Train Strike in France Starting April 6...

Beware travelers; a new strike that is called 'indefinite' is set to start April 6:

TRAIN drivers are planning another national strike from April 6 - the third so far this year.

However unlike earlier strikes, the next one will be for an indefinite period - not just one day.

The CGT and CFDT unions have confirmed they will be taking part in the strike, which will affect Easter holiday travel. A third union, UNSA, has yet to join in.

They are protesting against a proposed restructuring of the SNCF, working conditions and pay.

Cancellations are likely from 20.00 on April 6 as drivers and conductors walk out. Ticket office staff are also planning a one-day strike on April 8.

The French state rail operator lost almost €1bn last year.

SNCM ferry services on the Mediterranean coast will also be hit by a strike on the same day, as workers strike to protest against the arrival of a new rival, Italian operator Moby Lines, on the Toulon-Bastia route.

http://www.connexionfrance.com/sncf-train-strike-april-6-national-disruption-france-view-article.html

Buy Your Airfare Now - or Wait?

From USA Today online:

European travel will be more expensive

International airlines have also cut capacity and therefore are charging more for their seats. According to British Airways spokesperson John Lampl, his airline has slashed seats between London and New York/Newark by a staggering 23% this year compared to last. Making matters worse, the U.K. government has increased airport fees and other taxes tacked onto fares, and these are scheduled to increase further later this year.

Lampl also points out that historically there has been a 50/50 balance between passengers departing from London vs. those departing from the U.S. on BA flights, but now that has shifted to 60% leaving from Europe. That means those shopping-bag-toting Europeans are taking the seats that we were hoping to buy on the cheap.

Another ill omen is that this past winter was the first in memory that the airlines didn't have dead-of-winter, panicky sales to Europe. Last winter, and even last summer, we saw fares as low as $250 round-trip, including taxes, to many European destinations. I'd be shocked if we saw a repeat this year. Even so, some European destinations will be cheaper than others, in part thanks to lower taxes and fees. We've already seen some scattered sales in the $500 range to Spain and Ireland. But most destinations for summer travel this year will cost well over $1,000 round-trip with tax.

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/hobica/2010-03-30-airfare-buy-now-or-wait_N.htm

Tour Eiffel Inaugurated March 31, 1889

March 31, 1889

The Eiffel Tower is inaugurated

Along with the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid, there may be no more instantly recognizable man-made structure than the Eiffel Tower, inaugurated on this date in 1889. The grand tower was built for the Universal Exhibition held that year in celebration of the French Revolution.

The Architect was Stephen Sauvestre. The project was begun in 1884 with construction taking place from 1887 to 1889, a total of 2 years, 2 months and 5 days. The contractor was Gustave Eiffel. In all, 50 engineers and designers produced 5,300 "blueprints" for the construction. 100 ironworkers produced the 18,038 individual parts used in the assembly and 121 men constructed the tower. It is owned by the city of Paris.

The weight of the metal structure is 7,300 tons with the total weight topping out at 10,100 tons. Its height including the flagpole, is 324 meters. The Eiffel Tower is painted every seven years and received its 19th coat of paint in 2008.

No Room at the Inn

We aren't there yet, but as a notice to travelers thinking about coming to cycle Provence in May and June - space is getting very hard for us to secure in our contracted 3 and 4 star hotels! We are going to alternative properties already and that sometimes means a small cost increase or a lower rated hotel.

Also, the $US hit a recent high to the Euro and now is a good time to lock in travel plans. So, if anyone is sitting on the fence about a trip in the May/June time frame - it is time to take a decision to ensure the best experience.

Train Strike in France For Tues Mar 23

Article below from connexionfrance.com

A BIG national strike will bring disruption to public transport, schools and other parts of the public and private sector tomorrow.

Transport
The SNCF rail walkout begins at 20.00 on Monday night and services are not expected to return to normal until 8.00 on Wednesday morning.

Here are the latest service level estimates - although you should check locally before travelling:
Transilien (Ile-de-France suburban trains): 45% of trains running
TER regional services: 35% to 70% depending on region
Main lines to the east of Paris: "almost zero" service
Other TGVs: 65%
Eurostar/Thalys: normal service

Passengers wanting to cancel their journey can get a full refund on their ticket without any fees, regardless of the type of ticket.

Travellers can also choose an alternative train to the one they are booked on - but there is no guarantee of a seat.

In Paris, most RER and metro lines are expecting minor delays. RER B will be the most disrupted. There will be a near-normal service on the buses in Paris, although some walkouts are planned by public transport workers in other French towns and cities.

Public transport contact numbers:
SNCF (main lines and TER trains): 0805 90 36 35 or www.sncf.com
Transilien train services in Ile-de-France: 0805 700 805 or www.abcdtrains.com
Live train running information: www.gares-en-mouvement.com

Last Minute Offer - Multisport Tour Offer

Here is an opportunity worth considering! We are going to offer 4 places in our New Languedoc Multisport Tour at our cost! If one person can organize a group of 4 or more, we'll even consider a bigger discount for gathering up the people! We are going to organize a departure around the 24th of April. We have a journalist from the French sport magazine l'Equipe that wants to follow a group and write a story about the experience for the magazine. With this new tour and our home base in France in the Languedoc Region; we chose this tour to offer! What a great time it will be too! This trip offers:

road cycling
mountain biking
adventure park - zip lines
hiking
canoeing
treasure hunt in Montpellier
time on the beach at La Grande Motte

Interested persons can contact us for more details by email or phone - see the website!

3 Star Michelin Restaurant on Tour

The 2010 « guide gastronomique Michelin » edition only reward one restaurant with its prestigious 3 stars recommendation. This year, L’auberge du Vieux Puits in the small village of Fontjoncouse (near Narbonne and Carcassonne) joins the 26 others restaurants that have 3 stars.

Gilles Goujon settled in this little village in 1992 and with his wife, they created this hotel-restaurant, in the middle of nowhere, the little village of Fontjoncousse! He always offered a light and creative gastronomic cuisine based on seasonal products.
He was granted with a first star in 1997, a second in 2001. Menus are from 58 to 125 Euros.

About his third star, Gilles says “This is extraordinary! I am considered amongst the “grand chef”. This is like a little kid who plays football and watch soccer’s pro on TV, and one day, he plays with them! I feel like this kid”.
He admits that he shed a tear of joy once the rumor was no longer a rumor.

For those who go for our Carcassonne Countryside biking tour or Canal du Midi tour, you might want to add an extra night in Carcassonne and go there to enjoy the best French cuisine in the region! Note, we used to include this stop on the tour, but we took it out to change the routes and keep the tour prices affordable. But, if you can afford it and want a 3 star michelin dining experience, this is a great choice! You can reach Fontjoncouse by taxi or if you are getting a rental car, then you can drive yourself.

Paris Hotel FREE nights for March 2010

For blog subscribers, Facebook fans, and Twitter followers: Stay 3 nights and pay for 2, or Stay 4 nights and pay only 3! Prices start at 53 euros/person/night including breakfast for a 3 star hotel in central Paris! Can only be booked offline, contact us by email with your dates for a proposal and availability!