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Best destinations for a family European road trip

Claire — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:27:52 +0000

For those of us in the UK, a trip to pretty much anywhere on the European continent will do us fine, as it is likely to be miles better than where we live and work. The classic trip for a British family is getting in the car, hopping over the Channel and driving to destinations such as the south of France or even Spain.

Whether you’re looking to go cheap and park up at a campsite or live a little and get a nice hotel, you’ll always have your car with you in order to travel the local areas, or even go for a day trip to a location that’s perhaps a few miles away. Of course a trip such as this requires a specific budget for petrol or diesel, so getting hold of a Chooseafuelcard.com Fuel Cards might help out with fuel management.

The only problem that ever really occurs is choosing where to go. Here are a few ideas.

Grenoble, France by Jörg Sancho Pernas

South of France

Traveling through the heart of the French countryside, first of all you’ll have a very pleasant journey, but also the chance to stop off at the numerous towns and cities along the way, including Dijon, Lyon and Grenoble.

Once arrived in the southern coast, there is a plethora of locations you can choose from, the next more glamorous than the last. The likes of Nice and Cannes allow great shopping destinations, whilst also taking in the wondrous views of the coastline and the Mediterranean. Monaco is just a completely different experience altogether and seeing the likes of the Casino Square can really open your eyes to a lifestyle only few in this world can enjoy frequently.

Monaco by Georges DICK

Northern Italy

There are a varied amount of destinations in the north of Italy which can offer unique experiences all in one holiday. The main point of call would be the fashion and style hub of Milan for a couple of days in the city, splashing a bit of cash and eating great food. From there, you can make the trip south-west to San Remo and enjoy the great coastline of another stylish location that is similar in some ways to Monaco, not least because of the fancy casino the town has.

If that wasn’t your bag, you could always go further north from Milan and visit the glam of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore on the Swiss border. Going east would see you eventually come across the likes of Verona and even the amazing city of Venice.

Lake Como, Italy by Joyborg

East coast of Spain

This is a trip probably reserved for those die-hard families that love to be together in a car for a very long time, but the east coast of Spain harbours some of the great summer locations Europe has to offer.

First stop would be Barcelona for a great city experience and a number of cliché tourist visits to the likes of the Cathedral, Las Rambles and Camp Nou football stadium. Next up is a drive south to the beautiful coastal city of Valencia for some sunbathing and relaxing.

Further down the coast includes destinations such as Benidorm for a good night out and Alicante for a more of an all-rounder.

Alicante, Spain by Claire (Europe Explored)

About the author: Sam writes for Chooseafuel.com who offer various fuel cards for pretty much everyone on the European continent, whether you need it for a petrol car of a diesel LPG. For more information click here.

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Beyond Paris: The Best Places to Visit around France

Claire — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:11:59 +0000

When people think of France, the first thing that most often pops into their mind is Paris, with its shopping avenues, Notre Dame, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. As enchanting and infamous as Paris is, there is so much more to France. In this article we will go on a tour of the country, with its top must-see locations around the country.

1. The Palace of Versailles

If you are staying in Paris for a portion of your visit, then just 20 kilometers away is situated one of the most opulent memorials to royalty – The Château de Versailles. Built by King Louis XIV, the palace is compromised of extensive landscaped gardens and sprawling, decorative castle grounds. It is recommended to take an audiotour of the castle grounds, or perhaps even a guided tour, as the history and stories behind the palace are both extensive and fascinating.

Garden at the Palace of Versailles, France by Urban

2. Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux is listed as a World Heritage Site, as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble”. The city, and its surrounding region is famous worldwide for its excellent wines. It is also considered as France’s “Little Paris” thanks to its many cultural, architectural, and historical monuments. It is a lively town, with many young people as it contains the country’s largest university. Thanks to the youthful population, the town has a thriving cafe and night life scene. You will be raising your wine glass many times while visiting beautiful Bordeaux.

Saint Pierre Church, Bordeaux, France by Luidger

3. Provence

You haven’t seen the best of France until you have explored the Provence region. It is one of France’s most beloved regions, by tourists and locals alike. With a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere, it is also famous for its fields of lavender and rose wines. While in Provence, be sure to visit Verdon Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges in all of the European continent. There are also several ancient castles in the region that should not be missed.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie village, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France by Nepomuk

4. Brittany

Located in the North west region of France, the region of Brittany is perhaps most famous for its prehistoric megalithic monuments at Carnac. The Lac de Guerledan lake is an artificial lake that is worth a visit for its prime scenic beauty. A drive along the Cote d’Emeraude coast would make a memorable road trip, as there are many varied and bustling fishing towns and villages along the way.

Kermario Carnac, Brittany, France by Odedr

5. Normandy

Most famous for the 1944 D-Day invasion by the Allied forces, there are many other things to see and do in this northern region of France. There are many posh resorts on the coast, as well as wild and rugged landscapes of the La Hague.

