Regions of France - Provincial Magic of Perfection
Now, when the word “province” evokes only delight and a storm of emotions, eyes run wide from tempting prospects, and seductive opportunities turn your head! If you are experiencing something like this, you will definitely have a tour to France.
Going to visit a European pearl, as if matured in mother-of-pearl shutters neighboring countries, the first step is to decide which of the 27 regions of France to go to, what type of vacation to choose for an unforgettable trip.
Whether you want to spend a week in Paris, ride the Golden Ring of France, listen to the Legends of Provence, take a train tour to Cannes, or visit Prague, Paris and Nice in one trip, "DVM" will help determine the direction and route planning.
Thanks to the diversity and richness of the tourist infrastructure, the variety of climatic zones and landscapes, regardless of the time of year, holidays in France will be excellent at any time of the year, whatever the purpose of your trip.
Sunbathe on the luxurious beaches of the Côte d'Azur or explore undersea world off the coast of rocky Brittany, try your luck at the Casino of Monte Carlo or explore the collections of the Louvre, Versailles and the Mahé Foundation. Arrange a sightseeing tour of the castles of the Loire, the center of Paris or the famous Russian cemetery of Saint Genevieve de Bois? Or maybe a medical tour to Evian with the world-famous mineral water or a trip to the waters in Vichy? But what about the Alpine "Three Valleys" with the ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel, Saint-Martin?! Yes, and the children should, finally, be taken to Disneyland and arrange a shopping tour of French boutiques ...
Or stop wracking your brains and make an individual tour to France with a visit to all interesting places, cities and provinces?
So that your visit to France brought maximum joy, impressions and benefits, "DVM" offers you informative overviews on French cities and provinces, thanks to which you will be able to understand in which part of France it would be comfortable for you to spend your vacation, vacation, business trip, family holiday or improve your health.
Regions or provinces of unitary France- these are its administrative-territorial units, subordinated to a single state system law, the highest authorities and the constitution. All 27 provinces (22 on the mainland and 5 overseas territories) receive a share of taxes and have their own budget, which is distributed among departments. So each province is almost a small state with its own capital, subordinate departments, rich cultural and political-economic life. At the same time, in any part of France, there is uniform legislation, norms and standards that apply to the entire country. So in the country you can safely move from province to province, paying attention only to the climatic features of the region and choosing the types of recreation that are relevant during the season of your trip to France.
"Southern Provinces" is a fascinating and unbanal excursion route which will introduce you to southern part country. Cities in the south of France with their unique charm and old color are not alike, and each reveals some new facet on the way to the knowledge of this wonderful country.
Tours in the Southern Provinces of France
Tour date in 2020: on request
Paris, even being one of the most romantic cities in the world, is only a small fraction of what you must see in France with your own eyes.
« Tours in the provinces of France» is a fascinating and unusual excursion route that will introduce you to the southern part of the country. Cities in the south of France with their unique charm and ancient color are not similar to each other, and each reveals some new facet on the way to the knowledge of this amazing country.
The tour includes not only a rich cultural program, but also a tasting of famous French wines.
Tour route: Marseille - Toulouse - Montpellier - Nimes - Avignon - Marseille.
Tour duration: 8 days / 7 nights.
Direct flight by regular flight of AirFrance AF4317/ AF4316, Moscow - Marseille - Moscow.
Departures: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.
Tours in the Southern Provinces of France - Marseille.
Tour program:
1st day
Arrival at the airport of Marseille. Transfer to the hotel in Marseille. Late check-in at the hotel.
2nd day
Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide in the hotel lobby. Transfer to the station. Transfer to Toulouse, 4 hours. Transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon: sightseeing tour of Toulouse, 2 hours.
3rd day
Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Second half of the day: transfer to the station. moving
in Montpellier, 2 hours Transfer to the hotel.
4th day
Sightseeing tour in the central part of Montpellier, the duration of the tour is
2 hours. Transfer to the station. Transfer to Nimes, 30 min. Afternoon: sightseeing tour of the historical center of Nimes, tour duration - 2 hours.
Tours in the provinces of France - Nimes.
