Lifestyle


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Lifestyle

Sete and its surroundings

4 years ago - Léa D.

In reverse, Sète reads ... "summers" in French. Known as the little French Venice, we love it ... For its port, its canals, its majestic sea theater overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean. In the city where Paul Valéry and Georges Brassens were born, one cannot help starting this story on a poetic note. Called the singular island or the "Venice of Languedoc" for its canal, Sète is a pretty town in Occitanie bordered by a saltwater lagoon and sandy beaches. Its fishing port and various maritime activities have allowed this city to prosper for several centuries. Carried by its changing winds, the Mediterranean is a capricious sea: the sailors needed a new shelter in deep water, which will lead after years to the birth of the port of Sète. The laying of the first stone of the mole Saint-Louis marked the access to the open sea. Born of nothing, Sète is a cosmopolitan city with various Mediterranean influences. The reputation of the city will flourish very quickly thanks to its wine and cooperage, exported to the north of Europe. Sète is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, known for the production of these wines. Enjoy your stay in Sète to discover the vineyards of the hinterland and taste the diversity of Languedoc wines, raised on a terroir bathed in sunshine. In addition to learning the history of the vineyard, you will enjoy a range of varied wines: dry and fresh white, fruity rosé, velvety red and spicy, a real taste bliss. Although Sète resembles Venice with its canals that are visible from one of our beautiful apartment, it has the advantage of offering sumptuous beaches and beautiful sunsets all year long. The beaches of the Corniche or Lazaret are two very pretty sandy beaches, composed of several coves of sand. It is not the water activities that are missing in Sète! Scuba diving, sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing ... Just let us know the activity of your choice, we will take care of the reservation. The salines of Sète are of unparalleled beauty. Discover the salt tables and their pink waters for an exceptional trip. You can discover them by train, by bike, on foot but also in a 4x4 accompanied by a guide. Choose your preferred mode of transport and come enjoy a panoramic view like no other. You can also discover them on horseback, for a romantic and breathtaking ride. In the surroundings Not far from Sète, is the Camargue, a French natural region located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a place with an exceptional living heritage: you can see flamingos and all kinds of birds. A few minutes from Sète, the city of Marseillan is known for its horses Camarguais. Take this opportunity to go horseback riding in a natural setting, between land and sea. Located in the south of France, Sète is lined with several cities to visit absolutely. We have made a selection, with activities not to be missed. Montpellier About 30 minutes from Sète is the pretty town of Montpellier. Dynamic and sunny, this pretty city is full of things to do. Exhibitions, cultural visits, stroll through its medieval streets or simply a glass of fresh white wine: a preparation for the evening that awaits you, the city being known for these evenings