My family holiday in France

My

family holiday‌ e c n a r F in

2013/2014

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Editorial A family holiday is synonymous with hours of fun and timeless memories. However, planning can be complicated when you’re trying to please everyone with such a wide array of lodgings, destinations and activities. Summer holidays, spring break or Christmas vacation?

By the seaside or in the mountains? Cultural visits, sports or out-of-the-ordinary activities?

With its diverse offerings, as outlined within these pages, France will surely seduce you no matter your tastes and expectations.

Photo: Atout France / PHOVOIR

Publication’s Director: Christian Mantei Editorial, Production and Sales: Benjamin Combe, Vicki Taylor

Rendez-vous en France… with your family!

Graphic design: Baboon Creation Printing: Imprimerie du Cotentin Inc.

Atout France

France Tourism Development Agency

Sommaire

Armelle Tardy-Joubert Director for Canada

Knights and Princesses

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Pirates and Mermaids

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Whiz-Kids

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Game: Has anyone seen my volcanologist helmet?

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Daredevils

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Musicians and Artists

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Game: Yonne crossword

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Sleepyheads

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1800, av. McGill College, Suite 1010 Montréal (Québec) H3A 3J6 canada@atout-france.fr rendezvousenfrance.com Cover photos: Atout France / PHOVOIR Copyright © Atout France, 2013 Advertisers are solely responsible for the performance of their services. Their offers are subject to their terms and conditions, and some may be limited in time, location and availability.

Reference herein to Atout France does not imply any responsibility on its part and it cannot be held responsible for any possible errors. To the best of our knowledge, information is accurate at time of publication.

My family holiday… in France — 3

Knights and Princesses

When I grow up, I want to be a knight! And I want to be a princess! Turn dreams into reality during your next family holiday. Visitors young and old will marvel at the splendour of some 40,000 castles and monuments as well as uncouth medieval activities held throughout France.

FUNdamentals Carcassonne, a journey to the Middle Ages From the Bastide Saint-Louis to the Medieval City, there are many live events to see and monuments to visit. For aspiring knights and princesses, to wander through the streets of Carcassonne is to take a trip back in time.

Photo: Paul Palau

www.tourisme-carcassonne.fr

Géocaching in Angers; family on a mission Equipped with a map, a GPS or Smartphone with a geocaching application, take off through the streets of Angers but keep your wits about you. This activity is an invitation to stroll through the medieval town with its half-timbered houses and massive towered castle. What will you find at the end of the course? A mystery cache! Geocaching; a fun-filled activity for the whole family.

Photo: J.D Billaud / Nautilus

www.entrezdanslacourdesgrands.com/en

Heritage and history section

Puy du Fou® Amusement Park Survive a Viking attack, cheer on the Gauls in the Roman Circus, watch musketeers duel or attend a jousting match…

From an encounter with Merlin the wizard to the dazzling aquatic orchestra, adventure awaits the whole family at Puy du Fou®.

Photo: Puy du Fou®

4 — My family holiday… in France

www.puydufou.com/en

Factoid Castles were always built with a spiralling staircase that turned clockwise. The majority of people being right-handed, this smart construction gave the advantage to the defensemen located at the top of the stairs…unless they were under the attack of an entirely left-handed army!

Great deals Free admission*

Reduced rate for large families*

Photo: Château de Vincennes - CMN Paris

Photo: aero@digikode.com

The Centre des monuments nationaux invites you to visit nearly 100 history-packed national monuments which illustrate the rich diversity of French heritage.

Visit the exhibit “Tintin - The Secrets of Moulinsart” at the Château de Cheverny.

Become the main character of Hergé’s work as you enter the castle which inspired the famed Moulinsart Mansion.

*Free admission for kids less than 18 years of age when accompanied by an adult.

www.monuments-nationaux.fr/en www.monuments-nationaux.fr

*Families with 3 or more children whether they are present or not, benefit from a reduced admission fee upon presentation of proof.

www.chateau-cheverny.fr/en www.chateau-cheverny.fr

Highlight Are you traveling as a family? Air France takes great care to ensure you are comfortable on board with special meals for infants and children, games, gifts, and more. Is your child traveling alone? Air France staff will provide assistance at the airport, on board, and during connections to ensure your child´s comfort and safety. Travel with peace of mind!

Photo: @ Air France - Virginie VALDOIS

www.airfrance.ca My family holiday… in France — 5

Visit Argelès-sur-Mer for a family holiday on the

Mediterranean

A DEST I NAT I O N O F

PhotoŠMichel Castillo

www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com www.argeles-sur-mer-tourisme.com Direct flights from Montreal to Toulouse, Marseille or Barcelona Direct flight from Toronto to Barcelona

Pirates and Mermaids

Ahoy matey! France is a treasure island of seaside family activities. Go for an adventure along its coasts or navigate the waters of its many rivers. France and its tropical destinations have so much to offer. Pack your sunscreen and bathing suit and embark on a sun, sand, water and souvenir-filled holiday.