5th day
Breakfast in the hotel.
Free time or optional excursion to the ancient Roman Garsky bridge, duration of the excursion - 4 hours (for an additional fee). Transfer to the station. Transfer to Avignon, 30 min. Afternoon: sightseeing tour of the historic center of Avignon, tour duration - 2 hours.
6th day
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit to the Provencal market, duration of the tour - 2 hours. If you wish, you can continue the tour with a wine tasting at the tasting center of the Papal Palace, supplement for a guide and tasting - 40 euros + 6.50 euros / person. Afternoon: free time.
7th day
Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to Marseille, 40 min. Transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing tour of the old part of the city, tour duration - 2 hours. Second half of the day: free time, individual program.
8th day
Breakfast in the hotel. Free time, preparation for departure, check-out from the hotel. Late transfer to the airport at 12:00. Departure.
Tours in the provinces of France - Marseille.
Tour cost per person in euros:
The tour price includes:
- accommodation in a hotel of the selected category;
- meals - breakfasts;
- excursions according to the program;
- transfers "hotel - station - hotel" in Marseille, Montpellier, Nimes, Avignon, Toulouse;
- railway tickets for the entire route;
- transfers "Marseille airport - hotel - Marseille airport".
First 2 weeks of September 2008.
Tour operator "DSBV"
Nice-Avignon-Pont du Gard-Nimes-Carcassonne-Bordeaux-Cognac-Angoulême-Saint Emilion-Arcachon-Sarlet-la Caneda-Rocamadour-Toulouse-Arles-Marseille + holiday in Nice
The trip was simply wonderful, very interesting and informative, although very difficult. Moreover, the flight was to Genoa (Italy), and then by bus to Nice. The tour was just for endurance, because in the intense heat (it was more than +30) almost every day I had to walk almost 10 km with my legs, and even along the mountains, steps, abbeys. We must pay tribute, all the hotels along the route we had from "3+" to "4 stars" with "buffet" breakfasts, i.e. with hot buffet, which is very cool and a rarity for a tour of France. I liked Nice, however, the dominance of Russian speech, you feel like in Sochi, and I went to speak French. An incomparable panoramic view opens from Mount Chateau: the Bay of Angels, the English Promenade, palaces, parks, shops, restaurants. Bright sun, blue sky, turquoise sea. And all this is poetically called Cote d'Azur! But personally I beach holiday I would never choose Nice. Beach - large pebbles, very, very prickly legs. And the equipped beach is no different: only a sunbed - 20 euros, a soft mattress - 5 euros, an umbrella - 5 euros, and entry into the water is just as stupid. I had to buy special slippers for swimming.
Then we move to Avignon, famous for its bridge over the river Rhone, papal palace and Notre Dame de Home Cathedral. The Rhone is wonderfully beautiful, its banks are simply buried in lush vegetation, and emerald waters rush in a stormy stream. In one of the restaurants in the center of Avignon, a waiter approaches us, a purely Russian boy from Samara, whose mother married a Frenchman. Now he is French. We taste amazingly tasty fish and drink everything with rose wine. Mmm... What a delight! From Avignon we are taken to a wine tasting at Chateau Laurent Charles Brott. This used to be castles, and now the chateau is a manor with outbuildings and endless vineyards. The tasting is conducted by the young owner himself and even with a guided tour. Of course, we buy 3-4 bottles of wine at a price of 20 to 50 euros each, remembering that a suitcase on the way back should weigh no more than 20 kg. From Avignon we move to a place called "Pont du Gard" (literally, "bridge over the river Gard"). Here, too, Roman legionnaires left their legacy. A chic, several tiered, aqueduct, which was built not by slaves, but by the Romans themselves with a good technical education. And a quiet village nearby. In the river you can directly see how the fish are teeming, and herons are decorously standing along the banks. If I were an artist, I would draw this landscape right away! Then we go to the city of Nimes. He's not small at all. On his coat of arms are crocodiles. Residents are still at war with the La Coste company, which allegedly stole their crocodiles. The city is decorated with huge arenas, reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, by the way, bullfights are still held here, but bulls are not killed. So many beautiful squares and fountains, from the most ancient to super stylish and modern. Everyone is allowed into the city hall, the doors simply do not close there. The canal itself is beautiful along which we are walking. We go into the "Garden of Fountains", admire the temple of Diana, no one knows in what century it was erected. It's hot, strong sun, no less than +33, and it's already September. But the photos will be great.
