FRANCE - FRANCIJA

Chamonix - Yvoire - Annecy - Gipsy pilgrimage

You can find hostels just about everywhere, so I even found one in the elite tourist resort of CHAMONIX.

http://www.globetrotter.si/anglesko/links-det.asp?id=617&c=56&l=2012

You get a transport pass at the place you’re staying and it is meant for the local buses and trains. The locals’ hearts beat with the mountains and they are very proud of their guides and climbers. The city also has a school for mountain guides, a mountaineering museum and many shops with sport equipment. But many shops, restaurant and hotels take care of more leisure guests as well.
The story of the tourist boom of the city is connected with English, who “discovered” this sleepy village under the glacier in the 18th century. In 1786 French climbers conquered Mont Blanc and the village became even more famous. They started building luxurious hotels and city got a road and railroad connection. The first winter Olympics of 1924 gave new wind to the city, which is still most famous for the numerous ski slopes – its biggest attraction in this part of the Alps. But the summer is also very active. There are many glaciers nearby – with Mer de glace as the easiest to reach. You can reach it with the mountain railway in 20 minutes (with its 7km it is the largest in France).
You can also take the highest train ride in France – the Mont Blanc tram, leading up to the Nid d’Aigile (2372 m high) near another glacier. This is also the base for conquering the mighty mountain top. Cyclist love this train, for it allows them to ride down the mountain biking trails.
There are also many cable carts and ski lifts that run up the mountains. The most picturesque takes the guests to the Aiguille du Midi, at 3842 m of elevation. This is the tallest cable cart in Europe. From here you see the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and naturally Mont Blanc. You can also take the cart over the glacier Geant and reach the Pointe Helbronner in Italy.

YVOIRE - medieval lakeside pearl (lake Geneva)

One of the most charming medieval French village is almost completely surrounded by walls. Lengthwise and crosswise can be traversed in an hour, even if you devote some time along the way numerous souvenir shops. To stop in one of the many restaurants but we have to take more time. Like to visit unusual botanical garden. Garden is not particularly large, but most interesting is its design. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the castle, which unfortunately is not open to the public. Under the walls of the castle estates are invited to walk artfully designed garden beds planted with aromatic and medicinal plants. Garden is promoted as a land of the five senses. This is one of the rare botanical gardens, where the plants will be apprehended in hand, they could be smelled or even crushed. Only in this way you can get known extremely unusual odors, which boast some of the plants: geranium with citrus-like odor, and even more plants, whose crushed leaves smell of real chocolate! Some, however, even after chewing gum!

http://www.jardin5sens.net/en/

Alpine Venice – ANNECY

Town with about 50,000 inhabitants was an important center at the foot of the Alps already in the 15th century. I quickly realized why the place is called the Alpine Venice. Picturesque location on the lake gives the impression of proximity to the sea, through the city, running several rivers and channels above which ascend many bridges. At the river banks are regulated footpaths that wind between medieval houses and small markets. The most famous building is located on an island in the middle of the river Thiou. The palace from the 12th century reminiscent of the anchored ship. It was once a seat of the Count of Geneva, was later court, mint and imprisonment. Today, however, the thick walls housed a historic museum. Nearby striking several churches and town hall, above the old center is dominated by a mighty castle.

One of unusuall souvenir you coud find is  chocolate in the shape of the film strip. This could be reminiscent of the most famous city festival in June, which is dedicated to animated films. Sports and tourist center on the first Saturday in August enlighten magnificent fireworks, summer hosts many musical concerts and sporting events, from paragliding competition until the marathon and bicycle races. At the end of the summer streets stimulates cows return to pasture, December is here right Christmas spirit with a colorful market and the ornate facades of houses. Another reason to visit is also a carnival, where you can admire the numerous carnival masked in the Venetian style.

GYPSY'S PILGRIMAGE

In the extreme Provence on the Rhone River delta lies St. Maries de la Mer. Attractive tourist town surrounded by marshes full of birds, white horses, black bulls and long sandy beaches reached its peak tourist season at the end of May.

24th of May there is a pilgrimage in honor of the Gypsies patron St. Sara. This is an opportunity to meet Gypsies - Roma from across Europe. Most of them come from France, Spain and Italy, but some come even from other continents. Over their colorful carts and clothing were fascinated Van Gogh and other artists. Today, the event delighted the crowd of photographers and curious onlookers, who are for a few days left to Gypsy flow of life.


Picturesque carts and horses have long since replaced by modern vans and campervans, which occupy every corner of the city. In the first place you should visit the church whith a statue of St. Sara. This is also an opportunity to baptize children. The biggest celebration follows after the Mass, when Sara is brought out of the church. Accompanied by a crowd of believers, headed by horsemen. The procession is joyful, like every day on the streets of the city. Cries intended saint is mixed with the music of guitars and violins, lively and colorful procession is reversed to the sea. Right there, according to the legend Sara with her people accepted the Christian faith. The ceremony is opportunity to meet with relatives and friends. And to have fun with music, dancing, drinking and eating that week holds up well even place. Colourful bustle is alive until the late hours of the night but already the next morning erupts again with the same vehemence as the day before ...

Accommodation is difficult to get on those days – but don't worry! Do like, Gypsies- camp on the streets, which is somehow allowed that week….