with multiple bars and nightclubs. Our suggestions: ➢ The jardin des plantes ➢ St. Peter's Cathedral ➢ The Idée Saveurs restaurant (French cuisine): 5 rue Four des Flammes +33 4 67 29 88 62 How to get there? ➢ By TER from Sète station to Montpellier Saint-Roch station: 20 minutes ➢  By car via the D612: 40 minutes Cap d’Agde Cruise, vineyards and colorful experiences: Cap d'Agde is full of surprises. Only 30 minutes from Sète, it is the ideal place to discover beautiful beaches, enjoy the Aqua Park and visit all the small villages nearby. It is also a privileged place to celebrate: multiple nightclubs and organized parties attract tourists to dance until sunrise! Our suggestions: ➢ The Ephèbe museum: La Clape roundabout +33 4 67 94 69 60 ➢ The aquarium: 11 rue des 2 frères, +33 4 67 26 14 21 ➢ The Fuzion restaurant (Mediterranean cuisine): 162 route de Rochelongue +33 4 67 21 03 81 How to get there? ➢ TER from Sète station to Agde station: 40 minutes ➢ By car via the D2: 30 minutes Aigues Mortes This pretty town is about 45 minutes from Sète. At the height of Gothic architecture, the fortifications of Aigues-Mortes constitute a remarkably preserved ensemble. From the ramparts or from the dungeon terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Camargue and saline whose colors alternate from blue to purple. Our suggestions: ➢ Book your Camargue cruise thanks to the tourist office: +33 4 66 53 73 00 ➢ Visit of the Petit Rhône reserve: D202 St gilles road 30600 Sylvereal +33 6 81 95 83 46 ➢ The restaurant Le Patio'Né (Mediterranean cuisine): 16 rue Sadi Carnot +33 9 82 31 51 73 How to get there ? ➢ By intercity train + TER from Sète station to Aigues Mortes station: 2h ➢ By car via the D612 and D62: 50 minutes Mireval Halfway between Montpellier and Sète, this charming town and its economic activity are mainly based on the culture of the vineyard, whose production of Muscat wine has been known as AOC since 1959. To discover: remarkable landscapes, greenery and sunny days. Our suggestions: ➢ The Rabelais winery: Avenue de Verdun +33 4 67 78 15 79 How to get there ? ➢ Intercity train + TER from Sète station to Vic - Mireval: 50 minutes ➢ By car via the D612: 18 minutes Les calanques de Cassis A paradise location on the banks of the Mediterranean; turquoise water, small intimate coves and majestic cliffs: the perfect place to unwind. Our suggestions: ➢ La Plage Bleue restaurant (Mediterranean cuisine): Port Miou district +33 4 42 01 15 40 ➢ The restaurant L'Atelier Gastronomique (French cuisine): 24 rue de l'Arène +33 4 42 71 84 72 How to get there? ➢ by car via the A9: 2H15 minutes The city of Sète also has a complete network of intramural buses and to nearby towns. We invite you to get closer to the tourist office to find the schedules, routes and maps of the different lines. Sète Tourist Office: 60 rue Mario Roustan +33 4 99 04 71 71 Your holidays, our priority With your feet in the water, your adventure across France is just beginning. In order to allow you to live a new adventure, Hometown Experience has selected the best French destinations, and has created for you a range of services adapted to your needs Whatever the time and place, the Hometown Experience team accompanies you every moment of your trip. Enjoy France in the best way possible. For all questions, contact us at experience@apartments-services.com.