FUNdamentals Sail around Martinique Sailing, diving, catamaran and glass-bottomed boat tours, dolphin-watching… A wide range of water leisure activities are available in Martinique. Fleur d’o offers sea and mangrove swamp tours in transparent kayaks. A great family experience!

Photo: Fleur d’o

www.martinique.org/activities

Perros-Guirec… where families rule At Perros-Guirec, a seaside resort in Brittany, holidays are specially catered for families. Between three fine sand beaches, a bird reserve, miniature marina, multiple schools of aquatic sports, kids’ festival and much more…no man, woman or child will be left behind!

Photo: Perros-Guirec

www.perros-guirec.fr/home_tourism

Les Saintes in a Molokini kayak Take your family on an adventure along the shores of one of the most beautiful bays in world. At the heart the Guadeloupe Islands, observe the coral and fish without disturbing them. Go shipwreck-diving and, who knows, you may receive a surprise visit from dolphins! Young and old will be amazed by the wonders visible through these glass-bottomed kayaks.

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maguadeloupe.ca/en/sea/paddleamolokini Photo: CTIG / Océan d’images

My family holiday… in France — 7

Factoid The tides of Brittany and Normandy are the strongest in Europe, with a difference of up to 15 meters between low and high tides… only one meter less than the famous tides of Fundy Bay!

Great deals Free for kids 4 and under*

15% discount*

Photo: Club Med

Photo: LOCABOAT-PALOMBA

Your family holiday will leave you with unforgettable memories. Your kids, no matter their ages, will have a blast at the Petit, Mini and Junior Club Med while you take in some sun and lounge at the beach!

Welcome to La Caravelle Club Med in the Guadeloupe Islands!

Not a landlubber? Discover France through its rivers and sail through your family vacation with Locaboat Holidays, which offers a 15% discount on your next boat rental. Offer valid until the end of 2014. *When making your reservation, use promo code AFMAG.

*Contact Club Med for full conditions.

www.clubmed.ca/en/guadeloupe

www.locaboat.com

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Highlight The Enchanted Cruise, by Bateaux Parisiens®, is a charming family experience. Two elves, Lila and Philou, recount the great history of Paris through songs and stories. Embark on an hour long tour in an entirely glassed-over boat with panoramic views of Paris’ most beautiful sights.

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ET VOUS, LE BONHEUR Photo: Bateaux Parisiens®

www.bateauxparisiens.com

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FRENCH WEST INDIES?

FRENCH ALPS?

MY HEART IS TORN BETWEEN THE TWO… Whichever one you choose, magical family moments await you.

Whether you are near the sea or on the slopes, being with your family in places where life is always good, where time seems to stop, and where smiles are all around creates life-long memories and experiences that you’ll want to repeat over and over.

If the Club Med name means so much, perhaps it’s because we view our profession differently. We see our G.O.®s as architects of happiness, building on what makes each of us unique.

KIDS UNDER 4 STAY FOR FREE.*

In all our resorts: • Award-winning creative and entertaining programs for children, adapted for each age range.

• Wide range of sports activities with stateof-the-art equipment and lessons from true professionals.

• Refined and creative gourmet dining inspired by local and international cuisines.

In our mountain resorts: • Ski lessons and excursions in small groups with guides from the French Ski School.

• Ski pass and direct access to the slopes**.

For more information or to book, please contact your travel professional, call 1-800-CLUBMED or visit www.clubmed.ca.

NHEUR, VOUS L’IMAGINEZ COMMENT ? * Children aged under 4 years stay for free at all resorts that welcome children. Children aged 4 and 5 years stay for free at all resorts, with the exception of those in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Florida, the French West Indies, Mexico, and the ski resorts. For flights that are booked through Club Med, tickets for children must be paid for by the client. Children who are eligible to stay for free must be lodged in the same room as the adults who are paying for their stay, or in a connecting room. Club Med is not responsible for errors or omissions. ** Most of our mountain resorts feature direct access to the slopes.

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Whiz-Kids

Your little whiz-kids have questions about everything? Their curiosity gets the best of them, time after time? France is a creative nation and an unlimited source of fun learning experiences that will fill your eyes and your head with wonder.

FUNdamental Two museums, one shared passion: science Astronomy, chemistry, maths, geosciences, physics…so many subjects are within your reach at the Cité des Sciences and the Palais de la découverte. Located in the heart of Paris, these establishments offer a thousand and one ways to understand science…while having fun!

