Monday 24 December 2012

Removals to France: A Guide to Public Holidays in France

Whether you require removals to France to work here, to settle with a partner or retire, public holidays are a time of celebration. From Christmas at home with the family, to fireworks on Bastille Day, wherever you move to in France, you will have plenty of opportunity to join in the festivities.

Hamiltons has 20 years in the removals industry and offers high quality removals to France where we make customer service our top priority. You know that you are in good hands for removals to France as we are members of the prestigious trade association, the British Association of Removers (BAR), and comply with their strict guidelines. We provide removals from and to any destination within the UK, Europe and to other destinations further afield. In addition to commercial and household moves, we also provide specialist removals to France which can include the transportation of pets, valuables, vehicles and machinery.

Meanwhile, if you are moving to France and want to find out when you can have an extra day or two off work, here’s our guide to public holidays in France!
Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

Christmas

Just like in the UK, Christmas - or Noel in France - is a day of celebration. However, there are a few differences on how the French celebrate. In the north or north eastern France, children leave their shoes by the fireplace on December 6th so Father Christmas can fill them with small gifts and sweets. However, for the rest of France, this tradition takes place on Christmas Eve.

Just as in the UK, the French decorate their home with a Christmas tree. However, a nativity scene is also an important symbol at Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, French families may attend Midnight Mass and, after this, they will enjoy a midnight feast, called ’le réveillon’. This is held at home or in a restaurant and the menu varies according to where you live; this could be anything from salmon, oysters, snails, caviar as a starter, followed by goose or another bird or rabbit. Another thing you may be served during le réveillon is omelette with truffles.

On Christmas day, families may attend church again and also enjoy another feast where dessert will include a chocolate Yule log, called a Buche de Noel, which is decorated with ribbons and greenery.

New Year

While the children open their presents on Christmas Eve or on December 6th, some adults may wait until New Year’s Day to open their gifts. New Year’s Day is more of an adult celebration where they visit friends on and exchange gifts; there is also a New Year’s feast. Another time for feasting is January 6th, when the Christmas season draws to a close.

Many people drink champagne or hot wine to bring in the New Year and, of course, there is a New Year song that is traditionally sung at midnight. On New Year’s Day some of the food you would typically expect to see include King’s cake, which contains a tiny figure in the filling. Whoever finds it is ‘king’ for the day. Another dessert you can expect to see at New Years are cakes in the shape of a heart.

Easter

The way Easter is celebrated in France is similar to the UK. Church bells will sound on Easter Sunday to mark the Resurrection and in the morning the children will have an Easter hunt in their garden.

As well as some beautifully designed chocolate eggs, children will also eat chocolate bells and chocolate fish. There will also be some Easter games organised for the children and, of course, an Easter feast. The first Monday after Easter is a public holiday so, as in the UK, the French will enjoy a three day weekend.

Bastille Day


Bastille Day, also called Fête Nationale, is celebrated throughout the country on July 14. The national day marks the storming of the Bastille, which became the symbol of the French Revolution, and the event is marked in towns and villages with anything from live music to street fairs, parties and firework displays.

May Day

As in the UK, French workers get the day off on May 1st. In France, especially in and around Paris, it is customary to give your loved ones a bouquet of lily-of-the-valley on this day. The day may also be marked with parades and demonstrations organised by the unions.

Victory in Europe Day

Also called Victoire, this day takes place on May 8th to celebrate the end of the Second World War and French freedom. The French may attend church on this day and they will also remember those who died in the war.

Other Public Holidays

Other public holidays include: religious holidays such as Ascension Day, Whit Monday (both variable) the Assumption of Mary to Heaven (August 15th) and All Saints Day (November 1). The French also mark Armistice Day (on November 11) with a public holiday.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

About Hamiltons

Hamiltons provide weekly removals to France, and we also offer a special service where you set the collection and delivery dates for your move. Our removals to France service is designed to individual needs and our experts are on hand to ensure your move runs smoothly from door to door.

