Christian Dior Museum

This elegant villa where haute-couturier Christian Dior spent his childhood and now turns into a musée having been consecrated to him. Located at Rue, Estouville, Granville, France.

The park-line garden with lawns surrounded with trees, roses and colourful bed plants. The house is also overlooking the sea from the north side of the Lower Town.

What to expect inside the museum and jardin Christian Dior?

• The musée exhibits an eye-popping collection of Dior’s work as well as poster, publicity photographs and other memorabilia.
• Shops (They sell Christian Diors products)
• Every summer they have special exhibition in the garden.

How to get there?

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How much it cost?

Going in to the garden is free but there is an entrance fee in the museum tariff 7 euros per guest (musée tarif Plein: 7 Euros) For more information about the dates and opening times click here.

Important Reminders for every guest:

Camera is not allowed to use inside the museum.

How was our experience?

Amazing the garden is beautiful, clean and there are too many posters and signage printed with facts about his creations. It was educational going to the garden and very relaxing place go and to live as well. The museum is very pretty loads of beautiful memorabilia. His life, family, education and work are there. If you pay for a visit you’ll discover so many things inside the museum. It’s worth a visit especially if you are keen on fashion and lifestyle. You will get more inspirations from him.

She's not yet ready for a pose.

Back garden

Mother and daughter (Behind is the head statue of Christian Dior)

Things to see and read whilst walking in his beautiful garden. Facts and history of his creation.

What a beautiful place to live over-looking the seaside.

Perfume of course!

pond with fountain another view of his garden

Opening dates, times contact numbers and tarif.

Jenny O'Toole

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From Eiffel Tower, Paris To Your Home Country

Do you know how far you live from the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France?

I went to France for two weeks holiday. They say that when you go to Paris, you must see and visit the Eiffel Tower. Yes! I absolutely believe it’s a must see and worthy of going up to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The scenery is fantastic. The breeze is so refreshing in summer, but freezing when it’s windy and rainy.

In France tourism is one of the largest industries. They earn hundreds of millions of Euros per year. Tourists will pay fortunes for scenery and attractions. As long as they are happy and satisfied of the services. Getting a ticket to go up to the top of Eiffel tower is not as easy as ABC. You have to queue for four hours just to get a ticket, waiting for another hour, to enter the main gate to catch the elevator.

When you reach the 2^nd level they have some amenities like restaurant, glass floor, viewing window, viewing gallery, gift shops, and snack bar. You can see lots of small people underneath of the tower queuing to get ticket and go up to top. Wait till you reach the top floor you can see how tiny those people are. They are like ants queuing to deposit the food they are carrying.

When we are on the top of the tower it was like being on top of the world. It’s one of the wonderful experiences for me and my 22 months toddler in a buggy, pushing and carrying was not easy for us. We queued and waited for more than five hours just to reach the top. The scenery is one thing we wanted to experience. It's not only scenery you can see; there is also history and facts behind the iron tower. Which were the highlights of our escapade on that day?

These are the facts I got from the Eiffel Tower ,Paris to Berlin, Germany is 882 km, to Manila, Philippines is 10 761 km, to Moscow, Russia, is 2 495 km, to China is 9 653 km and to Lithuania is 1 706 km.

I am originally from the Philippines and I found it very amusing and educating, isn't it very educational the trip? I know that scenery will always be the number one reason of going up to the tower to see the views and to see the whole city of Paris. Sometimes, travellers forget the history and the facts behind building the Eiffel Tower, majority of the travellers are pre-occupied by the views. Every corner has fantastic views. We had a fantastic holiday last summer for more pictures. Click Here!

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Mont-St-Michel Escapades

The Mont-St-Michel is most visited tourist attractions apart from Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Stunning gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel Saint Michael located in the lower part of Normandy Region in France.

The Mont-St-Michel and its bay – is one of UNESCO list of world heritage. A must see and visit attraction in Normandy.

When its high tides it looks like floating Cathedral. The track way is covered by water and uncovered at low tide.

What to expect?

• Expect for stunning cultural attractions, from country side to sea side.
• Exciting road trips and thousands of souvenir shops to stops.
• Expect for nice Cafés, hotels and restaurants in the community.
• Expect for long walk and climbing.