Then we move to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne. As the French say sité, i.e. his central part, fenced with fortress walls with loopholes. Its construction dates back to the 15th century. I was there with my husband 6 years ago, we went by car to Carcassonne from Spain. Nothing changed. Everything is just as beautiful, there are several museums: schools, ghosts and the Inquisition (the latter, by the way, is very interesting). And now about the town itself. It is located on very convenient routes, so everyone wanted to "get their hands on" it. He was besieged very often. And according to legend, during a long siege, Madame Carcasse began to throw out pigs from the fortress walls. By this, she wanted to show the besiegers that the besieged inhabitants still had a lot of provisions. The siege was lifted... Since then, the city has been called Carcassonne, and a bas-relief of Madame Carcasse has been imprinted on the Narbonne Gate. By the way, it was here that the film "Robin Hood" was filmed with the participation of Kevin Costner. Wonderful little town. But we lived outside the walls of the site, already in a simple city, however, also very old. Our hotel was called "Terminu". Simple 3 stars +, the only hotel of this level, all the rest were normal European "fours". I did not like the hotel, the reception - well, the poured out station in the design plan, but the hotel had a pool and a jacuzzi. The rooms are tiny, between the sink and the bathroom directly to the toilet itself, I made my way sideways and exhaled the air!!!
After Carcassonne we move to Bordeaux. Surprisingly, there are very few tourist trails through this city. However, I didn't really like him. Big industrial city, very modern. And through it flows a wide and very dirty river Garona. True, it is not dirty from industrial waste, like our Moscow River, but from clay banks. I only liked the long embankment with a fountain, all in flowers, but I should have called it that way "Customs Embankment"! We live in Bordeaux for 3 whole days, going on excursions and returning to it. Here we have a very decent 4-star hotel of the Novotel chain. The room is large, spacious, with a luxurious bathroom and a separate toilet. Which one then good restaurant in this hotel, one might say, right with gourmet delights! We drink wine a little bit, but at breakfast, before lunch, at lunch, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinner. We don't even get drunk. The wines are incredible!
Next, we move to the city of Cognac, which stands on the most beautiful river Charente. Marvelous beautiful bridge, all entwined with flowers. I can't resist taking pictures. The castle itself (chateau) belonged for many years to Baron Otar, who specialized in the production of cognac. Here the cognac is real, but everywhere in other places - only brandy. And several centuries ago, the chateau belonged to Francis I himself. An unusual man was at that time. Tall, healthy, oblique fathom in the shoulders and bent the horseshoes with his hands. But he really loved the female sex, that's why he died prematurely. He had a mistress, Belle Froniere, and her husband could not forgive her for being the favorite of the king. He "rewarded" his wife with syphilis, she - the king. The sad result - all three died prematurely ... But Francis did not forget about his wife, who bore him 7 children. We go to the chateau. The tour in Russian is conducted by a simple Ukrainian girl, who has been living and working there for a long time, in a simple long dress stylized as a peasant woman. But we see mannequins in medieval clothes. Ba! Yes, this is Francis the First himself with Claudine of France and his retinue. I can't resist taking pictures! And then we are led through the vaulted halls and down to the cellars, they show us the vaults, they tell us about the distillation system. And... finally, tasting. They pour little, little, and only 2 varieties. Of course, we also buy everything for Otar cognac, the price is from 20 to 240 euros per bottle, depending on the V.S.O.P. or X.O.
