Tahiti is the busiest of all of the French Polynesian Islands and is certainly one of the most popular places in the Pacific for a luxurious honeymoon getaway. It is also a common stopping point for cruises.

The island was once used as a base for Captain Cook and other 18th century explorers as they mapped out and explored the South Pacific.

Today, the Tahiti Islands serves as a major vacation destination, a residence for over 178,000 people, and the busiest port in French Polynesia. No matter where your Tahiti travel adventures take you, beautiful beaches or lagoons are probably just a short walk away.

The most well known French Polynesian Islands are Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Each island offers a distinct charm and set of attractions that sets it apart from other French Polynesian islands. The largest island, Tahiti (which means “gathering place”) is characterized by beautiful mountains covered in tropical foliage, large waterfalls, and spectacular beaches with both white and black sand.

Most people start their Tahiti travel by flying into Papetee, Tahiti”s capital and the location of the region”s largest airport. Papetee is a small, yet busy, city with plenty of French flavor. Visit the Central Market where you can buy fresh coconuts and hand crafted souvenirs. Also be sure to check out the Pearl Museum as well as the great selection of diners overlooking the ocean. After a day in the capital city of Tahiti travel by bus, rental car, or moped to one of the many beaches in Tahiti or jump on a ferry departing to the island of Moorea. The ferry rides takes just under an hour.

The island of Moorea is considered the “little sister” of Tahiti. Although it is much smaller than the main French Polynesia island of Tahiti, there are many beaches, shopping, and other things to do there. Some of the most popular activities to do on Tahiti vacations in Moorea include scuba diving, parasailing, swimming with dolphins, and visiting the local fruit factories. Belvedere Overlook is considered the best place to get a panoramic mountain top view of Moorea and the south pacific.

The overlook is a common place site for photographers and anyone who wants to view miles of bright blue ocean of French Polynesia. The Opunohu Valley is another must see attraction of the Tahiti Islands. The large valley in the interior of northern Moorea is the ideal place to go horseback riding and hike through lush vegetation. Moorea also has an abundance of coral reefs that can be explored by scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Tahiti Islands offer an abundance of beaches, pearl shopping, and hiking opportunities. Although Tahiti is the largest of the French Polynesia Islands, you”ll find the most beaches on the island of Bora Bora. The most frequently visited beach is called Matira Point.

This long stretch of white sand in southern Bora Bora is scattered with public swimming areas along with private beaches that belong to beach resorts such as the Sofitel and the Intercontinental. You can find dozens of shops that sell Tahitian Black Pearls in downtown Papetee and in various shops on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora. To learn more about the famous black pearl, visit the Museum of the Black Pearl in downtownPapetee.

This small museum is open daily from 8am-7pm. Its exhibits document the history of Tahitian Black Pearls and teaches visitors how to judge the quality of a pearl. Hiking is very popular on the main island of Tahiti. One of the most popular spots to hike is the Te Pari Cliffs, located on the south coast. The hike is moderately difficult and is highlighted by views of the coastline as well as green valleys.

If you’re planning a honeymoon vacation or considering Tahiti cruise packages and you’re worried about the weather, the islands enjoy a warm climate all year with temperatures ranging between 80-85 degrees. Although there is a rainy season from October to March, rainfall is relatively infrequent making Tahiti an ideal destination any time of year

Ajaccio is the largest city (albeit a small city) on the island of Corsica, and located on its western coast. Numerous Ajaccio beaches as well as the city’s rich history draw thousands of visitors.

It is the major port of call for ocean cruises in the Mediterranean, and a number of large international cruise lines have their ships anchor here—generally for one or two nights. It is also one of the island’s several ports for ferries to and from mainland France, Italy, and its island of Sardinia.

Corsica and Ajaccio travel has been important to mariners and conquerors for centuries, beginning with the Greek Empire who called the island Kallisto, meaning the “most beautiful.”

The Roman Empire arrived in Ajaccio in 259 BC, and independent republics from mainland Italy ruled for the nearly 2,000 years after that. The Republic of Genoa began ruling the island in the twelfth century, and it was during this time that the massive citadel that dominates the city was built.

This is one of the main attractions of a vacation to Ajaccio as are similar huge defensive structures built by the Genoese in the island’s other seaports—most prominently Calvi and Bonifacio. The city is known as the birthplace of Napoleon who was born here in 1769, the same year the Genoese were finally ousted and Ajaccio travel for the purpose of conquest ended.

