New Caledonia is a dependent overseas territory of France lying in the western Pacific Ocean, in the Coral Sea, to the east of Australia and west of Vanuatu. The territory consists of the main island of Grand Terre, the archipelago of the Loyalty Islands , the Isle of Pines and numerous small, sparsely populated islands and atolls. The main island is by far the largest of the group and contains about nine-tenths of the population. It is surrounded by a coral reef that extends from Huon Island in the north to the Île des Pins in the south. Except for the central part of the west coast, which is bordered only by a fringing reef, it is a true barrier reef enclosing a large lagoon. There are numerous passages in the reef, usually at the mouths of rivers. New Caledonia’s lagoons, with their diverse reefs and associated ecosystems, were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. New Caledonia offers beaches, mountaintop fondue in chalets, camping, amazing snorkelling and diving, and fabulous French food.

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The Chateau de Losse is located in Black Périgord, 5km from Montignac and Lascaux, on the road to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. It was the property of the Losse Family, a family who arrived from Flanders in the 11th century. The medieval fortress overlooks the Vézère river. In 1575 a Renaissance Hall was built within the stronghold. It is enclosed by curtain walls and surrounded by a deep ditch. Inside the fine décor and the exceptional period furnishings bear witness to the grand lifestyle of the Marquess of Jean II de Losse in the 16th century. The gardens within the walls or terraced over the river are in perfect harmony and offer a view over an unspoiltvirgilian countryside.

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The Millau Viaduct is part of the expressway connecting Paris and Barcelona and features the highest bridge piers ever constructed. It is taller than the Eiffel Tower. The Millau Viaduct is not straight, because a straight road could induce a floating sensation as you drive across it. So, a slight curve remedies that feeling. The bridge was entirely privately financed and cost 394 million euros. Designed by the French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux and British architect Norman Foster, it is the tallest bridge in the world with one mast\’s summit at 343.0 meters above the base of the structure. It is also the 12th highest bridge in the world, with a 270 meters drop from the bridge road to the valley below. The 2460 meters long bridge is a stunning architectural and design feat.

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Masterpiece of the Renaissance, the Château de Chenonceau is famous for its beautiful gallery of arches on the River Cher. The Château de Chenonceau is a French château near the small village of Chenonceaux in the Indre-et-Loire département of the Loire Valley in France. It is often described as ‘the ladies chateau’ as throughout its history it is they who have most influenced its design and its destiny. Chenonceau was built on the site of an earlier property. A manor house that was burned to the ground in 1411 was followed by a fortified castle, but that too was destroyed to make way for the chateau we currently see, built between 1515 and 1521 by Thomas Bohier, overseen by his wife Katherine Briconnet.

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The Jardin de Balata is a private botanical garden located on the Route de Balata about 10 km outside of Fort-de-France, Martinique, France. One of Martinique’s best attractions is open daily. It is home to a staggering number of begonias, bromeliads, bamboo and about 300 different types of palm trees. Free-flying hummingbirds are often sighted. A suspended rope bridge and walkways provide a birds-eye view of the landscaped grounds below.

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The Historial Charles de Gaulle opened its doors to the public in February 2008. Spread over 2 500 m2, it presents the life of a man whose fate was inextricably linked with that of France and the world for more than thirty years. It is located in the heart of l’Hôtel des Invalides, part to the Army museum. The museum consists of a multimedia room with high-tech equipment. Five screens enable visitors to watch a 20 minute film unfolding the major historical events Charles de Gaulle was involved in. Visitors can also listen to a synchronized audio guide and use multimedia and interactive devices to delve deeper into a subject.

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The Calanques are limestone cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean and connects Marseille to Cassis with almost 20 km of marked trails. This classified site extending over 4000 hectares to visit from Cassis. Magical and enchanting coves are a paradise for swimming, running, scuba diving, climbing, discovery of the fauna and flora This hike on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea will take you up and down the hills on sometimes very stony paths between Cassis and Luminy.

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The Automobile Museum Valençay shows the evolution of the French automotive industry for nearly 80 years. This Museum shows you about sixty cars from 1898 which are all in capacity to run.

Opening hours:
Open everyday from March the 28th to November the 15th.
From March to November: 10:30 to 12:30 am and 02:00 to 06:00 pm.
except:
June: 10 am to 12:30 pm and 2 to 6:30 pm;
July and August: 10 am to 12:30 pm and 13:30 pm to 7 pm

Prices:
Adults : 5.50 €
Students, unemployed persons, disabled persons: 4.50 €
Children (7 to 17 years old): 3.50 €
children younger than 7: free

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Corsica is an island and region of France in the Mediterranean Sea, southeast of France and west of Italy. The island’s pleasant climate and the beautiful mountain and sea landscapes make it a popular destination among the French and other Western Europeans. Perched atop 200-foot chalk cliffs, The town of Bonifacio lights up the southern tip of Corsica. It is only major harbor of the southern coast. It provides gorgeous views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Bonifacio view from southeastern cliff

Small chapel east of Bonifacio

Bonifacio cemetery

German WWII bunkers in Bonifacio

Heraldry in Bonifacio

Eglise Sainte Marie Majeure in Bonifacio

View on Bonifacio harbour

Fishing boat in harbour of Bonifacio

Limestone cliffs at Bonifacio

Limestone cliffs at Bonifacio

Citadel of Bonifacio

Bonifacio perched on top of limestone cliffs

Bonifacio perched on top of limestone cliffs

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Montpellier is one of the most beautiful cities in the south of France, famous for being a large educational center and important site for the light economy. It is located near the Mediterranean Sea. The city lies 100 miles northwest of Marseilles, 471 miles southwest of Paris and 31 miles southwest of Nimes. Broad boulevards lined with shady plane trees, a huge car-free central square laid out in the 1700s surrounded by elegant balustraded buildings, even a vast triumphal arch – you name it, Montpellier’s got it.

Montpellier

Juvénal res de Antigone

Architecture

l’Hôtel de Région

ensemble port mariane

a dominante à montpellier !! c’est la rose

mélange ancien et nouveau

c’est mieux avec la rampe

nouveau pont à Montpellier traversant le lez

le haut de l’Opéra de Montpellier

l’envol vers le ciel

sur la place Antigone

les déchets du lez

tour de verre

expo à Montpellier

montpellier

credit: spc49