Photo: © CSI Géode / Arnaud Robin / Adrien Fainsilber architecte

www.cite-sciences.fr

Great deal Starting at $725*

Highlight

Photo: CDEA@J Chabanne

Photo: ©Alex Piechta

Feel the power of volcanoes and the forces of nature in the Auvergne region. Rides, 5D films and high-tech innovations will allow you to experience the Earth through amazing attractions and activities.

3…2…1… Prepare for take-off to Cité de l’Espace! Climb aboard the Mir Station or the Ariane 5 rocket. Explore the Stellarium and the Planetarium. Discover the Terradome and interactive exhibits. Walk like an astronaut on the moon with the Moon Runner.

The Cité de l’Espace in Toulouse makes for a stellar adventure!

*2 adults, 2 kids, with entrance to Vulcania and 3 nights in a Lodge.

www.vulcania.com & www.volcalodges.com 10 — My family holiday… in France

www.cite-espace.com/en

Game: Has anyone seen my volcanologist helmet?

Ever dreamed of swimming in a lake buried deep within a crater? Now’s the chance! Running on a volcano? Let’s go! Jumping from a treetop on a zip line?

Going for a trek with a donkey? No problem!

As one of Europe’s largest preserved areas, Auvergne is a giant playground for all kinds of outdoor activities as a family!

www.auvergne-tourism.com

Has anyone seen my volcanologist helmet?

Photo: ©Comité Régional de Développement Touristique d’Auvergne David FROBERT / Emmanuelle COLLIN

My family holiday… in France — 11

The diversity of France.

The convenience of rail travel.

Yours with the France Rail Pass.

© SNCF - Médiathèque - Sylvain Cambon

There’s no better way for families to experience the real France than with Rail Europe. Choose from any of our France product offerings to create your ideal journey.

The France Rail Pass, which lets you enjoy extensive travel on the national rail network of France, as well as discounts on city passes and museums, is one of our most popular products.

It’s perfect for visiting adventure parks, kid-friendly sites and everything in between.

All of France is waiting for you and your family. Why wait? Book now.

For reservations, please visit raileurope.ca

Daredevils

France is for the daredevils and adventurers at heart.

With its amusement parks, theme parks and sport activities, you are sure to please all family members looking for excitement, regardless of their level of recklessness!

FUNdamental Discover the green side of Martinique Maximize outdoor fun for those mini-adventurers on the island of flowers. Whether it’s kayaking across a mangrove swamp, ziplining, hiking, jumping in waterfalls or exploring tropical gardens, a wide range of experiences are available for the whole family!

www.martinique.org/activities

Photo: David Giral

Great deal Starting at $942*

Highlight

Photo: Pal-2013

Photo: Thorsten Brönner

Live an African adventure in the heart of Auvergne. Le Pal amusement park encompasses more than 25 extraordinary attractions and 500 animals in semi-liberty.

Prolong your stay in Africa by staying at the Pal Lodges.

Visit the Loire by cycling from Saumur to Saint-Brevin. Admire the charms of the Loire Valley, from its UNESCO landscapes of vineyards and castles to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean by way of Nantes and Angers.

It’s an unforgettable adventure for the whole family along secure marked roads and trails.

Starting at $1,140 per person (7 days, 6 nights)**. Ref.L9

*3 days/2 nights, 2 adults, 2 kids starting at $942**

www.lepal.com **Prices starting at. Please note that fares in Canadian dollars are indicative, the conversion from Euros to dollars is based on the following exchange rate €1 = CAD1.37. This rate fluctuates over time.

www.biking-france.com/offers My family holiday… in France — 13

Musicians and Artists

“You are the one for me, for me, formidable…” This Charles Aznavour song has inspired a generation of young artists, musicians and actors who are now international icons. A star-studded France unrolls its red carpet for you and your family. Be the lead role of your family holiday!

FUNdamentals PA R I S

Grévin, the Art of make-believe Located at the heart of the Grands Boulevards for more than 130 years, Grévin is, to this day, a must for entertainment in Paris. This fun museum presents, in a surprising setting, 300 statues of historical and current internationally-renowned personalities. Take a family photo with Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, Céline Dion, George Clooney, Monica Bellucci, Scrat, The Little Prince or Lady Gaga… They are all waiting for you in Paris at 10 Boulevard Montmartre for some memorable family moments!

www.grevin.com

Photo: © Musée Grévin THE ART OF MAKE BELIEVE

10 Bd Montmartre - PARIS 9e - FRANCE + 33 (0) 1 47 70 85 05 Grands Boulevards Open every day

www.grevin.com

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Visit the 5th floor of the Lafayette Coupole, a space totally dedicated to children’s clothing. You’ll find 5,000 square meters of fashion from your favorite top brands and new designers, like Dior, Gucci, Galeries Lafayette, Lili Gaufrette, Armani Junior and Repetto. Continue on to the toy area, where you will find gifts to spoil your kids all year long.