The Ajaccio beaches are the primary attractions of a vacation to Ajaccio and if you are strolling on the city’s main beach (the Plage St. Francois), you will be strolling in the shadow of the citadel, which sits on a point guarding the western entrance of the harbor. Also on this point is a museum that chronicles the history of the region and the house that was the Bonaparte family residence.

You will also find one of the finest Ajaccio hotels here, the Palazzu u Domu. This is the former palace residence of one of the wealthiest families in the city, and is a luxurious boutique hotel with one of the best locations if you intend on staying in the city, as it is within walking distance of most of the things to do in Ajaccio city center. There are boat cruises available from the Citadel point to the four rocky Sanguinaires Islands that are just offshore.

Other Ajaccio beaches will be found along the coast on both sides of the city. Probably the most popular for a family vacation to Ajaccio is Ricanto Beach, located only a short drive from city center. This one of the island beaches with a lifeguard, and has ample parking as well as toilets and other facilities. If you want sheltered lagoons with beaches that are very secluded, travel north along the coast as far as the village of Cargese about twenty miles away.

Ajaccio travel to this region offers a number of vacation rentals that are generally one-family homes and small villas. There are also excellent diving routes along the coast, especially north of Ajaccio towards the Scandola Nature Reserve and south around the charming seaside town of Propriano where you can see the tallest of the several Genoese towers on the island. It is possible to climb stairs to the top of the graceful tower for fabulous views of the bay and coastline.

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, following Sicily and Sardinia (which belong to Italy) and Cyprus (an independent republic).

It is actually located only ten miles north of the Italian island of Sardinia and about twenty miles off the west coast of the Italian mainland.

Corsica Island is a possession of France, and is located about 110 miles south of the French mainland. Tourism to Corsica is popular because of its pleasant Mediterranean climate, stunning coastline, and breathtaking mountains.

Corsica travel is possible on flights to the island from Europe and by ferries from several seaports in both Italy and mainland France. Mediterranean cruises are another method of getting here, but most of the large cruise lines will anchor (usually at the port city of Ajaccio where Napoleon was born) for only one, two, or three nights.

The ancient empire of Greece called the island, Kallisto, meaning “the most beautiful.” Travelers and conquerors have been drawn to Corsica Island ever since. In 259 B.C., it was conquered by the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the Italian mainland continued to rule—from the March of Tuscany, through the Republic of Pisa, and until the Republic of Genoa was overthrown during the eighteenth century. It took almost the entire century to oust the Genoese and for Corsica to become part of France.

Your Corsica travel will show you some Roman ruins, but there are even more ancient attractions such as the megaliths of the Filitosa region and that are scattered in more than 30 locations elsewhere on the island. These mysterious stone structures that are found all over the island are as prehistoric and as perplexing as ancient Stonehenge in England.

There are more than 200 wonderful beaches around the coastline, offering 600 miles of pristine sand. The rugged mountains of the interior also draw many visitors, and the mountains of Corsica Island come right down to sea, providing dramatic cliffs over the blue and turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

Some Corsica travel is possible only on foot, mountain bikes, or by boat. Hiking and cycling vacations are quite popular, both in the mountainous interior as well as along the sections of coast that are not accessible by car. These coastal areas are also popular diving spots and destinations for sailing cruises.

One of the most beautiful is the Gulf of Porto on the western coast about halfway between Ajaccio and Calvi. Here is the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the island’s highest mountains The reserve provides sanctuary for two endangered mammals, the Corsican red deer and the mouflon, Europe’s only native species of wild sheep.

Most hotels and other tourist services in Corsica are concentrated around the four largest towns of Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Porto Vecchio—all of these are seaports with ferries to the Italian and French mainland and Sardinia. However, there are other port towns with ferry connections, and a number of charming seaside villages offer hotels and beach resorts. You will also find some lovely retreats and lodges in the interior mountains.

Some of these are vacation rentals in old stone farmhouses dating back as far as the eighteenth century. Even if your holidays call for some relaxing on the beaches, it is quite worthwhile to do some exploring inland. The island boasts vineyards, wineries, and excellent vintages; graceful old Romanesque churches, little stone villages clinging to clifftops, and Moorish citadels; and even a golf course or two.

Corsica is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, following Sicily and Sardinia (which belong to Italy) and Cyprus (an independent republic). It is actually located only ten miles north of the Italian island of Sardinia and about twenty miles off the west coast of the Italian mainland.