Friday 21 December 2012

Removals to France - Your Guide to French Weddings and Christenings

If you require removals to France, the chances are you will get involved in one of the family celebrations in France, whether it is a wedding, a christening or public holiday. Here is our guide to weddings and christenings in France and what you can expect if you are invited to attend.

Whether you require removals to France for work or family reasons, Hamiltons offer a full range of household and commercial removals to France, as well as packing storage and unpacking.

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

How the French Celebrate Weddings and Christenings

Weddings in France

France is a secular country with many different religions, although the majority of the people in France consider themselves as Roman Catholics. Although there are a number of ways to celebrate weddings in France, here is a guide to a traditional French wedding and what to expect.

If you require removals to France and are invited to a wedding in France, be prepared; there can sometimes be up to six changes of outfits! However (and this depends on the parts of the ceremony you are expected to attend) three changes of outfit will usually be sufficient - one to hand for the civil marriage, another for the church wedding, and an evening outfit for reception.

Pre-Wedding Parties - In France, as it is in many other countries, it is traditional for the bride and groom to have separate parties to celebrate their up and coming nuptials. The hen night is organised by the bride’s witness, and the groom’s witness is responsible for organising the stag party. Just as in the UK these can range from sit down meals to visits to a spa (for the bridal party).

The Civil Marriage - French law dictates that a civil ceremony must be performed before a religious marriage. And in the lead up to this, the wedding banns must be published in the town hall where the civil ceremony takes place. The civil ceremony is led by a marie, adjoint or conseiller municipal and must take place in the town where the bride, or groom-to-be, has lived for at least 40 days before the big day.

The Religious Ceremony -Be prepared as church weddings can be fairly lengthy in France! The couple stands underneath a silk covering and a piece of silk fabric is held over their head as they receive the final blessing by the priest.  Just as in the UK, the couple will be showered with confetti as they leave the church. It is tradition for the bride to always stand on the left of her husband to be at every stage of the wedding. And, as in the UK, it is traditional for the bride to wear white.

The Reception - What to expect at the wedding reception is really down to the bride and groom. The reception can range from a sit down meal at a restaurant, to a buffet with dancing and entertainment until the early hours. What you are most likely to see though is a typical French wedding cake, or croquembouche. This is made up of a pyramid of tiny cream filled pastry puffs and is nothing like the wedding cakes in the UK. Another thing to expect is a traditional French toast by the newly-weds where they drink to each other from a double handed cup.

Christenings

The silk veil that is used at the religious ceremony is often kept by the couple to use for their child’s christening.  A christening, just like in the UK, can be held for more than one child at a time. Afterwards expect food, drink and celebrations and don’t forget to bring along a present for the child!

About Hamiltons

If you require removals to France, Hamiltons has 20 years experience in removals to destinations within the UK, Europe and worldwide. We are a member of the trade association British Association of Removers (BAR) so you know that you can rely on us for your removals to France.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Removals to France: Art Museums in France

If you require removals to France and love visiting art museums to view famous works of art, then you are moving to the right place. France is renowned for its contribution to the arts and there are a number of French artists whose work is recognised world-wide. Among them, French impressionists such as Monet and Renoir and Post-Impressionists including Cézanne, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso, although there are also many other well-known names.

Removals to France from the UK, or from and to any other destination, are made easy with high class removals experts Hamiltons Removals. They have gained a reputation for customer service and provide high quality removals to the UK, Europe and to other destinations worldwide. Removals to France are designed around your requirements and we provide a full range of services including short and long term storage, packing, unpacking and even cleaning of the property you have vacated.

Meanwhile, if your require removals to France and enjoy looking at beautiful works of art, France has many wonderful art museums and galleries to visit. Here is a sneak peak at some of the best ones, although you will soon find, once you are settled, that there are many more to discover.

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

Our Guide to Some of the Best Art Museums in France


France is a haven for art lovers as it has many incredible art galleries, including the most famous of all: The Louvre in Paris. Our pick of the best art museums is by no means a comprehensive guide, as there are many fantastic places to view art including some of the smaller galleries and museums that display works by local artists. Here are some of the main ones.

