Grotte Du Pont de l'Arc -Amazing Prehistoric Cave Paintings to be Discovered.

Rhone Alps Tourism Office

One of the most naturally beautiful, scenic and  untouched  regions of France is Ardeche in south central part of France.  For those in quest of off the beaten path explorations Ardeche represents a great destination and more so today as the Cave du Pont de l'Arc has been inaugurated this weekend.  Back in 1994,  three speleologists - Jean Marie Chauvet, Eliette Brunel and Christian Hillaire-discovered by chance the opening of a cave.. When entering it , they discovered the most spectacular and best preserved prehistoric paintings dating to 36,000 years , older than Lascaux in Dordogne which  date to about 16,000 years.  The amazing freshness of the paintings is due to the fact that the cave had been shut by a landslide some 27,000 years ago.  To preserve the Chauvet cave (as it has been named after one of the discoverer), a faithful replica has been constructed 5 km from the original to welcome visitors. It took 30 months for a team of artists and scientists to reconstruct as exactly as possible a copy of Chauvet cave --down to its shape, contours  smell, humidity, obscurity, temperature, stalagmites and of course the wall paintings. Visitors can discover over 400 representations of some 14 different animal species such as bisons, mammoths, lions, hyenas, rhinos and bears. Red ochre prehistoric hand prints can be spotted too.  The Cave du Pont de l'Arc will be opened every day of the year and  advanced reservation is highly recommended.

Visit http://en.cavernedupontdarc.fr for more information.
For a custom design trip to France, visit www.enchanted-france.com

#Ardeche # Grotte de Chauvet # Grotte du Pont de l'Arc

A Happy Flight for Happy Children

Traveling can be hectic when you are simply by yourself and when you add children into the mix? Talk about chaotic - especially when there’s a flight involved! Unfortunately, there is no scientific method to keep the flying madness at bay, but there are some great ways to ensure that you get the most out of your travels and out of your European tour packages. Check out these tips for flying with your little travel companion:

• ·         Pack their favorite toys or stuffed animals so they are occupied during the lengthy flight.
• ·         Bring different back-up activities, such as coloring books or an iPad with animated games and videos.
• ·         Get them up and moving every hour or so. This can be as simple as walking to the bathroom and back! This will help them to move their muscles, avoiding stiffness or soreness.
• ·         Purchase flight-friendly snacks, such as pretzels or goldfish crackers. This will keep them full over the flight and avoid potentially picky eaters from going hungry.
• ·         Snuggle up and get cozy! Bring a cozy blanket and pillow that they love, along with a favorite stuffed animal so that they feel at home and comfy. 

There are so many ways to ensure successful travels with your child! The best thing is to find a routine that works best for you and your family. Just plan ahead, stay organized, and most importantly have fun!

Anjou- the Western Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is one of France's most popular tourist destinations.  The longest river in France, the Loire to which the region gets its name crosses it from east to west.  Stretching  some 200 km from Orleans to Angers, the Loire Valley's  mild  climate and natural beauty attracted kings and other royals who built castles  along  the banks of the Loire and its tributaries: Indre, Cher, Loir and Maine.  There are so many beautiful castles from the Middle Ages to Renaissance and Classical periods to discover. Tourists come from far away to the heart of the Loire Valley to visit primarily the most famous chateaux like Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois, Cheverny and Azay le Rideau.   But linger  and explore the western part of the Loire Valley, the area of Anjou, the historical land of the Plantagenets that was hotly contested between the English and French kings during the One Hundred Years War.

Angers Fortress

Start in Angers, the ancient capital of Anjou.  This laid-back green city is home to an imposing fortress castle.   Built in the 11th century, it is fortified by 17 round towers and surrounded by a deep and wide moat.  Today, this moat has been filled by  beautiful parterres of flowers and shrubs.  Inside you can't miss the astonishing Apocalypse Tapestry - a 14th century needlework -depicting the hallucinatory Revelations of St. John.

Did you know, Angers is home to Cointreau, the orange liquor?  At Carre Cointreau, you can tour the distillery, its museum  and enjoy a tasting.

Saumur

Saumur is located about 45 km southeast of Angers.  Built on a broad stretch of the Loire River, the town is dominated by its 14th-15th century castle that stands majestically high on a promontory overlooking the town and river below. Today, it houses the Decorative Art Museum and the Horse Museum.  Saumur is notably renowned for its Equestrian School - Les Cadres Noirs.   Surrounded by vineyards, Saumur is famous for producing a sparkling white wine. At famed producer Bouvet-Ladubay,  enjoy wine tasting and a visit of its underground cellars built in the local Tuffeau (white limestone).

Fontevraud

One should not miss a visit of the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud located a few miles outside of Saumur.  This large religious complex was founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, a visionary itinerant preacher and crusader for the poor.  Abbesses throughout its history culminating at the French Revolution when the last abbess was evicted in 1792 led this monastic institution.  Napoleon, subsequently turned the monastery into a prison and it remained as such until 1963.  Fontevraud's famous resident was Eleanor of Aquitaine who late in her life took the veil and retreated in the abbey.  She died there in 1204 and was interred in the abbey near her husband, Henri II of England and son, Richard the Lion Heart.  Their remains are long gone , probably removed during the French Revolution, but you can view their tomb effigies  in the  nave of the abbey church.  For an unforgettable experience, consider staying in the former abbey that now runs a 4 star hotel with a gastronomic restaurant. Walking at night in the grounds of the Abbey when tourists are gone make for magic moments.  www.fontevraud.fr

To plan your visit of  the Loire Valley, visit us at www.enchanted-france.com. We here to assist you in planning memorable vacations.

#France, #Loire Valley # Angers, # Saumur, # Fontevraud,