Then we move to Angouleme. Medieval town, the old part of the city is located again high, high on the mountain. Oh, I'm crawling up! My poor legs are already buzzing with fatigue! A beautiful old Cathedral of St. Andrew, a modern theatre, parks, squares, quite tiny and narrow streets. It seems that the city is sleeping, there are almost no tourists. But then there is a very beautiful and ancient castle, now it is the city hall of Angouleme, around an awesome square with bright flowers and right there a monument to Margaret of Angouleme, the most educated woman of her time, by the way, the sister of Francis the First. In our free time, we sit right in a restaurant near the "Hotel de Ville" (city hall) and, drinking aromatic coffee, we meditate, i.e. We are transported to the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Then we move to Saint Emilion. It is because of him that we chose this tour. Here - the best vineyards in France, it is here, and not in Bordeaux. For information: in restaurants in Moscow, a bottle of high-quality collection wine from the Saint-Emilion region costs from 5 to 10 thousand rubles apiece. The town is also very old, high on the mountain is a cathedral, and on its chapel there is a clock with such a melodic chime that you involuntarily hear it, and the spire of the chapel soars high into the sky. Wine shops are apparently invisible. And they offer free tastings. I buy a single bottle, but ... for 155 euros. Oh, and my husband will kick me out of the house for SUCH a present!!! Then we drive to Arcachon, which is famous for its sandy beaches and oyster plantations. The beaches are indeed sandy, though not equipped. But there are plenty of seafood restaurants. Well, how to deny yourself this? That's how our clean sightseeing tour also develops into a gastronomic one. We order a huge plate of seafood, only 24 euros, and more wine! The city has a huge dune, its height is 115 meters, the impression that you are in the desert. But the town is very nice, a real resort and all around pines!
I really liked the city of Sarlat la Caneda (completely old), and we also got to the festive Saturday fair, where local farmers bring their products: excellent cheeses, smoked meats, fish, seafood and foie gros (goose liver pate). The province of Perigo is famous for this particular product. I really, really liked it here. Very old houses, but modern, seething pace of life! Then there was tiny Arles, where Van Gogh lived and worked. Further, our path lies in the city of Rocamadour. On a steep cliff, high, high is the abbey of Rocamadour. When I heard that we were going there now, I almost fainted. "Legs again?!" - I involuntarily burst out a phrase directed to the guide. Everything turned out to be easier, we were brought to the very top by bus, and from there, gradually down, along the serpentine paths, we went down to the very town. The abbey is very old, it belongs to the 11th century, but everything is very beautiful, measured and calm.
And then Toulouse. Very Big city. A mixture of antiquity and modernity, an abundance of squares, parks and fountains. And a lot of Muslims, blacks and homeless people. While we were relaxing in the hotel "Merkur" in the very center of the city, it was in Toulouse that they tried to rob our bus at night. They planted a window near the driver's seat and got inside, but they stole a little, some sweets and cookies, apparently, some teenagers climbed in. But the province of Languedoc has always been considered very, very rich. Remember Geoffrey de Peyrac, Count of Toulouse, who was richer than the king himself, from Anne and Serge Gallon's "Angelica, Marquise of the Angels"? Apparently, Toulouse is not so rich now...
And then Marseille with its famous islands (Castle of If and Frioul). We ate the famous bouillabaisse soup in Marseille. A plate for 38 euros, but nothing special, a fish soup made from pureed lentils with fish, however, cooked according to a special, secret and lengthy recipe. But what I didn't like the most was that French in Marseille - the second, the first - Arabic. A lot of Muslim population. Charles de Gaulle should not have let them into France in such numbers. And, finally, the most famous cathedral "Notre Dame de la Garde", on top of which rises the golden Mother of God, stretching out her arms to the sea and protecting the peace of the people of Marseille. We ourselves, on pleasure boat we go first to the island of If (remember the Count of Monte Cristo?), and then to the island of Friul. All this is very close to Marseille. Honestly, I thought I would see drunk sailors in Marseilles embracing whores. It's a huge port. But I didn't see anything like that. And then again to Nice, to our 4-star hotel "Exceleur".
