France Archives - Seek Your Trip

September 29, 2016 by Arlene

Morzine vs. Meribel: Which is Best for a Short Ski Trip?

Morzine and Meribel are regularly rated as being among the most amazing ski destinations in the world. So, which one of these resorts would you prefer to visit on your next trip?

There are a number of different factors to take into account when deciding which one to visit. If you fancy a trip to the snowy mountains rather than a beach holiday then the following are some of the points to take into account.

Ease of Access

The good news is that both of these French Alps resorts are far easier to get to than you might think. While they are prettily perched in the mountains they both enjoy good road access from major airports that are pretty close by.

To get to Meribel you are most likely to fly into conveniently situated Geneva Airport, although there are other airports not much further away. From here, it is just a short transfer of a little over two hours to get to your accommodation.

In the case of Morzine, Geneva Airport is also the best option for getting in and out quickly and smoothly. However, the transfer time is even quicker with this resort, as new arrivals can easily get from the airport to their accommodation in not much more than an hour.

This ease of access in both cases means that Morzine and Meribel are both perfect for short midweek or weekend trips when you are short of time. Having a busy lifestyle is no longer an excuse for not get out to ski regularly.

Skiing Options for Beginners

Both of these resorts offer huge skiing areas with facilities for skiers of all levels. For instance, Morzine gives incredibly easy access to the Portes du Soleil area, with many great slopes for beginners to feel comfortable on.

As for Meribel, it is part of the always popular 3 Valleys ski area, with tons of slopes for you to choose from. Both resorts offer very similar opportunities for newcomers to learn the ropes safely, with ski schools, ski lifts and nursery slopes to choose from.

Skiing Options for Experts

As we have just seen, both these French Alps ski towns spoil visitors for choice when it comes to the number of slopes to choose from. This means that both of them are also fantastic choices for expert skiers looking for challenges and adventures.

No matter which of them you travel to, you can get a huge amount of variety in the time that you spend skiing here. You can also discover some of the most thrilling slopes you will ever encounter while you are either Morzine or Meribel.

The Nightlife

It is no secret that a lot of skiers get just as much pleasure out of the après ski scene and the lively nightlife as from the time they spend skiing. In this respect, both Morzine and Meribel offer everything you could ask for in terms of bars, pubs and clubs.

If we start with the Meribel nightlife, we can see that the town has top class bars such as Le Rond Point, Le Poste and Barometer. There are different après ski spots here for different tastes, from laid back lounges to classy wine bar and buzzing bars with live music.

If you decide to go to Morzine on your skiing trip then you will also find a lively ski town filled with great places to spend a few hours in interesting company. This place has world class après ski bars such as Dixie Bar, The Cavern and Coyote Bar.

Attractions for Families

Despite both Morzine and Meribel offering such extensive nightlife options, there is also a lot to be said for them in terms of being classy family destinations as well. The starting point in this respect comes with the way that both of them offer such a wide range of slopes for skiers of different abilities.

As well as this, it is worth noting that Morzine has a good selection of activities and events for families to enjoy. This is a place where the whole family can have a fabulous time doing whatever suits them.

Those families that go to Meribel also discover a resort that is perfect for a relaxing family break. The beautiful scenery and long list of fun things to do make this great for families of all sizes and ages.

The Attractiveness of the Town

These are both really pretty towns that are terrific for strolling around and doing some shopping in. Meribel is a lovely looking town that has been around for close to 80 years and still looks great.

There is a lot to in Meribel, from the popular ice rink to the range of adventurous sports on offer. Add in the fact that it is one of the prettiest ski resorts around and it is easy to see why it remains so popular.

With Morzine, you also get a host of exciting attractions too. This is an especially good town for shopping in, while the ice hockey games and Rock the Pistes music festival are definitely not to be missed.

Both of those town offer highly attractive destinations for world class ski weekends. The natural beauty the Alps all around you will make you truly feel as though you have left all of your worries far behind.

Eating Out in Town

The pleasure of sitting down to a great meal after a day of skiing is one of the absolute highlights of an Alpine ski trip. You are going to be spoiled for choice in both of these French ski resorts when it comes to eating out.

