Centre Travel

You can't talk about food in Franche -Comte' without featuring the thing it does best: to make cheese. Around 80% of the region's milk production is used for cheese-making and it turns out a wide variety of blends, most distinguished of which is its name Comte'. This completely organic cheese has a distinctive hazelnut flavour and is dotted with small holes throughout. The region's oldest and most speciality cheese is CANCOILLOTE , a pale creamy blend often sold in a jar that was developed 2000 years ago. Also popular is the MONT d'OR (also known as Vacherin ), a unique and voluptuous seasonal cheese available between September and April that is packaged in a distinctive wooden box. Other varieties include MORBIER (a rich and creamy blend) BLUE de GEX ( an unusual and delicate blue) EDEL de CLERON ( a relatively new, oozy textured delicacy) and RACLETTE (a smooth and creamy table or melting cheese).

Mushrooms are something of a staple in kitchens across this region, probably due to the fact that they are in bountiful supply. The abundance of forests and pasture allow for a year-round supply of a wide variety of mushrooms including Morels, Ceps , Oyster mushrooms and Girolles . Franche -Comte' is also famous for its Coq au Vin, although the kind you find here is likely to be made with Vin Jaune . Due to the prevalence of cheese, many of the region's speciality dishes include this ingredient, such as the Feuillete ' Comtois au Jambon (a puff pastry creation w ith ham and Comte' cheese that looks much like a sausage roll). The endless fondues enjoyed with local Breads and various kinds of Beef in both cube and meatball form

Franche -Comte' is the home of Jura wines and VINS JAUNES are the priciest and most highly flavoured of these. VINS JAUNES , as their name would suggest, are characterised by their deep yellow colour and are produced in their birthplace Chateau Chalon , as well as in Arbois , L'Etoile and Cotes du Jura . They are typically natured for around six years in oak casks, which gives them a distinctive nutty taste, before being sold in the special bottles (known as " clavelins ") which are sealed with wax. Another regional speciality is the CREMANT DU JURA , a sparkling wine produced from CHARDONNAY, PULSARD and PINOT NOIR grapes which is created under the same strict contitions as CHAMPAGNE.

After cheese, the next big thing in Franche -Comte' is CHARCUTERIE , and most of France's favourite smoked hams and sausages are produced in this region. One notable speciality is BRESI , a dry and salted smoked beef with origins dating back to the 16 th century. Look in any CHARCUTERIE in France and you're likely to find the acclaimed SAUCISSE DE MORTEAU , a unique pork sausage smoked over conifer chips to give it a distinctive flavour. Visitors should als try the JAMBON DE LUXEIL , a cured ham that's marinated in a bath of salt and juniper berries before being smoked with fir tree sawdust - a rare alpine treat. Also the SAUCISSE DE MONTBELIARD , a high quality pork sausage spiced with cumin, nutmeg, garlic and white wine and smoked to regional tradition

Among the wide variety of spirits to be found in the Franche -Comte' region. This region is famous for absinthe (right) an anise-flavoured liquor also known as the "green fairy" thanks to its distinctive colouring. It also produces eau de vie Marc, one of the top class liquors in France with an AOC rating, which is obtained by distilling the remainder of pressed grapes

This pretty, fortified city boasts a particularly rich cultural heritage, where art aficionades and wine lovers meet. Formerly the papal seat of power, Avignon houses an impressive treasury of art and architecture. PALAIS DES PAPES which dates back to the 14 th century. Address: Place du Palais Tel: 00 33 4 90 27 50 73 www.palais-des-papes.com LA BOUTEILLERIE , a popular new wine cellar where visitors can enjoy tastings of the Cotes du Rhone's finest PONT ST- BENEZET , an ancient structure completed in 1185. End your stay with a boat trip on Les Grande Bateaux de Provence, along the Rhone. Tel: 00 33 4 90 85 62 25 www.mireio.net At PLACE DES CARMES , a flower market is held on Saturdays, while a flea market on Sundays specialising in Provencal ceramics