Port Arromanches, Normandy, France by Comité Régional

When visiting France from overseas by plane, you’ll arrive in the nation’s capital, base yourself in one of the many beautiful Paris apartments from Worldwide-Accom and live like the locals!

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Milan Cathedral – the largest cathedral in Italy and 2nd largest in Europe

Claire — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:45:02 +0000

In the heart of Milan stands huge dome, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world – Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). At its widest point measures 92 meters and is 157 metres long. Construction started in the 14th century under Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti, but finished up by more than 500 years later. The last work has been performed in order of Napoleon in 1809. Facade of the Milan Cathedral is a dazzling combination of Gothic and Baroque styles.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by schizoform

The most striking feature is the unusual dome’s roof with 135 towers and innumerable statues and gargoyles. In clear weather you can see the Alps with the Matterhorn from the towers. For the lovers of Gothic architecture, the Duomo is a masterpiece of perfectly made decorations.

Cathedral windows dating from the 15th century, are among the largest in Europe. In the nave, near the entrance, you can see the largest sundial in the world (dating back to 1786).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

Milan Cathedral is considered to be one of the most popular buildings in the whole European continent. It is also known to be the largest cathedral of all cathedrals in Italy and the second largest one in Europe (just after Seville Cathedral). It consists of five naves, which supports 52 columns. The highest point of the cathedral is La Madonnina (the statue of the Virgin Mary) from the 18th century, which is now the symbol of Milan.

The project of cathedral was meant to help all those who are helpless and ordinary people who are suffering or suffered under the ruling of tyrant Bernabò. During the construction of this cathedral a large amount of donations were collected from people and soon the news of construction spread with the people.

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Palace of Versailles – one of the most famous monuments in Europe | France

Claire — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:47:53 +0000

One of the most famous monuments on the European continent is also the French Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles), which was built in the 17th century by King Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. Soon after that the entire French elite began to come here for the lavish hunting. A major reconstruction of the castle was done during the reign of his successor, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. He changed the palace to more luxurious one to become a great seat of the royal court.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Baron

Palace of Versailles is also an important symbol of the Great French Revolution, when in 1789 the nobility was expelled from there to Paris, and executed by the guillotine.

Beautiful castle is admired mainly for its unique architecture and large surrounding gardens, which are really amazing. Many rulers in other European countries later attempted to imitate the construction of their residences just according to this French chateau; for example, Viennese palace Schönbrun.

During an excursion in the Château de Versailles you definitely do not miss the spectacular tour of the royal apartments and beautifully decorated chapel. The complex has really got a lot of rooms, wings and associated buildings, so if you want to see everything it takes you almost all day.

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Very interesting is a unique Hall of Mirrors, but you should visit also the Museum of History, which shows you all the important events that are associated with this place. I have to say that they are terribly much.

In the gardens you can find many fountains and statues. The best time to visit the gardens is in the summer during the summer musical and water festival Les Grandes Eaux Musicales, when the fountains are turned on and chamber music bands play in the gardens.

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Öresund Bridge – the longest road and rail bridge-tunnel in Europe – between Sweden and Denmark

Claire — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:54:25 +0000

Engineers have constructed (1995 – 2000) Öresund Bridge (Øresundsbron) to establish the connectivity between Sweden and Denmark. Öresund Bridge is the longest railway and highway bridge in European continent and plays a vital role to ensure good communication system. Öresund Bridge makes a link between Danish capital city of Copenhagen and the major Swedish city of Malmö.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Hunter-Desportes

European E20 route passes through Öresund Bridge as well, which is important connection between Scandinavia and Central and Western Europe. But not only the bridge is interesting here. Another part of this route is a well-built tunnel under the sea that ensures better navigation and transportation network for the ships. The long tunnel permits fleets of large cargo boats, passenger ships and speed boats steer safely through this extended tunnel.

On Öresund Bridge you will pass the borders but thanks to Schengen Agreement there are usually no passport inspections.

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The Architect of the bridge is Georg Rotne who designed several important bridges throughout the world. Öresund Bridge is 7,845 meters long and up to 23.5 meters wide and today it serves to more than 17,000 road vehicles every day.

If you visit Sweden or Denmark in the future, you have to make a trip by train or car through this unique bridge and tunnel. It is really very impressive!

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Italy – the world of great sea, mountain and pizza

Claire — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:17:23 +0000

Italy is a country located partly on the European Continent and partly on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe and contains the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia.

Italy shares its northern, Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

There are two independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City and Campione d’Italia is an Italian exclave in Switzerland. The territory of Italy covers 301,338 km² and is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. With 60.2 million inhabitants, it is the sixth most populous country in Europe, and the twenty-third most populous in the world.

There are lots of very interesting places in Italy, they have very good pizza and wine. Very important Italian products are Fiat, Mozzarella, Prosciutto and pizza.

Some of the famous Italian people are: Medici, Marco Polo, Dante, Donatello, Alberti, Botticelli, Columbus, Da Vinci, Vespucci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Galileo, Vivaldi, Puccini, Mussolini, Sergio Leone, Luciano Pavarotti, Valentino, Versace

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