitude mountains traversed by the great river valleys. The extreme South offers the most dramatic scenery and peaks of the Alpine ranges.Castles and palaces, churches and monasteries, ancient walled towns with gates and towers, romantic streets and narrow alleyways make your visit all the more rewarding. The many large cities are leading centres of culture where you can visit museums, good restaurants and shops. 57 GERMANY Motoring in Germany Speed Limits Motorways 130 kph (80 mph) Dual Carriageway 130 kph (80 mph) Ordinary Road 100 kph (62 mph) Built-Up areas 50 kph (30 mph) Cars with trailers (including caravans) are not allowed to exceed 80 km/h on any roads including autobahns. Seat Belts - Wearing of these is compulsory in the front and rear of vehicles where fitted.Children under 12 must not travel in the front seat. Dipped headlights are obligatory in poor weather and driving on sidelights is prohibited. Cars with trailers (including caravans) are not allowed to exceed 80 km/h on any roads including autobahns. Motorways With around 11,000 toll-free kilometres, Germany’s Autobahn system is one of the world’s most advanced motorway networks. However, it is very heavily used in places and traffic travels very quickly. Traffic jams do sometimes occur especially around major cities. If you understand German it is worth tuning in to the local radio station to obtain information. Frequencies are marked on the side of the motorway and the keyword to listen for is ‘Stau’(traffic jam). Signs for motorways are in blue. Tourist Information boards are posted in all the modern motorway service areas. Together with the excellent network of federal and state highways, the Autobahns make it possible for motorists to reach their destination quickly and comfortably. Even the minor roads are well maintained. On average you will find an autobahn service area every 50km. Vehicles travelling at less than 60 kph are prohibited on motorways and expressways. 58 Fuel prices are not standard and may vary. Unleaded (Bleifrei) and diesel are available everywhere with LPG more widely available than in other European countries. Large petrol stations (members of chains) usually accept credit cards, but small, independent stations may not. Drinking and Driving Drivers found to be over the limit (breath test and blood sample) can expect severe penalties and the loss of their driving licence. If a driver who has been drinking is involved in an accident, whether or not he caused it, he will be punished for drink-driving even if he is below this limit. Mobile phones may only be used in conjunction with a hands-free system. Failure to comply with road traffic laws can be punished by a fine or even the loss of your driving licence. Accidents and Breakdown: in the case of a breakdown on a motorway, telephone 110 for the ‘Strassenwachthilfe’ or breakdown service which provides help free to members of affiliated motoring organisations, charging only for parts. Emergency telephones ‘Notrufsäule’ are situated every 2kms on the motorways. Green and white striped posts with a green arrow are situated at regular intervals indicating the direction of the nearest emergency telephone. It is essential that a red warning triangle is displayed. If involved in an accident, an accident report for‘Unfallprotokoll’ should be completed. Callboxes with two luminous red stripes, installed alongside certain roads, contain an emergency telephone, which can be used without inserting money. Lift the receiver and pull the emergency lever and an automatic connection will be made with the Fire Brigade or the Police. Otherwise, dial 110 for the police and ambulance and 112 for the fire brigade. Parking: car parks ‘Percolate’ are often labelled ‘PKW’ for cars as opposed to ‘LKW’ lorries. Discs ‘Parkscheiben’ are available from tourist offices or garages for the Blue Zones, which operate in many towns. It is forbidden to park where there is the sign ‘Nur fur Anlieger’ residents only and in all cases should park on the right side of the road. Money The official currency is the Euro. Where to change money: currency and travellers can be exchanged at banks and at exchange offices‘Wechsel’. A passport or some other form of photographic identification will be required to exchange travellers’ cheques. Banks: opening hours are determined by the individual banks, and can vary greatly although no branches stay open later than 6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays all banks are closed. For guidance they are generally open Mondays to Fridays 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:30 - 17:00.Many banks have a foyer with ATMs which can be accessed 24 hours a day. Credit Cards: credit cards are widely accepted in Germany, though not often used for everyday expenses. Restaurants, hotels, stores, train stations and other places regularly frequented by tourists will almost all accept. Post Offices: Postampt are open 08:00 - 18:00 and 08:00 - 12:00 on Sats although times may vary from town to town. Post boxes are yellow with the emblem of a post horn. Briefmarken - stamps can often be bought with your postcards Postkarte as well as at the Post Office. Internet: practically every reasonable-sized town has an Internet café or connection point of some sort. Telephones: call boxes are grey and pink. There are still some coin boxes but more common are card phones, particularly in the cities. Phone cards may be bought from post offices, news stands, book shops and other small shops in the amounts of €5, €10, and €0. It is also possible to phone from the cabins in post offices and pay the counter clerk after the call. To dial abroad from Germany dial 00, then the country code, the area code and then the number required. Look out particularly for those phone boxes marked with a green disc bearing the word ‘Ausland’ or ‘International’ in white. Emergency numbers: Police 110, Fire Brigade and Ambulance 112 Transport German cities have an excellent network of streets, buses, subways and rapid-transit railways, making it convenient and easy to get around. Equally efficient networks beyond the local city limits make travelling throughout the country inexpensive and safe. Rail: the national rail network is operated by Deutsche Bahn (German Rail) and is one of the most extensive and advanced networks anywhere in Europe with the flagship InterCityExpress (ICE) trains capable of travelling up to 198 miles per hour. Tickets and information can be found at any station in Germany. 59 Underground/Bus/Metro: most major German cities have an underground, bus and tram system. A point to note is that on public transport services the fare should be paid prior to boarding the vehicle using an automated ticketing machine. The ticket then needs to be date stamped separately using the dating machines on board the vehicle or at the entry gates of major stops. Taxis: very easily available in all major cities and are usually recognizable as cream coloured Mercedes Benz. Shopping There are no standard shopping hours, but most shops are open from 09:00 to 18:30, Monday to Friday and close on Saturdays at 14:00, all day Sunday and public holidays. Some smaller ones may close from 12.00 to 14.00. Many people speak quite good English. There is late night shopping in most big cities on Thursday until 20:00. On the whole prices are higher than in the UK. Supermarkets are generally the easiest and cheapest places for food shopping and most are well stocked with separate counters for meats, cheeses, etc. Apart from bakers and butchers small food shops are fairly few and far between. For general shopping the department stores ‘Kaufhalle’/’Kaufhof’, which are found in most of the larger towns, stock a much wider variety of goods. Many towns now have pedestrian precincts where it is not unusual to find small markets, particularly fruit markets and flower markets, a good example of which is in Freiburg. Types of shops: Bäkerei - bakery, Metzgerei - butcher. Fischhändler - fishmonger, Lebebsmittelhändler - grocer Supermarkt - supermarket, Markt - market, Kaufhof - Department Stores - are also found in most big towns. Chemists: there will be at least one chemist ‘Apotheke’, in a given area, which is open at all times. Details will be posted in the window of all local chemists. Doctors and Dentists They will usually speak good English, but in an emergency it is best to go to the outpatients department of a hospital Krankenhaus. Eating Out Simple but good is the best way to describe German food. Prices vary of course, so look at the menu outside to help you decide on a suitable restaurant. At lunchtime ‘Mittagessen’ there may well be several set menus ‘Gedecke’ to choose from. and in the evening ‘Abendessen’, the meal is more likely to be à la carte and in some places a smaller helping for the children Kinderportion can be ordered. There is always a superb range of cold meats and cheeses on offer. Soups feature heavily on menus. The traditional Vintners soup of the Rhine region is full of potatoes, vegetables and pieces of sausage. It is also very filling. German meals are very much meat based and the choice for vegetarians is therfore rather limited. Spicy pork steak marinated in wine and then grilled is a Rhineland delicacy, while venison roast goose and the famous “sauerkraut” feature on most restaurant menus in the Black Forest. Ham or bacon smoked over fragrant juniper and onion soup are also typical of this region. It also boasts the best trout in Germany which comes from the mountain streams. Desserts on offer tend to be delicious cream cakes like Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte (Black Forest Gateau) or the cherry pie from Baden Baden.To enjoy food in a typical setting try one of the Gaststäatten, busy eating and drinking places frequented by the locals.You can get a beer or a glass of wine in a snack bar or cafe, and coffee in a pub Gasthaus, which will often serve meals or snacks as well. Käsebrot and Wurstbrot are open sandwiches with cheese and sausage respectively. To request thebill, ask for ‘die Rechnung, bitte’. Service charge is usually included on the bill, but it is common practice to make this up to a suitable round figure.For a snack ‘Imbiss’ most towns have ‘fast food’ fare, which is relatively inexpensive. Beer is the German drink! There are so many different brands on offer that you will be spoilt for choice. Kirsch is a type of schnaps made from cherries, very strong and drunk in one swig by the locals. Equally warming though served cold is “Apfelkorn” a strong apple brandy drink. German wines, such as “Riesling” and “Mosel” are famous, and beer is the local drink of the south. 60 Public Holidays Jan 1. Apr 6/9. May 1/17/28. Oct 3. Dec 25/ 26 plus local folk festivals. Aug 15 - in certain areas only Moveable public holidays: Good Friday Easter Monday Whit Monday. German summer holidays tend to be staggered by region. German National Tourist, Board PO Box 2695. London W1A 3TN Telephone: 020 7317 0908 Customer brochure : 09001 600 100 www.germany-tourism.de Places to Visit Rhineland & Mosel The Rhine flows right across Germany from The Dutch border in the north to the Swiss border in the south. It is the longest river in western Europe and also the busiest as the constant flow of barges and passenger boats demonstrates. It is the spectacular scenery and views of the Rhine Gorge south of Koblenz that attracts the visitors. There are over 30 splendid castles and fortresses perched on rocky crags all the way along this part of the river. This area is also Germay’s most famous wine-growing area. The terraced vineyards stretch across the steep slopes of the valley and the banks of the river are lined with small picturesque wine towns and villages distinctive because of their medieval half-timbered houses. Köln or Cologne is dominated by its world-famous Gothic cathedral. Of the museums, the ‘WallrafRichartz and Ludwig Museum’ with its collection of 14th - 16th century paintings by Cologne masters is worth a visit. A more leisurely day could be spent wandering round some of the city’s tempting shops or along the banks of the Rhine. Koblenz is a small compact cosmopolitan city built on the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. From the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 100m above the river there is a magnificent view of the city. It has a picturesque old town and several impressive buildings like St. Kastors church. One of the liveliest meeting places for tourists and locals alike is the Weindorf or wine village, just outside the city centre, a popular spot to sample some of the locally produced Rhine and Moselle wines. Andernach and Boppard are two charming small towns either side of Koblenz both with a fine historical legacy and well preserved. They are worth a detour for the keen sightseer because of their attractive market squares and river front positions. St Goar situated south of Koblenz 14km from Boppard is at the narrowest stretch of the Rhine Gorge, a small but busy town on the left bank with a lively, friendly atmosphere. The Lorelei Rock is the main tourist attraction world famous for the legend of thebeautiful singing mermaid who sat on the rock and lured sailors on the river to their deaths. The other important attraction is the 13th century ruins of the Rheinfels Castle which stands high above the town. Cochem has a 19th century castle perched on the hillside and is a popular stopping place and wine tasting centre. Bernkastel-Kues with its many half-timbered houses, cathedral and 13th century castle is a very attractive town. Heidelberg has become the symbol of German romanticism for the entire world and is definitely worth a visit. It is one of Germany’s oldest and most famous university towns lying in the wooded valley of the River Neckar and dominated from on high by the ruined castle of the Palatinate Electors. The impressive university buildings complement the old cobbled river bridge, but the main flow of traffic is over a new road bridge. Trier, the capital of Roman antiquity in Germany, is also the native town of Karl Marx (1818-1883) whose house (Bruckenstrasse 10) is now a museum, which exhibits original documents about his life and actions. The cathedral and the ‘Hauptmarkt’ market have Roman origins. Black Forest Situated in the south-west corner of Germany, this is a state of great scenic beauty, magnificent palaces and romantic towns and villages famous for the best known area of medium altitude mountains in the country - die Schwarzwald or Black Forest. A network of signposted footpaths covering 23,000 kilometres crosses these rolling mountains with their extensive forests, deep valleys and hilltops offering superb views and is therefore very popular with walkers. 61 The Black Forest is criss-crossed with many tourist routes such as the German Clock Road which runs to places where the traditional art of clock and watch-making is still practised and whose best-known product, the cuckoo clock is famous throughout the world. The road from Triberg to Hornberg runs through a clock-making area and a number of shops line the roadside displaying clocks of all shapes and sizes. There are numerous palaces, castles and ruins perched on the hills of the Schwabische Alb due south of Stuttgart, for example Hohenzollern Castle, Sigmaringen Palace and Lichtenstein Palace. To the southeast of Tubingen, deep within the mountains, are many fascinating caves - Karlshohle (Karl’s Cave) and Barenhohle (Bear’s Cave) where a number of bear skeletons were discovered in 1949. The skeletons can still be seen together with many spectacular stalagmite and stalactite chambers. Freiburg is one of the largest and the most beautiful towns in the Black Forest region. The superb cathedral (Munster) dates back to the 13th century - its west tower has been described as the most beautiful tower in Christendom. Other architectural gems are the spacious choir and the main porch with its magnificent Gothic sculptures. There are several excellent outdoor cafes in the cobbled Munsterplatz, pleasant places to enjoy a coffee and soak up the atmosphere of the busy market stalls nearby. The Kaufhaus just across the square is one of many historic buildings to appreciate in the town. On the edge of the old town (Altstadt) there are two very attractive towers, the Martinstor and Schabentor, formerly the ancient town gates. From the municipal gardens (Stadtgarten) you can take a cable-car up the Schlossberg, which affords spectacular views of the city and the cathedral. Freiburg has several museums which offer the visitor the opportunity to appreciate local culture and folklore, natural history and works of art. www.freiburg-online.com In the south of this state lies the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and beyond it the majestic panorama of the Alps. In summer the views over the lake itself are delightful, full of yachts and windsurfers. The lovely lake of Titisee in the heart of the Forest is very popular with holidaymakers due to its setting and the many water sports available here. Staufen is a typical German town with brightly painted houses all round the square. A walk through the vineyards up to the ruined castle offers good views across the Rhine plain into France. Baden-Baden is an ancient spa town and attractive resort. The Kurhaus and Trinkhalle (pump room) were built in the 19th century. Also worth seeing is the Lichtentaler Allee, a promenade which runs beside the river Oos. The Renaissance castle houses a museum with collections of paintings and china. Designed in the 19th century by Parisian architects, the Casino at Baden-Baden is probably the most beautiful in the world. Overlooked by a densely wooded plateau, Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemburg and offers a number of sights of interest to visitors. The art gallery - ‘Neue Staatsgallerie’ - is a spectacular modern building with a good 20th century art collection. Next door is the original art gallery which houses paintings from the 14th to 19th centuries. Historically important as a centre for the German car industry, Stuttgart is home to the museums of Daimler-Benz and Porsche. Several places of interest can be found south of Stuttgart. ‘Schloss Lichtenstein’ (take the B27 to Tübingen and then the B312 eastwards) is one of the most popular castles in Baden-Württemberg. Holland is a land of beautiful of blooms, water, windmills, cheese-making and cycle lanes. It is a compact country and because of its size and efficient public transport system offers numerous opportunities for the tourist within a maximum of 100 mile radius. The Dutch people are very friendly and English is widely spoken. The country is well-known for its culture, history and art. There are more museums per square kilometre than anywhere in the world. It is also very famous for its flowers in general and for the tulip in particular. Identification Everybody from the age of 14 is required to be able to show a valid identity document to police officers and other law enforcement authorities on their request.A child aged 14-16 years currently on a parent’s passport is not considered to have a valid identity document and as such will be required to have his or her own. 62 Amsterdam HOLLAND Motoring in Holland The Dutch network of modern, well-maintained roadways include highspeed, limited access motorways, dual carriageways and secondary roads. The green “E” symbol indicates international motorways, the red “A” indicates national motorways. Other main roads are marked by small yellow signposts and the letter “N”.You should give way to traffic coming from the left along roads with right of way and at crossroads. Priority must be given to bus drivers pulling away from stops in built-up areas and to pedestrians on zebra crossings. Speed Limits Motorways 100 or 120 km per hour unless otherwise indicated Outside built up areas 80kms per hour Built-up zones 50kms per hour Campervans over 3,500 kg in weight may not exceed 80km per hour. Cars towing a caravan or trailer are limited to 80 kph outside built up areas. On motorways around Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht, the speed limit is 100 kph. Yellow signs on the middle section of the motorway indicate this. You should give way to traffic coming from the left along roads with right of way and at crossroads. Priority must be given to bus drivers pulling away from stops in built-up areas and to pedestrians on zebra crossings. Seat Belts: it is compulsory for passengers in both front and rear seats to wear seat belts if fitted. Children under the age of 12 must be seated in the back of the vehicle. Headlights: unzipped headlights cannot be used during the day and when their use inconveniences other traffic or pedestrians. At night it is prohibited to drive with sidelights only. Tolls There is only one toll payable in Holland when you pass through the Dordseekill near Dordrecht. 