Taken inside the car

How was our visit?

The weather was awful when went to Mont-St-Michel. We go by car and paid 6 euros for car parking. The attraction is free. The good thing that time we did not take the pram with us or else it would be nightmare. It’s was hard work for the both of us to go there just imagine carrying my daughter in my shoulder whilst climbing up to the abbey. It’s like sacrifice for me just to enter to the Cathedral it was worth of going. It’s beautiful inside and outside.

To end our day tour we had lovely meal from La Mére Pourlard  an 18th century hotel and restaurant with famous wall of autographs from over a century of famous diners, including Ernest Hemingway and Yves Saint-Laurent. Best to try their house cidré  it's the best! Another unforgettable adventure we had.


Travel Tips
Best to go in summer and don't forget to check the weather forecast and best to go during low tide.

How to get there?

By car or by bus. And it takes almost 4 hours travelling from Paris to Mont-St-Michel. We were lucky enough we stayed in the same region and took us an hour to travel. 

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Wind Mill

Whilst waiting for the food I decided to draw my husband and daughter.

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Visit Normandy, France: Day 1 – Gavray

After a long journey we finally reached our destination. We stayed at Le Louverie near Gavray. It was glorious afternoon when we arrive in the gite. After check-in we decided to go in and around town of Gavray. We parked near the church and walk to find some café to have something to eat then we went for quick shopping for food to store in our fridge during our stay. 

My husband can’t wait to have a good splash in the swimming pool and my daughter is so excited to play in the playground. Whilst I’m having my first cheeky drink cider and marinated the chicken for our dinner.

It was sunny outside, but the wind is a bit cold. I can tell the temperature of the water in the swimming pool is probably the same as cold water from the fridge. My husband enjoyed it I don’t think my daughter she didn’t we were surprise at that time my 22 months toddler says this “out now, towel please” that was her 2 longest words aside from “Where is Daddy gone?” I think she stay for 60 seconds. It was freezing. I can’t imagine myself to have a splash.

Everyone is inside the house watching telly whilst, I was preparing our starter fresh raw oyster delight and I start the barbeque. We decide to eat outside with bottle of champagne. 

We had a lovely start of our holiday, everything is perfect. This was our dream holiday; by the way we plan this for years. Although the plan was change and we couldn’t make any booking in the vine yard as it was holiday seasons, we expect for full bookings. Even though it was not in the vine yard, were all having fun and satisfied for what we booked.

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Beautiful Gîte in Normandy

Beautiful self-catering country cottages or Gîte in French – are found all over Normandie in the most rural area from €350 - €800 a week per property with swimming pool.

We stayed at La Louverie located at Le Mesnil Amand near Gavray, North West of France. 

• Beautiful cottage
• 3 bedrooms,
•  Barbecue
• Beautiful garden
• Play area,
•  Swimming pool and scenic views. 

How was our stay?

When we arrived we certainly love the gite it’s very pretty. It was glorious but the wind is a bit cold. My husband and daughter were so excited to have a splash in the swimming pool. We stayed for 10 days there enough to visit most attractions in the region. Everything you need in the house is available except the food. The gite is close to the market and town centre in Gavray. The place is peaceful perfect for relaxing. The host Chris and Bridget are very nice and helpful. We had a lovely holiday.

If you’re planning a long and unique holiday with your family and friends including your pet gîtes is the answer. For more information visit http://frenchconnection.co.uk

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The Arc de Triomphe (Triumphal Arch)

In 1616 Marie de Médicis turned the place into a fashionable driveway with the help of André Le Notre who landscape the area. It became a memorial to French army in 1806 in the same year Jean Chalgrin designed the said arc.

Taken inside the car.

When we arrived in Paris we passed the region Louvre and Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe is set in the roundabout so since we are in the car and parking is hard to find we took the opportunity to go round twice in the arc to takes some photographs. Even though it’s hard to take photographs whilst the car is moving we still manage to take some nice shoots.

Aside from Eiffel Tower the most visited attractions in Paris, France. The Arc de Triomphe is famous monument and Paris famous tourist attraction as well. And travellers should not miss to visit and see every detail on the monument. Don’t forget “It’s FREE to wander”.