The Louvre, Paris - If you are an art lover and require removals to France, you are likely to visit The Louvre in Paris at some point, if you haven’t already been. It opened as a museum in the late 18th century and is now the most visited art museum in the world, attracting nine million people a year. This landmark museum is based right in the centre of Paris and has various departments including: Egyptian antiquities, Decorative Art, Sculpture, Paintings, Prints and Drawings and Islamic Art.

Among the many masterpieces you can see is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo and the original Greek statue the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Pompidou Centre, Paris
- This modern building is the eighth most visited art museum in the world and attracts more than three and a half million visitors a year.

The building was designed following an architectural design competition. Originally, all the functional elements of the building were colour coded, such as electrical wires encased in yellow and green pipes for plumbing.

Inside, The Pompidou Centre is home to 50,000 works of art which includes cubist works, pop art and contemporary art. Even the area around the museum is a joy to visit as it attracts many street artists and entertainers, including musicians and mime artists.

As well as the Pompidou Centre in Paris, there is also another Pompidou Centre, in Metz, which opened in 2010 and houses a collection of contemporary art.

Musée D’Orsay , Paris
- This fantastic art museum is the tenth most visited art museum in the world. The former railway station enjoys a superb location on the banks of the River Seine and houses a variety of collections from neoclassical artists to the impressionists and expressionists.

The Musée D’Orsay opened as a museum at the end of 1986 and displays works by a range of world famous names including, Degas, Manet, Monet, Delacroix, Toulouse-Lautrec and Van Gogh.

Musée Picasso, Antibes - This art museum has a stunning location in the Château Grimaldi, with views overlooking the Mediterranean. It houses a variety of works by Picasso and also has a sculpture garden.

Musée Matisse, Nice
- If you intend to settle in Nice, one of the must see art museums here is the Musée Matisse, which houses a collection of works by the artist from the early years right through to his last works. The collection is in an 18th century villa and mainly consists of donated work - many donated from the artist himself.

Musée Beaux arts, Strasbourg - Based over two floors in the Palais Rohan, the museum houses a collection of paintings by old masters. Although there are nearly 900 exhibits, just over a quarter of these are on display at any one time.

Musée Toulouse-Lautrec, Albi - The museum in La Palais de la Berbie includes more than 40 works from Toulouse-Lautrec’s early years and his last works. Leave aside at least 60-90 minutes to visit the museum and, to find out more, you can also tour the museum with the aid of an audio guide.

Musée Beaux Arts, Bordeaux - This is one of the biggest art galleries outside of Paris and has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings for public viewing. Among the collections are works by Van Dyke, Delacroix, Renoir, Matisse, Titian and Rubens.

Impressionist museum, Giverny - This museum focuses on many different forms of impressionism, especially painting. It is surrounded by attractive gardens that are free to visit. 

About Hamiltons


Hamiltons provide professional household and commercial removals to France, other parts of Europe, worldwide removals and removals within the UK.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Monday 17 December 2012

Removals to France: Living and Working in Rouen

If you require removals to France, you can rely on Hamiltons for the safe and prompt arrival of your possessions at their new destination. Hamiltons have 20 years’ experience in the removals industry and are committed to customer service and high standards of excellence. We provide business and household removals to France from and to all the major cities, towns as well as rural locations and are BAR registered for complete peace of mind. 

Each year many British people up sticks and move to France for a number of reasons - to enjoy a better lifestyle, warmer weather and improved work-life balance. And its close proximity to the UK means it is easy to return for work reasons or to visit relatives. Our team is experienced in removals to France and have moved many families, individuals and businesses here over the years, as well as to many other destinations worldwide.

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

If you are moving to Rouen in France, here is our brief guide to the city and what to expect when you move here.

Removals to France: About Rouen

Rouen is home to more than half a million people in the metropolitan area and is the historic capital of Normandy. In Medieval times it was thought to have been one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.