63 Fuel: unleaded petrol is widely available (‘loodvrije benzine’) . Diesel and LPG are available. Petrol can be carried in a can. Credit Cards accepted at most filling stations. Drinking and driving: severe penalties, which can include imprisonment, are imposed on anyone convicted of drinking and driving. Mobile phones: it is prohibited to use mobile phones in cars without a headset or car kit. The phone may not even be held in your hand. The ban applies not only when actually driving but also sitting in a traffic jam. you are allowed to use a mobile phone when parked. Violation of this prohibition carries a €140 fine (minimum). In addition, your cell phone may be confiscated. Parking: most towns have ‘Blue Zones’ for parking and free parking disks can be obtained from police stations. Do not park on roads with a ‘Stop-Verbod’ sign (a blue disk with a red border and red diagonals) or on cycle paths or footpaths. Parking spaces in towns are at a premium so the penalties for illegal parking are severe. Wheel clamps are frequently used on illegally parked cars. The police may impose on the spot fines or even tow the vehicle away. Parking in the centre of Amsterdam is expensive and you are better advised to use public transport or park on the edge of the town at the Transferium next to the Ajax football stadium. There is space here for 2000 cars. You can purchase a day pass for which includes two return tickets to the city centre by underground. Accidents and Breakdown: place the warning triangle, which should be carried at all times, 30m behind the vehicle (it must be visible from at least 100m.). The yellow cars of the ANWB (Royal Dutch Touring Club) patrol most major roads, 24 hours a day. For emergency assistance, travellers may phone the ANWB from the yellow booths located along highways. The free emergency ANWB phone number is 0800 08 88. It is compulsory to carry vehicle documents for trailers and caravans. Money Currency: the official currency is the Euro. Banks: most banks are open from Tuesday to Friday 09:00 - 16:00 and open on Mondays at 13:00. Credit Cards: although widely accepted, they cannot be used everywhere, particularly supermarkets. It is advisable to check that the establishment can accept the card before making purchases. Travellers’ Cheques: a passport or need some form of photographic identification will be needed to change travellers’ cheques. Commission charge will vary. Exchange can be done at most banks and now also at all GWK offices which are also open on Saturday and Sunday. Post Offices: the ‘Postkantoor’ is usually open Mondays - Fridays from 09:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., and in some larger towns also on late night shopping night (either Thursday night or Friday night), and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Post boxes are mounted on the wall and are red. Public call boxes: the telephone boxes are green. Phone cards can be obtained from post offices, tourist offices, railway stations and from all tobacconists. In major post offices there are telephone booths where call can be made, the units are recorded, and payment made at the end. Emergency Numbers: Police, fire brigade, ambulance: 112 .Police, non- emergency: 0900 8844. Holiday Health Medical and Dental Treatment: Ambulance travel is free only if a doctor agrees that it is necessary. Prescriptions: some prescribed medicines are free, for some part of the cost will have to be paid and for others the full cost will have to be paid. These charges are not refundable. Chemists: for minor ailments it is often simpler to go to the chemist rather than a doctor. These are usually open Monday to Friday from 8 - 9.00am. until 5.30pm. Language Dutch is the national language of Holland. However, English is spoken by almost everyone. Transport Trains Holland has a very compact and efficient rail network. Each day, 4,200 passenger trains run on the 1,900 miles of track. There are two types of trains: intercity and local. An intercity timetable is available from ticket offices throughout Holland and service frequencies vary from two to eight trains an hour. Seat reservation is not possible. Fares are cheaper than in most other European countries and 64 there are a host of special saver tickets that make train travel even cheaper. Children under three travel free and there is a cheap rate for four to eleven year olds. The Holland Rail Pass allows you unlimited travel for any 3 or 5 days, not necessarily consecutive, around Holland within one month. This is great value for money as the second person travels half price on this ticket. Buses: another very efficient system, with bus terminals usually situated near to railway stations. The city buses run within the boundaries of larger towns. The regional buses travel in and around main cities and the smaller towns nearby. Taxis: a taxi can be booked in advance with local taxi companies. In some larger cities a taxi can be hailed on the street or at one of the taxi ranks. Taxis can be recognized by the blue licence plates with black letters and digits and the taxi sign on top of the roof. Tram and metro: the cities of The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam offer transportation by tram. Amsterdam and Rotterdam also have a subway system. Most tram and subway services start at 6 a.m. and run until approximately 12 midnight. Canal buses: provide the ideal transport along the canals of Amsterdam. Boats operate a regular service along the canals on three routes: the Green Line, the Red Line and the Blue Line. The 14 stops are located near the major museums, attractions and shopping centres. Cycling Holland is true cycling country. It’s flat terrain and moderate climate create the perfect environment for cyclists. There are about 20,000 specially designated cycle paths and routes to explore. The path network is clearly marked with ANWB’s (royal Dutch Touring Club) red and white signs and mushroom-shaped posts indicating the quickest or most scenic route from A to B. Obligatory separate cycle lanes are indicated by round blue signs with a white bicycle. Bicycles can be hired in practically every city, town and village at very reasonable prices. Not only are 300 railway stations equipped to make arrangements for transporting bicycles but at least 100 railway stations rent them out as well. Netherlands Railways have developed a special “Ride With U2” programme to give the holidaymaker the opportunity of seeing Holland by train and bicycle. Shopping Most shops are open from Tuesday to Friday between 09:00 - 18:00, on Saturdays between 09:00 and 17:00. On Monday, many shops are closed in the mornings and open between 11:00 and 13:00 and close at 18:00. Most cities have late-night shopping (until 21:00) on Thursdays or Fridays. In the main cities, many shops are open on Sunday from 12:00- 17:00. In most holiday and tourist resorts many shops are open at night, too. For business hours on Sundays or late night shopping, please call a local tourist information office in the city of your destination. For the mostpart,the same goods are available in the shops in the Netherlands as in the U.K. Hypermarkets and modern shopping malls are becoming more popular. Perhaps the most famous Dutch treats are its cakes and biscuits such as ‘Stroopwafels’ (butter waffles sandwiched together with stroop syrup). Holland is also well known for its cheeses. The varieties sold locally, such as Edammer and Gouda are available in varying stages of maturity and becomes tastier as they grow older. Leerdammer is strong, creamy and full of holes. For real quality try the specialist shop ‘Kaaswinkel’ or the market stalls. Eating Out Where to Eat: a bar serving food ranging from sandwiches and snacks to full meals is known as an Eetcafé. They are usually open throughout the day. Two relatively cheap options are the ‘dagschotels’ dish of the day and the tourist menu, which consists of 3 courses and is offered in most restaurants. Look for the blue ‘Tourist Menu’ sign outside. The range of restaurants serving foreign cuisine is extensive. Noordzee is a nationwide chain of fish restaurants serving snacks and lunches of fish specialities including salted raw herring, smoked eel and mackerel in a roll. Fast food chains sell chips (usually covered in mayonnaise unless otherwise requested), ‘kroketten’ (spicy meatballs deep-fried in breadcrumbs) or ‘fricandel’ (frankfurter-type sausage). Bakers or Banketbakkerij have a small serving area where it is possible to eat the cakes and pastries on the premises. Try delicacies such as ‘amandelkoek’ (a cake with a biscuit outside and almond paste in the middle) or ‘Appelgebak’ (apple and cinnamon tart). A typical Dutch breakfast consists of several varieties of bread, thin slices of Dutch cheese, cold meats, boiled eggs and butter, jam and honey. Lunch is usually a sandwich (broodjes) with one of a wide range of fillings in the sandwich bars ‘broodjeswinkels’. Dinner is the most substantial meal of the day with ‘erwtensoep’ (thick pea soup with smoked sausage and bacon), ‘hutspot’ (potatoes, carrots and onions) and ‘klapstuk’ (stewed lean beef) being typical dishes. Fresh 65 fish is plentiful and widely served in restaurants and snack bars. Most drinking is done either in the cosy environs of a brown café (bruine kroeg) - so named because of the colour of the tobacco-stained walls - or in more modern-looking bars, usually catering to a younger crowd. Generally bars are open till around 1am during the week, 2am at weekends. Public Holidays Jan 1, April 30, May 5, Dec 25/26 Variable holidays: Easter Sunday/Monday, Ascension, Whit Sunday and Monday. Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, PO Box 30783, London WC 2B 6DH Tel.:O20 75 39 79 50 www.holland.com Places to Visit Amsterdam, the capital of Holland is not merely one of Europe’s most beautiful old cities, but is also a centre for radical thought and social policies which create a tolerant broad-minded atmosphere. It is also world-renowned for its unusual Red Light district. Sometimes The Hague is mistaken for the Dutch capital as it is the seat of the government where parliament meets and the Dutch High Court sits. Amsterdam is where things happen - it is the financial, economic an social heart of the country, and with its 62 museums, 60 art galleries, 32 theatres and 12 concert halls, it is undoubtedly the cultural capital as well. It has a unique network of more than 100 canals flowing under some 1,000 graceful bridges. Four main canals form the arteries and are a legacy of the trade and wealth of the Dutch commercial empire. On these four canals there is a greater concentration of monumental architecture from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries than can be found in any other European capital. The attractive little streets between the canals house a wide range of unusual small shops. Some of them specialise in selling dozens of varieties of one particular item such as whisky, beer, coffee and chocolates. It is a very compact city and is easily visited on foot. Not to be missed are the Van Gogh museum, Anne Frank’s House and the Rijksmuseum which traces Dutch history from prehistoric times to the present and displays paintings and sculpture from 16th to 19th century. Amsterdam is world famous for its diamond trade and there are guidedtours of several of the cutting and polishing shops. ‘Artis Zoo’ in Amsterdam is not only a zoo but also a planetarium and geological museum. Rotterdam is an ultra-modern city. It is one of the greatest ports in the world and the links with the sea go back for centuries. Two of the main attractions are:Maritiem Museum and Euromast, built in 1960 as an observation platform. A lift takes you quickly up to the Space Platform which is situated at a height of about 100 metres. From here a slowly rotating Space Cabin takes you right to the top to a height of 185 metres. Here you can enjoy a superb view of the Rhine-Mas delta and the port. The Hague has a conveniently compact city centre and is famous for its Houses of Parliament, some parts of which date back to the 13th Century. Next to this building you will find the Mauritshuis Museum, a 17th century palace with a world famous collection of paintings dating from the Golden Age including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens, and Van Dyck. The Denneweg is one of the main shopping streets famous for its concentration of antique shops. One of the best known landmarks is the Madurodam (www.madurodam.nl), a miniature “city” rebuilt to a 1/25th of its actual scale. A great variety of houses, churches, schools and motorways as well as the Dutch Parliamentary buildings and Schipol airport are on display here. At night 50,000 lights illuminate this magnificent miniature town. Utrecht is the geographic heart of Holland and its fourth city. It forms an interesting combination of old and new. It has one of the largest modern covered shopping malls in the country, Hoog Catharijne, with 5 sparkling kilometres of store windows. However it is fascinating to explore the ancient streets around the tree-lined wharfs of the 13th and 14th century canalswith names like Goose Market, Knights Court and Old New Street. The Dom Cathedral is 600 years old and has a tower rising 112 metres above the ground. The 13 bells of Europe’s largest carillon also ring out from this tower. Delft is an old and beautifully preserved town which lies half-way between The Hague and Rotterdam and is famous for its porcelain. Hand-painted Royal Blue Delftware is still being produced in the town. In the centre of Delft lies the Markt, dominated by two impressive buildings, the Town Hall a 17th century masterpiece and Niewe Kerk (New Church) with a steeple which is more than 108 metres tall. Leiden is the oldest university town in the Netherlands with stately patrician houses along the Rapenburger Canal. It is famous for it collection of museums and the commemorative plaques on the 66 facades put up in memory of its illustrious inhabitants such Rembrandt, Descartes and Boerhaav Rijnsburg, a beautiful village on the river Rhine, has attractive houses and pretty gardens surrounded by fields of flowers. Look out for the annual flower parade in August when a display of beautiful floral floats winds its way from Rijnsburg to Leiden and the seaside town of Noordwijk. Zandvoort is a famous resort, with a boulevard, beaches, many shops and restaurants. Ideal for those wanting to do something in the evening. Windmills Holland without windmills would be like Switzerland without mountains. These tall towers with their rhythmically turning sails were, and still are in some areas, the mechanisms for regulating the flow of water through Holland’s arteries, Kinderdijk situated on the river Merwede in Southern Holland not far from Dordrecht has a cluster of 19 windmills which date back to 1740 and have been well preserved to the present day. Every Saturday afternoon in July and August, the mills are put into operation. From April to September one of the mills is open to the public every day from 09:30 17:30. Alternatively take a round trip by boat and view the mills from the river from 15th May to 15th September. Gardens Holland is world famous for its hundreds of colourful gardens and courtyards. The world’s largest flower auction Bloemenveiling takes place at Aalsmeer. It is a complex of 715,000m2 consisting of five auction halls. Every day 14,000 million flowers are traded to destinations all over the world. Activity reaches its peak early in the morning and visitors are recommended to come as soon as possible before 10am. At the beginning of September flower floats travel from Aalsmeer to Amstedam via Amstelveen. The entire parade about 5 km long, can be admired on Dam Square in Amsterdam. The “Greatest Flower Show on Earth” is situated halfway between Amsterdam and the Hague at Keukenhof. The 70 acres of gardens in the grounds of an old castle give the public a chance to view a variety of 6 million tulips, narcissi, hyacinths and other flowering bulbs. There are also beautiful water displays, age-old trees, flowering shrubs, works of art, theme gardens and a number of pavilions with flower arrangements. Much of the grounds is sheltered by glass so spring showers need not spoil the visitors’ appreciation. Surprising and inspiring – brimming with ideas, trends and features that you can apply in your own garden. It’s an experience you will never forget. There are also 5,000 square metres of indoor displays. Open from late March to mid May. Gouda is a pleasant country town with an attractive old market area. Gouda’s main claim to fame is its cheese market, which is held every Thursday morning in July and August. Clay pipes are another product of the town. Leisure Parks Duinrell at Wassenaar, between The Hague and Leiden, is an attraction park with a wide range of special attractions - roller coaster, 3D cinema, bob sleigh tracks and theatre shows. It also includes ‘Tikibad’, reputedly the largest and most exciting waterpark in Europe, with ‘lazy river’, waterslides and ‘space bowls’. Walibi Flevo in Flevoland, where the attractions include a water roller coaster, rapids, merry go rounds and a children’s village, is considered to have a topattraction in terms of speed and sensation - the suspended looping coaster. Het Arsenaal in Vlissingen describes itself as a maritime attraction centre and is part education, part entertainment. There is a huge pool where you can watch sharks swim past, a 160 foot viewing tower and the Carousel Entertainments Pavillion with its puppet theatre, fairground, slot machines and snooker tables. Zoos/Safari parks SafariPark Beekse Bergen at Hilvarenbeek where as well as the opportunity for observing the animals freely roaming around, there is also a chairlift and possibilities for water-skiing. Birds of prey exhibitions take place from May to October, three times a day. Aquariums The Dolphinarium at Harderwijk is famous for its shows with dolphins, orcas, seals and sea lions. Other attractions National Park De Hoge Veluwe is part of the Netherlands’ largest forest, where it is possible to wander through the forest on foot, possibly encountering deer or wild boar, or even to borrow a bike (no 67 charge) and use it to explore the park. One possibility is to cycle to the Kroller Muller Museum with its sculptures spread out in the forest.The entrance fee to the park includes entrance to the museum which is also famous for its collection of Van Gogh paintings and works by Seurat, Redon, Braque, Picasso and Mondrian Italy is a peninsula of Southern Europe that looks very much like a wellington boot. It is joined to mainland Europe in the north via the Alps mountain range and extends 1,300km south into the Mediterranean Sea, separating the Adriatic Sea to the east and Tyrrhenian sea to the west. Italy has land frontiers with France in the north-west, Switzerland and Austria in the north and Slovenia in the northeast. Keukenhof Gardens 68 Pisa ITALY Motoring in Italy Speed Limits Motorways 130 kph Main roads outside towns 110 kph Secondary and local roads 90 kph Built-up areas 50 kph Cars towing a trailer or caravan are limited to 70kph outside built-up areas and 80 kph on motorways. Seat Belts - are compulsory for everybody .Children - under the age of 3 are not allowed in the front and from 4 - 12 years only if they have a car safety seat. A heavy fine will be levied for non-compliance with this regulation. Headlights: use of dipped headlight is compulsory outside built up areas and during rain or poor visibility. Rear fog lights may only be used if visibility is less than 50 metres or in heavy rain. Dipped headlights should be used in tunnels. Motorways The Italian motorway network of over 6,000 km is one of the best developed in Europe. The autostrada are indicated by the letter “A” followed by the number written in white on a green background. They are almost all subject to tolls, except for brief stretches round towns. Emergency positions are located every 2km. Tolls have to be paid in cash or by using a “Viacard”. This is a motorway toll payment card which can be bought on the motorways or in banks. If paying with a credit card, you can use the VIACARD lane, but avoid lanes which read TELEPASS. The VIACARD is available from motorway service areas, toll booths, and some banks, tourist offices and tobacconists. The Mont Blanc Tunnel and the San Bernardo Tunnel are both payable by tolls. The autostrada are are usually very pretty, lined with flowers but broken up by numerous tunnels particularly in the north. Trucks over are not allowed to circulate on Sundays from 07:00 to 24:00 and sometimes includes Saturdays in the peak tourist season. The service areas are always open and, and offer other services such as restaurants, 69 bars, information offices and banking facilities. On other roads signs for ‘Centro’ (or a symbol of a dot surrounded by 3 outer rings) indicate the town centre, whereas ‘Tangential’ indicates the ring road. In towns, follow signs for ‘Tuttle le derision’ (all directions) unless the destination you require is signposted separately. State and provincial roads are distinguished by blue signs and white letters. Service stations are open from 07:30 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 19:00 with a shift system at weekends. Reflective jackets It is now compulsory to carry two reflective jacket in your car to wear at night and in bad light if the vehicule is involved in an accident or has to be left on the roadway in case of breakdown.They must conform with European Standard EN471. Useful motoring terms Accendere i Fare Switch on headlights Accendare i luci Switch on lights Banchini non transitable Keep off hard shoulder Caduta massi Falling rocks Divieto di Sosta No Parking Sosta Autorizzata Parking permitted Sosta Vietata No Parking Entrata Entry Parcheggio Parking Uscita Exit Rallentare Slow down Senso Unico One Way Fuel Unleaded (senza piomba) and diesel (gasolio) is available. Service stations are open 07:30 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 19:00 except on motorways when they are open all the time. British credit cards are not always accepted at petrol stations. Always carry enough cash just in case. It is also forbidden to carry fuel in the car. Many smaller petrol stations operate a self-service system when unmanned, whereby customers can insert notes to obtain a fixed amount of petrol. Accidents and breakdown: a red warning triangle must be displayed at least 50 metres behind the vehicle (or 150m on the motorway). If assistance is required, telephone 116 (multi-lingual service) and tell the operator your location, registration number and type of car. This number can also be used for urgent medical or legal advice. The nearest Italian Automobile Club (ACI) will be informed for immediate assistance. On motorways, emergency telephones are situated about 2 kms apart. In the case of an accident a bi-lingual accident form ‘Relazione d’Incidente’ must be completed. Should assistance be required, dial 113 for an ambulance. If the accident involves bodily injury, the incident must be reported to the police (dial 112). Fines: the police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for certain offences and can withdraw a driving licence for non-payment of a fine. Fines tend to be high and the police are required to give offenders a receipt for any fine paid. Parking: there is a white zone (‘zona disco’ written on the road) in most cities operating from 9am to 2.30pm and 4pm to 8pm Monday to Saturday. These discs can be obtained free of charge from petrol stations, and they allow parking for one hour. Do not leave a car in places marked ‘zona rimozione’, removal zone, ‘zona pedonale’ pedestrian zone, ‘sosta vietata’ no parking or ‘divieto di sosta’ no stopping zone . A car parked in any of these places may be towed away and a large fine will have to be paid to retrieve it. Language: Italian (official); German-, French-, and Slovene-speaking minorities. Money Currency: the official currency is the Euro. Banks are open 08:30 - 13:30 and 15:00 - 16:00 Mon - Fri, although vary slightly from city to city. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays. Foreign Exchange bureaux are open in important tourist resorts. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, but carry some cash to avoid disappointment. Cash can 70 be drawn at local cash points using a debit or credit card. Check with your bank before departure if it is compatible with the Italian system. Shops and restaurants in smaller towns may not accept credit cards. Post Offices are open from 08:30 - 17:00 On Saturdays they close at 12:00. Post Offices at airports and main Stamps- francobolli - can be bought at both ‘Ufficio postale’ and tobacconists. Post boxes ‘cassetta delle lettere’ are red, stamp Telephones: public call boxes are often found at service stations and bars and the most common type are orange. Phone cards are available from tobacconists. It is necessary to remove the corner marked ‘strappare’ before using a phone card. Emergency Telephone Numbers 12 Phone Directory Assistance 112 for Carabinieri’s service 113 for Emergency Police Help 115 for the Fire Department 116 for the A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) - for road side assistance 118 for Medical Emergencies 176 International Inquires Holiday Health Medical and Dental Treatment: British visitors to Italy are entitled to all medical services available to residents. If medical treatment is required go to the local Sickness Insurance Office (Unità Sanitaria Locale/USL) where a certificate of entitlement (‘libretto’) will be provided as well as and a list of doctors (‘dottore’) and dentists (‘dentista’). Take the certificate to one of these doctors/dentists who will carry out treatment free of charge. Without the certificate of entitlement treatment will probably have to be paid for and it may be difficult to get a refund, although a claim could be made on a holiday insurance policy. Should there then be a need to go to hospital, the doctor will provide a ‘proposta di ricovero’, which entitles the bearer to reduced cost treatment in certain hospitals. Take the certificate back to the USL for authorisation. They will then advise which hospitals offer free treatment. If it is not possible to contact the USL before going to hospital, show a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), to the hospital authorities who will normally contact the USL on the patient’s behalf. Most hospitals have an emergency department (‘pronto soccorso’) where immediate, free treatment will be given. It may not be necessary to present an EHIC but it is wise to take it along. A percentage of the cost of prescribed medicines will have to be paid under this scheme. If charged for any medicines or treatment, make sure that all receipts are retained as these will be required if a claim is made on your holiday insurance policy. Chemists: For minor ailments it is often simpler to go to the chemist rather than a doctor. They can often recommend an effective and inexpensive treatment, although without a doctor’s prescription no reclaims of costs can be made. Transport Trains: the national train operator is Trenitalia which operates long distance, medium distance and regional passenger trains. The various services are Eurostar Italia (ES), which provides the fastest connection between the main Italian cities, Intercity (IC) and Eurocity (EC), which together cover the entire railway network in Italy, Regional trains, which are local and stop at nearly every station. Buses: bus travel is not as popular as travel by train. The national carriers are SITA, Autostradale and Lazzi and where their services end then regional companies offer transport to smaller, less accessible places. Bus timetables are available from local tourist offices and travel agents. Tickets must be bought in advance at tobacconists, news kiosk or bar and should be stamped once on board the bus. Board the bus through the door marked ‘Salita’ and exit through the door marked ‘Uscita’. Taxis: these can only be hailed at strategically located stands or by telephone and are expensive. Avoid taxis that aren’t metered. Shopping Traditional food stores of every description abound even in town centres. Supermarkets, although they exist, do not dominate in Italy. Street markets are a wonderful source of delicious and flavoursome fresh produce. Key ingredients in an Italian kitchen which you will meet again and again when shopping in supermarkets, delicatessens or markets are cheeses, such as mozzarella, parmigiano, ricotta and marscapone; mushrooms, especially porcini mushrooms which are picked wild and sold fresh or dried, 71 expensive but highly regarded; hams and bacon of which probably the best known are Prosciutto crudo or Parma ham and Pancetta an unsmoked Italian bacon; Balsamic vinegar which is made from fermented Trebbiano grapes aged in oak casks for four years or more and, of course, olive oil which is considered by many experts to having health-giving properties. Shops are usually open from 08:30/09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:30/16:00 to 19:30/20:00. In large citiesand tourist areas the shops may remain open throughout the siesta period. On Saturdays, particularly in the smaller towns and villages, it is best to shop in the morning, as afternoon opening can be unreliable. Most shops will be closed on Sundays apart from possibly in resort towns. Types of Shop Panificio/Forneria - bakery. Macelleria - butcher. Salumeria - delicatessen. Sells pork, ham (notably ‘prosciutto di parma’), and a wide range of sausages, fresh pasta and various other delicacies. Alimentari - general food store. Supermercato - supermarket. Ipermercato - hypermarket, in some large towns but not as common as in Britain and France. Mercato - market, frequently held in most towns with an enormous range of interesting produce. Please note ordinary weekly markets are only held in the morning until lunchtime. Farmacia - chemist distinguished by the sign of a red or green cross. Giornalaio/Edicola - newsagents/news stand. Tabaccheria/Tabaccaio - tobaccconist, distinguished by a white ’T’ on a black background. Automatic machines are now available but often only after 2100 local to stop under age purchasing. Eating Out Most pizzerias will serve many other dishes though pizzas will be the speciality. The standard pizza is the ‘margherita’ cheese and tomato, with many variations. Ristorantes tend to offer a larger range of specialities and are perhaps more cosmopolitan and usually more expensive. There are, however, many exceptions to this rule so it is probably best just to look at the menu, although not all Italian restaurants display a menu outside. Trattoria are generally simpler than a ‘ristorante’, but often more enjoyable and with a real Italian ambience. They are generally family-run and serve specifically Italian dishes. Locandas are simple restaurants offering local dishes whilst Osteria are inns serving wine and simple food. Bars displaying the sign Tavola calda offer simple, hot dishes and sometimes snacks such as sandwiches. Food served at a table tends to be more expensive than that eaten while standing at the counter. Hot dishes and snacks to take away are available at Rosticceria. For rich, creamy Italian ice creams Gelataria are the places to visit. The menu isnormally on display in the window or just inside the door. In areas, which are popular with tourists, many restaurants offer a ‘menu turistico’ both for lunch and dinner. This can be good value and the price often includes taxes and service, but it is advisable to check the main menu first. Alternatively, the dish of the day ‘piatto del giorno’ on offer tends to represent value-for-money. Words like ‘del ristorante’ and ‘del cuoco’ marked next to a dish on a menu mean that it is a house speciality. If eating ‘à la carte’, it is customary to order each course as the meal progresses rather than all at the beginning. Please note that under Italian law, it is required to retain the receipt ‘ricevuta fiscale’ as it may be asked for in a spot-check. This also applies to receipts from shops etc. What to eat: Starters or ‘Antipasti’ usually consist of raw salads and vegetables, fish, hams, peppers and fruits such as figs or melon. Entrées or ‘Primi Piatti’ is traditionally pasta and is served as an introductory course. There are over 350 varieties available with almost as many sauces, the most famous of which is ‘bolognese’, known in Bologna as ‘ragu’. ‘Pesto alla genovese’ basil and garlic in olive oil with pine nuts and parmesan cheese, ‘aglio e olio’ garlic, olive oil andchilli peppers and ‘carbonara’ cream, bacon and egg)are also popular choices. Main courses are generally meat dishes and are kept fairly simple. Veal ‘vitello’ is the most common meat - either cutlets ‘costoletta’ or the famous stew of veal and tomatoes ‘ossi buchi’. Beef ‘manzo’, pork ‘maiale’ and lamb ‘agnello’ are most often served charcoal grilled ‘alla griglia’ or stewed in wine ‘stracotto’ These are often served just with a salad. A good range of fish dishes, baked or poached with a light sauce, is usually available. Vegetables are excellent. Try red peppers stewed with tomatoes ‘peperonata’ or aubergines ‘melazane’ stuffed with anchovies, olives and capers. 72 Drinks: the licensing laws are not as restrictive as in the UK and bars are often open from early in the morning until late at night. Service will be charged for so if you sit down in a bar it will cost substantially more than if standing at the counter. Wine: Italy produces a great variety of wines. As hundreds of different producers make any given wine type, the name itself (Barolo, Bardolino, etc.) is no guarantee of quality. For those wishing to purchase quality wines it may be advisable to visit one of the many ‘enoteca’ where wines can be tasted before buying. The D.O.C. system is the basic standard of quality, which is roughly the equivalent of the French ‘appellation controlée’. Table wines ‘vino di tavola’ are normally very cheap and of inferior quality. Public Holidays April 25, May 1, June 2, Aug 15 Christmas. Moveable public holidays: Easter Sunday/ Monday Address details Italian State Tourist Board 1, Princes Street - London W1B 2AY Tel. 020 7408 1254 www.italiantouristboard.co.uk Places to Visit Lake Garda The largest and the most majestic of the Trentino lakes lying at the heart of the the Alpine foothills. It is the central point of the communication network linking northern and southern Europe. Its Mediterranean climate favours a lush natural vegetation and oleanders, mimosa, wild roses, acacias and hibiscus grow freely. The area is also ideal for the cultivation of grapevines, lemons and olives. The combination of clear blue water and the “Ora” wind also guarantee good watersports for the many enthusiasts who visit the area. They are able to enjoy the many little beaches and bays dotted along the shore. The relaxing environment and superb scenery make Lake Garda an ideal centre for several important international regattas every year. The castle walls and the crenellated towers of fortresses in the towns around the lake blend in perfectly with the natural scenery. Sirmione enjoys an unusual situation at the end of a rocky promontory which juts out into Lake Garda. The old houses huddle around the mass of the Scaliger castle that is open to the public daily. There are excellent views from the keep and the unique character and beauty of the town are particularly impressive. On the outskirts of the town there is a spa with hot sulphur springs. At the end of the promontory are the famous Grottoes of Catullus where the remains of a Roman villa can be visited. Peschiera del Garda is of Roman origin and commands a remarkable strategic position as it dominates the northern part of the Po Valley and is protected by the lake and the Alps. It is a major resort and is very lively in the high season. San Felice del Benaco is set in the hills to the south-west side of the lake. It is a centre of tourism but still clings to its agricultural heritage. The centre of the headland offers a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. Lazise and Bardolino are two quiet villages which depend partly on agriculture and partly on the lake. They are both still enclosed by their medieval walls. Their architecture is typical of many towns on the Veronese side of the lake. They have narrow streets, small colourful houses leaning one on top of the other, with paths and and entrances to the houses, all facing the lake. There is a very beautiful drive through the mountains that brings you to the village of Tremòsine from where there are magnificent views over the lake. Torri del Benaco is not far across the lake using the car ferry, and from there the drive back around the lake is very popular. Brèscia has been nicknamed the ‘City of Beautiful Fountains’ because of the number of fountains in the fortified quadrangle that encloses the centre of the city. The Piazza del Duomo is the site of two cathedrals. The 17th-century Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral) is a mass of white marble that somewhat 73 overpowers the older, Romanesque-style, Duomo Vecchio. The town centre is dominated by the much restored medieval castle from which there are lovely views over the town. Verona was of course made famous by Shakespeare as the setting for his tragic romance ‘Romeo and Juliet’. It is a graceful town standing on the banks of the Adige, against a backdrop of cypress-covered hills. During the summer months operatic and theatrical seasons attract many visitors. Visit the Erbe and Signori squares as well as at the castle, the church of San Zeno and the arena. The latter is one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in existence and it dates from the 1st century A.D. Romantics can visit Juliet’s house in the Capuchin cloisters near the river. Lake Maggiore Cannobio is one of the most attractive towns on Lake Maggiore, with picturesque narrow streets and a beautiful lakeside promenade. Inland, the Val Cannobino leads to the gorge (‘orrido’) of Santa Anna, with a church dedicated to the Saint beside it. The river Torrente Cannobino, which can be viewed from ancient bridges or from hired boats, falls through a narrow gorge before emerging into a calm pool. The worldfamous Swiss resort of Locarno is a beautiful city exuding a feeling of comfortable affluence, which perfectly matches its climate. Ascona is similar but smaller and with an attractive old port. There is a good view of both towns and the lake from the church of the Madonna del Sasso above Locarno. This interesting old sanctuary may be reached by funicular railway from Locarno. Another very fine vantage point is from MonteCimetta. This, however, can only be reached by cable car and chairlift, which, being Switzerland, proves more expensive than a similar ride near Stresa. En route to Locarno it is well worth making the detour through Ronco and following the corniche road that runs above the lake. Stresa is perhaps the best known resort of the Italian lakes - cosmopolitan, elegant and rather grand. Of particular interest in Stresa is the Park of the Villa Pallavicino. This park is noted for its trees, many being centuries old, its beautiful flowers and gardens and its excellent view over Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. The park is also a zoo where many of the animals areallowed to roam free. An excellent excursion from Stresa is by cable car to the summit of Monte Mottarone, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Alps, the lakes and the Po plain. There is also a good view from the Alpine garden at Alpino, which may be reached by a much shorter cable-car ride. Limone Italian Adriatic Aquiléia is a serenely beautiful town, rich in ancient Roman history and monuments whilst Trieste has become the largest port in the Adriatic and an important commercial centre with a long and turbulent past. The old centre of the town is interesting and good for shopping, whilst there are some pleasant walks up to the castle and along the seafront. Udine is a bustling market town of arcaded streets and squares and its attractive central square, the ‘Piazza della Libertà’, is well known for its Renaissance buildings and the clock tower where mechanical figures strike the hours. There are lovely views of the town and surrounding area from the castle. Passariano is the site of the Villa Manin, one of the most spectacular country houses of the region, built for the last Doge of Venice. Napoleon lived here for a short time while working on the treaty destined to hand Venice over to the Austrians. The modern resort of Lido di Jesolo situated on the nine-mile stretch of sand between the Venetian lagoon and the Piave estuary is one of Italy’s leading holiday centres. The 74 resort is very busy in high season and has a lively nightlife with a host of restaurants and bars to choose from. Venice the unique and famous sinking city that is built on a cluster of tiny islands is undoubtedly the jewel of the Italian Adriatic. Getting to Venice is straightforward, parking on the mainland and taking a ‘Vaporetto’ or ferry. A good alternative is to take the train to Santa Lucia station, which runs almost into the centre of the city. The best place to start a visit to Venice is St. Mark’s Square, with its covered galleries, expensive shops and cafés and crowded, animated atmosphere. Two buildings in particular are worth seeing. St. Mark’s Basilica is a splendid example of Italian Gothic and Byzantine styles and is filled with mosaics, frescoes, marble columns and paintings (closed Sunday mornings). Next door is the 12th-century Doges’ Palace, an equally fine building with superbly decorated chambers and halls (closed National Holidays). This is connected to the prison in which Casanova was incarcerated but fromwhich he escaped, by the aptly named Bridge of Sighs. From St. Mark’s Square it is simply a matter of discovering Venice for yourself. Wander the narrow Venetian streets and see the contrasts in the city, the artisans’ stalls and palaces side by side, or take a gondola along the Grand Canal, through the backwaters and under the bridges. Baia Torre Italian Riviera Villanova d’Albenga dates from the 13th century. The walls, with their ten watchtowers, form an almost perfect square. The Romanesque church in the oldest part of the town has a 12th century bell tower. Villanova is best known for growing and exporting violets for use in cosmetics. Surrounded by rich farming land, Albenga is a major flower and fruit-growing centre. There have been dwellings on this site for 2,500 years and many battles have been fought over the town. It is an interesting medieval town bearing witness to its chequered past. The cathedral is particularly worth a visit as it was reconstructed in the 13th century according to the original 5th century plans, and also because of its 14th century campanile, its 5th century baptismal font and ‘trompe l’oeil’ frescoes. Tuscany San Gimignano Pisa was once the capital of a great republic and is still today a busy city with many fine town houses and churches and one remarkable square. The top of the Leaning Tower or ‘Torre Pendente’s can be reached by mounting the 294 steps which rise in the form of a spiral on the inner side of the tower walls. The Piazza del Duomo, where it stands, is magnificent. Both the baptistery with its unusual dome and the beautiful, Romanesque cathedral are outstanding. Note the early Renaissance bronze panels of the cathedral door and the pulpit - also the bronze lamp which inspired Galileo’s study of the pendulum and his discovery of the earth’s movement. Other sights in the square are the galleried cemetery, ‘Campo Santo’, with its ancient frescoes, and the National Museum, which contains some outstanding pieces of sculpture. Florence has no equal as the birthplace of Italian arts and science. It boasts innumerable churches, palaces, bridges and statues of outstanding beauty. The best policy is to go by bus or train, the train from Pisa airport being one possibility. If visiting by car, it is suggested you leave the car on the car park at Fortezza de Basso, north-east of the station and walk or take the bus service into the centre. The areas to concentrate 75 on are the Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria, the first dominated by the cathedral. The Piazza della Signoria is the centre of Florentine life, overlooked by the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and characterized today by the numerous statues. From here wander past the Uffizi Palace down to the river and the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence lined with artisans’ shops. Other important things to see are the Uffizi Gallery, the Monastery of St. Mark, the Bargello Palace, the Pitti Palace, the Accadémia (containing Michelangelo’s ‘David’), and the churches of Santa Maria Novella, Santa Croce and San Lorenzo. Part of the charm of Florence though is simply the atmosphere of the piazzas and streets, their statues, fountains, small churches and quiet shaded squares can make as much impression as the more important works of art. If you intend to do much sightseeing we recommend consulting a detailed guidebook to Florence. Most galleries are closed on Mondays. Castiglioncello is the oldest resort of the Etruscan Riviera and is set among pine groves, which give the town a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. North of Castiglioncello the Tuscan hills come down to the shore in a series of rocky coves. Cécina was built in the 19th century as a maritime customs station. Nowadays tourism is the main industry and the small town has expanded due to the beachside resort of Cécina Mare. Cavallino Matto adventure and water park is situated at Marina di Castegneto,Castagneto approximately 14 kms from Cécina. The Aqua Park at Cécina Mare has large water slides and family cards are available. South of Cécina and a little way inland, lie several lovely old hilltop villages and small medieval towns. North of the road from Volterra to Siena lies San Gimignano ‘the city of the towers’. Approaching from Volterra there is a view of the town and its fourteen towers from a fair distance, but it is not until you enter the town through the ramparts that you realise that it has scarcely changed for 600 years. Once there were seventy-nine towers - power symbols of wealthy families in the Middle Ages. Today the highest remaining tower, the ‘Torre Grossa’ is the only one you can ascend. Siena has become second only to Florence as an art centre and, in some ways, even more rewarding since it is so much smaller. It is renowned for its twice yearly festival and bareback horse race, the ‘Palio’, round the main square, hotly contested by the seventeen medieval wards of the city, of which only ten are chosen to take part. The Piazza del Campo makes an impressive setting, surrounded by Gothic palaces and dominated by the great town hall and its tall tower, looking much as it has done for centuries. The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. It is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, watchmaking industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public transport. Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), but not of the EU. Consequently the following custom regulations apply on entry: Provisions: only sufficient foodstuff and non-alcoholic beverages for the day of travelling can be imported. Cash: importation and exportation of cash are not subjected to restrictions. Tobaccos and spirits: these limits apply only to persons older than 17 years • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of pipe-tobacco • 2 litres of alcohol (up to 15% vol.) and 1 litre of alcohol (over 15% vol.) Other goods: for other private goods there is a total value limit of CHF 300 76 Susten SWITZERLAND Motoring in Switzerland One of the most beautiful of all countries and also one of the most pleasant through which to drive. Caravan length The total length of the caravan and vehicle which is towing it including the tow bar must not exceed 12 metres, unless towed by a 4-wheel drive vehicle, when the total length of the outfit can be as much as 18.35 metres. Otherwise entry into the country will be refused. The width must not exceed 2.5 metres. Speed Limits Motorways 120 kph (75 mph) Main Roads 80 kph (50 mph) Built Up Areas 50 kph (30 mph) Vehicles with trailers are restricted to 80 kph. Seat Belts: must be worn by the driver and all passengers. Children under 10 years seated in the rear must be in the appropriate fitted restraint system. Children under the age of 10 must not travel in the front seat of a vehicle. Headlights: must be adapted for driving on the right. Dipped headlights must be used in heavy rain, if visibility is poor and also in road tunnels. This ruling should be strongly adhered to, as it is illegal to drive with sidelights only if there is bad visibility. Motorway Toll of 40 SFr for a car, and a further 40 Sfr for a trailer or caravan is levied on Swiss motorways, and is valid for a year. This can be paid in euros. The motorway tax disc or vignette has to be displayed on both the towing vehicle and the caravan or trailer. If you want to avoid this charge leave the motorway before you arrive at the border. These motorway passes can be purchased from the Swiss Travel Centre, the A.A., the R.A.C., or on-line from myswitzerland.com and at the border. It is advisable to buy them in advance to save queuing at the border. In Switzerland they are available from customs posts, petrol stations and post offices. 77 Credit cards are not accepted for payment of a vignette. Mountain Driving, Tunnels and Tolls: the major Swiss passes are generally of a good standard and are reasonably straightforward. Plenty of time for should be allowed for a journey, as the winding and narrow mountain passes can be very busy. Almost all passes are closed until the end of May. Information about passes is signposted at key points on main roads. Road information (given in French, German and Italian) may be obtained by telephoning 163 in Switzerland or from any Tourist Information office. Road tunnels entirely on Swiss territory, such as the San Bernadino and the San Gotthard are toll free, whereas tolls are levied on road tunnels in other countries. (Please note: the Simplon rail tunnel, where a sort of minimotorail system operated, is now a passenger only service). Tolls are also levied on tunnels into other countries. There is an additional fixed charge of SFr 27 for using the Grand St Bernard tunnel. Rules of the road should be closely observed, strict penalties being the alternative in certain cantons. When crossing Alpine passes in winter, it is compulsory to carry snow chains, even if you don’t need them. Priority: on narrow mountain roads, descending vehicles must give way to those ascending. Also, you must always give way to postal buses, which are painted yellow. Trams have right of way on all roads Fuel: unleaded (‘sans plomb’ or ‘bleifrei’ is available. Petrol in a can is permitted. Diesel is widely available but the availability of LPG is limited. Credit card acceptance is variable, especially at night due to automatic pumps not recognising UK card PINs. Drinking and driving: do not drink and drive as the laws are very strict and penalties are severe. Accidents and breakdown: a red warning triangle must be displayed. If you need assistance for police telephone 117, in case of difficulty dial the operator on 111 or dial 140 for the general breakdown service. The AA has a reciprocal arrangement with the Swiss Touring Club (‘Touring Club Suisse’ or TCS), which has a 24-hour breakdown service, and the RAC with the Swiss Automobile Club (‘Automobil-Club der Schweiz’ or ACS), whereby members can obtain assistance for a small fee. Details from the AA and RAC. Fines: laws are strictly enforced and the police are likely to impose on-the-spot fines for certain traffic offences concerning speeding, lights and seat belts, and for pedestrians not using zebra crossings. A fine may also be imposed if a motorist runs out of petrol on motorways. Parking: most cities have a blue zone where it is permitted to park for short periods. Some also have red zones where parking is permitted for up to 24 hours. For both of these a clock disc and ‘Parkscheibe’ is needed, obtainable free of charge from most petrol stations, garages, kiosks and police stations. It is illegal to park on main roads where there is a yellow line, red markings, or alternating lines and crosses. Beware of tramlines, which are common in many towns and cities. Police Radar Speedtrap Detectors are not allowed. Languages Although there are four languages spoken, corresponding with the different regions of Switzerland German -Central and East -70%, French -West -19%, Italian - South -10% Romansch, which is derived from Latin in the South-East- 1%. Nearly everybody speaks some English. However Place Names can seem rather unfamiliar when signposted. Geneva: French - Genève, German - Genf Lake Geneva: French - Lac Léman, German - Genfer See Lake Lucerne: French - Lac des 4 Cantons,German - Vierwaldstattersee The Matterhorn: French - Mont Cervin, Lake Constance: German - der Bodensee Neuchâtel: German - Neuenburg Money Currency: the official currency is the Swiss franc. Where to exchange money: ATMs provide a convenient means of obtaining Swiss Francs. There are Bureaux de Change at train stations and banks. Look for the “Change/Cambio”signs. Banks: usually open 08:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00 (Mon–Fri) Please check locally. They are closed Saturdays, Sundays and on public holidays. Credit cards: American Express, Carte Bleu (Visa/Barclaycard), Diners Club and MasterCard are widely accepted in supermarkets, hypermarkets, petrol stations, hotels and many restaurants although, you 78 should check this is the case before each transaction, particularly in small towns and villages as they are not as widely accepted as in the UK. Traveller’s Cheques: to change Travellers’ cheques a passport or some other form of photographic identification will be needed. The commission charge will vary depending on where cheques are exchanged. Post Offices: identified by a yellow logo and Die Post, La Poste or La Posta generally open Monday to Friday 07:.30–12:00 & 01:30–18:30, and Saturday08:00–11:00 although watch out for slight regional variations and restricted hours in smaller branches. Some main offices stay open over the lunch break.All post offices are closed on Sundays. Post boxes are yellow and white. Internet: this is available in phone booths that are operated by Swisscom. Charges are paid either by phone card or credit card. Telephones: the Swiss phone card, called Taxcard, allows phone calls to be made from public payphones which are equipped with card readers. PTT-Taxcards are on sale for CHF 5.00, CHF 10.00 and CHF 20.00 at post offices, newsagents, railway stations, etc Emergency numbers: Fire 118 Police 117 Ambulance 144 Motoring Assistance 140 Holiday Health The Swiss Confederation applies the EHIC arrangements through an agreement with the European Union (EU). Medical and Dental Treatment: go to any doctor registered with the Swiss health insurance scheme. Dental treatment is not covered unless it results from serious illness or accident. It is normal to have to pay the full costs for treatment and services and claim a refund afterwards. A fixed charge is payable for each 30-day period of treatment. This is known as the ‘excess charge’ or ‘patient’s contribution’ and is not refunded. Reclaiming Medical Costs: always obtain receipts and send these with your claim to the insurance company within 14 days of your return from holiday. Hospital treatment: referral to a public hospitalis normally by a doctor. In an emergency, go directly to the emergency department of any public hospital. In-patient treatment in a general ward of a public hospital is covered, but not in a semi-private or private ward, or in a private hospital. As well as the excess charge, small, non-refundable, fixed daily in-patient charge will be payable for the cost of board and accommodation. Ambulance: 50% of the costs of ambulance transport within Switzerland, including air ambulance, are payable. Chemists: For minor ailments it may be sufficient to consult a chemist who can often recommend and supply medicines and advise on local doctors. At least one pharmacy stays open in each town outside normal shopping hours. The address will be posted in the window of all other pharmacies. Transport Any frequent traveller will tell you that Switzerland operates one of the finest public transportation systems in the world. It ensures fast, efficient travel to every part of the country. The very latest in transport technology is at your service. You can discover the scenic delights of Switzerland by rail, road or waterway. Better still, you can combine all three by using the Swiss Travel System. Save time and money by purchasing the Swiss Pass, Swiss Flexi Pass, or Swiss Card. This can be done on line and entitles you considerable reductions particularly if you have young children. The system is as reliable and punctual as a Swiss watch. Perfectly coordinated timetables ensure rapid trouble-free interchange from one means of transport to another. If you prefer to see Switzerland by road, the Postbus service provides the perfect opportunity. The bright yellow buses take travellers off the beaten track to the remotest regions of the country. They are a familiar sight along 700 scenic routes across Switzerland. Their safety standards and record of reliability are unrivalled. Travel on Switzerland’s lakes and rivers. Nearly 170 vessels operate in well-organized fleets on more than 20 waterways throughout the country. Stately steamers and modern ships are equipped with restaurants, some with bars. Cruises provide an excellent opportunity to see scenic Switzerland Shopping The cost of living is undoubtedly higher than in some other European countries. Supermarkets are the most economical places to do food shopping, among the most common are the ‘Migros’ and ‘Co-op’ chains. For general shopping, larger towns have department stores. Goods are expensive but the quality 79 is usually very high. Shops are usually open from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 18:30 Monday to Fridays and on Saturdays until 16:00 . Some larger stores may stay open at lunchtime They are often closed on Monday mornings. Souvenirs - Amongst the best buys are traditional handicrafts, such as wood carvings or embroidery. You can’t go wrong with a Swiss watch, and the well-known manufacturers will be pleased to show you their range with no high-pressure sales tactics. Swiss chocolates are cheese are renowned the world over. Eating Out For traditional Swiss cuisine and atmosphere, inns, or hotels in the mountain resorts, are the best places to go. It is often possible to get a good meal in railway station restaurants. Eating out in Switzerland is not inexpensive, but meals can be substantial as portions are generally large and cuisine of a very high standard. As well as ‘à la carte’, there are usually set menus and one or two set dishes Tagesteller’/’Mittagsmenü’ or ‘plat du jour’. Tips are always included in the bill so additional tipping is neither necessary nor expected. Many restaurants stop serving hot food at about 9.00pm. Cheese features in many typically Swiss dishes, the best known of which is ‘fondue’. This is a delicious mixture of Emmental and Gruyère cheeses melted in white wine and Kirsch and flavoured with garlic, into which cubes of bread are dipped or a ‘fondue Bourguignonne’ - chunks of beef cooked to taste in boiling oil and eaten with sauces and pickles. Equally popular is ‘raclette’, sizzling melted cheese poured over boiled potatoes and cold meats. Other cheese specialities include ‘Käsewähe’ (hot cheese tart) and ‘Käseschnitte’ (toast with melted cheese, eggs and ham). There are many cheeses in Switzerland such as Emmental and the less well known Brienzer Mutschli and ‘Saanen-Hobelkäse’, both hard, cow’s milk cheeses. Draught beer, usually sold in roughly half-pint measures, is almost half the price of a bottled beer. ‘Weinkeller’ are more commonly found in the German speaking area of the country. Spirits: the best known Swiss spirits are ‘Schnapps’, fruit distillations made from cherry ‘Kirsch’, apple, plum ‘Pflumli’ or pear ‘Williamine’. They are very strong, particularly ‘Marc’, made from the wine-pressing residue. Public Holidays May 1, August 1, Dec 25/26 Moveable public holidays: Easter Sunday/Monday, Ascension Day, Whitsun, Corpus Christi in June Switzerland Tourism and Switzerland Travel Centre 30 Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED Tel: 0800 100 200 30 www.myswitzerland.com www. switzerland.isyours.com Places to Visit Snow-capped mountains, flower-strewn alpine meadows and clear blue lakes make Switzerland the loveliest of settings for a holiday. It is a natural centre for a variety of activities ranging from mountain climbing and skiing to walking, sailing and fishing. As the country is so well equipped for both summer and winter visitors it is quite possible to reach some of the highest peaks without being a climber! Walking in Switzerland does not have to be particularly strenuous as walks can be combined with other forms of transport such as train or cable car. The country is criss-crossed by a multitude of excellent footpaths ‘Weg’ or ‘Wanderweg’. Yellow signposts show the destination and an estimate of the time taken to cover the distance involved. Bernese Oberland Many steamer and motorboat trips are available throughout the summer on both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Destinations include the spectacular Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz. The mountain railway system provides marvellous opportunities for everyone to explore the mountains and climb to high altitudes. Combinations with walks, cable cars and chairlifts open up all sorts of possibilities. Costs can be fairly high, especially if paying for a large family so it is advisable to take advantage of the substantial reductions, which can be obtained in Switzerland or in advance through Switzerland Tourism. One of the most popular cable-car trips is to the top of the Schilthorn (9,748 ft), the longest cableway in Europe, and where one of the James Bond movies was filmed. The mountain has, at its peak, a unique revolving restaurant giving superb panoramic views in every direction. The 80 cable car may be joined at Mürren or taken from the valley base at Stechelberg. Another cable car runs from Wengen up to Männlichen giving fine views of the Jungfrau/Eiger massif. Cable cars also run from Grindelwald up to Pfingstegg for close-up views of the glaciers, and from Grindelwald to First, opening up a vast area for hiking. The Trümmelbachfälle (waterfalls) can be visited as part of a simple two-mile round trip from Lauterbrunnen along the flat valley base. Refreshments are available at the falls. Lauterbrunnen is an attractive and fairly large village and winter ski resort, notable for the numerous waterfalls cascading down the sheer limestone walls into the valley, which is reputedly the most perfectly formed of its type in the world. The famous ski resort of Wengen above Lauterbrunnen is well situated for many fine walks and served by the mountain railway and offers superb views of the Lauterbrunnen valley and Jungfrau massif. Thunersee is the more frequented of the two lakes near Interlaken, a complete circuit by road being possible. It is possible to swim in the lake and there are opportunities for other aquatic sports. Following a local map leads to the discovery of little mountain villages and minor roads in the hills above the lakes, giving many fine views. The important and historic Swiss town of Thun is at the far end of theThunersee. The old town should certainly be visited and both the château and the museum are interesting. Oberhofen, on the northern side of the Thunersee, is the site of a castle, which juts out into the lake. Inside, period furniture and a collection of popular art illustrating life in the Bernese Oberland are displayed. Brienz is a most attractive town at the far end of Brienzersee from Interlaken. Visits to the woodcarving centre are very popular. Railway trips up the Brienzer Rothorn (7,710 ft) are possible, with the usual fine panorama at the top. Also close to Brienz is the ‘Ballenberg’ museum, a collection of Swiss chalets and other buildings typical of the region. On the south side of Thunersee, Spiez is a holiday resort of some size. Its situation and harbour are most attractive, dominated by a 12th-century château, which is open to the public. The Valais Flanked to the north by the Bernese Alps and to the south by the Alpes Valaisannes, the Valais has varied and beautiful scenery, including snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The area has long been popular with walkers and climbers, with the Matterhorn a major attraction. The town of Sion is over 2,000 years old. Its famous fortress church stands on the hill of Valère, which overlooks the valley from a height of about 123 metres. This former residence of the chapter of Sion is regarded as one of Switzerland’s outstanding buildings. Lac Saint Léonard is the largest underground lake in Europe. Take a trip round on a boat to really enjoy the sights. The sizeable town of Sierre is situated on the main route through the Valais. The town has a long history dating back to Roman times due to its strategic position and the mild climate typical of this region. One fact, which will immediately strike visitors to Sierre, is that the town is completely encircled by vineyards. ‘La Dôle’, the red wine of the Valais, is produced here and a wine-tasting expedition isparticularly recommended. A thirty-minute drive from Leuk takes you to the famous Alpine resort of Leukerbad. This resort boasts access to two Alpine lakes, the Lamerensee and the Daubensee, both of which are easily accessible by means of a cable car from the resort. Leukerbad has been famous for many years as a health spa due to the numerous warm springs which are heated to a temperature of 37° centigrade in huge fissures deep inside the mountain and spurt out at various points around the resort at a rate of 2,000 litres per minute - a remarkable freak of nature in this snow-capped mountain landscape. The resort also boasts an extensive network of signposted footpaths and you will find walks of various standards to suit all ages. Spain is renowned for its splendid beauty and privileged geographic position, a delightfully varied country due to the climatic and cultural diversity of its regions. North west Spain is renowned for the greeness of its scenery and its humid climate. Inland Spain is very flat and sparsely populated. Mediterranean Spain is fertile and luminous while Andalusia in Southern Spain is hot and dry and famous for its bright white-washed homes. 