Rock Climbing
The long, south-facing gray limestone cliffs of Buoux, not far from Apt, are considered to be among the best and most difficult rock climbs in France - 100 m 328 feet high, they are classified 4 to 8c in the French system. They are also popular most experts suggest going in spring or autumn to avoid crowds. Notable limestone climbing sites near B douin at Combe Obscure and the four seasons sites in Les Dentelles, near Gigondas, are well-equipped, with instruction and guides available....
Medusa Alert
If you head out early, before swimmers, windsurfers and speedboats have disturbed the water, you have a good chance of spotting a Medusa, or one of several other fantastically colored jellyfish off the beaches of Nice. Don't approach these strange creatures - their sting can be very painful - but don't worry if you keep your distance they won't approach you either. If you do get stung, the city of Nice offers this advice Wash the area well with sea water to remove filaments and barbs. Do not...
Accrobranching
Did you ever want to swing from the trees like Tarzan or his simian pals Accrobranching is a new French sport that tries to approach that sensation by walking in the trees. Essentially, you progress from one tree to another by using monkey bridges, catwalks, swings, suspended beams and various other equipment. The basic equipment is the forest itself and the sport is suitable for both children and adults. In the Vaucluse, you can take a one-day accrobranching course near Buoux Amethyst, La...
Gtes Wtu
G tes are usually rural houses and as this isn't really a rural area, there aren't many available. The best way to find a traditional g te is to contact the d partemental section of G tes de France, namely G tes de France du Var, on www.gites-de-france-var.fr. The site was available only in French at the time of publication, but a small Union Jack waving in the corner suggested an English language version was on its way. Meanwhile, you can have a similar kind of experience here in a serviced...
Le Cap Dramont
On August 15,1944, during the liberation of France, the 36th Texan Division, about 20,000 GIs in all, came ashore on the east side of Cape Dramont at what is now referred to as the Plage du Debarqu ment. The event is commemorated with a memorial and landing boat on the shingle beach. Did you know One of the few shingle beaches in this area, the grey stones were the leavings of ancient mines which now form a pair of large lakes, Lacs du Dramont, above the beach and across the N98. Le Dramont is...
Deluxe
P H AAAA H tel Clo tre Saint Louis Ly 20 Rue du Portail Boquier, 84000 1 Avignon, 33 04 90 27 55 55, fax 33 04 90 82 24 01, hotel cloitre-saint-louis.com, www.cloitre-saint-louis.com, 80 rooms and suites, three with handicapped access, direct dial phone, mini-bar, cable TV with BBC World Service, room safe, hair dryer, air conditioning, pool and roof-top sun terrace, shaded cloister courtyard, bar, lounge and restaurant, elevators. Private parking, buffet or continental breakfast and room tax...