Hamburg * Berlin * Hannover * Bremen * Dresden * München
Hamburg * Berlin * Hannover * Bremen * Dresden * München
France is a country which can offer something more than concrete
and buildings. Although most Americans' impressions of France are limited
to the city of Paris, we'd like to give you a look at a completely different
aspect of this beautiful country. Only about one hour north from the resort
town of Biarritz lies one of the most attractive regions on the Atlantic
coast.
Itinerary:
Trip by bus from Berlin or Hamburg via Cologne,Germany - Paris - Bordeaux
to Moliets Plage. Excursions by bus to St. Jean de Lux, Biarritz, Bordeaux
(including a wine tasting), to the Pyrenees, to Mont de Marsin for rock
concerts, to Chateau Ravignan (including a tour through the castle and
an Armagnac tasting), several excursions to the lakes Lac de Leon or Lac
de Bicarosse. Hikes through the National Park (not far from Moliets Plage)
and through the Pyrenees at La Rhune. Trip back via Bordeaux - Paris -
Cologne - back to Hamburg or Berlin.
Accommodations: One night on bus with reclining seats (if you join the group in Paris, you will travel during the day) or futon-type sleeping area; in Moliets Plage at camping site situated in the forest; on trip back, one night on bus with reclining seats or futon-type sleeping area.
Meals: For your meals you should expect to spend approx. € 20 per day.
At
Your Disposal: Camping equipment of foldaway tables and benches, double-burner
gas stoves including bottled gas, large cooking pots, large tent for cooking,
parties, etc.
Tour Escort: Tour coordinator
Extra: Entrance fees, food, drinks, excursion by boat, canoeing from St. Michel to Leon, from Commesaque through the National Park on the Grande Leyre, from Pichelebe to the Plage d'Huchet on the Courant d'Huchet. Bike rental: approx. 12 Euro per day, rental of surf boards approx. 17 Euro per day, etc.
Climate: Spring and fall: day: 72 degrees, night: 50 degrees, water: 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer: day: 84 degrees, night: 66 degrees, water: 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Currency: 1 USD ~ 1 Euro
Visa: A tourist visa will be required
Sea
Breeze a la Francaise
France is a country which can offer something more than concrete and buildings. Although most Americans' impressions of France are limited to the city of Paris, we'd like to give you a look at a completely different aspect of this beautiful country. Only about one hour north from the resort town of Biarritz lies one of the most attractive regions on the Atlantic coast.
Moliets-Plage is a small, charming beach located at the edge of a beautiful primeval forest filled with lianas, mangroves and giant ferns. It is here that we'll set up camp, directly next to a small freshwater river which winds its way through sand dunes. For those of you who are planning a vacation of sun and fun on immaculately-kept beaches, we can't think of a better place.
Although the beach has a supervised swimming area which is usually quite busy, there is a quiet area away from the main beach where you can sunbathe in peace. If there are any surf enthusiasts on board, you'll have more than your hands full with the waves on this beach. In any event, we would advise you to be cautious, as the currents and undertow here can be treacherous.
In the small village of Moliets-Plage you'll find a fine selection of French restaurants, with specialties from the southwestern region of France. A particular specialty of the area is the renown pate de foie gras. If you prefer making your own food, you will find ample supplies at the various shops on the way to the beach. The butcher and fish stores are quite different from what we are accustomed to in the States, so make a point of taking a peek inside! Back at the campsite there are gas stoves and picnic tables at our disposal. The sanitary facilities and showers are kept very clean and you can take a hot shower at any time, day or night.
The
entire region is filled with narrow roads and paved forest paths providing
an excellent opportunity for long bicycle rides. If you're lucky, (or unlucky,
depending on your political stance) you might find yourself riding past
Francois Mitterand's holiday home. Surrounding Moliets Plage you'll encounter
one of the largest forest areas in Europe, Les Landes. It was here, many
years ago, that shepherds watched over their flocks using specially-made
stilts, as the undergrowth of the moorland was especially thick.
If you would like to go further south, toward Arcachon, Biarritz or the Pyrenees, just jump on our bus, and we'll take you there for no extra charge! For those who have always wanted to see a live bullfight, but were turned off by the thought of all the blood, don't be afraid! The bullfights in the south of France are quite different from the ones in Spain. The bulls are actually cows with rubber covers on their horns.
So... come along for a European vacation "qui n'est pas comme les autres",
and don't forget to bring along your guitars to the barbecue evenings and
campfire get-togethers.