81 La Sagrada Familia SPAIN Motoring in Spain Speed Limits Motorways: 130 kph National Highways 100 kph Other Roads 90 kph Built Up areas 50 kph Vehicles towing a trailer are limited to 80 kph on motorways and dual carriageways, 70 kph on other roads and 50 kph in built-up areas. The towing of motor vehicles is not permitted unless on a trailer. Motorways or ‘autopista’ are often toll roads or ‘autopista peaje’ except round large cities. Spain has a road network measuring 317,000km, 2,000 of which are relatively recent motorways. The most important motorways are: the Mediterranean coastal road from the French border to Alicante, and the one linking the Cantabrian region with Cataluna. Use of indicators on motorways is being strictly enforced. You will risk being fined for not indicating before overtaking and again before pulling back to the nearside lane after overtaking. Also, ensure you do not cross the solid white line as you enter the motorway from a slip road, but wait until the line is broken. Warning Triangles - On motorways all vehicles must carry a two red warning triangles. Note: Please be wary of highway pirates on the motorways who target foreign cars, particularly those towing caravans. Be wary of anybody indicating that something is wrong with the rear wheel of your car or who offers help. Always lock all vehicle doors and keep bags containing valuables out of sight. Road Signs - Most road signs are international. There are a number of signs, however, with Spanish words on them which are translated as follows: 82 Aduana Customs Ceda El Paso Slow down Desviacion Diversion Paso Prohibido No through road Obras Workmen Peligro Danger Llevar La Derecha Keep right Llevar La Izquierda Keep Left Centro Cuidad City Centre Direccion Unida One way street Alto! Pare! Stop Cuidado Caution Curva Peligrosa Dangerous bend Despacio Slow Estacionamiento Prohibido Parking Prohibited Estacionamiento de Automoviles Car Park Traffic Lights: major junctions are sometimes controlled by police officers as well as traffic lights; the policeman has priority. Two red lights indicate no entry. Reflective jackets. It is now compulsory to carry two reflective jackets in your car to wear at night and in bad light if the vehicule is involved in an accident or has to be left on the roadway in case of breakdown. This is a new law and failure to comply can lead to a hefty fine. Seat Belts: it is compulsory to wear seat belts where they are fitted. Children under 12 years should not travel in the front seat of the car. Headlights: the use of full headlights in built- up areas is prohibited; use sidelights or dipped headlights depending on how well lit the roads are. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels. By law, motorists must carry a spare set of light bulbs. Parking lights should be used at night in poorly lit streets. Fuel: Unleaded petrol and diesel Gasoleo ) are bothe available. Note that Gasoleo B is heating oil only. Petrol in a can is permitted.. LPG is available under the name of Autogas but there are only a few sales outlets as present. Credit cards are accepted at most filling stations. Drinking and Driving: do not drink and drive. Laws are strict and penalties, particularly fines, can be very heavy. The blood alcohol legal limit is 50mg. Fines: the Police may impose on-the-spot fines for certain offences. Should this occur, ensure that the police issue a receipt ‘boletin de denuncia’ and that the amount written tallies with the amount paid. There is usually around a 20% reduction for immediate settlement except for certain offences. There are instructions in English on the back of the form for an appeal. This should be made within 10 days. Parking: ‘aparcamiento’ is often quite haphazard. It is forbidden to park facing oncoming traffic, near bus stops or junctions and on main roads. Some cities have ‘blue zones’(‘zona azul’ where parking is limited to 1-2 hours. A special disc, obtainable from hotels, town halls and travel agencies, must be displayed. In the centre of some large towns there is a ‘zona ORA’ where parking is allowed only against tickets bought in tobacconists; tickets are valid for 30,60 or 90 minutes. Vehicles parked against regulations may be removed. Accidents and breakdown: A 24-hour English-speaking breakdown service is run by the Spanish Motoring Club (RACE), tel. (91) 447 3200. On the main roads equipped with SOS telephones, there are special medical assistance services (ask for ‘auxilio en carretera’). On other roads ring the operator. Should an accident occur, the police need to be contacted only if the accident has resulted in serious casualty. If possible, fill in your accident report form and confirm the details with witnesses. For emergency services dial 091 for police, 092 for medical assistance and 080 for fire service in Madrid, Barcelona and other main towns; otherwise dial the operator. Towing is only allowed if carried out by an official breakdown vehicle. In extreme cases, where the broken down vehicle is causing a dangerous obstruction, it is permitted to tow it to the nearest safe place, provided that safety in the operation is guaranteed. 83 Recommended routes through Spain The tourist board website www.tourspain.co.uk under the heading “Getting around” will give you a suggested itinerary if you key in the departure town and destination. Money Currency: the official currency is the Euro Where to change money: currency can be exchanged at banks and at bureaux de change. Travel agencies displaying a ‘cambio’ sign will also change money, though the rate may not be as good. Banks: Banks are open from 09:00 to 14:00 Mon - Fri., 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturday except in the summer . Some of the larger branches may open in the afternoons. Credit Cards: Most hotels, restaurants and department stores accept major international credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diner’s Card) and travellers’ cheques, but this should be verified before each transaction. Travellers’ Cheques International travellers’ cheques are widely accepted. Post Offices The Correos sells stamps - sellos and they can be purchased from establishments authorised to sell tobacco called estancos. Post offices are usually open from 09:00-14:00. Monday to Friday but only until 13:00. on Saturday. Post boxes are yellow, with those marked ‘extranjero’ for foreign mail only. Telephones: to telephone countries outside Spain use boxes marked ‘Teléfono Internacional’. It is also possible to telephone from telephone exchanges ‘Central Telefónica’ where payment is made at the end of the call. Phone cards ‘Tarjeta Telefonico’ are available from post offices, tobacconists and some banks. Internet: to get online to check email, or for any other reason, go to one of the many establishments that offer this kind of connection: telephone houses, cybercafés, etc. Internet connections are also available at airports, major railway and bus stations, and at some shopping centres. Generally, these services work with coins. Emergency Tel Nos: Police, Ambulance and Fire services: 112 If you want to report an accident or assault in English phone: 902 102 112 Holiday Health Doctors and dentists: make sure the practitioner works within the Spanish state health service. If a doctor needs to be called out in an emergency, make it clear that you havean European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and that you want to be treated under the EU arrangements. Whenever treatment is needed, show an EHIC. Dental treatment is not generally provided under the state system, and the costs will not be reimbursed. In Spain, doctors, health centres and hospitals have separate surgery times for private patients and those treated under the state health service. If payment is asked for, treatment is not being given under the Spanish health service and an EHIC will not be accepted. Prescriptions: medicines prescribed by health service practitioners can be obtained from any pharmacy (‘farmacia’). Payment of up to 40 per cent of the cost will have to be made If after discharge from hospital medicines are needed the medical report must be taken to a GP, who will give a prescription. Hospital treatment: a doctor will usually arrange any hospital treatment that may be needed. In an emergency, free treatment is only available in a public ward at a public hospital. An EHIC must be shown otherwise a private patient charge will be made and there will be no refund. Under the strict terms of the Spanish health service, there are no refunds for private healthcare charges. It isperhaps advisable to have private medical insurance in case,in an emergency, treatment is necessary in a private hospital. Doctors in the emergency departments of state health service hospitals will prescribe medicines on the appropriate medical report, but do not issue official prescriptions. You must take the report to a primary care doctor who will issue the official prescription. Transport Trains: Spain has an extensive railroad system with a wide range of High Speed, Long Distance, Regional, and Commuter trains. The national network is known as RENFE. Buses: the bus service in Spain is comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines, which cover long distances, buses are especially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres Taxis: all major cities in Spain have metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be displayed. 84 Shopping Supermarkets ‘supermercado’ are the easiest and cheapest places for food shopping, though small general shops alimentacion or comestibles are usually quite well stocked. There are few specialised food shops apart from bakers panaderia; butchers and greengrocers are often hard to find. For general shopping in larger towns, department stores such as El Corte Inglés or Galerias Preciados stock a wide variety of goods. Probably the most striking thing about shopping for food in Spain is the exceptional range and quality of seafood. In comparison, cuts of meat are limited and quality can vary quite a lot; pork is usually a good buy and lamb is reasonable. Spaniards are very fond of hams, which can be seen hanging up in all the bars and food shops.Both imported and native cheeses are available, the most famous of the latter being ‘Manchego’. The most common business hours are Monday to Saturday, from 09:.30 - 13:30 , and from 16:.30 to 20:00 Big shopping centres and department stores open from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00 uninterruptedly. These big stores open sometimes on Sunday. In coastal cities, in high season, shops are usually open passed 22.00.Normally, shops are closed on Sundays, but this may vary in holiday areas. Panadderia - the bakers provides bread like the long French loaf, or crusty rolls - panecillos are popular for breakfast. Fruteria always sells an interesting variety of fresh fruit. Confiseria offers a mouth-watering selection of cakes. Though a little pricey - the taste for sweet things comes, perhaps, from Spain’s Arab heritage. Farmacia sells medicines - whereas the drogueria supplies such things as suntan cream or paper handkerchiefs. Lecheria sells dairy products - cheese, eggs, etc., as well as milk Pescaderia offers a plentiful variety of Fresh Fish. Carniceria - where fresh meat is sold- but the Charcuteria sells cold meat sausage etc Alimentacion indicates that it is a food shop. Supermercado or supermarkets are generally well-stocked and offer good value. Normally, shops are closed on Sundays, but this may vary in holiday areas. Eating Out Breakfast is usually taken from 08:00 to 10:00. Lunch, at restaurants, is served between 13:00 to 15:30. Dinner is served from 20:30 to 23:00 . Many establishments are open continuously throughout the day, especially bars and cafeterias; there you can have “tapas”, appetisers, and combo meals. In Spain, a cafe is a bar or a pub. You can take the children with you and you can often get a sandwich or snack as well. The locals like to take a glass of wine with tapas - a bite of something tasty, such as olives - aceitunas, squid - calamares, or prawns - gambas. Where to Eat: eating out in Spain is usually inexpensive. It is possible to eat in a ‘fonda’ or ‘posada’ (inn), a ‘merendero’ (fish restaurant), an ‘hostería’ or a ‘restaurante’. The latter are classified by forks one fork is the simplest and cheapest, five forks the most expensive.You will enjoy eating out at some of the local restaurants; many serve delicious, freshly caught fish. The children will like the omelettes -tortillas with different kinds of filling, and you can try traditional recipes from different parts of the country. Prices vary, but should always be clearly displayed outside, and if the service charge is not already added to the bill you should expect to tip between 10% and 15%, except at a snack bar the waiter will not bring you the bill unless you ask for it - La cuenta por favor. At a restaurant, the first course would probably be soup, the most popular being ‘consomé al Jerez’ and ‘gazpacho’, a refreshing, chilled soup made from tomatoes, onion, green peppers and garlic. This may be followed by fresh fish, plainly grilled, fried squid (calamares), shellfish served with garlic mayonnaise (aioli), or ‘zarzuela’ -a spicy seafood stew. Meat is usually grilled or sometimes stewed with peppers and tomatoes (a la catalana). Vegetables or salad are usually served separately. An alternative to both fish and meat is ‘paella’, rice flavoured with saffron and mixed with small pieces of meat and vegetables. The four most popular varieties are ‘catalana’ (sausages, pork, squid, tomato, peppers), ‘marinera’ (seafood), ‘zamorana’ (ham, pork trotters and peppers) and ‘valenciana’ (the classic ‘paella’ with chicken, shrimp, mussels, tomato,peppers, garlic, peas, etc). 85 One of the menus may be a ‘plato del día’, which varies from day to day. Some of the less expensive restaurants may serve a ‘plato combinado’, which is fish, meat and vegetable course together on the same plate. A set menu normally includes soup ‘sopa’, one or two main courses, dessert (postre), and bread and wine. Coffee is always extra. If water is asked for, unless tap water ‘agua de grifo’ is specifically requested, mineral water will be given and charged for. Beer: (cerveza) is light, lagerish, undistinguished but refreshing. Draught beer is generally better value. Ask for ‘una caña’. Spirits/Liqueurs: many well known spirits and liqueurs are made under licence in Spain so quality varies a great deal. All spirits, except imported brands, are relatively cheap, and measures are more than generous. Soft Drinks: fruit juices ‘zumo de frutas’, lemonade ‘limonada’, mineral water ‘agua mineral’, either fizzy(‘con gas’ or still ‘sin gas’ are all widely available, as are any of the Coke/Pepsi range. Hot Drinks: tea and hot chocolate are available, but the most popular drink is coffee. Cafeteria (coffee shop) or ‘pasteleria’ (cake shop) are open any time of the day and ‘café’ and ‘pasteles’ or ‘churros’ (fritters) can be ordered. ‘Un solo’ is a small cup of black coffee, ‘un cortado’ has a dash of milk, while ‘café con leche’ is half coffee and half hot milk. Wine: this is very inexpensive in Spain. It is the cheapest and most commonly bought drink in bars, and the ‘vino de la casa’ in a restaurant is usually good value too. It can be ordered by the glass, bottle or in carafes of a quarter or half litre. The Rioja region produces the best red Spanish wines. Two refreshing drinks are ‘andaluza’, made from sherry, orange juice, ice and soda, and ‘sangría’. The best ‘sangría’ is made from a mixture of red wine and brandy in which fruit is steeped for several days. Sherry Sherry (‘Jerez’) is Spain’s finest wine and is drunk at any time of the day or as an aperitif. Public Holidays The Spanish calendar is dotted with holidays of many different kinds. Whether local or national, most of these holidays include an interesting calendar of events, with concerts, fairs. National holidays: Good Friday, May 1, August 15. October 12. Spanish Tourist Office, P O Box 4009, London W1A 6NB Tel: 0207 486 8077 08459 400 180 (24 hour brochure line) Website: www.spain.info , www.tourspain.co.uk www.red2000.com/spain www.turgalicia.es www.catalunyaturismo.com www.andalucia.org (includes Almeria, Granada, Cordoba and Sevilla) Places to Visit Santander Costa Verde or Basque country This region, occupying the eastern sector of the Cantabrian Mountain Range, is one of the most industrialised in Spain. Yet its inhabitants have manged to preserve an ancient culture whose most valuable jewel is its language, “Euskera” or Basque, a pre-Indo-European tongue whose mysterious origin has never been established. Bilbao founded at the beginning of the 14th century, is the largest city in the region. Not only does it have a beautiful Old Quarter the “Siete Calles” full of small shops and charming taverns, a very attractive “Plaza Nueva” and a fine Gothic cathedral but it is also a financial and industrial centre. San Sebastian-Donostia not far from the French border was in the last century frequented by the Spanish aristocracy thanks to its beauty and quality of its beaches and has consequently retained a rare cosmopolitan atmosphere. The “Paseo de la Concha” is famous for its beautiful beach surrounded by 86 the loveliest architecture - the balustrades and lanterns are an excellent example of the refined tastes at the end of the last century. Vitoria-Gasteiz is currently the capital of the Basque country. The Old Quarter is renowned and the city is unique as it boasts two cathedrals, one in Gothic style which was completed at the end of the 15th century and another begun during the last century which is not yet completed! Other places worth visiting are: Hondarribia a beautiful border city famous for its ancient fortress and narrow streets. They are flanked by old Renaissance and Baroque mansions of huge carved eaves and splendid wrought iron balconies. The fishermen’s quarter is a fine example of Basque seaboard architecture, defined by great wooden balconies painted with bright colours. Cantabria Occupying the space between the Basque country and Asturias, Cantabria immediately attracts the visitor’s attention. It hugs the sea from which its name derives, and stretches up to a height of 2,600 metres in the legendary Picos de Europa making its way across an area covered in fertile meadows, beech and oak woods, rugged crags and lovely verdant valleys. It is an area where the superb variety of shades of green of the countryside combines with the golden splendour of the beaches, an area which offers endless possibilities for exploration. It is also a region rich in historical architecture, medieval churches and sanctuaries. Palaces and mansions were built by adventurers on their return from distant America loaded with doubloons and titles of nobility. Santander is the capital of Cantabria and is located on a beautiful bay flanked by enormous beaches. The city is well-designed and elegant, but suffered considerable damage during the great fire of 1941. After careful reconstuction it has recovered all its former charm. The beautiful “La Magdalena Palace” designed in a British style was constructed by Queen Victoria Eugenia and is now used as the International University of Menendez Pelayo. The centre of Santander is famous for its “Jardines de Pereda”. It is made up of exotic species of plant which have been accumulated since the beginning of this century. The Gothic Cathedral with its magnificent cloister and the Plaza Porticada are also worth a detour. Castro Urdiales is a Cantabrian port where the narrow streets of the old quarter contrasts with an 18th century esplanade made up of glazed facades, carefully painted white, and facing straight onto the sea. On one side of the port there is a magnificent Gothic church overlooking the sea and near it, a medieval fortress and a Roman bridge. Laredo and Santona to the east of the site at Noja are both interesting coastal towns because of their charming old quarters. To the west of Noja, Bareyo has a beautiful lovely solitary Romanesque church. Santillana del Mar is regarded as one of the most beautiful and exceptionally well-preserved towns in Spain. You should, therefore, allow a good half-day or full day for visiting it. The “Collegiate Church and Cloisters” is the focal point of the town and is open from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30. The most superb building is the Romanesque temple whose pillars are particularly exciting as they depict scenes of warriors and knights, legendary themes such as St. George and the Dragon, and biblical characterslike Adam and Eve. The cloister backing onto the northern facade of the building is considered one of the most exquisite examples of Romanesque sculpture with its stylish bows, intertwining animals, geometric plants etc. San Vicente de la Barquera is a delightful seaboard town situated on a hill guarding the entrance to a deep estuary. It is dominated by a Gothic temple and from here there is a splendid view over the bay. The old quarter built around the church is a fine example of Renaissance architecture and the long bridge which crosses the estuary has been an important feature since the 15th century. Picos de Europa This mountain range constitutes one of the most outstanding massifs in the Iberian Peninsula. They occupy part of the provinces of Cantabria, Asturias and Leon, and converge at the Tesorero peak. Rising to a height of 2,570m, they form a chaotic desert of living rock, some 40km long, 20km wide and yet they are only 25km from the sea. In contrast to the high arid areas and the magnificent gorges, the valleys surrounding the Picos are a luxuriant green, gently sloping, sheltered and dotted with small mountain villages. It is not unusual to find vineyards at their foot and all-the-year round snow on the tops. The surrounding forets are rich in beautiful fauna and it is true that the ibex is the undisputed king among the animals. It is however, possible to see bears, wolves, foxes, wild boar, badgers, pinemartens, eagles, and Egyptian vultures as well. Three of the main rivers, The Sella, Deva 87 and Cares are full of salmon. Costa Brava This region stretches along a coastline of 214km from the French border in the north to Blanes in the south, which is about 40km north of Barcelona. It is an area of great natural beauty formed by a succession of steep cliffs, small sandy coves and forests alternating with world famous places like Tossa del Mar, Cadaqués, Begur and Portlligat. In the north the sand is fine and browny golden, ideal for sand castles but further south the sand becomes coarser. It is soon apparent during any stay in this particular