Around 1.5 million tourists flock to Rouen each year as along with its many historical monuments and museums, it is was also the final destination of Joan of Arc who was burned at the stake in Place du Vieux Marche. Church Saint Joan Arc is a very modern church which marks the spot where she died and its design has been likened to a pyre where she met her death in 1431.

The city of Rouen is divided in two by the River Seine and the old part - the main tourist destination - is on the right bank. It is a beautiful city with around 2,000 half timber framed houses; an eighth of these are listed as historical monuments.

Out and about in Rouen you will find many beautiful sites including the Gros Horloge, a 16th century astronomical clock with 14th century mechanisms. The clock is a famous landmark of the city and is lit up at night. If you climb the steps of the tower to the top you can enjoy spectacular views over the city. Other great places to visit are the amazing Cathedral Notre Dame, which was painted several times by Claude Monet, and the Palais de Justice which was the high court of Normandy. This is a striking gothic building, parts of which date from the 15th century.

If you enjoy shopping, there is a Saturday and Sunday market at Place Saint Marc where you can buy fresh food and local produce, as well as antiques. Other places to shop include the Rue Gros Horloge, one of the first pedestrianised streets in the country, where you can browse in a number of shops and department stores.

What is it Like to Live and Work in Rouen?

Rouen has a busy port and is a thriving centre of commerce. The city has the third largest river port after Paris and Strasbourg and handles mainly building materials and agricultural products as well as coal.

The service industry and economic trade plays a vital role in the economy and together accounts for nearly three quarters of the city’s GNP. Pharmaceuticals, natural gas, machinery, cars and electrical equipment are among the goods made and processed in Rouen and multi-nationals Shell, Esso and Renault all have a production base here. The city attracts much foreign investment and plays host to a number of trade fairs including the annual Rouen International Expo.

In addition to its commerce, Rouen is also a very cultural city with a museum of fine arts. It also attracts many world famous singers to the Theatre des Arts, which is home to opera company Opera Rouen Haute Normandie.

Rouen has attracted many artists, such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro, and the city was also the birth place of writer Gustave Flaubert, who wrote Madame Bovary, and playwright Pierre Corneille.

If you are looking forward to sampling some classic French cuisine, you won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of restaurants in the city. Specialities include Duck a la Rouennaise, also known as Canard au Sang, and the duckling is served rare. Other specialities include apples and chocolates.

Public Transport in Rouen

The city centre is compact so it is easy to get out and about by foot. If you want to get some exercise, there is also an official bicycle hire system, so you can hire a bike from one bike station, and drop it off at another. If you are not feeling quite so energetic, other modes of transport are the bus and the tram.

For travel further afield, Rouen is has mainline trains to Le Havre and Paris and you can also travel to local destinations in Normandy. The TGV operates daily connecting Rouen with Lyon and Marseilles.

Rouen also has its own airport for domestic flights and international destinations within Europe.  And if you are visiting the UK, you can drive to the Channel Tunnel in just two and a half hours. 

To find out more about our domestic and commercial removals to France, contact us using the link below.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Friday 14 December 2012

Removals to France - Ten things France is Most Famous For

If you require removals to France you are probably beginning to think about your new life in France, enjoying its renowned food and wine, visiting the many art galleries and monuments, and taking in the stunning scenery.

Whatever your reasons for moving abroad, Hamiltons offer a full range of professional  removal services, including full or part load transportation via road lorry for European house moves and  container shipping, groupage and air freight for international moves. In addition, we provide a range of other services to help your move to run smoothly including long or short term storage, packing, insurance and even cleaning of the property that you have vacated.

Whatever your requirements for removals to France, Hamiltons offer high quality removals to assist you at every stage.

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

Moving to France? Here is our at-a-glance guide to ten things that we this country is famous for!

1. Wines - Which country dominates a list of 50 of the world’s most expensive wines? France of course. Ask anyone what France is most famous for and fine wines will most likely be top of the list (or at least close to it). There are vineyards all over the country so wherever you settle, you will find plenty of places to go wine tasting. Among the best known French wine regions are Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Loire Valley.