Corsica Island is a possession of France, and is located about 110 miles south of the French mainland. Tourism to Corsica is popular because of its pleasant Mediterranean climate, stunning coastline, and breathtaking mountains.

Corsica travel is possible on flights to the island from Europe and by ferries from several seaports in both Italy and mainland France. Mediterranean cruises are another method of getting here, but most of the large cruise lines will anchor (usually at the port city of Ajaccio where Napoleon was born) for only one, two, or three nights.

The ancient empire of Greece called the island, Kallisto, meaning “the most beautiful.” Travelers and conquerors have been drawn to Corsica Island ever since. In 259 B.C., it was conquered by the Roman Empire. After the fall of the Empire, the Italian mainland continued to rule—from the March of Tuscany, through the Republic of Pisa, and until the Republic of Genoa was overthrown during the eighteenth century. It took almost the entire century to oust the Genoese and for Corsica to become part of France.

Your Corsica travel will show you some Roman ruins, but there are even more ancient attractions such as the megaliths of the Filitosa region and that are scattered in more than 30 locations elsewhere on the island. These mysterious stone structures that are found all over the island are as prehistoric and as perplexing as ancient Stonehenge in England.

There are more than 200 wonderful beaches around the coastline, offering 600 miles of pristine sand. The rugged mountains of the interior also draw many visitors, and the mountains of Corsica Island come right down to sea, providing dramatic cliffs over the blue and turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

Some Corsica travel is possible only on foot, mountain bikes, or by boat. Hiking and cycling vacations are quite popular, both in the mountainous interior as well as along the sections of coast that are not accessible by car. These coastal areas are also popular diving spots and destinations for sailing cruises. One of the most beautiful is the Gulf of Porto on the western coast about halfway between Ajaccio and Calvi.

Here is the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and location of the island’s highest mountains The reserve provides sanctuary for two endangered mammals, the Corsican red deer and the mouflon, Europe’s only native species of wild sheep.

Most hotels and other tourist services in Corsica are concentrated around the four largest towns of Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, and Porto Vecchio—all of these are seaports with ferries to the Italian and French mainland and Sardinia. However, there are other port towns with ferry connections, and a number of charming seaside villages offer hotels and beach resorts. You will also find some lovely retreats and lodges in the interior mountains.

Some of these are vacation rentals in old stone farmhouses dating back as far as the eighteenth century. Even if your holidays call for some relaxing on the beaches, it is quite worthwhile to do some exploring inland. The island boasts vineyards, wineries, and excellent vintages; graceful old Romanesque churches, little stone villages clinging to clifftops, and Moorish citadels; and even a golf course or two.

The Moulin Rouge Paris, the famous cabaret, was built as a windmill in 1885, and converted to a dance hall in the 1900s. Immortalized by Toulouse-Lautrec posters, and more recently made famous in the aptly titled film, Moulin Rouge, by Baz Luhrmann.

Today the Moulin Rouge Paris offers dinner, and several cabaret shows in the evening, featuring the cancan, over 1,000 costumes, and 60 female dancers. For an evening of exciting Paris entertainment, the Moulin Rouge Paris is a top choice.

Paris nightlife is a lively and diverse affair. There are other cabarets in Paris, including the Crazy Horse and Le Lido de Paris. The Crazy Horse is a cabaret venue featuring art of the nude, according to their website. Le Lido de Paris, another historic cabaret, is know for its lavish costumes. In addition to the cabarets, Paris nightlife comes alive in its ever changing scene of dance clubs, and live music venues.

Paris entertainment has always been at the forefront of the world in terms of quality and variety. From opera and jazz, to film and dancing, Paris France is a fanfare for the senses. Paris hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year, peaking during summer. Two opera houses, the Opéra Bastille and the Palais Garnier host the Opéra National de Paris.

There’s also concerts and ballets. There are many rock venues in Paris France, which hosts a large number of international performers. Paris entertainment is also popular for its many dance clubs, nightclubs, and cabaret shows.

Other Paris attractions include world famous museums, dazzling baroque architecture, and extravagant monuments. Visible from much of the city the Eiffel Tower, built for the World’s Exhibition, towers over 1,000 feet above Paris. Previously, the Panthéon was perhaps the most famous monument in Paris France. At a height of 272 feet, the golden domed of the Panthón is an impressive sight.