This pretty, fortified city boasts a particularly rich cultural heritage, where art aficionades and wine lovers meet. Formerly the papal seat of power, Avignon houses an impressive treasury of art and architecture. PALAIS DES PAPES which dates back to the 14 th century. Address: Place du Palais Tel: 00 33 4 90 27 50 73 www.palais-des-papes.com LA BOUTEILLERIE , a popular new wine cellar where visitors can enjoy tastings of the Cotes du Rhone's finest PONT ST- BENEZET , an ancient structure completed in 1185. End your stay with a boat trip on Les Grande Bateaux de Provence, along the Rhone. Tel: 00 33 4 90 85 62 25 www.mireio.net At PLACE DES CARMES , a flower market is held on Saturdays, while a flea market on Sundays specialising in Provencal ceramics

This lively student town is the perfect base for exploring the Pyrenees, and it also has its own considerable charm. Situated at the heart of the Pyrenees- Atlantiques region, Pau is a buzzing student city with lots to offer culture vultures, gastronomes and nature lovers. First stop is : Chateau de Pau , a stunning Renaissance-style castle that boasts beautiful gardens and one of the richest collections of 16 th to 18 th century Gobelins tapestries. Address: 2 rue du Chateau Tel: 00 33 5 59 82 38 02 www.musee-chateau-pau.fr Second stop: Artigarrede , an artisan patisserie, where you can pick up russes , a popular local cake made with almonds and cream Address: Rue Gassion Tel: +33 5 59 27 47 40 Third stop: The Saturday Market, where you'll find the best Bearnais produce for sale. Address: Place de la Republique Finally, complete your trip by visiting the boulevard des Pyrenees, f...

This lively student town is the perfect base for exploring the Pyrenees, and it also has its own considerable charm. Situated at the heart of the Pyrenees- Atlantiques region, Pau is a buzzing student city with lots to offer culture vultures, gastronomes and nature lovers. First stop is : Chateau de Pau , a stunning Renaissance-style castle that boasts beautiful gardens and one of the richest collections of 16 th to 18 th century Gobelins tapestries. Address: 2 rue du Chateau Tel: 00 33 5 59 82 38 02 www.musee-chateau-pau.fr Second stop: Artigarrede , an artisan patisserie, where you can pick up russes , a popular local cake made with almonds and cream Address: Rue Gassion Tel: +33 5 59 27 47 40 Third stop: The Saturday Market, where you'll find the best Bearnais produce for sale. Address: Place de la Republique Finally, complete your trip by visiting the boulevard des Pyrenees, f...

This vibrant port town was once the Atlantic gateway to France and today it's still a lively and bustling centre. La Rochelle is one of the best-preserved port towns in France and is home to remarkable architecture, dating from as far back as the 14 th century. The three defensive towers - Tour de la Chaine ( Vieux Port) Tour St. Nicolas ( rue de l'Armide ) Tour de la Lanterne (rue sur les Murs ) Most visitors head straight for the Vieux Port at the heart of the city, which is lined with seafood restaurants and smart boutiques, but rainy days are well spent in the town's fascinating state-of-the Aquarium ( Quai Louis Prunier ) Tel: 00 33 5 46 34 00 00 www.aquarium-larochelle.com which houses plenty of local Atlantic fish and sea creatures, as well as some spectacular tro...

This vibrant port town was once the Atlantic gateway to France and today it's still a lively and bustling centre. La Rochelle is one of the best-preserved port towns in France and is home to remarkable architecture, dating from as far back as the 14 th century. The three defensive towers - Tour de la Chaine ( Vieux Port) Tour St. Nicolas ( rue de l'Armide ) Tour de la Lanterne (rue sur les Murs ) Most visitors head straight for the Vieux Port at the heart of the city, which is lined with seafood restaurants and smart boutiques, but rainy days are well spent in the town's fascinating state-of-the Aquarium ( Quai Louis Prunier ) Tel: 00 33 5 46 34 00 00 www.aquarium-larochelle.com which houses plenty of local Atlantic fish and sea creatures, as well as some spectacular tro...