There is a long list of great restaurants and cafes in Morzine that you might like to try. Among the very best of them are places like La Grange, The Burger Place and La Chamade.

As you can imagine, such a popular resort has a fine selection of different places to eat from you to choose from. From cheap fast food joints to fine dining eateries, there is something here to suit every taste and budget.

Across in Meribel eating out is also a hugely enjoyable experience too. The fact that this has been a very popular destination with British skiers for decades means that the local cuisine caters for British tastes, while also offering French and international dishes.

A few of the main restaurants to keep an eye out for here include Chez Kiki, La Taverne and Le Refuge. As with Morzine, the extensive choice available means that finding exactly what you want shouldn’t be too difficult.

Overall

At the end of the day, everyone who visits these two stylish French ski resorts will have a different opinion on which one is best. There are excellent reasons to choose either of these destinations for your next trip.

Maybe you will be won over by Meribel’s pretty town centre or perhaps the lively nightlife scene in Morzine will blow you away. Either way, it is clear that you can get the trip of your dreams regardless of whether you head to Morzine or Meribel.

For a stunning ski break both of these famous resorts offer the chance to have a wonderful holiday that you aren’t likely to forget in a hurry.

May 10, 2016 by Arlene

5 Hawaii alternatives you need to visit in Europe

Travelling around Europe can offer many exotic places that you never knew existed, giving you the same relaxation, sunshine and surfing as Hawaii can offer. So if you’re looking to travel around Europe and find some exotic alternatives, make sure to pack your sun cream, your EHIC and some board shorts, and check out our list of 5 Hawaii alternatives that you need to visit in Europe.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz is an elegant seaside resort that has been popular with European royalty and tourists alike. Thes spot often hosts various surfing competitions and is a major surfing destination for those looking to catch some waves in Europe instead of heading all the way to Hawaii. Biarritz boasts hot temperatures all year round with record highs hitting 40.6?C. If you’re looking for a fantastic surfing destination as well as luxury, then Biarritz boasts the best. With beautiful beaches and a unique atmosphere, there’s no better alternative to Hawaii than Biarritz.

Mellieha, Malta

Mellieha is a large village in Northern Malta which is a very popular tourist resort. Malta is one of Europe’s few exotic countries, with stunning sandy beaches and incredible nature all around the island. It is most well known for its beaches with the popular one being Ghadira Bay, where you can catch some of the best waves in Europe. If you’re looking for a Hawaiian alternative that offers relaxation, hot sun and fantastic surfing spots then Mellieha should be your first stop.

Costa de Caparica, Portugal

Surfing is a huge part of life in Costa de Caparica and if you’re looking for cultural festivals, fairs and celebrations then this is the perfect place to be. Boat tours and water sports are as big here as they are in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking to scuba dive, snorkel, surf or wakeboard, there’s plenty of opportunities to do so here.

Premantura, Croatia

Many people head to Hawaii for the chance to get up close and personal with nature. Pemantura can also offer this with their unique national parks such as the Kamenjak National Park and scuba diving. Premantura is wild with rugged beauty and showcases various plants, shrubs and wildflowers, dinosaur footprints and a number of protected marine species. With enjoyable temperatures almost all year round, crystal clear sea, natural beauty and interesting cultural heritage, Premantura offers a fantastic alternative to Hawaii.

Chia, Italy

Many people go to Hawaii for it’s incredible food, and although Chia may not have all of the home-grown tropical fruits that Hawaii can offer, there is no shortage of incredible cuisine here. Located in Southern Sardinia, there is also no shortage of hot weather and pristine beaches. It is these beaches and the turquoise water that attracts surfers and tourists from around the world, as well as many locals. Some of these beaches have been rated the best in Europe, so whether you’re looking for surfing, sunbathing or water sports there’s plenty to do here and is a great European alternative to Hawaii. If you’re after sun and tasty cuisine, then Chia is a great place to go.

December 23, 2013 by Arlene

The Rise of the River Cruise

From the Rhine to the Danube, river cruises are quickly becoming the best way to see Europe’s finest rivers. These relaxing yet interesting trips take visitors to some of the Continent’s most intriguing cities, through some of its best scenery, and past many of its most impressive castles and historical monuments.