Located in the center of the worlds largest traffic roundabout, the Arc de Triomphe features four carved panels, and stunning views of the city from the top of the monument. On the list of Paris attractions, Notre-Dame cathedral ranks high. Begun in the 12th century, Notre Dame is full of intricate biblical carvings, a giant rose window, and the great bell tolled by the fictional Quasimodo in the Hutchback of Notre Dame.

Paris nightlife is exciting and stylish. With venues all over the city, from the cancan of the Moulin Rouge Pairs, to opera, live music, dance clubs, and theater, Paris France is at the forefront of European cities when it come to thrilling venues. Pick up the entertainment section of an English newspaper, and prepare for an exciting night out.

With a perfect record of good snow fall through ages, the interlinking of the ski areas with lifts and with substantial claims of housing the maximum concentration of luxury hotels at one destination one is surely compelled to visit Courchevel. Seeing is believing holds true for this ski resort town. But so much of luxury does not result in making this resort out of reach for those seeking a budget holiday. If one acts wisely and explores all options there are several ways by which everyone can afford a holiday at Courchevel.

A major step towards achieving this would be by deciding to stay at one of the villages located below the ski resort which are very conveniently linked by ski lifts with the resort. It is very interesting to know that the villages in this area are known by the metric heights at which they are situated rather than by their names! So the four villages we just mentioned are 1650, 1550, 1300 and 1100. The ski resort town of Courchevel being 1850.

Reaching there

Linking the resort town of Courchevel are both airports as well as a railway station. The nearest railway station is at Moutiers at a convenient half an hour drive from it while the airports are situated at the towns of Geneva and Chambery.

Skiing locations

The months of December to April are the months which bring in maximum tourism in the area. This feat is owing to the fact that during this time the snow fall here is at its maximum which thereby ensures a smooth, even and a thick blanket of powdery snow on the slopes. The amateur skiers need not worry as there are plenty of nursery slopes earmarked here just for beginners. The lifts offer free of cost services to these slopes and is therefore very popular. Skiers who have moved out of the bracket of beginners can rejoice as there are well over 200 slopes for them to zip on!

Offering varying degree of ease and difficulty these are best suited for those wishing to progress to the next level. Expert skiers too need not lose heart. in order to allow the rush of adrenaline Courchevel offers them the thrill of the Ugly Sisters, off piste skiing, heli skiing and a chance to zip down the steep mogul fields.

Activities beyond the slopes

If one chooses to stay out in the snow and look for activities beyond skiing then sleigh rides, ice climbing, snowshoeing, ice karting and skating become the most obvious and popular choices, one can go a little adventurous and try out skijoring which allows you to ski while you are tagged to a horse! But if you have decided that you have had enough of the snow then too there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you hooked and interested. These include spa facilities, multiple games room, bowling alley and also a cultural tour of the resort.

Nightlife and food

The presence of lively bars and other night’s spots can be experienced on the main resort town i.e, 1850. La Grange and Les Caves are the more popular options when bars are considered. Also in the case of eating options a majority of the well known names are located on 1850 and include the likes of Le Chabichou and La Creperie du Moulin.

Take in the attractions of Nice, France, in the morning hours. Hit a few cafes and have a nice meal. And in the afternoon, make your way down to the beach. The beach actually lines runs the length of the city on the ocean. You can walk it for miles and still be surrounded by vacationers.

But find your little part of paradise. It’s not hard and we’ll help you out.Many of the beaches in this part of France don’t even have sand.

They are covers by pebbles which are smooth from eons in the wave action along the shore. Remember that they might not be so comfortable for tender feet. You can buy beach shoes all along the shops that line the shore. But we brought flip flops. In our quest to find a nice area of the beach, we found as you will, the best areas are taken by private concerns, often hotels that line the beach as well. There are free, or public areas. These are well marked so don’t worry. Even if you do get into the private area, you’ll soon be escorted out or asked to prove you … belong.

The best beaches of Nice, France are up at the more scenic end of the city, old Nice, toward the west. We found a few that if you pay their 15 euro fee, you can enjoy your afternoon. I suppose that pays for keeping trash off the pebbles. We didn’t complain. The views were breathtaking and hey, we’re here on the French Riviera!

But we found we couldn’t bring our own food. We did have a bag that contained some goodies. It was frowned upon. Naturally, they want you to use their services. Along with French foods, they had umbrella rentals. You can also rent beach mats which take some of the pain from sitting on tiny rocks.