area of Spain just how intensely aware the Catalan people are of their culture and traditions. The Catalan language is widely spoken and although derived from Latin like Spanish and French, it is at times totally unrecognisable. The more readily recognisable Castilian Spanish is just as widely spoken though! Art, music and dance are an integral part of the Catalan cultural heritage and there are numerous opportunities to enjoy colourful and lively festivals throughout the summer. Everyone is familiar with the more flamboyant flamenco style of music and dance which is performed throughout Spain, but particular to the Catalans are the ‘Sardana’, accompanied by pipe and drum, which are more graceful and sedate dances in which people of all ages participate. Visitors are always welcome to join in and the readiness to open the circle to strangers is symbolic of the warm and friendly nature of the Catalan people who are always proud to share their customs. Barcelona is the historical capital of Catalonia and Spain’s second ranking city in both size and importance after Madrid. Its port is one of the most important on the Mediterranean sea. The city which is exceptionally beautiful has an impressive architectural heritage that includes the Gothic Quarter with its cathedral, the old City Hall, the Episcopal Palace and the splendid Palace of the Generalitat, the site of the Catalonian Government. The cathedral comprises several very interesting parts from different periods. The spacious Church has slender Gothic lines and three aisles which were built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Facing each other across the Plaça de Sant Jaume, the scene of all the great events of city life, are the homes of the Catalan government. The Carrer de Montcada, once the home of powerful Catalan noble families has a variety of Gothic and Renaissance mansions. Those which attract most visitors are the Palau Aguilar and Palau del Baro de Castellet which house the Picasso museum. The unique and colourful Rambla, is undoubtedly the most lively part of Barcelona. This varied and spectacular promenade stretches from the Plaça Catalunya to the harbour offering a variety of spectacles ranging from fountains and bookstalls to caged birds and other small animals. The flower stalls give a wonderful splash of colour and further along Barcelona’s most picturesque market Mercat de Sant Josep (or de la Boqueria) is a delight to visit. Cadaqués is an important centre of avantgarde art made famous by Salvador Dali who transferred the unique beauty of the town to many of his paintings. The town lies on the peninsula of Cape Creus overlooking the bay. A walk along the steep streets, a visit to the Baroque-style church and to the many art galleries are essential for art enthusiasts. Roses stands on the site of Rhode, a Greek colony of the 9th century. It has an excellent natural harbour where the tourist development has been extraordinarily fast. The beach offers 4km of fine sand - the water is relatively shallow and consequently popular with the young. The promenade has many open-air cafes, the narrow streets of the town have all the usual tourist shops and there is a huge marina. L’Escala is the gateway to the gulf of Roses and is one of the main fishing villages along the coast. Its special attractions are the typical fishing boats or “trainyeros” which leave the harbour at night with lamps lit to go fishing. Empuries lies very near l’Escala and is dwarfed by the most important archeological site in Spain, which shows the market or “agora”, the holy area where the temples stood including the main one dedicated to Jupiter. Various aspects of the Roman town have been preserved, the southern wall, the amphitheatre and the arena as well as the ruins of a Roman villa, arcaded patios and some beautiful mosaics. On the coast itself, Empuria Brava is a purpose built resort mainly for holidaymakers with boats 88 as it is laid out with canals alternating with roads and many buildings have a water frontage, rather like a modern Venice. Figuerès is a beautiful medieval town. Be sure not to miss the magnificent Dali museum. L’Estartit used to be a fishing village and is an important tourist centre today. It faces south across a wide bay and the beach is long and shelves so gently that it is one of the safest on the Costa Brava. It is perfect for children, even very young ones. The town has an attractive promenade with plenty of greenery and many open-air cafes. To the north is a large harbour and marina used equally by local fishermen and tourists with their yachts. Pals is an old 10th century village with a Gothic church and clock tower of an old castle which lies just inland from the Playa de Pals. The wide plain of the beach at Pals is a product of the mouth of the River Ter and offers a superb view of the Medes Islands, just off the coast. Torroella de Montgri just inland from Playa de Pals invites a detour from the coast to see its porticoed Town Hall square, the 15th century church, the palace of the Kings of Aragon and the Robert Palace as well as the walk to Montgri Castle. Begur is a village of narrow winding streets and porticoed galleries and lies in a semi-circle around a hill on which a 15th century castle stands. Its five huge towers are officially protected as a site of national importance. The nearby coves are very attractive. Calella de Palafrugell is the first of three excellent beaches - the others are Llafranc and Tamariu which are reached over roads leading out of Palafrugell, a village a few kilometres inland from the beach. Its surroundings are considered to be among the finest scenery of Baix Empordà. As a cork production centre, it has two very different parts: the old one with the Gothic church and buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries and El Ensanche with modern constuctions dating from the beginning of this century. Llafranc is in one of the most beautiful settings on the Costa Brava, offering a breathtaking view over a semi-circular bay which is well sheltered and surrounded by low hills covered with pine trees. The beach itself faces south-east and is quite wide for most of its length but the sand is quite coarse and it shelves quite quickly, so children playing at the water’s edge need to be watched. The town has an attractive promenade with plenty of greenery and no high-rise buildings! It is part pedestrianised with open-air restaurants and cafes. To the south, a 15 minute cliff top walk links Llafranc to Calella. Calella has developed around a series of very picturesque, small rocky coves but each one has a sandy beach. The water does however become deep very quickly. Also, further out, there are underwater rocks. The exposed rocks are good for climbing on. The town has no high-rise buildings allowing the steep streets to help it retain its unique character. Palamos is an old fishing town with a 14th century Gothic church of Santa Maria that has developed into a resort around a wide bay and long beach of course sand. There is a wide tree-lined seafront while the centre of town is a mixture of working town and tourist resort. It has many narrow streets and a colourful weekly market. Platja d’Aro is a modern upmarket tourist resort whose best point is the long straight beach, but on the minus side, it is expensive and rather ordinary. The promenade runs the full length of the beach and is completely pedestrianised. Just outside Platja d’Aro on the ring road, there is a magnificent Waterpark called “Aquadiver” which has a variety of waterslides and swimming pools including wave machines, hydrotherapy and a big boating lake. Tossa de Mar is a warren of narrow winding streets of medieval design. The “Vila Vella”, the 12th century old part is surrounded by a five-towered wall but only three of these towers remain: the keep, Las Horas and d’En Jonàs. the beach is set in an attractive crescent-shaped bay between rocky outcrops. There are no high-rise buildings and there is an attractive tree-lined promenade with many open-air cafes and restaurants. The other name for the town is “blue paradise” so called by Marc Chagall who visited and painted the town in 1933. Lloret de Mar is probably the biggest and brashest resort on the Costa Brava and can boast the largest number of discos in the region. The beach is very large and clean overlooked by an 11th century castle on the rocks. It is also hard not to notice the parish church of Sant Romà, with its tiles of different colours. Blanes is a working town and port which has developed into a resort. It has kept the character of a fishing town with a maze of narrow back streets. There are two beaches both long and wide and facing due south which are separated by an outcrop of barren rock. On the neighbouring Mountain of Sant 89 Joan a visit should be paid to the Romanesque ruins of the castle and the watchtower, an unmistakable landmark of the resort. Also on the hills above are extensive Botanical gardens where visitors can wander amongst a range of over 400 species of exotic plants. Inland from the Costa Brava, two towns are worthy of mention. Girona is the capital of the province and is one of the oldest and most beautiful Catalonian cities. The lively Calle Força which leads to the cathedral was the main street of a flourishing Jewish quarter in the 13th century. The Cathedral stands at the top of a majestic 17th century flight of 90 steps, its Baroque facade pierced by a single huge oculus. The cloister and tower are remarkable examples of Romanesque architecture and the beautiful nave has a silver-gilt 14th century altarpiece at the end. Other places to visit are the Chapter House where the Treasury is kept, the former Collegiate of St. Feliu, the Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants and the Arab Baths. Lleida, capital of the province of this name, is set on a steep slope that culminates in a grandiose citadel. In the centre of this, the cathedral or “Seo” built between the 12th and 13th centuries is to be found. Reus Costa Dorada This is a region which stretches for 216km from the Costa Brava to Tarragona and is aptly named because of the golden hue of the fine sands. The spacious beaches have acquired their warm bright colour due to the fact that they face southeast and because of the intensity of the sun’s rays. They receive maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day all year round and get added protection from the nearby mountain range. The water is shallow and ideal for young children. There are numerous coastal towns to visit including Sitges in the north of the area, an important tourist centre with several intersting museums including that of Cau-Ferrat, where there are two paintings by El Greco. Calella de la Costa and Arenys de Mar are two further important tourist centres on the coast, north of Barcelona. The 3km beach at Calafell is overlooked by ruins of an ancient castle. A few kilometres from here, one can visit an inland town El Vendrell which is one of the important crossroads in the area. It is an urban centre typical of this part of Catalonia and also the birthplace of the famous cellist Pablo Casals. The 18th century church crowned by an angel is worth a visit. The busy beaches of Sant Salvador and El Francàs belong to this town. Inland again, near the town of Albinyana is “Rioleon safari”, an exotic reserve of African wildlife adapted to the climate and “Aqualandia” an amusement waterpark. The long spacious beach at Roda de Berà is located at the foot of the El Quadrell mountain range and the town has a singular attraction in its 2nd century A.D. Roman victory arch. The little village of Creixell is set before the mountain of La Mola and opens up an ample 2km stretch of beach. Torredembarra is a seaside town with a wide 7km beach of fine sand, a gentle slope and a backdrop of beautiful cliffs. The outline of the town is dominated by the 16th century Castle Palace. Tarragona It would be impossible to visit the Costa Dorada without visiting this city, which is the capital of the province of the same name. It presides over the whole area due to its importance and beauty. You can admire the great ramparts surrounding the old sector and its towers with Cyclopean bases as well as the Forum, a portion of the Circus, the Amphitheatre and the Aqueduct. The majestic Gothic cathedral and Roman amphitheatre are both worth a visit. A legacy of the Romans can also be found just outside the town in the form of an aqueduct known as El Puente del Diablo or Devil’s Bridge, composed of a series of double arches with a length of 217m. Apart from El Miracle beach known as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean”, other beaches nearby are La Arrabassada (2km away), La Savinosa and Playa Llarga, a huge beach, one of the best on the Catalonian coast. Port Aventura This magnificent theme park is just south of Tarragona, outside the resort of Salou. All visitors to the park must be prepared to set off on a fascinating journey through 5 different worlds of adventure-packed dreams including the Dragon Khan roller coaster; the Grand Canyon Rapids and the Tutuki Splash. It is a park which offers excellent diversions for children of all ages. Further south again the Costa Dorado continues through the seaside town of Cambrils which also has 90 an important fishing fleet and is an active port. In the background stand the impressive Colldejou and Llaberia mountains. Between here and the Ebro Delta there are good beaches to be found characterised by their heavy alluvial and clear shallow waters. L’Ametlla de Mar has a central nucleus built on the side of a small hill facing the sea. Around the pretty harbour of the fishing port, there are some lovely coves (especially El Forn and Sant Roc). Costa del Azahar Tasifa The region is also known as the Orange Blossom Coast and stretches for 112km along the Mediterranean coastline. The region is bounded by Catalonia in the north, Aragon in the west and in the south by Costa Blanca. There are green hills, rugged mountains and golden beaches in abundance here. It is an area of great contrasts, with stunning ocean views, pine-covered mountains and busy traditional fishing villages. It is well described as the undiscovered secret of the Mediterranean. Alcossebre has become a much sought after resort in recent years as it has five beautiful un-spoilt Blue Flag beaches The town is surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty (now a designated national park) with olive andalmond groves and behind it the rugged Sierra De Irta Mountains. The area offers walking in the mountains and national parks or relaxing on golden sands. Las Fuentes is home to sailing and power craft of all sizes. There is wind surfing off all the beaches and scuba diving. Aquarama waterpark in Benicassim is a 30 minutes drive from Alcossebre. The town is also a good base from which to explore the Columbretes Islands Nature Reserve. Valencia is a medium-sized port and the third largest city in Spain and the capital of the province of Valencia. There are plenty of beautiful historical streets and buildings, which are worth a visit. It is a city that offers restaurants, bars, cafés, theatre, music, dance, festivals, fiestas, culture and art. The plains around the city of Valencia are awash with paddy fields, which produce the famous short grain paella rice, and orange groves. Immediately to the south of the city lies L’Albufera Lake, one of Spain’s most important nature reserves which is home to more than 250 bird species including herons and flamingos. You can take a trip round the lake in a barquita (traditional wooden boat) and stop for lunch in one of the lakeside restaurants. Peniscola, which is crowned by a 14th century castle-stronghold and was the residence of Pope Benedict XIII, stands on top of an impressive rocky crag which rises 64 metres above the blue sea. Marina d’Or is situated a few miles north of Benicassim and is Europe’s largest scientific seawater spa an amazing 430,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor pools and treatment areas. The most spectacular feature is the vast Amusement Zone - an extra large seawater swimming pool surrounded by fountains, waterfalls, jacuzzis and baths. Here it is possible to unwind in the relaxation areas, bathe in milk and mud or soak in rose and ylang-ylang scented jacuzzis. The capital of Castellon is Castello de la Plana. Originally founded on high ground, the capital was relocated nearer to the coast in the 13th century. The city centre, the Plaza Mayor, is bordered by the market, the town hall, the cathedral and El Fadri, a 58-meter high octagonal bell tower erected in the late 16th century. 91 Nerja Costa Del Sol The whitewashed villages of Andalucia are impressive historical monuments in themselves, and their people still live according to age-old traditions, inherited from their Iberian, Roman and Moorish forefathers. Many of the villages near the coast have become fashionable resorts, while still conserving their ancient charm, whereas others, in the highlands of Andalucia, remain rough and ready olivefarming towns, with a special appeal for the adventurous travellers. Most Andalucian towns began as fortresses, which stood along the ever-fluctuating frontier between the Christian and Moorish realms, as is apparent in the names of such towns as “Jerez de la Frontera”, “Arcos de la Frontera”, “Morón de la Frontera”. Over the centuries, many have developed into thriving agricultural centres producing olive oil, fruit and vegetables and goat’s milk. If you get a chance when staying in the south of Spain a day trip to Granada is well worth a visit just to view the magnificent Alhambra Palace. This is a beautiful collection of buildings and gardens built in an Arabic style and dating from 9th to 14th century. It was the largest political and aristocratic centre of the Moslem West. The Palace premises are made up of attractive rectangular courtyards and numerous fountains, as well as the Nazarite buildings that served as living quarters for the monarchs and their servants. The oldest building is the Alcazaba or Citadel. One of the most important structures is La Vela tower, which offers one of the best views of the Alhambra. The courtyard of the Lions and its fountains is one of the most beautiful on the premises. 92 Albufeira PORTUGAL Identification It is a legal requirement in Portugal that everyone carries photographic proof of identity at all times. Motoring in Portugal Speed limits: 120 kph - on motorway 110kph - on roads restricted vehicles 90 kph - on normal roads 50 kph - in built-up areas Seat belts: All occupants must wear seat belts. Head lights: dipped headlights compulsory in poor daytime visibility, in tunnels and on the main road linking Aveiro-Vilar Formosa at the Spanish frontier. Fuel: unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane), diesel and LPG Credit cards accepted at most filling stations. Drinking and driving: it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 grams per litre or more. Priority: at junctions with roundabouts, vehicles already on the roundabout have right of way. Mobile phones: the Portuguese Highway Code forbids the use of mobile phones while driving, unless you’re using hands-free equipment or an earphone. Accidents and breakdown: it is compulsory that a warning triangle is displayed and that anyone exiting a vehicle when it is immobilised on the carriageway of all motorways and main or busy roads wears a reflective jacket/waistcoat. 