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Sete and its surroundings

Sete and its surroundings

Lifestyle

Wellness in Méribel

5 years ago - Léa D.

Méribel, otherwise called Méribel-les-Allues, is a ski resort located in the Alps, in the heart of the ski area of the 3 valleys which includes the 8 best ski resorts in Europe. Our chalet Ménor awaits you for an exceptional stay: jacuzzi, sauna and an indoor heated pool overlooking the valley: your morning swim will allow you a sweeping view of the snow-covered peaks. Ski holidays can be tiring: that's why we have selected for you a range of well-being and gentle activities in Méribel, as well as invigorating walks in the heart of nature. The olympic park of Méribel What does the Olympic park of Méribel consist of? An establishment of 21 000m2 which brings together a multitude of useful and pleasant spaces of the station. As for recreation, the park has a restaurant, a bowling alley, a discotheque, two daycares for children, wall climbing, a swimming pool with slides and a real sports pool, a spa fitness area, a conference room of 800 m2 for business trips ... But that's not all! It also has one of the 12 largest skating rinks in France, internationally renowned. Who said we could not combine raclette and abdominals? The fitness area: supervised by a fitness professional, this place offers a variety of equipment in cardio-vascular and bodybuilding. Accessible as of 16 years, you will have the opportunity to benefit from a personalized follow-up. Regarding the pool, you will also have the opportunity to take swimming lessons, following different levels more or less advanced. For lovers of Parties, themed parties are organized during the holidays ... from 20h to 22h (electro, zumba, zen ...), all to be in shape for the slopes the following morning! They usually take place around the pool or the ice rink, in a relaxed and family atmosphere. Aimed at young and old alike, this huge space brings together all the activities and infrastructures dreamed of for your holidays. Address: Méribel Olympic Park, 73550 Les Allues Yoga and relaxation If you have never tried it, it's time to start this path of well-being. Yoga brings a large number of physical benefits including the relaxation of the muscles, but also a revitalization of the body and a calming of the mind to stimulate vitality and creativity. For relaxation lovers, enjoy yoga sessions every Tuesday from 18h to 19h30, throughout the year at the house of generations. Open to nature, the sessions take place in a spacious and friendly room allowing a friendly and warm practice. If you prefer the intimacy and the softness of your chalet, do not hesitate to contact us at experience@apartments-services.com, we will take care of reserving your private yoga lessons at home. Contact information La maison des générations, 73550 Les Allues Phone : 06.03.00.45.49 Relaxing areas Who says vacation ... Says relaxation! What's more rejuvenating after a day in the snow, than to enjoy a massage or a treatment in the cocooning atmosphere of a spa? Want privacy? Do not hesitate to contact our concierge service at experience@apartments-services.com for a massage service at home. We have also selected for you two other relaxation areas, accessible all day. The spa of Anne Sémonin This refined space offers a soft and cozy atmosphere and a multitude of treatments adapted to your desires and needs. This privileged place has a sauna, a steam room, a jacuzzi, a sensory shower and two bathrooms. The services are full of surprises: especially adapted to skiers, it offers "signature treatments" such as hot stone massages and black sand scrubs from Tahiti. A real personalization of the treatment of your choice is possible, as well as a development of personalized treatments. Information Open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. Contact information The Laitelet - Méribel - Mottaret – Center 73550 Méribel Tel: 0479004848 The Nuxe spa of kaïla At the heart of Méribel, Nuxe offers a real sensory journey thanks to its 6 treatment cabins including 2 double cabins for voluptuous and relaxing moments, with your other half or with family. Through the huge windows, enjoy the snowy landscape while relaxing in this cocoon of warmth and relaxation. A la carte, the essentials of the house, anti-aging care Resultime and above all care for children! These aquatic areas, fitness and spa are waiting for you, for a multi-sensorial experience out of the ordinary. Information Open from 10h to 13h & from 14h to 20h Contact information Hotel Kaïla Route de la montée Méribel - La Chaudanne 73550 Méribel Tel: 04.79.41.69.34 Lake Tueda, a stroll full of resources This lake is located 1730 meters above sea level, and promises a walk rich in discovery by its place, the quality of its water, the diversity of fauna and flora. Of first category, this lake of 3 hectares with clear waters is a soothing and refreshing place where it is possible to practice fishing. We recommend hiking around the lake in summer, especially for lovers of botany or for the curious who want to discover the flora of the Alps. Nevertheless, the activities around and related to Lake Tueda are numerous also in winter. Snowshoeing, ski touring in the Vanoise Park, cross-country skiing around the lake ... The most athletic of you will be challenged! You can also enjoy activities on horseback such as carriage rides, allowing you to discover the nature reserve in an original way. Our concierge service also offers many activities such as dog sled rides and snowmobiles around Méribel, contact us at experience@apartments-services.com. At the lake you will find the restaurant of Lake Tueda, ideally located to enjoy the landscape and the sun on the terrace. A beautiful menu made of fresh and local products, always served with a smile.

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Wellness in Méribel

Wellness in Méribel

Lifestyle

Sète, a tide of festivals

6 years ago - Julie D.