Taken inside the car.

How to get there?

By Car

By Metro – RER line A, Charles de Gaulle-Etoile

By Bus – 22,30,31,52,73 and 92

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Every detail of its archeture is stunning. What a beautiful art standing still for centuries? Every tourist will amazed the style and history of the Arc de Triophe. A road trip that is full of wandering and learning world history.

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Basic French Phrases for Travellers

Travelling to non-speaking English country like France is like entering in a new world. If you fancy to travel to France then you should learn at least few terminologies to communicate with them. Majority of the locals living outside of Paris don’t speak English very well. Learning there basic phrases during your stay is very useful. If you smile they will smile back, if you say hello they will say salut.

I remember first time I was there. I'm starving and I want something to eat to fill my empty stomach. The only open is a boulangerie pâtisserie it's a bakery specialising in French pastry. Before I left the car I said to my husband "Bon jour Comment allez-vous? deux pan au cholat.  S'il vous plaît merci" in English (Good Morning. How are you? 2 bread with chocolate please thank you). He was laughing to me and says, "I'm so proud of you." Is it right? He says yes! He speak French but he don't want to go out. I force to go out and speak the language so I can get my pan au chocolat. Honestly speaking I don't want to do sign language because God is given me a mouth to use to speak and I don't want to look like an idiot foreigner. 

English                                    Pronunciation                          French

Hello                                        sah-loo                                    Salut

Good morning/good day         bon-zhoor                                Bon jour

How are you?                         kom-mohn tah-lay voo             Comment allez-vous?

Fine. Thanks and you?           bee-ehn mer-see ay voo?          Merci et vous?

My name is                             juh mah-pell                            Je m'appelle

What is your name?    kom-mohn voo-za-peh-lay voo          Comment vous appellez-vous?

Glad to meet you                    on-shohn-tay                           Enchanté

Pleased to meet you               ohn--shahn-tay                         Enchanté(e)

Excuse me/sorry                    ex-koo-zay mwah                    Excusez-moi

Do you speak English?           par-lay voo zon-glay               Parlez-vous anglais?

Goodbye                                 oh ruh-vwar                             Au revoir

Good evening                           bon-swar                               Bon soir

I don't understand                   jhuhn kom-prohn pah             Je ne comprends pas

I'm sorry                                  day-zoh-lay/pahr-dohn           Desolé/Pardon

Pardon me                              pahr-dohn                                Pardon

Please                                     seel voo play                           S'il vous plaît

Please speak slowly               par-lay lehn-ta-mohn              Parlez lentement

Thank you                               mare-see                                 Merci

That's ok                                 dah ree-ehn                             De rien

No                                           nohn                                        Non

You're welcome                      dah ree-ehn                             De rien

Ok                                           dah-core                                  d'accord

There                                       lah                                           Là

Very well                                 treh bee-ehn                            Très bien

What?                                     kom-mohn                              Comment?

Where                                     oo                                                Où

I really want to go back to France soon as possible, but before that I should learn more terminologies for me to travel the country with confidence. If you need Help just shout au secours!

Au revoir...

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Do you need a visa to France?

Is Paris your dream destination?

All EU citizens do not need a visa to visit France.

Selected nationals from countries who do not need a Schengen visa to go to France as long as the stay does not exceed 3 months.

1.    Albania*                                    
2.    Andorra                      
3.    Antigua et Barbuda    
4.    Argentina                    
5.    Australia                       
6.    Bahamas                    
7.    Barbados                    
8.    Bermuda                    
9.    Bosnia
10.  Brazil                           
11.  Brunei                             
12.  Canada                      
13.  Chile  
14.  Costa Rica
15.  Croatia
16.  EEA National
17.  El Salvador
18.  Guatemala
19.  Herzegovina*
20.  Hong-Kong (blue passport only)
21.  Honduras
22.  Israel
23.  Macedonia (Fyrom)*
24.  Nicaragua
25.  Japan
26.  Liechtenstein
27.  Macao
28.  Malaysia
29.  Mauritius
30.  Mexico
31.  Monaco
32.  Montenegro
33.  New Zealand
34.  Panama
35.  Paraguay
36.  Taiwan (1)
37.  Saint Christopher and Nevis
38.  San Marino
39.  Serbia*
40.  Seychelles
41.  Singapore
42.  South Korea
43.  Switzerland
44.  United States of America
45.  Uruguay
46.  Vatican
47.  Velenzuela

Asterisk (*) Only for holders of a biometric passport

Since January 11, 2011 Taiwanese nationals will be exempted to travel to France may stay up to 90 days without visa provided with their passport ID.

