The Tour de France

Amiens, France: A city full of history

A city with a strong historical tradition, Amiens is a place in France where many tourists gather, to experience its ancient cathedral. This is one of the reasons that Amiens is on the map.

Situated about 120 miles from Paris, Amiens is the prefecture of the department of Somne. The city was mercilessly beaten during the Second World War, and pockmarks on the buildings still tell the story to people passing through the city. Traffic is heavy, and most of the city is like any other city today. The reference points of the story have to do is worth going to Amiens.

Attractions Amiens – The Cathedral

There is much to be seen and experienced since the days of yesteryear in Amiens. Most of the symbol of the city and a must for anyone visit the country is the cathedral of the city. Amiens Cathedral, called the Cathedral of Notre Dame, has been declared a World Heritage Site. Under the supervision of architect Robert de Luzarches, was built in the classic shape of the mold in the 13th century Gothic, and remains the largest structure of its kind in France.

The Cathedral previous was consumed by fire in 1220, and a new one built in its place. The new cathedral was ready in 1247. Full of architectural beauty, the first thing you'll account is the elevation of three stories inside. The facade is lined with Gothic sculptures intricately detailed. Keep your eyes during his tour of the cathedral, and you notice the sculptures to appear elsewhere, as the labyrinth, and the south transept.

There have been many comments on the Cathedral of Amiens, the most suitable which is known as the "Parthenon among all Gothic architecture.

Other attractions in Amiens

Another sight worth visiting is Faubourg St-Leu. This is a network of canals and houses. Built in the mold of Flanders, this area was once the hub for the textile industry.

The hortillonages also attracts tourists and people glimpse into the past centuries. The gardens are hortillonages market that have been created in the small islands of wetlands on the edge of town, along the river Somne. Are connected together and linked by a maze of artificial canals.
More about Amiens

In addition to the architectural and cultural aspects of Amiens, there are other delights of the information about the city that make interesting reading. For example, Clovis Trouille (1888-1975) Born in Amiens. Amiens has played point of origin to some famous people, including the famous leader of the resistance of World War II Odette Sansom (19112-1995) and Peter the Hermit. Another thing to know is that Jules Verne was in fact a member of the city of Amiens "Council continuously from 1888 until his death in 1905. Also, during the First World War, the Battle of Amiens was the phase that marked the beginning of the Hundred Days Offensive.

Amiens is a city centennial full of culture and behind each element into chips, each narrow channel is a story that takes thousands of years ago. That is why even today many people to the city to find out what made people tick thousand years ago. It is a stark contrast to the barbarism and fine calculated in the city of Amiens, France.

Tour de France Sculpture – Pyrenees

What does SWABO mean?

It was painted on the road for the tour de france. What does it mean? SWABO?

I believe it is a cycling team from the Netherlands.

Road painting for Wiggins, 2009 TdF

Cyclists of all levels can expect some fantastic scenery whilst on a cycling holiday in France, along with experiencing traditional French cuisine in the Many hotels that stops at on his journeys through the beautiful landscape.

France is a country that is excited about cycling, since all We are well aware, no doubt, with the Tour de France, and have made it ever so easy to explore the countryside and the city on two wheels, with dedicated bike lanes and routes around it.

Cycling holidays will give you peace and quiet with great views of the countryside, castles, medieval towns, hills, valleys and streams, and these are just some of the things that could easily be lost if you drive through France, and the rich heritage, extraordinary landscapes and gastronomic delights all can appreciate more time cycling, especially because of the extensive national network of Véloroutes.

These Véloroutes will take you through canal towpaths, lanes quiet country converted railway lines as well as get you in the heart of the field using voies vertes, also known as greenways that are specially designated tracks that are completely closed to motorized traffic, you can even hire your cycle on the path of one of the locations of many veils that line of the major cycling routes.

You can still find areas in France are so peaceful, it is rare to see a car, but can be approved by a some very passionate cyclists! Stop for lunch and experience the local cuisine and, of course, local wine must and can often find fortified villages scattered along the mountaintops and the valleys of the most pleasant of stops.

Or if you prefer your package tour, why not let the hotel transport your luggage to find establishments that offer an "accueil velo" which are hotels and bed and breakfasts that cater specifically for cycling holidays throughout France.

With a holiday French Alps cycling can not go wrong, as you will be able to discover some of the worlds most spectacular cycling routes, with increases, as the world famous Col de la Croix der Fer and Alpe d'Huez around Grenoble. But just as the Alps, cycling in the Pyrenees with its mountain climbing as the Col de Portet d'Aspet and the Col d'Aspin offered the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful in Europe. While these are not for the feint heart! If you've ever watched the Tour de France, have seen some of these mid-mountain routes and suffering these cyclists go, but maybe this could be just the type of holiday you are looking for!

Furthermore, the Midi-Pyrenees region offers a wealth of art and history from cave paintings to Renaissance and also is famous throughout France for its cuisine that is rich with foie gras, Roquefort cheese, Gaillac wines, and Armagnac brandy, but to get the most out of this region, is advisable to plan your vacation carefully bike, so you can enjoy the many different places on the road.

However, if you bike and mountain biking routes through the mountains is exhausting you, then do not worry, there are many other areas of France, ranging from the beginner or cycling holiday family, like Britain, this area is ideal for cycling holidays in the family, as the coastal routes along the sections are fairly flat, making the trip more easy, while the Loire is more undulating, yet fabulous castles and riverside towns that will delight you and the family in their travels.

What there of the Poitou-Charentes, which is an excellent choice for those who love wildlife and bird watching, as the area is still very rural, even compared to some other parts of France and Burgundy is a great place to cycle along the many canal paths.

Then there is the Dordogne which is very picturesque, and the rivers and streams through forests and vineyards, the area offers a variety so you can enjoy the whole experience from the beginning until the end of your holiday.

Albeit with a series of package holidays to you, no need to worry about where we stop for a break or lunch or where lies, which means you do not have to have their baskets filled to the brim, as all their belongings transported for you, ready and waiting when you arrive in his next stop, more if you decide to add other activities such as canoeing and horseback riding, his bike will be transported to its next destination and that will be collected in one place.

So if you are a cycling enthusiast or a beginner with a family, France is a fantastic destination to explore on his bicycle.

window painting for the tour de france