Sète, there is no less than 17 festivals each year. The summer season has of course the lead. However, when the summer crowds are gone, spring and fall continue to resonate. From the end of March to the end of October, the festivals succeed each other without a break, or almost! Sète goes out of its way to welcome music lovers, film buffs, comedian, poets, but also urban art lovers, photo buffs and boat lovers. Here is a non-exhaustive list of Sète’s cultural events: especially music, comics, poetry and street art, enough to occupy most of your 2018 year! (NB: dates provided by the tourist office or organizers are indicative and subject to change) For the music lovers... From classical music to jazz and going to French music, rap and electro, fine ears are pampered in Sète. No fewer than seven music festivals take place between April and August, most of which take place in the magical setting of the open-air Jean Vilar Theatre de la Mer, overlooking the Mediterranean - and the setting sun, or the starry night , depending on the time of the concert. On evenings concerts, a free water bus connects the city center to the Theatre de la Mer. MusicaSète, classical music, from march 28th to April 11st 2018 MusicaSète brings together the instrumental ensemble Contrepoint and the Choir of Sète, as well as an assembly of musicians and opera singers. Young rising stars or seasoned musicians at the stage, the same love for music and the same disdain of conformity unites them. In 2018, MusicaSète will offer, as usual, an eclectic program of high fly which puts the curiosity in appetite: lieders, tribute to Ravel and Debussy, as well as to the Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez and his Misa Criolla. MusicaSète Festival, Saint-Pierre Church and Molière Theater Quand je pense à Fernande, French song, from 23rd to the 27th of June A wink to one of Brassens' most gaudy songs, the French song festival Quand Je Pense à Fernande brings together la crème of Francophone songwriters. In 2017, Charlélie Couture, Philippe Katerine and Catherine Ringer followed one another on the Théâtre de la Mer stage, after Bénabar, Thomas Fersen and ZAZ in previous years. French Song Festival Quand je pense à Fernande, Théâtre de la Mer. Worldwide Festival, électro, disco, hip hop, jazz, from June 30th to July 7th The Worldwide Festival, invests in the whole city: at the Theatre de la Mer in the evening for live sets then a dance floor for clubbing, in town and at the beach during the day, it's a whole week of Street parties and Beach parties. The festival is the baby of Gilles Peterson, DJ, animator of the BBC and founder of the Talkin'Loud & Brownswood labels. Since 2006, he has cultivated a sharp-tasting programming: the jazz and electro atmosphere that serves as the foundation of the festival (not to mention disco and hip-hop) is mingled with inspirations from around the world. Thus the 2017 edition was interested in sounds from South Africa, Niger and Jamaica. Worldwide Festival, Théâtre de la Mer and many places in the city. Jazz in Sète, from the 12th to the 20th of July Jazz in Sète, because there are few pleasures purer than that of savoring the blue note feet in the waves. The festival offers every year a demanding program that knows how to attract the big names of jazz. Without concern for completeness, here is a little mouthing of the musicians who have invested the stage of the Theatre de la Mer in the past: Georges Benson, Winton Marsalis, Boby Mc Ferrin, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Mélodie Gardot, Avishai Cohen, Gregory Porter, Beth Hart, Cory Henry, Trombone Shorty, Stanley Clarke... Jazz in Sète, Théâtre de la Mer Fiest'A Sète, world music, 21st of July to the 7th of august Fiest'A Sète is in fluidity, just at the time of the sacrosanct cross of the julyists and Augustians: the first week of the festival of world music stops here and there, for free concerts around the Bassin de Thau and Sète, before settling for the first week of August at the Théâtre de la Mer. The festival swarms in town and on the beach for exhibitions, chats and of course, before and after parties. In 2017, Eliades Ochoa, Fatoumata Diawara, rubbed shoulders with Patriarcas de la Rumba and the Ciocarlia Fanfare - excuse the little! Fiest'A Sète, traveling in the region, then to the Theatre de la Mer