France is the most visited
country in the world and, it seems, the centre of love and passion. Wherever
you go in France this Valentine's Day, love will surely be in the air. Here are
a few lovely places to spend February 14th this year:
Perhaps the most romantic city in
the world, Paris never fails to disappoint in the romance stakes. Wander the
jardins, and stroll the boulevards - eat and drink in chic cafés before dancing
the night away as the moonlight shines of the Seine. Climb the famous Tour de
Eiffel, visit Notre Dame and take pictures on the pretty white steps of Montmartre.
Love cannot fail to blossom as you wander hand in hand down small streets and
sit staring into one another's eyes by candlelight across some haute cuisine
and a bottle of fine wine.
St. Valentin is billed as the
'village of love'. Named for the saint, this tiny village has cashed in on the
whole Valentine's day thing, with a festival of love from February 12-14th.
There is a 'lovers' garden', and the whole place is filled with red roses. You
can plant a tree to symbolise your love, or place your love notes on the Tree
of Vows, or your love can be immortalised on the Tree of Eternal Hearts. Watch
chocolates being made - heart shaped of course, and lap up the cheesy romance.
This may be the sunniest place in
France, its beautiful coastline dotted with pretty little beaches and the town
with an idyllic fishing village feel, year round. Aldous Huxley wrote 'Brave
New World' here, but with a little luck, you will be staying in a little utopia
rather than the nightmare dystopia of which he wrote. Watch the historic wooden
fishing boats bobbing in the bay, enjoying a patisserie or some of the lovely
local seafood.
This mediaeval fortified city
looks like something from a fairytale. Make your own magic within these picturesque
stone walls. Explore the fascinating history of the area, and sip local wine as
you take in the lovely views of the old town. You could pretend that you are
Robin Hood and Maid Marion - some of 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" was
filmed here. Alternatively, just dream the day away people watching and
wandering the labyrinthine streets.
Where better to go this
Valentine's Day than the 'Coast of Love'? This stretch of the West French coast
between St Nazaire and Le Croisic is dotted with seaside resorts and the
pretty, forest-backed garden city of La Baule. There are several fine sandy
beaches along this stretch and several interesting rock formations and caves.
It was given its name early in the 20th Century to promote the tourism of the
region, but perhaps it can live up to its name this February 14th?
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