Megalithic sites at Carnac, Brittany, France by Steffen Heilfort

One unique and fascinating location in Brittany is the Megalithic sites at Carnac.  Found at the southern part of Brittany, these sites showcase prehistorically arranged standing stones that amount to more than 3,000 pieces.  These perfectly aligned megaliths are believed to be a Roman army that was magically turned to stones by Merlin.  Tours are arranged by local travel agencies for the convenience of the tourists.  Aside from seeing these megalithic sites, tourists can plan to extend their oneness with nature by camping in Carnac or by taking windsurfing or sailing lessons at the Bay of Quiberon.  At Carnac, you are sure to be amazed at how the standing stones were arranged at a time when technological machineries were not yet available.

Another area in Brittany that is a must-see and must experience is Locmariaquer.  Locmariaquer, about 7 miles away from Carnac, boasts of its beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean.  Similar to Carnac, Locmariquer also has prehistorically arranged megalithic stones that were believed to be erected during the Neolithic period.  It also has a burial monuments and statues that are thousands of years old.  The gargantuan stones that are aligned make visiting tourists believe in the existence of giants.  However, touring the other sights of Locmariaquer will refresh tourists’ religious beliefs as there are several churches around the area that were built hundreds of years ago.  Some of the churches are worth visiting are the Notre Dame de Kerdro, which was built in the 1000s by the Quimperle monks, and the Chapelle du Moustoir, which was built in the 1700s.  Don’t think that Locmariaquer will only satisfy tourists’ spiritual yearnings; this place can also satisfy tourists’ gastronomical needs.  As Locmariaquer is located near the bay, its coastal area is a source of the freshest and even the rarest oysters one can find.  Tourists can attest that this area has the best oysters as oyster cultivation in Locmariaquer dates back to the 1800s.

Cote Emeraude Fort La Latte, Brittany, France by Benh LIEU SONG

Finally, touring France will not be complete if one doesn’t take sight of at least one of the many existing castles in the country.  Brittany is one area that still has well-maintained castles that can bring visitors back in time. One of the worthwhile castles to be visited is the Fort La Latte that is located in Cotes-d’Armor in Brittany.  The view of this castle from either side is pristine waters of the Atlantic.  The structure has even been used as a location of some Hollywood films.

Now that you know of the unique sites and activities to do in Brittany, plan your trip now!

This travel article was written by Hannah of Independant budget holiday guide, www.packedup.co.uk

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Studio eLBee

1. Cities and towns by lakes often have a rich cultural history supported by the presence of that lake.
If you really want to visit a place that has it all, and expansive lake with a thriving cultural presence, then Italy’s Lake Garda – the largest lake in the country – is the perfect location. It is located in Northern Italy, about halfway between Verona and Brescia, and is easily accessible from the north by the Brenner Pass. There are many different places to stay during a visit to Lake Garda. There are pricey exclusive resorts, as well as affordable family sized villas for rent. On this south side of Lake Garda lies the ancient Roman city of Sirmione. Here you can visit ancient spa complexes, and Scaliger castle which was built in the 13th century. Gardaland is a theme park that is popular among the locals and tourists alike.

2. Lakes support a wide variety of relaxing activities.
Visiting a lake means that you can take part in lots of different activities. Lakes are excellent places to take part in water sports, like kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. The Masuria region of Poland has over 1,000 lakes in the north western part of the country, and is an extremely popular destination for water sports. These are all glacial lakes, and while relatively deep, they are calm and therefore excellent places to take sailing lessons. There are many rivers and streams that connect these lakes, and these are great for paddling expeditions.

3. Lakes are perfect habitats for nature lovers.
Lakes are large areas of freshwater that attracts many different kinds of animals. Lake Ladoga, one of the largest lakes in the world, and the largest in Europe, also has a very large population of water birds. Freshwater fish are also very numerous, making this lake great for fishermen. This lake, that spans across both Russia and Finland, is perfect for birdwatchers and naturalists. Why not find a local car hire company, rent a car and head over to Lake Ladoga, ecologically a very special lake, and invites all kinds of explorations.

4. Cleaner, more beautiful water.
Lakes are often disregarded over coastal areas in favour of beaches and a beach scene, but savvy travellers know that some lake beaches are even more beautiful and relaxing. Lake Annecy of France is regarded as Europe’s cleanest lake, and also happens to be France’s second largest lake. It is the cleanest because of strict environmental regulations. Swimming, biking around the shore and water sports are the most popular activities here. A visit to France is not complete without a getaway to beautiful, scenic Lake Annecy.

5. Beautiful mountain lakes are a true getaway all year long.
Lakes can be situated in many different habitats, and mountain lakes are especially unique. The landscape surrounding mountain lakes are refreshing, with the forest covered peaks and valleys. Lake Geneva is one of the most popular destinations for lake holidays in Switzerland and Europe. It is the largest alpine lake in Europe, sitting at an elevation of 1,220 feet. Visiting mountain lakes means that even in the winter there are surrounding activities. At Lake Geneva, skiing, as well as mountain and lake scenery make it a great place to visit, even in the winter. In the summer, yachting on the lake and lounging on the shores are very popular.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Brett Jordan

Located at the south of Lefkas Island, Vassiliki is considered as one of the best and most popular windsurfing areas in Europe. Windsurfers love it here because the winds area is clean, the water is flat, the beach is gently shelving and has a sandy bottom, which are all ideal components of a good windsurfing beach. Usually, the beginners windsurf in the morning when the breeze is gentle, and the intermediate to expert windsurfers take to the water in the afternoon when the thermal winds kick in.

It doesn’t matter if no one in the family knows how to surf. Having your vacation and family activity holidays in Greece, especially in this part of the country ensures that after your vacation, all of you will at least know how to windsurf. Lessons are available for both children and adults. Aside from windsurfing lessons, sailing lessons are also being offered.

For children who are too young to windsurf or sail, there are other equally exciting activities on offer at the children’s clubs. Playing on the beach, biking, and court games are all for the taking. Adults who are not so much into water sports will surely enjoy mountain biking amongst the mountains and hills of Lefkas Island. With all these family activity holidays in Greece, each day of your stay is an adventure.

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