and several places in town. Demi Festival, hip hop, 9th to the 11th of August Scheduled for mid-August, the 3rd edition of the Demi Festival is already eagerly awaited by fans of hip hop. This independent French rap festival, created by rapper Demi Portion, is much bigger than his "little" name might suggest. Oxmo Puccino, JP Manova, Youssoupha and The Wise Poets of the Street ignited the 2017 festival. The bar is set high, attempt to transform it in 2018. Demi Festival, Théâtre de la Mer. My Life Festival,  24th to the 25th of August For the My Life festival, the Théâtre de la Mer is transformed into a gigantic club, where the crowds undulate, expertly galvanized by DJs of choice. The 2017 edition hosted Tale Of Us, Dixon and KiNK - KiNK, for example, which did not wince when a motivated spectator grabbed his keyboard. Handsome player, he even shared the video of the impromptu intervention. My Life Festival, Théâtre de la Mer Club For those who love music – and the other arts... Street art, cinema, poetry and comics, they are not left aside in Sète and also have their festival K-Live, Street art and current music, from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June The sea, the walls: the K-Live Festival creates a bridge between street art, music and visual arts. The urban art that is the heart of this festival culminated in the creation of the MaCO, the Open Skies Museum (Musée à Ciel): a walk in Sète that surprises unexpected frescos, created by the finest of street-art. In 2017, the evening concert brought together Roots Manuva, DJ Vadim and DJ Jase. K-Live, many places throughout the city SunSète Festival, cinema, from the 7th to the 12th of July After Cannes, another "croisette" settles on the shores of the Mediterranean, more relaxed but equally pro. In town, directors and renowned actors meet to offer masters classes and debates and meetings with a public of informed moviegoers. Then, at sunset, one settles on the deckchairs of the beach of the Fountain (Place Roger Thérond) for free projections in open air on a giant inflatable screen. Agnès Varda, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Abdellatif Kechiche, Laetitia Casta, Julie Gayet and Rufus have already had the honor of the festival. About fifteen shorts films, all genres combined, compete each year to win the Golden Bear, a wink to his Berlin counterpart. SunSète, at the François Mitterrand media library and Plage de la Fontaine Vivid Voices of the Mediterranean, poetry, art, music, from July 20th to the 28th This poetry festival brings together more than a hundred poets from around the Mediterranean, accompanied by storytellers, musicians, singers and actors. In the squares, streets, gardens and historic places of the city, we stop to listen and share the lively words of contemporary poets. Vivid voices, several places in town. BD Plage, cartoons, from the 25th to the 26th of August This festival "feet in the sand" takes place over two days at the Lido beach. It celebrates the Franco-Belgian comic and manga: in 2017, about twenty authors were invited, under the guidance of the Belgian cartoonist Étienne Willem, president of the festival. Between two dives, we come to admire and have ones favorite albums dedicated, or attend a workshop led by one of the guests (in 2017, it's the designer Juan who lent himself to the game with bonhomie). BD Beach, Lido beach, open to all, free entry. And for Brassens : 22 V'là Georges, from the 21st to the 28th of October Of course, we cannot forget Brassens, who has his own festival, as it should be. This one closes the season in beauty. The local child is celebrated around October 22, the anniversary of his birth. The Quartier de la Revolution is buzzing for, in the words of the association Cap Brassens, "to celebrate his birthday every year on his street, in front of his house". For a week, there are food blowouts, concerts-aperitifs and concerts all at once, in a good-natured atmosphere that would not have disavowed the cantor of des copains d’abord. Do not forget to participate in the very popular festival raffle, really well endowed! In 2017, the first prize was a guitar "model Brassens" handcrafted by the luthier Sétois Jean-Paul Le Bon. Festival 22 V'la Georges!, Concerts-apéros from 18h in the cafes and bars of the district, then concert main place of the Republic.