Strollers are available to let you shop freely.

Photo: © Galeries Lafayette

haussmann.galerieslafayette.com

40 bd Haussmann 75009 Paris. Open from Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m..

Creole food and word in Guadeloupe Learn about Creole culture with your family in the lush Guadeloupe Islands. Whether you prefer a philosophical coffee break or literary dinner, the Sucrerie de Nogent will awaken your senses. And as far as the little ones are concerned, they can get to know Guadeloupe through its music!

maguadeloupe.ca/en/flavours/thesucreriedenogent Photo: Sucrerie de Nogent

14 — My family holiday… in France

PA R IS

THE ART OF MAKE BELIEVE

10 Bd Montmartre - PARIS 9e - FRANCE + 33 (0) 1 47 70 85 05 Grands Boulevards Open every day

www.grevin.com

Factoid France invites you to sing, dance and play music! Celebrated for the first time on June 21st, 1982, the Fête de la Musique is an international event (more than 115 countries hum to the same tune!) born… in France.

Great deals Free for kids 4 and under*

Free admission for kids under 18

Photo: Club Med

Photo: Cestac

Relax to the sound of the waves at Buccaneer’s Creek Club Med in Martinique. Young and old will enjoy innumerable activities in this Creole-inspired village. Aquatic and land sports are offered with lessons for beginners. *Consult Club Med for full conditions.

Dive into the pages of your favorite comic books at the Cité Internationale de la bande dessinée et de l’image in Angoulème. The exhibits and films shown at this museum of comics are sure to bring back some childhood memories!

www.clubmed.ca/en/martinique

www.citebd.org

Highlight The Salon musical is the ideal place to learn about the history of music. Equipped with surprising props and unusual costumes, the host (who is a musician and educator), brings episodes of music history to life with humour. Musical excerpts and video projections make this presentation a true pleasure. If you visit this Parisian establishment, don’t miss the educational concerts.

Photo: William Beaucardet

16 — My family holiday… in France

www.new-paris-ile-de-france.co.uk

Game: Yonne crossword Looking for fresh ideas for family holiday and weekend getaways?

In France, 1 hour south of Paris, Yonne in Bourgogne is a vast playground where adventure awaits. Discovering the region is made fun with activity booklets, discovery trails, painting and etching workshops, toy factories and a Smartphone application for kids.

Flash this code with your Smartphone to find our complete offer.

Yonne, a true family destination!

Photo: © Calèches de Saint-Aubin

Photo: © Château d’Ancy le Franc

Photo: © Graines de Voyageurs – Yonne Tourisme

www.tourisme-yonne.com

My family holiday… in France — 17

Sleepyheads

After another beautiful day with your family, nothing beats a comfortable bed. France offers a wide, and dreamy, selection of accommodations: castles, hotels, tents, yurts, at the mountain, in the trees, on the water… France will wow you… even in your dreams. Bonne nuit!

FUNdamental Finding accommodation in Saint-Martin... so simple From boutique hotels to authentic vacation homes and dream villas for rent, Saint-Martin offers accommodation options to suit all tastes. You are sure to find the perfect location, beautiful style and faultless atmosphere that will make your holiday just so… thanks to the warm hospitality of Saint-Martin.

Photo: Le Marquis

www.stmartinisland.org

Great deal Starting at $58 per person/per night **

Highlight

Photo: E. VRIGNAUD

The isle of Yeu is a small island in the Atlantic, located less than an hour from the coast with sandy beaches, coves, white houses with colourful shutters and 228 days of sunshine a year. You’ll stay in the Yacht Club residences, whose rooms resemble ship cabins. Cycling, swimming, sailing…it will be guaranteed fun for the entire family.

paysdelaloire.co.uk/Activities/Coast **Prices starting at. Please note that fares in Canadian dollars are indicative, the conversion from Euros to dollars is based on the following exchange rate €1 = CAD1.37. This rate fluctuates over time.

18 — My family holiday… in France

Photo: GOICHON

In Yonne, bedtime can become the best part of your day! Imagine sleeping among the birds… high up in a tree. Try out sleeping in a tepee, just like the Indians. Or maybe a night in a gypsy camper, roasting marshmallows on the campfire is the best fit for your crew. No matter where you wish to lay your head, you are sure to find unusual accommodations that will make your family holiday truly dreamy.

www.tourisme-yonne.com

Cherish the moments “The secret of Bonne Maman jam is very simple – its ingredients.

Using only perfect fruits and natural sugar, carefully prepared with Bonne Maman’s traditional expertise, creates the memorable taste that is Bonne Maman. A delicious moment to cherish – every time.”

bonnemaman.ca