When you enter, don’t expect to get near the shore unless you ask. Beach chairs are arranged in rows so you may just get that last row. There is a term used to ask for the ocean-side seats, the premier ligne, or first line of seats. It’s worth it. Again, if you only have limited time, the private beach is the way to go. You may be disappointed with a public area where it can get loud and rambunctious.

If you don’t want to spend the money, but want some of the goodness, find an area close to one of the private beaches – they’re fenced off – and get as close as possible. There you will be able to enjoy the peace as well as the atmosphere. There are many facilities around the area, but like all places, unless you buy something, chances of using the bathroom or shower is unlikely. There are public showers along the beach in Nice.

Best times to visit Nice, France and the beaches is in July and August. It will be most crowded because these are the months the French take off on vacation as well. Plan ahead and use the services of someone who has been there and done it. You won’t be disappointed.

It is made up of almost 10 different villages which make up the base for various lopes which La Pagne offers skiers for skiing. Each of these 10 villages are very well self efficient to cater to all the needs of the skiers as well as provide access to all the skiing slopes.

Reaching There:

This ski resort of La Pagne is very conveniently connected by air as well as rail The airports nearest to la Pagne which can allow you access to this beautiful ski resort are located at Chambery, Lyon and Geneva. The nearest railways station to La Pagne is situated at Aime which is around 20 minutes away from the ski resort destination of La Pagne.

Ski Locations:

Owing to the fact that the ski resort of La Pagne is situated at a good height there is normally presents a good snow cover throughout the year for tourists to enjoy skiing. This destination is perfect for any category of skier- beginner, intermediate or a professional who wishes to tame the virgin mountain slopes to experience the thrill and rush of skiing. This destination offers skiers with the opportunity to experience the world’s longest ski runs which originate from the huge snow bowls. Also available here is the chance to experience the thrill of skiing through forests which are present on the snow covered mountains. Terrain parks and border cross skiing keeps the professional skiers happy and asking for more.

Similarly, if you’ve been to Paris before, you may wonder whether a fall or winter visit will be worthwhile, given rumors of cold, bitter conditions and gloomy locals. The reality, though, is far more nuanced– the winter holiday season in Paris offers plenty of light and celebration, and in the fall, events like the Montmartre Wine Harvest bring the city to life in a memorable way.

As a resident of the city of light, my own take is that every season here has its charms and pitfalls– as anywhere else! Use this guide to help make an informed decision about when to visit Paris.

Paris in the Springtime

* Colorful, poetic spring landscapes
* Boosted mood among locals
* Ambling or lazing outdoors for long stretches is again possible
* Paris’ famed cafe terrace culture is back

Paris in the Summer

* Prime time for festivals and great open-air events, many of them free
* Visitors virtually have the city to themselves as locals leave on vacation en masse
* Relaxed, carefree, and warm atmosphere

Paris in the Autumn

* Airfares take a dip as low season returns
* Booking a hotel at reasonable rates is less of a challenge
* Paris gets a surge of new energy as locals return to business
* Festive celebrations and fall foliage

Paris in the Winter

* Winter holidays, festivities and decorations bring a surreal magic to Paris
* Can be a romantic time to visit– can be pleasant for a family trip too
* Low season means you have more of the city to yourself

* Cold, often rainy conditions and short days can be discouraging
* Some Paris attractions and restaurants are closed for low season
* Outdoor activities are less pleasant

Everyone loves Paris, as much for its shady boulevards, street side cafes and general atmosphere as for the more famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame Cathedral.

Enjoy a night out in Paris and combine dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a Seine River cruise with an exotic show at the Moulin Rouge. You’ll enjoy dinner at the Eiffel Tower’s 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant followed by a one-hour river cruise on the Seine. Complete your night at the home of the Cancan, the famous Moulin Rouge in bohemian Montmartre.

The specially designed, airship-style 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant is on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. The “tourist style” restaurant is 95 meters (311 feet) above ground level, with scenic views over the Seine to the Trocadero from its large picture windows.

After dinner, take a one-hour evening cruise on the Seine River and tour Paris’ floodlit monuments at night before arriving in the heart of Paris’ nightlife, Montmartre, and the Moulin Rouge! You’ll experience the Moulin Rouge’s new “Feerie” review and the essence of Parisian cabaret. A troupe of 100 artists, including 60 legendary Doriss dancers, will entertain you dressed in exotic costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins. The sumptuous sets and vibrant light show of “Feerie” provide a colorful backdrop for brilliantly choreographed performances on moving staircases, in a gigantic aquarium, on swings and in garden settings.