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Sète, a tide of festivals

Sète, a tide of festivals

Lifestyle

Winter in Méribel: skiing, but not only

6 years ago - Julie D.

Desire for change? We come to Méribel of course, for the joys of alpine skiing - but those who want to vary the pleasures are spoiled for choice. Paragliding, dog sled rides, skijoring, ice hockey and snowmobiling: stronger or softer sensations, the menu adapts to your want. Why not telemark skiing? For experienced skiers who want to discover this discipline, it is possible to take courses in the main ski schools of Méribel. The French Ski School, ESI, Oxygène and Prosneige all offer telemark skiing courses. But telemark skiing, what is it exactly? This ski technique leaves the heel free, instead of it being attached to the ski board as in the classic alpine ski technique. It was developed in 1868 by a Norwegian carpenter, Sondre Norheim, who then emigrated to the United States. The fact that the heel is not impeded gives a very elegant look: the skier bends the inner leg to corner turns, and adopts a dancing rhythm, very stylish. Méribel is a Mecca of telemark skiing. Indeed, in January 2017 the resort hosted the Telemark skiing World Cup. And it is also the main hideout of the Lau brothers: Chris, Philippe and Sven all distinguished in national teams and who have made Méribel their headquarters. Philippe is still part of the French telemark team, like Matti Lopez, another ski telemarketer member of the Méribel club. (Learn more about telemark skiing and its disciplines on the website of the French Ski Federation) Man’s best friends: sled dog or horse hiking If you're dreaming of virgin expanses of the Far North, why not try the sleigh ride? Prosneige in Méribel does not only offer skiing lessons: you could also go hiking with sled dogs, under the expert guidance of a professional musher. During your baptism, learn the basics first during a briefing where you will learn how to handle the sled, then go on a half-hour hike. Discover the incredible sensations of gliding, in tune with a tribe of 7 to 10 beautiful dogs: huskies, Samoyed and malamutes, the most popular breeds of sled dogs, animals full of intelligence and power. Hiking with sled dogs, activity offered by Prosneige. Man’s second-best friend can also take care of the traction. Do you know of skijoring? Standing on your skis, you let yourself be pulled by a horse. Ideal for children (but not only), this activity is practiced with a first level ski star. This is the way to get acquainted with skiing while having fun, and fraternizing with a nice pony. But be careful, do not believe that skijoring is a lazy activity! In the competition version, you skate at full speed behind your horse and you cross obstacles at a vertiginous speed. Skijoring, an activity offered by the Equestrian Center of Méribel. The Center also proposes winter horseback riding. For the children: igloo and ice hockey On Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm, it's time to go on an adventure in the light of your headlamp - and find the perfect location to build an igloo yourself! Once the igloo is finished, we huddle inside to enjoy a well-deserved hot chocolate. Construction of an igloo, activity for children. For the most daredevil, Thursday from 8 pm to 10 pm, the Olympic Park rink offers introductory ice hockey sessions, with a player from the Bouquetins team. "The Bouk's", as their fans call them, shift to D1 and will play in February 2018 twice in Méribel and once in Courchevel - why not go see a match? See the calendar. Introductory Ice Hockey Session at the Olympic Park Rink. Switch to high gear in a snowmobile For thrill seekers who cannot get enough of the snow, why not revisit the trails after they close, this time on a snowmobile? As night falls, the machines vroom and rush over the snow, for a discovery hike (one driver, one passenger) or sportive one (no passenger) of about 90 minutes. The Snow Biker agency offers snowmobile trips on Méribel. Winter paragliding On skis, you can slide - but you can also float. In paragliding, skis make it easier to take off: no need to run, you just have to let yourself slide! From December 9th to April 22nd, visit the Saulire Express Gondola lift for a tandem paragliding baptism. Ready to take off with an instructor, you fly off gently in the air: this feeling of floating in the air, with nothing to hold you back, is unique. After a good adrenaline rush, we take a more calming pace as we get used to it. In the air, you will admire the landscape of the peaks as far as the eye can see. Keep an eye on what you are flying over: flights go over protected natural areas, so you may have the chance to spot eagles, chamois, deer and baby deer. At the end of your flight, if your heart tells you, your instructor will suggest you to perform some impressive but safe aerobatics maneuvers. Sorties avec Aparapente. We also have the right to not be a fan of ski... The children are in the ski lessons, Mr. (or Mrs.!) went exploring the mogul walls on the black slope ... As for you, you would like to stay warm, and you would to take some time to pamper your skin a little, affected by the sun, the cold and the wind! Rendez-vous at the Spa des Neiges by Clarins, at the Hotel Allodis. You could, for example, take advantage of the "Les Matins Zen" special, with access to the steam room, sauna, swimming pool and fitness, and a treatment of 25 or 50 minutes, between 10h and 14h. Spa des Neiges by Clarins, at the Hotel Allodis, Le Belvédère, 73550 Méribel.

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Winter in Méribel: skiing, but not only

Winter in Méribel: skiing, but not only