Have an Enjoyable Trip with these Safety Tips!

Generally, vacationing in France is very safe. However, opportunists know that tourists are always going to this beautiful country, and sometimes, they can take advantage of these travelers’ unfamiliarity. This fact isn’t cause for alarm because there are very simple steps that you can take to make sure that your first trip to Paris is a pleasant one!

1. Make copies of your passport, traveler’s checks, visa and any other important documents that you are taking with you. Leave one set of copies with a friend and another in your luggage. Then, you will be able to straighten things out very quickly if you lose anything.

2. Carry your money in cash, traveler’s checks and credit cards. Keep them separate so that you will not lose everything if someone discovers one of your hiding places. You can also carry a wallet that only contains a couple of dollars or expired credit cards to trick would-be thieves.

3. Visit www.travel.state.gov to find out if there is anything that you need to prepare for before you leave on your trip.

4. Make sure that your family members or trusted friends know where you are planning to go. This protects you in case you encounter a problem and do not arrive at your destination.

5. Register your vehicle with the U.S. Embassy. If anything happens while you are driving, embassy officials will have your contact information.

Utilize these easy tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable European trip!

Parisian Must-See:

Every itinerary for Paris must contain the most popular French landmarks, and one of them is, quite obviously, the Eiffel Tower. The people did not greet this little monument with enthusiasm when it was first built for the World's Fair of 1889.  However, today, people travel from all over the world to see it, and for great reason!

Check out these other "Must See" landmarks when visiting Paris.

Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart)
Builders needed 46 years to complete this fantastic architectural gem that was built in honor of those killed in the Franco-Prussian War (1870). It sits on top of Montmartre hill, a picturesque neighborhood in the northern section of Paris with a tradition of attracting artists and bohemian types.  This Romanesque-byzantine style basilica is built from travertine stone quarried just south-east of  Paris in Chateau Landon. The stone exudes calcite and as it ages, it gets whiter.  This makes the  Basilica gleam under  a sunny sky and is  particularly stunning as the sun sets.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame (Our Lady)
Maurice de Sully, Bishop of Paris, began to build this timeless cathedral in 1163. Its first stone was laid in the presence of Pope Alexander III. Craftsmen needed 170 years to complete the project. When you venture inside this magnificent building, its magnificent stained-glass windows will dazzle you. Did you know the largest organ in France rests within its walls?

The famous Musee du Louvre is impressive for exactly 35,000 reasons because this is the number of priceless masterpieces that will delight your eyes as you walk the halls of this museum. Notably, the Musee du Louvre is the only place where you will have the pleasure of seeing the world’s most famous painting: Mona Lisa.





Arc de Triomphe
The French constructed the Arc de Triomphe to commemorate Napoleon’s 1805 victory at the Battle of Austerlitz.  When the Emperor's remains were returned to France in 1840 from the island of Saint Helena, the funeral procession made a point of traveling underneath this arc as they transported the former Emperor’s body to its final resting place at the Invalides .


Plan your visit of Paris with  www.enchanted-france.com 

#Paris, # eiffel Tower, # Louvre, # Arc de Triomphe, # Sacre Coeur

Chenonceau-Chateau des Dames

In celebration of International Women Day I would like to place the spotlight on the Chateau des Dames – Chenonceau.  This magnificent castle in the Loire valley owes its construction and survival over the centuries to a few women.  In 1513, Catherine de Briconnet supervises its construction in the Renaissance style; Diane de Poitiers, the favorite of King Henri II, later owned it.   When the king died, the chateau was promptly appropriated by his widow Catherine de Medicis who expulsed Diane to the fortress of Chaumont.  Catherine de Medicis had the Grand Gallery built over the Cher.  In the 18^th century Madame Louise Dupin who owned Chenonceau was instrumental in having the chateau spared from destruction at the time of the French Revolution.  In 1864 Madame Pelouze acquired the chateau and engaged in major renovations. Today, the castle is an enduring gem. Privately owned it is continually restored and maintained for the pleasure of visitors around the world.

Bicentennial of Napoleon's Return From Elba

Napoleon leaving Elba

This year marks the bicentennial of the  return of Napoleon Bonaparte to France after nine  months of exile on the Island of Elba, off the coast of Tuscany, that was  imposed by a European coalition of nations.  All through the year, there will be commemoration of this important event that marked French history.

Route Napoleon

On March 1, 1815 Napoleon  landed on the shore of  Golf Juan (on the coast of the French Riviera).  In the next  20 days,  accompanied by a thousand of his loyal men he secretly made his way up  north  to Paris going through  the Alps and avoiding arrest by the troupes of restored King Louis XVIII.   They advanced on horseback, mule-back and on foot during the day and bivouacked at night in places like  Mougins, Grasse, Castellane, Sisteron and Gap . Today this scenic mountain road is known as "Route Napoleon" and runs 331 km from the Mediterranean coast to Grenoble crossing the mountains of Hautes Alpes and Isere.

Napoleon returned triumphantly to  Paris on March 20 displacing  the reigning king.  His  return to power will only last a hundred days until his defeat at Waterloo  and his subsequent abdication on June 22 .  The Emperor was once again sent to exile,  this time in faraway Saint  Helena, an island on the Atlantic Ocean and over 1000 miles from the coast of Africa.  He was  never to return to France alive.