From Nice we went to the Principality of Monaco, beautiful and respectable. Solid Rolls-Royces, Lambarghinis and Porsches. The wonderful gardens of Albert the First and the princely palace itself. Everyone is allowed to enter it now. And then in Monte Carlo, which is part of the city of Monaco. We also visited the famous casino. An entrance personalized ticket is issued only with a passport and it costs 10 euros. They don't let you take pictures, which is a pity. Just a chic palace with stucco and huge crystal chandeliers. Yes... I can't be a lady. And although, by Moscow standards, everything is in order with my money, but it was there that I strongly felt and understood HOW I am a beggar! And how far I am from this world. However, it didn't upset me. I didn’t play in the casino, I just don’t know how, I “cheered” for our men! And now, in general, a little about the French: they eat a huge amount of bread and croissants, while remaining not just slender, but dry as a roach. In Nice, there are a lot of expensive branded clothing stores, a friend bought a blouse for 270 euros for her student daughter in the Sonya Rykiel branded store on Paradis Street. Don't go to this street. The most expensive stores, the prices in which are incredibly "off scale". The sizes of fashion clothes are mainly from 1 to 3 sizes, i.e. from 40th to 46th. And on pedestrian street Massena is the best restaurants. We especially liked the restaurant "Le Mirador", the seafood and marinated mussels served right in the shells are very good there! In general, I really liked the measured way of life of the French. They never rush anywhere at all, they enjoy and enjoy life to the fullest. Everyone is obsessed with their body. In the mornings, be sure to jog, bike or rollerblade, and then fragrant coffee with a pile of croissants and a morning newspaper. They actively fight against smoking, they don’t even give ashtrays in restaurants, but put them on the street, on open verandas. And they smoke a lot! The voucher cost for 15 days nearly 2 thousand euros (price for August 2008), I squandered there even more than 2.5 thousand euros. All in all, more than 4.5 thousand euros. But she remained unspeakably pleased. I plunged into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, breathed in the real aroma of France, talked with the French from the bottom of my heart, learned a lot of new things, and got a little swim and sunbathed. Yes, the tour was very difficult, but since I survived, it means that it is available to everyone. I highly recommend this tour to lovers and deep connoisseurs of France.
This charming tour you can visit not only as an independent one, but also as an extension of your trip to Paris. During it, you will make fascinating excursions around Normandy, Brittany and the Loire River Valley, get acquainted with their history, natural and architectural sights, visit castles that once belonged to the French nobility.
One of the oldest French cities, Rouen will open up to guests as a Viking city and the ancient capital of Normandy. On the Old Market Square you will hear a story related to the Maid of Orleans. Honfleur is the most beautiful sea port, along the picturesque streets of which it is pleasant to stroll, slowly examining the beauties of the Old Town. Deauville is considered a city of aristocrats, being a luxurious resort on the English Channel. Despite the significant destruction during the war years, Caen still remains one of the most interesting cities in northern France in terms of architecture. Many centuries on a rock in the middle of the waters and quicksand the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel flaunts, combining natural uniqueness, architectural merit and mystical history. Angers, due to its historical past, is considered the most English of the French cities.
The Loire Valley is another unique area in France. No one can name the total number of castles located on its territory, but each of them is the owner of a unique history and architecture. So, Chenonceau is called the castle-bridge, as it is thrown over the river, Amboise is partially glorified by the name of Leonardo da Vinci, Chambord is considered one of the most romantic castles in France.
Tour program
Arrival. Optional program in Paris.
Paris - Rouen - Honfleur - Deauville - Caen
08:00 – meeting with the guide. Moving to the city of Rouen (Rouen) (135 km) - the city of the Vikings, the ancient capital of Normandy and modern capital Upper Normandy region. Rouen is one of the largest, oldest and most beautiful cities France. In Rouen there is an overview hiking with an inspection of the magnificent Rouen Cathedral, as well as a walk along the Old Market Square, associated with the history of Joan of Arc, and along Gros Orloge Street with its old clock tower.
Transfer to the city of Honfleur (92 km) - one of the most beautiful seaports in France. Walk through the Old Town with picturesque streets, salt warehouses of the 17th century, old docks and the old quarter of Enklo. Walk along the embankment of St. Catherine, visit the church of the same name - a rare example of wooden architecture of the 16th century.
Journey to Deauville (18 km) – luxury resort on the English Channel with the widest sandy beach and the famous boardwalk with "named" cinema booths. A city of aristocrats, casinos and romantic stories inspired by Claude Lelouch's cult film Man and Woman. walking tour around town.