93 Fines: On the spot fines are issued. Special features: it is illegal to use radar/speed trap detectors or to carry bicycles on the back of a car unless fixed with a car number plate. Holiday Health Medical and dental treatment: if medical assistance is required contact the local Health Centre. The EHIC card is valid. Hospital treatment: hospital emergency services should be used only in serious situations such as serious injury, poisoning, burns, breathing difficulties. Private treatment is expensive. Chemists: chemists open from 09:00 - 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings. There are also 24 hour chemists, which operate according to an official chart, displayed on chemists’ windows. An illuminated green cross is displayed when a chemist is open at night. Money Currency: the official currency is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged at banks and at bureaux de change. Banks: open from 08:30 to 15:00 Monday to Friday. There is a national network of cash machines (ATMs) identified by the symbol MB (Multibanco) from which cash can be withdrawn 24 hours per day. Credit cards: all major credit cards are widely accepted in Portugal. Travellers’ cheques: can be used as cash or exchanged for local currency in shops, restaurants, banks, hotels and other establishments but identification such as a passport or driving licence may be required . The commission charge will vary depending on where cheques are exchanged. Post offices: usually open from 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday. Central offices in major cities may be open on Saturday mornings. Many post offices have a Netpost service that, on payment, allows access to personal email and the Internet. Stamps can be purchased from post offices and from vending machines in the streets. Internet: available on payment in some cafés and many post offices that have the Netpost service. There are ‘wi-fi’ marked areas in many public facilities such as airports, restaurants, motorway service areas and shopping centres. Telephones: Public call boxes will accept both coins and cards, which can be purchased in Telecom shops, post offices, kiosks and newsstands that will display a special sign. . Phone booths will display international dialling codes. Emergency numbers: the national number for emergencies is 112 and can be dialled any time of the day or night from anywhere in Portugal. Transport Rail: the Portuguese Railway Company (www.cp.pt) offers a vast rail network of regional, inter-regional and suburban trains covering the whole of Portugal. There are also international services to Vigo, Paris and Madrid. Metro: operates between 6am and 1am in Lisbon and Oporto although most of the metro in Oporto is above ground. Taxis: usually cream in colour. Outside towns the charge is per kilometre and it is usual to agree the fare in advance. The passenger is expected to pay any road tolls incurred on the journey. Shopping Minipreco is one of the least expensive supermarkets - look for products with a brand name Dia. Continente is inexpensive too and has products with their own name “Continente”, which are cheaper than known brands. Most towns of any size have a permanent covered market where the locals shop, in preference to the supermarket, for inexpensively priced fruit, vegetables and fish. Larger markets also have stalls selling bread, cured ham and local cheeses. Shopping hours: shops open from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00 (working days). On Saturdays, most shops close at 13:00. In the shopping malls located in larger towns, shops are normally open on 7 days a week and holidays from 10:00 - 23:00 94 Types of shops: Padaria - bakery, Açougueiro - butchers, Vendedor de especiarias - grocers Drogaria - chemist, Hypermercado - supermarket, Mercado - market Eating Out Restaurants: usually open for lunch between midday and15:00 and for dinner between 19:00and 22:00 although these hours may be extended in some regions during the holiday period. Most restaurants will close one day a week and sometimes at weekends in the centre of big cities. Public holidays National holidays: April 25, May 1, June 10, Aug 15. Moveable public holidays: Good Friday Corpus Christi Portugese Tourist Office Tel: 0845 3551212 www.visitportugal.com Places to Visit Costa de Prata One of the most economically developed parts of the country, Costa de Prata offers mild temperatures, white sandy beaches, mineral springs, forests and lush vegetation. The vast number of monasteries, convents, castles and museums throughout the region displays both its historic and artistic heritage. Its gastronomy is strongly influenced by the sea and from this area come the red Bairrada wines many of which are still made in the traditional way in co-operatives. Aveiro, famous for its lagoon, is criss-crossed by canals where colourfully painted boats sail. The 15th century Cathedral and Gothic cross are worth visiting as well as the Regional Museum, which is housed in the ancient Convento de Jesus. Ovar is an unusual town where some of the women still wear black pork-pie hats and walk around the streets barefoot. Situated on top of a hill, the large 17th century parish church has impressive twin towers and spectacular views. In the centre are the pilgrimage chapel of Calvario, remarkable for its life-size 18th century sculptures, and two impressive old fountains. Mira has an interesting parish church dating from 1690 with a fine painted ceiling and decorated with glazed tiles. Praia de Mira nestles between the sand dunes and the Atlantic on one side and the tranquil lagoon of Barrinha, which is good for boating, swimming and water sports, on the other. Curia owes it existence to the healing properties of its famous mineral waters. As far back as Roman times the quality of its water was known. Today, the Curia waters are still famous and Curia is now a modern health resort that offers a sophisticated array of specialized treatments against diseases. The Caramulo Mountains are a secret and enchanting place of marked contrasts between peaks and valleys where the healthy air combines with the superb landscape to offer a perfect environment for those who wish to wind down. The Spa town, Caramulo, has a famous museum of vintage cars and an art collection containing works by Picasso, Dali and other modern masters. One of Europe’s oldest university towns, Coimbra has kept its secular academic traditions one of which is the fact that the students still wear black capes. The University, with its famous tower and a sumptuous Baroque library overlooks the city and in the adjacent quarters with their medieval walls, arches and stairways are the Old Cathedral and the Machado de Castro museum. Lousã owes its charm to the beauty of the surrounding landscape where the plains join the mountainous ridge, and to its magnificent 18th-century houses. It is worth admiring the three shrines, which form the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Piety, near the Castle of Arouce, all surrounded by hills, olive groves and dense vegetation. Fatima has become one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in the Catholic world. The famous sanctuary of Fátima attracts thousands of pilgrims each year, especially on the 13th May and the 13th October, to celebrate the appearances of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children. Nazaré has a stunning beach, typical fishermen’s houses and steep cliffs over a bright blue sea all of which have made this fishing town into a popular holiday resort.. The fishermen still maintain old traditions. They continue to wear check shirts and black trousers and their wives seven layers of petticoat. They can also 95 be seen mending nets or drying fish on the beach. Near Nazaré lies the beautiful beach of São Martinho do Porto. It is enclosed and safe bay making it a favourite holiday destination, especially for families with children. Obidos is like an open-air museum The walled town has been beautifully preserved as is shown by its monuments, narrow winding streets and whitewashed houses with windows and terraces full of flowers. There are many small shops where visitors can buy traditional ceramics, wicker baskets, miniature windmills and handmade embroidery and woollen articles. Peniche partly enclosed by 16th-century walls, is almost entirely dependent on the sea. Its fishing industry and port, fishermen, trawlers and seagulls as well as its whitewashed houses and narrow streets all contribute to the atmosphere of this town. There are many excellent fish restaurants, specializing in seafood and shellfish dishes, as well as facilities for deep sea fishing. Sintra, not far from Lisbon isonsidered not only as one of the wonders of Portugal but indeed of Europe, Sintra is truly a gem. Once the royal town of the country, it now deservedly holds UNESCO world heritage status and attracts hordes of visitors throughout the year. Its unusual geography, nestled in a stretch of hills surrounded on all sides by plain, estuary or ocean, and its subsequent climate, which is perhaps more typical of Northern Europe, create a verdant paradise where three ornate palaces lie hidden behind tall trees and walled gardens, history abounds and romantics feel that they have at last found their nirvana.. The moorish influence is evident in the splendid Palácio da Vila while the Pena Palace is a true mixture of styles -Renaissance, Baroque, Moorish, Gothic and Manueline adorn this enormous construction which occupies the site of a 16th century Hieronymite monastery, proudly sitting atop the hill behind the Vila de Sintra, at a height of 1500 metres. The Palácio de Queluz has frequently been compared with Versailles Palace. The Algarve Situated in the extreme South of Portugal, this part of the country was the last to be taken from the Moors by the Portuguese king in 1292. Many examples of the Moorish presence can still seen in the unique architecture - terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses. The idyllic temperatures make the region ideal for playing golf and other sports. The hills of Espinhação de Cão, Monchique and Caldeirão in the northern part of the Algarve, shelter the coast from strong winds. This is a brightly coloured region, with its fig trees, orange groves and almond trees in blossom. It is also the most verdant and fertile. The southern coastline consists of a long stretch of fabulous sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes. Albufeira was once a peaceful fishing village. It has retained its narrow streets in the old town and its whitewashed houses perched over a charming beach where it is possible to walk amidst colourful fishing boats decorated with eyes, animals and stars. Shops, bars and restaurants fill every corner, but there are is also the old castle, the buildings that still preserve Moorish arches and interesting churches, like the one of São Sebastião. From Aljezur tourists can explore the wonderful beaches of the Algarve’s west coast. Being on the Atlantic coast they are often wild and deserted in contrast to the warmer ones of the south. Aljezur is a small and tranquil town, overlooked by a 10th century Moorish castle. The town is divided into two parts and lies in a fertile valley with a patchwork of fields where various crops are cultivated. Elegant flamingos, soft golden sand and warm, turquoise-coloured waters all contribute to the beauty of Castro Marim, a tranquil region on the banks of the River Guadiana. Hills carpeted with wilds flowers as well as lush orchards andvegetable gardens add further appeal. Look for the famous thermal spas of Monchique and Fóia (902 m high), overlooking the hills and the ocean. Between Monchique and Portimão is the village of Caldas de Monchique that was developed in Roman times as a Spa. Here a visitor can try the curing elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32ºC. The square-shaped flat-roofed houses of Olhão, with their Moorish-style terraces, are a wellknown feature of this fishing town. Another architectural curiosity is the fish market in a long, rather unattractive building on the waterfront. Every morning there is a lively atmosphere and the impressively large variety of fish offered by the local fisherman. The catch is displayed in a most tempting and appetising way. Portimão offers a rich heritage of historical monuments. In addition there is the natural beauty of Ria de Alvor, the charm of cultivated fields, of slopes covered with pine trees and wild flowers. In this fishing 96 town there are a number of churches to see whilst in the suburbs, the renowned Praia da Rocha (with its Santa Catarina de Ribamar Fortress), and the Roman ruins of Abicada are worth visiting. Wicker and cane baskets, hats, mats and baskets made of palm leaves and twisted “esparto” grasses, lace and embroidery, copper utensils, domestic and decorative earthenware are among the items that the craftsmen and women of Portimão continue to make using traditional materials, motifs and techniques. In a fertile inland region, São Brás de Alportel was known as a centre for cork production in the Algarve. The town has narrow streets and rustic houses, although there are richer ones with painted ceramic tiles and balustrades decorated with artistic wrought iron. Santarem is the lively capital of the region, a region that is proud of its tradition of horse and bull rearing. The bullfights in Santarém are famous as well as its large, annual agricultural fair. In itself, Santarém offers interesting churches and the well-known Jardim das Portas do Sol, gardens enclosed by the city’s medieval walls and with magnificent views over the river and the vast plains. Nowadays a lively centre, the history of Torres Vedras has made it known for the fortified defences that the Duke of Wellington built in order to stop the troops of Napoleon during the French invasion (they became known as the Lines of Torres). Rising above the town, the walls of the 13th century castle have been restored and enclose a pleasant garden and the church of Santa Maria do Castelo. Faro is the capital of the district, with a medieval wall and a large number of monuments including a Cathedral of Roman-Gothic origin. In addition there aremany museums and beautiful churches to visit. Lagoa (Lagos) is known for its wine. Standing on a small hill, surrounded by vineyards, it is a very peaceful town in contrast to the tourist centres on the coast. Nearby Carvoeiro, with its charming sandy cove, is an old fishing village, which became a popular holiday resort, but of the ancient fortress and convent there is little left. Loulé is a rural administrative and active market town with remains of a castle dating back to the 12th century. Although the castle has been virtually destroyed some walls are still standing and are now surrounded by modern buildings. Like many other towns in the Algarve, most of the older buildings were destroyed in the earthquake that occurred in 1755. Within the remaining walls is a museum, which shows the past grandeur of the castle. With its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, the picturesque town of Tavira offers a beautiful view over the Gilão river and its Roman bridge. Again there are many churches to visit dating from the 13th to 18th centuries. A wander along the Travessa de Dona Brites, will reveal beautiful medieval houses with Gothic windows and portals. In the suburbs, in the small village of Luz there is a Renaissance church, which has been a pilgrimage place for many centuries. Vila do Bispo - Sagres was where five centuries ago Prince Henry set up a school of navigation, which played a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries. Apart from the Nossa Senhora da Graça Hermitage, you can visit the magnificent Fortress, originally built in the 14th century and later altered, and the 15th century Rosados-Ventos, a 43 metre diameter compass rose. Although many of the Algarve’s resorts have grown in a rather chaotic fashion around a pre-existing town or village this is not the case in Vilamoura. It is a modern, purpose-built resort where everything has been planned and designed with pleasure in mind. The huge range of facilities available makes it a very popular destination for families seeking relaxation and fun. 97 Veli Losinj CROATIA Motoring in Croatia Speed limits: 130 kph on motorways 110 kph on dual carriageways. 90 kph outside built up areas 50 kph in built up area, Minimum speed on motorways is 40 kph. On major roads the limit is 80kph. Vehicles towing a caravan or trailer are restricted to 70 kph on all roads outside built-up areas. Note motorists who have held a full licence for less than two years must not exceed 80 kph on normal roads, 100 kph on expressways and 110 kph on motorways. Seat belts: the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts, including rear seat belts where fitted. Children under 12 yrs cannot travel as front seat passenger. Head lights: by law dipped headlights must be used at all times and a fine is imposed for noncompliance. It is compulsory to carry a spare set of bulbs in the car. Motorways: there are very few motorways in Croatia, but the country is involved in the process of intensive road construction. There is currently about 250km of motorway in country. Reflective jackets: essential in case of breakdown on the hard shoulder of a motorway or any other road. Priority: unless signs indicate otherwise, drivers should give way to vehicles approaching from the right and to traffic already on a roundabout. Fuel: petrol stations are open every day from 06:00 till 23:00 in high season. Petrol and diesel are available. The availability of fuel is limited on motorways, although it is plentiful everywhere else. Credit 98 cards accepted at some petrol stations but it is advisable to check first. Drinking and driving: strictly forbidden. Nil percentage of alcohol is allowed in the driver’s blood. Accidents and breakdown: all motorists are required by law to carry a red warning triangle which in case of breakdown or accident should be placed on the road at a suitable distance away from the vehicle. Emergency telephones are available on motorways. The number to ring is 987 for the Croatian Auto Club (HAK). Any necessary repairs will have to be paid for. However if Car Breakdown Insurance has been taken out many of the expenses will be covered. In the case of an accident an Accident Report must be filled in and included with a Green Card. The Insurance Company must be informed, preferably by letter, within 24 hours of the accident taking place. Useful telephone numbers are: Police 92, Medical Emergency 94, and Road Assistance 987. Fines: heavy fines may accompany certain offences and on-the-spot fines are imposed in some instances. Police may hold the driver’s passport until evidence of payment has been produced. Mobile phones: Use of mobile phones while driving is not permitted. Parking: parking meters will be seen in various places and it is usual only to have to pay during normal shopping hours. Where there is no parking or waiting allowed there should be a sign. Similarly, signs should indicate places where waiting is limited. A car may be towed away if it is illegally parked and this could be a very costly experience, so keep a look out for parking restriction signs. Money Currency: the currency in Croatia is the Kuna. 1KN is equivalent to 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of KN1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Banks: open from 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday and Saturday 08:00 to 23:00. Summer hours often apply in the Adriatic resorts where banksmay shut for two hours in the middle of the day and remain open until 20:00. The best places to change currency are at banks or exchange bureaux which are often found in travel agencies. Methods of payment: credit cards such American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners Club are widely accepted throughout Croatia but it is always wise to check before each transaction. Travellers’ Cheques: a passport or some other form of photographic identification will be needed to change travellers’ cheques. They can be cashed by banks and hotels and can be used at most restaurants and shops. Post Offices: usually open from 07:00 - 19:00 on weekdays but close at midday on Saturdays. There may be some regional variations. Post boxes are yellow. Postage stamps may also be purchased from newspaper and tobacco kiosks. Phone cards are used in all public telephones and may be purchased from post offices and from newspaper and tobacco kiosks. Internet: Internet cafés are well established in Croatia’s cities and are increasingly common in Adriatic resorts. Prices are generally reasonable. Some Internet cafés require customers to register as members (usually free of charge) before using the computers. A passport or other form of ID will be necessary to do this. Telephones: public telephones can be used only with telephone cards which can be bought in post offices or newspaper stands. Telephone booths are yellow. Emergency Numbers Call 112 in the following cases - if you need urgent or vital medical assistance or fire fighting services Important telephone numbers: International country code for Croatia: +385 Police: 92, Fire Brigade: 93,Ambulance: 94,Roadside vehicle assistance: 987 (when calling from abroad or by mobile phone, call +385 1 987) National Search and Rescue Centre: 9155. A single countrywide number for all emergency situations: 112 General information: 981 Croatian Automobile Club (HAK): +385 1 46 40 800, Holiday Health Medical and dental treatment: the health service is of a good standard although payment has to be made for seeing a doctor or being treated in a hospital for non-emergencies. Certain countries, such as 99 Britain, have reciprocal medical arrangements whereby you should not have to pay for any emergency treatment. Chemists: prescribed medicines can be obtained from any pharmacy but will have to be paid so all receipts must be kept in order to claim on holiday insurance. A rota system ensures that there will be one pharmacy open at night time and at weekends. The address will be posted in the window of all other pharmacies. Transport Trains: this is a popular mode of transport in Croatia. There are several trains a day between the major towns. In comparison with Western Europe, tickets are inexpensive. Please note that there is no a train service to Dubrovnik as it does not have a station. Buses: the bus service is first class as even the smallest villages have some sort of bus connection. There are express buses which cover longer distances and are very comfortable. Bus travel is also inexpensive and the new motorways in parts of the country have reduced journey times. In almost every larger town, there is a bus station (Autobusna Stanica) where tickets are sold and timetables are clearly displayed. Ferries: there are numerous ferry services between the coastline and the islands, as well as services along the coast. Shopping Prices may be more expensive than in the UK but the quality of goods is very high. There are many department stores for general shopping and supermarkets for food shopping, with boutiques, jewellery shops and souvenir shops in the centre of all major cities. Markets are very popular, selling fresh fruit and vegetables and traditional handicrafts at very reasonable prices. Shopping hours: Shops and department stores are open between20:00 - 20:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 - 14:00/15:00. A smaller number of stores close between noon and 16:00. Many stores are also open on Sundays, especially in the summer, and a smaller number in the larger cities are open 24 hours a day. Eating Out Eeating places abound. A la carte restaurants, taverns and pizzerias, offering everything from typical local speciality dishes to fast food alternatives. For excellent food in a traditional atmosphere head for one of the hundreds of country inns. Some of the many cafes or pub-like establishments often serve sandwiches and so are good for snacks or lunches as are the fast food outlets found in many towns. They are ideal for a quick, cheap, tasty snack offering fast-food favourites such as hot dogs, pizza and chips etc. Wherever you happen to be in Croatia you should sample local dishes, made from the fruits of the earth and the sea. ‘Manestras’, broths made from vegetables and dried meat are a speciality. A sauce called ‘Zgvacet’ made from chicken, beef and venison is served with all types of pasta and Oysters are eaten raw with lemon juice. On the coast there are many fish specialities, the most famous of which is ‘Dalmatian brodet’, a kind of fish broth. High quality fish is served grilled, baked and fried and mussels are prepared in a sauce. Very highly