La Corxera A huge fitness room with the very latest in every type of gym equipment & our experienced instructors on hand to help you. A complete range of activities including yoga, spinning, aqua-aerobics, bodyshape , step, stretching etc. Besides : physiotherapist & nutritionist Spa & beauty facilities 3 swimming pools ( 25m & 16.6m) Address: Carrer deis Enamorals s/n ( next to the bus station) 177220, Sant Feliu de Guixols Tel: 972 327 880 www.lacorxera.cat

La Corxera A huge fitness room with the very latest in every type of gym equipment & our experienced instructors on hand to help you. A complete range of activities including yoga, spinning, aqua-aerobics, bodyshape , step, stretching etc. Besides : physiotherapist & nutritionist Spa & beauty facilities 3 swimming pools ( 25m & 16.6m) Address: Carrer deis Enamorals s/n ( next to the bus station) 177220, Sant Feliu de Guixols Tel: 972 327 880 www.lacorxera.cat

A Picturesque Area between Dieppe and Fecamp offers you ... Lush Green Valleys ( the Durdent and the Dun ) and plains dotted with picturesque villages Cany - Barville , Doudeville , Yvetot , Yerville . A range of facilities on the Coast or Inland 20 Hotels 40 Bed and Breakfasts 120 rental properties 2 holiday villages 15 campsites 4 motor home parks 60 restaurants Address: Tourist Office Bp 24 - F 76460 Saint Valery en Caux Tel: (0033) 2 35 00 63 Fax: (0033) 2 35 97 32 65 www.cauxmartime.com

A Picturesque Area between Dieppe and Fecamp offers you ... Lush Green Valleys ( the Durdent and the Dun ) and plains dotted with picturesque villages Cany - Barville , Doudeville , Yvetot , Yerville . A range of facilities on the Coast or Inland 20 Hotels 40 Bed and Breakfasts 120 rental properties 2 holiday villages 15 campsites 4 motor home parks 60 restaurants Address: Tourist Office Bp 24 - F 76460 Saint Valery en Caux Tel: (0033) 2 35 00 63 Fax: (0033) 2 35 97 32 65 www.cauxmartime.com

Normandy - Sussex Gardens of Europe A garden on both sides of the Channel In a unique European initiative garden owners in Normandy and Sussex have combined to exchange expertise and ideas as well as to promote an area of unrivalled quality and beauty for garden lovers from all over the world. For more information on the wealth of the garden visit opportunities in this very special part of Europe simply visit our dedicated website: www.gardensnormandysussex.com

Normandy - Sussex Gardens of Europe A garden on both sides of the Channel In a unique European initiative garden owners in Normandy and Sussex have combined to exchange expertise and ideas as well as to promote an area of unrivalled quality and beauty for garden lovers from all over the world. For more information on the wealth of the garden visit opportunities in this very special part of Europe simply visit our dedicated website: www.gardensnormandysussex.com

Castle William the Conqueror Museum of Animated Puppets August 1944 Museum Outdoor and sports facilities Music and Dance Events (from May to August) Festival of Games (mid- August) Hivernales (Winter Festival, December) Tourist Office Tel: +33 (0)2 31 90 17 26 info@otsifalaise.com www.otsifalaise.com

Castle William the Conqueror Museum of Animated Puppets August 1944 Museum Outdoor and sports facilities Music and Dance Events (from May to August) Festival of Games (mid- August) Hivernales (Winter Festival, December) Tourist Office Tel: +33 (0)2 31 90 17 26 info@otsifalaise.com www.otsifalaise.com