Make sure you have the following to produce.

1. 
Proofs of financial means of support.
Hotel bookings or your return ticket to your country of residence.
Valid medical travel insurance that covers all.

 REMEMBER:

Only foreign citizens with valid residency permits in a Schengen country may travel freely in the Schengen space for up to 3 months as long as they hold valid recognised passports and valid residency status.

source: http://www.ambafrance-uk.org

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Walking in Paris

Our Pearl

Everyone knows that Paris is one of the biggest and busiest cities in the world.

The best way to explore Paris is to walk in and around the city. It's good exercises and no euros wasted for travelling. If you're not in the mood of walking.

Well there are other options to explore the entire city. You can go for skating, bicycling and velotaxi for cheap and Eco-friendly experience, buses, métro, taxi, car and etc for long journey.

Paris is accessible city. Métro and bus stops are everywhere and you can hop anytime you want.

My Advice: When the weather is glorious walking is the best thing to do and it’s free. It’s more enjoyable to walk than going to Métro.

Travel Tips: BEWARE of Pickpockets operates every where. Make sure you keep eye on your belonging.

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École Militaire

École Militaire – Military School in English terminology. Founded by Louis XV in 1750 it’s a huge complex building for various military training facilities in Paris, France southeast of the Champ de Mars. The purpose of this military school is to create a college for cadet officers from poor families.

Image credit to britannica.com

How to get there?

Address: 21 place Joffre, 75007

Visit by written application only.

Metro: École Militaire

Bus: 28, 49, 80, 82, 87, 92

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Parc du Champ de Mars

Champ de Mars in French – Field of Mars in English term. It is a large public open space reserve in Paris between Eiffel tower and Ecolé Militaire.

It’s the best place for picnic with stunning views also it’s the perfect place for photo-shoots.

Open 24/7 – 365 days

It’s FREE!

How to get there?

By bus: 42, 69, 80, 82, 87

By Metro: RER line C, Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel

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Tour Eiffel

Around the Tour Eiffel

The region plays as the main character in the story of Paris tourism industry. Millions for tourist comes in Paris every year to see and climb up to the very top of the iconic tower and to visit the world’s largest architectural museum.

List of Tourist attractions in Tour Eiffel

1.     Eiffel Tower
2.    Parc du Champ de Mars
3.    École Militaire
4.    Les Invalides
5.    Musée Rodin
6.    Tour Montparnasse
7.    Musée d’Orsay
8.    Assemblée Nationale
9.    Point Alexander III
10.  Les Ésgouts
11.  Pont de l’Alma
12.  Musée du Quay Brandly
13.  Palais de Tokyo
14.  Musée d’Art Modern de la Ville de Paris
15.  Musée National des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet
16.  Place du Trocandéro et du II Novembré
17.  Pont de de Bir-Hakeim
18.  Mansion de Balzac
19.  Musée Marmottan Monet

Places to Stay

1.    Grand Hôtel Leveque
2.    Hôtel de la Tour Eiffel
3.    Best Western Eiffel Park Hotel
4.    Hotel de Londres Eiffel
5.    Relais Bosquet
6.    Hotel Plaza Tour Eiffel
7.    Adagio Aparthotel
8.    Holiday Inn Garden Court Paris - Tour Eiffel
9.    Grand Hôtel Leveque
10.  Hotel Ares Eiffel

Places to Eat

1.    L’aubergene du Mouton Blanc – French Restaurant
2.    Tse Yang – Chinese Restaurant
3.    Hiramatsu – Japanese Restaurant
4.    Fakhr el dine – Lebanese Restaurant
5.    L’affriolé – Classical French dishes and Mediterranean influence.
6.    Bistro D’Hubert – 21^st French Bistro

There are thousands of café, fast-food chain and restaurant in and around Tour Eiffel depends on your taste.

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