recommended are sea spider, black fish and ‘fruits of the sea’ risotto. Try the local cheese in the area you are visiting, it is usually made from sheep’s milk. Pastry shops are abundant, morning coffee and cakes are served from 10.30am and there are many varieties of ice cream for the children to sample on offer. Croatia is famous for its excellent wines, which are a result of long held wine production traditions in the region. Public Holidays National Holidays: May 1, June 22 and June 24, August 15 Moveable public holidays: Good Friday, Easter Monday, Corpus Christi Croatian National Tourist Office, Lanchesters 162-164 Fulham Palace Road, LONDON W6 9ER Tel: 0208 563 7979 www.croatia.hr 100 Places to visit Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the north-west to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east; its central region is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and its southern parts extend to the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Istria is the only area featured in our programme. Some of the best places to visit are detailed below.The climate of the Istra region offers ideal opportunities for the naturist and several beach areas are clearly signed. Porec is a tourist centre famous for its beautiful natural landscape, long tradition in tourism and several well-equipped tourist resorts: Plava and Zelena Laguna (Blue and Green Lagoon), Brulo, Pical, Spadici. The beaches of Porec are renowned for their quality and visited by naturalists from afar. The most precious cultural monument in the city of Porec, comprising a 6th-century complex of sacral buildings erected during the time of Bishop Euphrasius, lies in the northeast part of the urban-historical core of the city. The Basilica, built on the foundations of a much earlier church, is dominated by a triple-naved apse, a narthex, the atrium, an octagonal baptistery, and the bishop’s palace. The edifice was added to in the 13th and 15th centuries, and a bell-tower was erected in the 16th century. The apse is ornately decorated with figural mosaics, which, together with the mosaics in San Vitale in Ravenna, comprise one of the most remarkable examples of mosaic art in Europe. From the floor mosaics and from preserved inscriptions we are able to follow all the phases of building, adaptations and renovations, that is to say, the dynamics of the life of the Christian community in Porec. The history of Porec can be seen in the old walled city, cobbled streets, churches and wonderful architecture that leave a lasting impression of times past. Pula has a wonderful Roman amphitheatre (commonly called Arena), from the 1st and 2nd centuries. There is also The Roman Golden Gate. It occupies a dominant position above the harbour. It has an elliptic ground-plan (132.45 x 105.10 m), the walls are 30.45 m high; it could seat 23,000 spectators. It is the world’s sixth largest preserved amphitheatre. There is also The Roman Golden Gate. Rovinj is one of the most developed seaside resorts in Croatia, offering a whole range of visitor opportunities in a picturesque ambience of the ancient town, surrounded by luxuriant pine forests.The town is dominated by the Baroque three-nave church of St. Euphemia (Fuma), erected in 1736 ; its front dates back to 1883. Next to the side door is the marble relief of St. Euphemia from the 14th century. The bell tower is 60 m high, built in the period 1654-1680 according to the sketches by Antonio Manopola, with the statue of St. Euphemia on the top. - Close to the harbour are the clock tower, the Baroque Balbi’s Arch (1680) on the location of the town gate and the former Town Hall from the 17th century - today the Museum. The Punta Corrente Forest Park south the town is a lovely spot for a swim and a meditative gaze out to sea. Although situated over the border in Slovenia, the drive to visit the Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle is well worth the effort, about a an hour and a half from Porec. For further details refer to the descriptions under Slovenia. 101 Lake Bled SLOVENIA Slovenia is a small central European country which has recently joined the European Community. It has borders with Austria, Croatia, Italy and Hungary. The Slovenian climate is as varied as its landscape with harsh cold winters in the mountains and mild summers. The north-western area where Bled is situated is mountainous and verdant. Half of the surface area of Slovenia is forested (far above the European average) and there is a lot of red and roe deer. Motoring in Slovenia You will need a driving licence with a photo on it, which means that if you do not have the new EU driving licence, you will need an International Driving Permit. The use of dipped headlights is compulsory even in daytime. Speed limits: 50 kph in built-up areas, 90 kph outside built-up areas, 100 kph on dual carriageways 130 kph on motorways 80 kph for a car with a caravan or trailer travelling outside built-up areas or on dual carriage ways. Seat belts are compulsory for front- and rear-seat passengers.Children must be at least 12 years of age to sit in the front seat. Headlights All moving vehicles must use dipped headlights night and day. Tolls Charged on the A1/E63 from Ljubljana to Kranj, the A10/E70 from Ljubljana to Razdrto, and the A10/E57 from Maribor to Celje. The Karavanke tunnel is also subject to toll charge. Buses have priority when leaving a bus stop and they tend to assert it; so be careful. Reflective jacket, a warning triangle and a first aid kit in the vehicle are compulsory. 102 Fuel Unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane) available. Diesel and LPG readily available. Petrol in cans is permitted Petrol stations at border entry points and along expressways are open 24 hours; others are open from 07:00 to 20:00 Mon-Sat. Credit cards are widely accepted. Drinking and Driving: if the level of alcohol in the blood stream is 0.05% or more there are severe penalties of either fines or suspension of driving licence. The driver can still be fined for levels below 0.05% if unable to drive safely. Fines heavy on-the-spot fines are in place for traffic offences and jaywalking. The police are empowered to impose on-the-spot fines for offences including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and for using mobile phones without properly installed wireless headsets. Parking: illegally parked vehicles will be towed away or clamped. Money Currency: the official currency is the Euro. Where to change money: currency can be exchanged at numerous exchange offices around the country, at banks, at most hotel receptions and international borders. Banks: Banks will exchange foreign currency and travellers checks for Euros and vice versa. Hours of operation: Weekdays: 8:30-12:30 and 14:00-17:00 Saturdays: 8:30 to 11:00/12:00 Credit cards: widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops. Travellers’ cheques: can be exchanged in hotels and Slovene banks. ATM’s are widely available and major credit cards/travellers cheques are widely accepted. A sufficient number of euros should be carried when travelling outside main tourist areas. in most towns and resorts. Post Offices: Hours of operation:- Weekdays: 8:00 to 18:00, Saturdays: 8:00 to 12:00 Evenings and Sundays only main Post Offices in larger centers are open; www.posta.si Telephones public telephones operate on magnetic cards. Magnetic cards are sold at post offices; at newspaper kiosks and tobacco shops; www.telekom.si Emergency Numbers: Police: 113, Fire: 112, Emergency First Aid: 112 AMZS - Automobile Association of Slovenia: 1987 Holiday Health The UK has reciprocal arrangements with Slovenia, which means there is an entitlement to free or reduced-cost medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) must be shown to access any reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary during a visit. Medical and Dental Treatment: free emergency medical treatment is available from a doctor in a public health institution, or from a private doctor or dentistwho is contracted to the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (Zavod za Zdravstveno Zavarovanje Slovenije or ZZZS). If a doctor who is not contracted to the ZZZS is consulted, it will not be possible to claim a refund. Emergency dental treatment is available from dentists contracted to the ZZZS. The nearest regional office of the ZZZS (Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia).The office will be able to give you a list of private doctors and dentists contracted to the ZZZS. In an emergency, go to the emergency department of a hospital where free treatment will be available. Prescriptions: for some prescription drugs it will be necessary to pay 25% to 75% of the cost; for others the full cost will have to be paid. These charges are not refundable. Some drugs are provided free of charge. Ambulances: if a doctor refers a patient to hospital, ambulance travel is free, otherwise 70% per cent of the cost will have to be paid. This is not refundable. Transport Slovenia’s public transport system is unfortunately not as comprehensive as public transport in other EU countries as most people use their cars. Ljubljana airport is located almost equidistant from Bled and Ljubljana. There is no rail connection from the airport into Ljubljana. Shopping Shopping: Working hours are mostly nonstop without lunch time closing. Weekdays: 8:00 to 19:00, 103 Saturdays: 8:00 to 13:00. Sundays and holidays: On duty pharmacies, etc., and some private stores. Payment is in Euros; most stores accept credit cards: AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, MASTER CARD EUROCARD, and VISA. Eating Out Visitors are surprised by the variety of traditional Slovenian food as well as by the many dishes that, although they have originated outside the country, have been given a Slovenian touch. Hotels and restaurants offer numerous Slovenian delicacies and wines. Gostilnas or taverns are at the heart of the Slovenian hospitality. Beside drinks a gostilna has to offer at least three dishes, which are typical of the environment or region. Gostilnas are often owned by families who strive to maintain the traditional décor of the establishment. In many places in Slovenia culinary traditions are presented at special events. Many every day dishes are made from cabbage, beans and potatoes and each Slovenian region has its own various types of bread. More than seventy variations of struklji (dumplings) are widely spread across Slovenia. Two renowned delicacies are the luxuriously filled prekmurska gibanica - a layered pastry, originating in the region of Prekmurje, containing variously poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, raisins and cottage cheese and potica, a cake roll filled with walnuts, poppy seeds, raisins, various herbs, cottage cheese, honey or crackling. Wine: the wines are of a high quality and include many sparkling wines. Numerous wine cellars in Slovenia offer wine tasting. Public Holidays National Holidays: April 27. May 1 and 2, June 25 , August 15 ,August 17,September 15 Moveable public holidays: Easter Sunday and Monday and Pentecost The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, 10 Little College Street, London SW1P 3SH Tel.: 020 7222 54 00 Tourist information: [email protected] Useful websites: www.slovenia.info, www.bled.si, www.ljubljana-tourism.si, www.postojnska-jama.si Places to Visit As the only campsite offered is on Lake Bled, information is restricted to the areas within driving distance of the town of Bled. Bled is probably the most famous tourist resort in Slovenia. It is a jewel among the alpine resorts renowned for its mild healthy climate, thermal lake water and wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere. The image of Bled with the castle, the lake and the island in the middle of the lake, are sights by which Bled is known to nearly the entire world. The lake is 2120m long and 1380m wide, with a maximum annual water temperature 24 degreesC. Bled has a mild, healthy sub-Alpine climate with the longest swimming season of any Alpine resort. The ridges of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke mountains protect it from the chilly northern winds. During the summer months there is no fog. The average monthly temperature in July is 19 degrees C. Hidden in the picturesque mountains nobody can fail to be impressed by the stunning views across the lake to the tiny island - Blejski Otok - in the middle dominated by its beautiful spired church. This Church of the Assumption and the island both have a rich history. Inside the church there is the wishing bell dating from 1534 which visitors are allowed to take turns ringing. The best way to get to the island is by the traditional Bled special boat called Pletna. The pleasant trip on the lake includes a half-hour stop (or as agreed) on the island. The boatmen are stationed and waiting for you at the Health Park, under Hotel Park, in Mlino, and at the Rowing Centre. You can also row yourself across in a hired boat or even swim. Bled Castle (Blejski Grad) The castle is a silent witness to the former power of the area and stands resolute and proud on a high rock above the lake, watching over the town. It was built in the early 11th century by the Bishops of Freising and was for centuries the seat of the Bishopric in Gorenjska. In 1511 an earthquake heavily damaged the castle. In the latter half of the 19th century Viktor Ruard, an industrialist and foundry owner, bought the castle and property, and the castle changed ownership several times. Today it is a public property run by the Slovene National Museum. The present structure 104 of the castle dates from the late 17th century and includes major restoration works carried out in the 1950s. Preserved from the original building are the Romanesque walls with an entrance tower and the reconstructed wooden defence corridors, while the other sections of the castle are generally in the Gothic and Renaissance styles. In the summer months, the castle atmosphere is transformed on warm summer evenings by concerts of classical music. Trips round the lake Coachmen called Fijaker can take you for a ride around the lake and to Bled Castle. Further trips are also possible - to Vintgar or the Pokljuπka ravine, through the villages of Gorje, Podhom and Zasip or through Mlino, Selo, Ribno, Bodeπèe and Koritno, as well as to the golf course or to the ˇobec Camp. If you so wish, you can travel as far as Begunje and Draga, Kropa or even Bohinj. The carriage station is by the Festival Hall. It is also possible to walk all round the lake on special paths. It is only about 5km long and is definitely worth viewing the lake from all angles. The Julian Alps If you stay on Lake Bled, the Julian Alps are easily accessible. The dramatic white limestone mountains of the Julian Alps dominate the north west of Slovenia. The highest peak, Mount Triglav, standing at over 2800 metres, gives its name to the surrounding National Park. It is characterised by deep river gorges, thunderous waterfalls, beautiful valleys and stunning views from the peaks over the surrounding countryside. It is an area where the indigenous wild life, both animals and plants are protected. You may be lucky enough to see chamois, mountain sheep, wild roosters, grouse, eagles and marmots. The whole area is covered with well-signed walks and is definitely worth a day’s trekking. The Vrsic Pass, a high mountain road connecting which is closed in winter, connects Bovec to Kranjska Gora and offers spectacular views. Bohinj This is one of the most beautiful places in the heart of the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park. The whole of the Bohinj Basin is surrounded by the steep precipitous cliffs of the Julian Alps. The lake has been protected from the construction of buildings on its shores, so its natural beauty has been preserved. The water in the lake is extremely clear and attracts bathers in summer. Visitors to the area are guaranteed high mountains, green forests, beautiful pastures and meadows as well as cultural monuments and friendly villages and towns. The Bohinj area is also an ideal starting point for day trips, for walks on the trails that run throughout the valley, and for mountaineering and climbing tours. The Savica Waterfall which goes into a pool 71 metres below and then into the lake is another great attraction. Vogel, rising 1000m above the lake can be reached by cable car leaving from Ukanc. The Soca Valley is carved into the white limestone of the magnificent Julian Alps. It is full of wonderful colours, waterfalls, pools, ravines and canyons and has its own distinct flora and fauna. Following the valley northwards from Nova Gorica near the Italian border, Kobarid will be reached, where there is an excellent museum reflecting the region’s importance as one of the main ‘fronts’ during WW1 (graphically described by Ernest Hemingway in A Farewell to Arms). Between April and October his area becomes a fly-fishing haven. In the upper reaches of the Soca Valley the town of Bovec offers world-class adventure sports as well as great hiking and kayaking. Skofja Loka Hills Situated at the foothills of the Julian Alps, this beautiful region of ravines and valleys is ideal for cycling and hiking - and the further west you go the higher the peaks become, Blegos being the highest at 1562m. Skofja Loka is one of the oldest towns in Slovenia, and the 13th century castle overlooking the town is one of the prettiest. The town also hosts Venerina Pot (Path of Venus) a medieval inspired festival held on the last weekend in June plus many other sites of historical interest to explore. Hills and Vineyards Along the southern border of Slovenia are fertile, rolling hills - a land filled with sunflowers, cornfields and vineyards. There are the forests to explore, this being one of the most densely forested countries in Europe, rich with wildlife, including bears! It is in these areas that most of the vines are grown. Slovenian wine is excellent and wins many awards at international level. There are three main regions: Podravje in the northeast, most famous for its whites; Posavje in the southeast, known for its reds, and the Karst region which produces the ruby-red Teran. Follow one of the Wine Routes and sample some of these wonderful wines! The Karst This is a fascinating area of disappearing lakes, underground caves, wonderful wines and aircured ham. It is also the home of the Lipizzaner Horses made famous by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Cerknica Lake is usually present between October and June when the lake becomes a wonderful area for fishing and windsurfing and a mecca for birdwatchers. In June, when the snowmelt has finished and the rainfall decreases, the lake begins to percolatethrough sinkholes into the subterranean area and eventually disappears! The Postojna Caves ( see below) and Socjan Caves are well worth visiting: the former are perhaps rather more touristy and have a small train running through. This area is also famous 105 for its vineyards with many competition winning wines, the local speciality being the rich “teran” reds, which complement the local air-cured hams and salamis. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is only 50km from Bled andis a city of culture, home of many theatres, museums and galleries. It also boasts one of the oldest philharmonic academies in the world. In the warmer months of the year numerous cafes and restaurants move outdoors, to the banks of the Ljubljanica and the squares of the city centre. There is a youthful atmosphere in the city as it is home to more than 50,000 students.Its medieval castle is situated on a steep hill overlooking the city and from here you can view the attractive uneven roofs of the older buildings down below. The Caves at Postojna These world-famous caves, about an hour’s drive from Bled, are well worth a day trip. This wonderful 20km long underground system of caves is a world apart. It has been carved, shaped and created by water, drop by drop, over millions of years. The cave is accessible without special equipment, and has a constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. We recommend that you take a warm jacket or sweater to wear while underground. Visitors are taken for a tour by a special cave train, accompanied by experienced guides. A visit takes an hour and a half. At busy times of the year the trains shuttle backwards and forwards one after the other. All the caves are decorated with shining stalagmites and stalactites. Practically every inch is covered with some adornment, in shades of brownish-white giving the impression that great cathedral architects have been at work. Predjama Castle A few kilometres from the entrance to Postojna cave stands one of the most picturesque buildings in the whole of Slovenia. Predjama Castle hangs dramatically in the middle of a 123 metre cliff – a four storey structure almost arrogant in its simplicity, but unconquered and uncompromising. Although the current building dates from the end of the 16th century, a castle has stood on this site since the year 1201. It. The castle is well worth a visit and so is the underworld below the castle which is an adventure in itself, whether you are a caver, a tourist – or simply curious. The Public can obtain Travel Advice Notices by telephoning the Travel Advice Unit of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 0930 to 1600 hours Monday to Friday on 0207 238 4503/4504 or faxing on 0207 238 4545 or by accessing their website on www.fco.gov.uk/. Hartford Manor, Greenbank Lane, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 1HW 106 European Drivers’ Pack Just 9 9 . 4 2 £ &p inc p It’s compulsory to carry certain items whilst driving in Europe, so we’ve gathered the essentials you’ll need in this handy pack, all for just £24.99 inc P&P* 1 x Fluorescent vest 1 x Pack of universal headlight beam deflectors 1 x Warning triangle 1 x First aid kit 1 x Box of universal spare bulbs Call 08448 440440 independent * Please note this must be purchased up to two weeks prior to departure. 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