Normandy's Abbeys are a major part  of the region's architectural and cultural heritage. Steeped in history and legend,these abbeys are now protected sites. Some have retained their original function and are still home to monastic communities. However, most of the abbeys, whether privately or publicly  owned, have been converted to new generally cultural uses, thus enabling their upkeep and preservation. Address:  Route Historique des Abbayes Normandes                   6, rue Couronne -  76420 Bihorel - France                    www.abbayes-normandes.com                    contact@abbayes-normandes.com T:   +00  33 (0)2 35 12 41 60

Normandy's Abbeys are a major part  of the region's architectural and cultural heritage. Steeped in history and legend,these abbeys are now protected sites. Some have retained their original function and are still home to monastic communities. However, most of the abbeys, whether privately or publicly  owned, have been converted to new generally cultural uses, thus enabling their upkeep and preservation. Address:  Route Historique des Abbayes Normandes                   6, rue Couronne -  76420 Bihorel - France                    www.abbayes-normandes.com                    contact@abbayes-normandes.com T:   +00  33 (0)2 35 12 41 60

The abundance of apples which flavour both savoury and sweet dishes also means that  Normandy boasts a wide range of other apple bi- products, most notably cider, poire ' or Pear liquor, pommeau and calvados with apple ice-cream, or " Trou Normand" is a traditional way to clear the palate between courses of typically rich Norman food. Another liqueur of the region is Benedictine, which can be drunk with ice before a meal, or  afterwards on its own, as a digestive. It is also sometimes used as a base for many famous cocktails.

The abundance of apples which flavour both savoury and sweet dishes also means that  Normandy boasts a wide range of other apple bi- products, most notably cider, poire ' or Pear liquor, pommeau and calvados with apple ice-cream, or " Trou Normand" is a traditional way to clear the palate between courses of typically rich Norman food. Another liqueur of the region is Benedictine, which can be drunk with ice before a meal, or  afterwards on its own, as a digestive. It is also sometimes used as a base for many famous cocktails.

Normandy's main courses are often meat-based. Poultry is common on regional menus, including the tasty Carard a' la Rouennaise using local duck from the Deine Valley but other types of meat such as veal or pork feature too, frequently  cooked in cream or cider. Another local treat is " Pre ' Sale' lamb", often served in the southern part of the Manche and  given this name because the sheep are reared on the salt marshes surrounding Mont St Michel. Further inland you are likely to come across more traditional dishes chitterling from Vire , andouille in French, or black pudding in the Perche area.   Tripe is another Norman speciality, traditionally from Caen .

Normandy's main courses are often meat-based. Poultry is common on regional menus, including the tasty Carard a' la Rouennaise using local duck from the Deine Valley but other types of meat such as veal or pork feature too, frequently  cooked in cream or cider. Another local treat is " Pre ' Sale' lamb", often served in the southern part of the Manche and  given this name because the sheep are reared on the salt marshes surrounding Mont St Michel. Further inland you are likely to come across more traditional dishes chitterling from Vire , andouille in French, or black pudding in the Perche area.   Tripe is another Norman speciality, traditionally from Caen .

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Review 'Don't leave home without STREETWISE.' -- The New York Times 'STREETWISE is an absolute travel essential.' -- Travel + Leisure Magazine   "In a strange city, your sense of direction is only as good as the map in your hands. The best maps to carry are published by STREETWISE." -- Chicago Daily Herald "The STREETWISE map of Paris is the #1 best selling travel map in Amazon.com history." -- Amazon Sales Rank   Product Description Streetwise Paris Map - Laminated City Center Street Map of Paris, France - Folding pocket size travel map with integrated metro map including lines & stations This map covers the following areas: Main Paris Map 1:14,000 Paris Metro Map Map of France There are more clichés about Paris than there are tourists at the Louvre, but the fact is that underneath each overused hackneyed cliché is a glistening kernel of truth. The City of Light, the City of Love and the City of Romance, familiar platitudes, but once you exp...