A program of commemorations including re-enactments will take place in the different locales where  Napoleon stopped on his journey  back to Paris.  For a custom itinerary retracing the footsteps of the Emperor contact Enchanted France.


#France, #vacation in France, #Napoleon, #Route Napoleon #Bicentennial Napoleon # French Riviera

Packing for your European Vacation

Ever try to carry a forty-pound bag around Paris all day? Packing for a European vacation is fun, but it’s easy to go overboard and pack too much. You don’t want to spend your valuable vacation time lugging around a bag that’s got every piece of clothing you ever owned in it, so follow our three simple packing tips and pack like a pro!

1. Figure out your essentials Make a pile of things you absolutely need and can’t buy at your destination. This pile generally includes medication, glasses/a spare pair of contacts, your passport, and other irreplaceable items.

2. Use a small bag for toiletries Makeup, razors, and whatever else you need to stay fresh and beautiful should fit in a small bag. Don’t bring shampoo, conditioner, or other easily found items. Remember, Europe has shampoo!

3. Carefully pick out your clothes The first thing to pack is comfortable shoes. Next, pick out three pairs of pants or skirts, four shirts, and two sets of pajamas. Pack one nice outfit for going out. Pack socks and underthings for five days (Europe also has Laundromats)! If visiting a warm destination, pack a bathing suit. Think about the weather and pack one coat or jacket, if needed.

After all of this, put everything in your bag and see how much room everything takes. If you have extra room, pat yourself on the back, but don’t add anything else—you’ll need room for souvenirs! The everyday items you buy in Europe and bring back with you will be happy reminders of your European vacation every time you use them.

Vacationing in France IS for You!

The splendor of France is closer than you think with tailor made travel packages from Enchanted-France. There is more to France than just Paris. Granted, Paris is a must see destination for anybody looking for a metropolitan French experience, but the Riviera and countryside provide for a wonderful setting for your next vacation.

Vacationing in France is always a new and exciting experience because there is so much France can offer. If you the athletic type, enjoy one of our many hiking/biking tours including excursions to Mont Saint Michel, Dordogne, Pont du Gard and more. Enjoy golfing? Indulge in your favorite sport with a retreat to a luxurious resort in the Loire valley, Provence, Dordogne, Bordeaux or other scenic hideouts.

Would you rather relax? We have packages for you as well. Kick back on a cruise of the Provence River, the Upper Loire, Burgundy or Champagne.

In love? Our Romance/Honeymoon packages include unbelievable accommodations in the most romantic areas of the world.

No matter who you are, vacationing in France is an unforgettable experience that everyone should do at least once in their life. Take advantage of our excellent deals and uniquely crafted itineraries today and see why everyone is talking about Enchanted-France!

Moliere-the French "Shakespeare"

Moliere by
Jean Antoie Coype
1730

February 17 marks the anniversary date of the death of the greatest French playwright -Moliere.  He died almost on stage performing  his famous play the Malade Imaginaire (Imaginary Invalid). He was born in Paris on January 15, 1622  with the  given name of Jean Marie Poquelin from a well-to-do family of merchants.  Leaving his law studies, he founded a theatrical group the ""Illustre Theatre" at the age of 21 with his actress mistress Madeleine  Bejart and that is when he took the stage name of Moliere.  After going bankrupt, the troupe leaves Paris and become an itinerant theatre  playing principally in the provinces of France's  southwest.  For 12 years, from 1646 to 1658, Moliere honed his skills as an actor, playwright and  theatre director.

Moliere's armchair -courtesy
Comedy Francaise

The group returned to Paris in 1658  under the protection from the King's Brother, Philippe d'Orleans who offered the group a theatre in which to perform -- the Theatre du Petit Bourbon. Moliere performed tragic plays by contemporary playwrights like Corneille and Racine as well as his own creations- comedies like the Precieuses Ridicules.  In 1661, the  group got a new abode at the Palais Royal as the Palais Bourbon theater was being demolished to make room for the new Louvre Colonades.

Moliere's plays range from comedies to tragedies and comedy-ballets.  Moliere was a prolific author and among  his body of work are plays that are considered to be at the pinacle of France 's litterature and are as popular today as when they  were first performed.  Among the  plays that are regularly performed in France and all over the world are: l"Ecole des Femme", le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, le Malade Imaginaire, L'Avare, Tartuffe, le Misanthrope, les Femmes Savantes, Don Juan to name a few.

Moliere- Pere Lachaise

While performing the Malade Imaginaire, Moliere was overtaken by a fit of cough.  He died at home a few hours later
  from the ravages of tuberculosis on February 17, 1673. As it was the custom of the time, being an actor, he was refused the last rites and banned from being buried in the sacred ground of a cemetery. His widow, Armande Bejart asked King Louis XIV to authorize a burial at night . He agreed and Moliere was buried in an unconsecrated plot in a Parisian cemetery. His remains were transferred in 1817 to the Pere Lachaise.

When visiting Paris, consider attending a performance of France's classic theatre at the venerated Comedy Francaise located at the Palais Royal.  Of note, on the anniversary date of Moliere's birth (January 15), the chair on which Moliere last performed the Malade Imaginaire is brought on the of the Comedie Francaise.

#Paris # France # Moliere # Comedie Francaise #Pere Lachaise

www.enchanted-france.com