For a long time, however, it wasn’t this way. River cruises have historically come in second place for travellers, falling behind their oceangoing alternatives in terms of amenities and adventure. Over the last decade, the balance has changed, with more people than ever before travelling down Europe’s most impressive rivers.

Popular destinations include the Danube – the Continent’s second-longest river, and a major biodiversity hot spot – and the Rhine. The Danube itself passes beside a long list of European capitals and cultural hot spots, giving it an adventurous appeal that many tourists believe is missing on the traditional European holiday.

After all, how many other cruises let you visit Vienna, Budapest, and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Regensburg from a single ship? While ocean cruises are all about enjoying the incredible views, river cruises combine scenery and culture to create a very appealing package for travellers.

The cruise ships themselves are part of the appeal. No longer the compact cruisers of previous decades, today’s river cruises are incredibly modern. Satellite TVs and Internet access allow even the most technology addicted to relax and unwind, and live bands and group entertainment make the ships a very social environment.

Then there’s the setting – some of Europe’s most magnificent rivers. With another incredible attracting waiting around every bend in the river, trips along the Rhine and Danube are packed with activity. Stop at castles and remote wineries, or visit some of Central Europe’s most exciting cultural centres and historical cities.

In many ways, river cruises are replacing the heavily marketed ocean cruises that attracted passengers en mass over the last 20 years. The ships are newer, with a selection of incredible features, and the destinations truly remarkable. The river cruise experience, it seems, appeals to a huge audience of modern travellers.

From Cologne to Vienna, Budapest to Antwerp, no other form of European travel makes it so easy to see the Continent’s highlights. Enjoy the best of Europe with a stress-free holiday this year – forget the traditional ways to travel and make your way around Europe on a relaxing, interesting, and very rewarding river cruise.

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Photo by tambako on Flickr

45 min web-assisted TDIs: 125€ per participant

45 minute IDIs @ facility: 130€ per participant

30 min web-assisted TDIs: 95€ per participant

September 23, 2013 by author

Top Attractions in Cannes, France

France has always been a dream destination of many people, especially the romantic ones. However, aside from Paris, there is another place in France which is equally as popular – Cannes. It is not just popular because of the famous Cannes Film Festival, but also for the variety of things and sights that one can enjoy in the said place.

Iles de Lerins

This is a small archipelago off the coast of Cannes, and there are two main islands in the area. You will definitely love the boating experience in this place. The bigger island – Ile Sainte Margaerite is the one nearer to the main land. Here you can enjoy a walk amidst the forest of pines and eucalyptus, with the various walking paths going hither and thither. One walking path leads to the Fort Royal, the famous place where the Man in the Iron Mask was held prisoner. There are cafes and restaurants in the port area ideal for a relaxing afternoon coffee. The other island is Ile Saint Honorat, which is smaller and located farther from the main land. Do visit the Cisterian Abbey where you can purchase souvenirs and locally produced items. You can also enjoy an after night boating trip during summer while watching a sound and lights show.

Le Suquet

This hill is where Cannes is said to have started. You can drop by the old town and start your tour from there. The port area is lined with boats and yachts and charming apartments and cafes. Take a hike going uphill and you can enjoy the glorious views of the boats and oceans and the whole town. You can even see the Lerins Islands from this spot. While there you should definitely visit the Musee de la Castre and the Tour Carree, as well as the famous church in the town centre.

Palais de Festivals

This is located in the western end of La Croisette, and is where the most glamorous film festival in the world is held. Here you can take tour of the place and walk where the famous actors and actresses trod during the red carpet event. There are tours that take you in and around the palace all year except for the month of May. Whilst walking in the tour you will be entertained by the many stories and anecdotes of the famous stars who graced the place from your able tour guides.

Mediatheque de Noailles

If you are looking for something more quiet, or if you’re tired from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then head on to the Meditheque de Noallies. This was an old palace built in the 19^th century, but is now a famous library in Cannes. Most of the parts of the palace are private and not opened to the public, but the library and the stunning gardens are worth visiting for those looking for some peaceful respite.

These are just of the things that you can do in Cannes, as there are about a hundred more fun activities waiting to be experienced in the city. So the next time you plan a French trip, be sure to include this beautiful city in your itinerary.

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Photo by hien_it on Flickr