Transfer to Caen (60 km). Architecturally, Caen is one of the most interesting cities in Northern France. Walking tour of the city. Overnight at the hotel in Caen.
Mont Saint Michel - Saint Malo - Angers
Start of the day in Le Mont-Saint-Michel - (125 km). The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is a real pearl of medieval Gothic, an abbey island, a mirage island on a granite rock among quicksands, swift tides, one of the pilgrimage shrines of the Christian world. Mont Saint-Michel is included in the lists of UNESCO sites and has no analogues in the world in terms of a combination of architectural merit, mystical history and natural uniqueness. The abbey, dedicated to Michael the Archangel, has been rising on the mountain since the 7th century and has been attracting the curious, the suffering and the faithful for all these centuries. Today, Mont Saint-Michel is the second most visited place in France after Paris.
Moving to Saint-Malo (54 km) - a fortress city, the eternal rival of the Norman Mont-Saint-Michel, the refuge of formidable corsairs, the place of the most powerful tides in Europe, the birthplace of the discoverer of Canada, Jacques Cartier. The program includes a walking tour of Intra Muros – ancient city, enclosed in a ring of fortress walls, from which a beautiful sea panorama and a view of the ancient forts opens. After the tour, you can buy real Breton souvenirs and delicacies in the shops of the city.
Transfer to Angers (198 km), walking tour of the historical center of the English city of France, which became the cradle and "second capital" of the English royal Plantagenet dynasty. For many centuries, a majestic fortress with 15 formidable bastions reigns over the city and the river, the foundation of which was laid in the 9th century, defending against the Norman raids, by the warlike and cruel owner of these places - Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou. The city at all times found itself at the crossroads of wars from the pre-Roman era to World War II, which miraculously spared the city.
Accommodation in Angers.
Amboise - Chenonceau - Chambord - Paris
Loire Valley. Visiting the castles of Chenonceau, Amboise (internal inspection) and Chambord (external inspection).
Transfer to Chenonceau (Chenonceau) (159 km) - one of the most beautiful and elegant castles of the Loire Valley, a castle-bridge that spans the Cher River. "Castle of the Five Ladies", owned by the beautiful mistress of Francis II, Diane de Poitiers. The castle is deservedly recognized as a masterpiece of architecture and is under the protection of UNESCO.
Amboise (20 km) - a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, a favorite castle of the Valois kings - Charles VIII and Francis I; the place where Leonardo da Vinci made his last brilliant discoveries. Here the great Italian lived his last years (in the nearby Clos-Luce castle), found eternal peace and left his magical "Mona Lisa" to the French crown as a token of gratitude.
Chambord (58 km) is one of the most recognizable and romantic castles in France. It was built by order of King Francis I of Valois, a connoisseur of the arts, the founder of the Renaissance in France, the patron of Leonardo da Vinci. This castle served as a hunting residence for the king, and at the same time gave him a great opportunity to be closer to his beloved, Countess Turi, who lived nearby.
Transfer to Paris (178 km).
If desired, a program in Paris. Departure.
Another Paris
This was my first trip to France. Gray and miserable - that's it, my impression of Paris! Either my friend stabbed me and brought me not to Paris, or the emigrants changed the city beyond recognition. Although how do I know what it was before my arrival?! I know Paris from the stories of Hugo and from the film "Amelie". The French women also turned out to be not the same as from the movies. Ordinary, not Catherine Deneuve.
provincials
I didn’t see Paris normally, I didn’t go to the famous Moulin Rouge. We were taken to the province, the French track is boring and not brutal. There is no mystery in it, as we have, when you don’t know what awaits you. You go too smoothly, you do not feel the steering wheel. The idea came to do "Dakar" with us. Let them feel what real off-road is like! The French are spoiled for good roads, quality wine and social benefits. We have developed immunity even to the apocalypse, so I looked maliciously at my escorts.
We pass French villages. Our guide says that the French themselves love the provinces, they are attached to their homes and neighbors. Oddly enough, he speaks casually of Paris, as of a bustling and dirty city. I agree with him. But I am silent, the escort is already looking askance in my direction. My impeccable English and godless pronunciation merci, excusez moi infuriates him.
After a 7 hour flight and disappointment in Paris, I feel like sending a friend. He deprived me of Thai massage and all inclusive hotel. Mark saves him. He is the owner of a winery with bottomless barrels of red and white wine. Red wine with a lightly fried steak was a great end to the evening.
Morning in the village
Mornings in the French countryside are not like ours. There are no screaming roosters and, in principle, living creatures. It pleases, nobody intrusively wakes up. But I found it uncomfortable to lie in bed when the owners were already working. They get up early. Mark travels on a horse 56 hectares of the farm - Domain Saint-Anne. Driving through a vineyard can ruin it. I join Mark, get on the wagon, his son talks about the family business.
Red, white and rosé, still, semi-sparkling and sparkling wines are made under 60 different appellations, ranging in appearance from very dry to very sweet. Four completely different types of wines are produced from Chenet blanc grapes: dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling. These are the traditions that have arisen under the influence of the whims of the local climate. This grape variety has an excessive natural acidity and, if it gets enough sunlight, a high sugar content. But, in terms of viticulture, the Loire Valley is considered a northern region, wine producers must take into account late frosts, cold winds and changeable weather in summer. During sunny years, winemakers strive to produce the most intense wines from sweet and savory grapes, but in other cases they manage to produce only semi-sweet or dry wines. Variety of species is at the heart of the Loire vintners' woes, as you can't build a reputation on volatility. With the exception of wines such as the best Savenniere, dry Chenet blanc wines are all too often bland, coarse, and sour. They do nothing to enhance the reputation of the Loire, but they are similar in character to Champagne wines. And if still wines with such characteristics are disappointing, sparkling wines are a delight. It is not surprising that during the period of rapid development of the champagne trade in the XIX century. in Saumur began the production of sparkling wines. Today, the Loire enjoys the fame of the largest market for sparkling wines, with the exception of Champagne itself.
Ludovic's spirit hunter
My friend clearly enjoyed France. What makes free wine and pretty French women! I was still thinking about Thai massages and ocean relaxation until Mark suggested we go to Chambord Castle. This is the hunting house of the kings, where I suspect they took their girlfriends. Previously, tokalkas also bought houses with servants, arranging dinner parties in castles, while the legal spouse decided the fate of the people in Versailles. I was more interested in legends about local ghosts. I do not believe in them, but the French are sure that they are found here. Actually, that's why I went to the hunting house of Louis. Now these same hunting lodges are being bought up by our oligarchs.
I lagged behind the guide and turned on the headphones for the Russian-speaking tourists. If you omit the long introduction, then the history of Chambord is interesting.
Chambord Castle is a citadel of medieval architecture. It was built by order of King Francis I in 1519 and served as a hunting lodge. King Francis did not spare money for the construction of the castle, he was not embarrassed by his debt to Spain. He threw all the forces of engineers and workers to build his "house". Moreover, he raised the tax of the church and forced the subjects to melt silver. The building was designed by the Italian architect Domenico da Cortona, but it is also said that Leonardo da Vinci put his hand into the work. It was he who suggested the elements for finishing the building. Leonardo da Vinci also designed the staircase in the castle. The central staircase is made with a double helical winding. There are 77 stairs in the castle. It is said that Francis specifically ordered the construction of many staircases so that his favorites would not collide with each other. Beautiful Constantinople with numerous columns served as inspiration for the creation of Chambord Castle.
Stinky cheese or french fries
After a long excursion, a zhor attacked me. In finding a cafe, I was helped by French women who were leaving the castle. They turned out to be atypical Europeans, they knew where Kazakhstan and Astana were. The feeling of pride was replaced by momentary anger after the mention of Borat. They apparently expected me to wash my hands in the toilet, but I decided to disappoint them and acted like an English dandy. We ordered oysters in a cafe, I read somewhere that they have a positive effect on potency. I don't know about health benefits, but it tastes like a nightmare! Nothing compares to horsemeat, oysters and frog legs! Send brie cheese that smells like bachelor socks there.