2. Cheeses - Did you know that just as there are professional wine tasters, there are also professional cheese tasters? And just like wines, every region has its own speciality cheeses. From soft cheeses such as Brie, to goat’s cheeses, blue cheeses and cheeses made from cow’s milk, there are well over 350 cheeses in France. You will have plenty of chance to sample the local produce and buy fresh local cheeses from the market.

3. Delicacies - France has made a name for itself for its fine food and pricy delicacies. Some 45 per cent of black truffles are produced in France and just a few shavings of this delicacy - nicknamed black diamonds - come with a hefty price tag.  Other French delicacies which are more affordable include foie gras, escargots, moules marinere, crepes, not forgetting frog’s legs. Each region has its own specialities and as there are many wonderful restaurants, you have plenty of chance to try out some of the local delicacies. 

4. Monuments - The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of France. In fact, if you haven’t already been there, no trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the tower at first hand. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the World’s Fair which took place in the same year and has become the most recognised monument in the world. It is also the world’s most visited structure.

5. Art and Art Museums - Paris is considered by many to be the art capital of the world and artists past and present have come here to seek inspiration. The impressionist movement originated from Paris in the 19th century and this helped change the way art was viewed, inspiring generations of artists. If you are moving to France to settle here, some of the finest art galleries are based in the capital and these are well worth a visit. They include the Musee D’Orsay, the Pompidou Centre and of course the Louvre, which is one of the biggest art museums in the world and home to probably the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa.

6. Perfume and Skincare Products - France is well known for its perfume and skincare products. Many big name brands such as PRECISION (House of Chanel’s Skincare line), Clarins, and L’Oreal - the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company - are based here. In fact one of L’Oreal’s main shareholders, Liliane Bettencourt, is one of the richest women in the world.

7. Fashion - Paris is a centre of fashion and many well known designer brands originated from France including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent.  The capital was established as a centre of fashion from the time of Louis XIV until the 1960’s and 70’s. Now, Paris is one of the big four that lead the way in global fashion, together with Milan, London and New York City.

8. Literature - France has produced many big names in literature including Alexandre Dumas who is one of the most widely read French authors worldwide. Among his most famous books are The Three Musketeers and the Count of Monte Cristo. Another world renowned French author is Victor Hugo, who penned The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables.

9. Cars - Peugeot, Citroen and Renault are all French car makers. Citroen was founded almost a century ago (in 1919) and was the first company in Europe to make mass produced cars. The Peugeot family came from Sochaux where there is now a large manufacturing plant and museum. Renault was established in 1899 and has a major market in Europe. It is also known for its successes in rallying and Formula 1 racing.

10. Tour de France - A list of things France is best known for would not be complete without a mention of the Tour de France. The race was founded in 1903 and draws competitors from all over the world. The 2012 race made history as it was won for the first time ever by a British cyclist, Bradley Wiggins.

About Hamiltons

Hamiltons provide competitively priced high quality household and commercial removals to France.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Removals to France: Sport in France

If you are in need of removals to France to settle in the country, it is easy to see why this nation is so appealing. France attracts nearly 82 million tourists a year for a variety of reasons, not least because of its art and culture, as well as a wide range of sporting activities which are enjoyed by tourists and French nationals alike.

Hamiltons are specialists in removals to France and we have compiled a brief guide to some of the country’s most popular sporting activities. Hamiltons offer high quality domestic and commercial removals to France and are proud to be members of the British Association of Removers (BAR).

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Removals to France: Ten of the Most Popular Sports

If you are considering removals to France and want to know more about sport in the country, here is our pick of some of the best sporting activities this great nation has to offer.

Skiing and Snowboarding - If you enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, France has it all. The most popular place for skiing in the country is the world famous ski resort, Chamonix in the Rhone-Alpes region. It is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and in the summer it becomes a haven for mountain biking, mountaineering, hiking and trekking.

Petanque - This is a type of boules where the players throw three metal balls as close as they can towards a jack. The game can be played on grass, soil, sand and gravel and is so popular, there are around 17 million enthusiasts in France. The flat areas designated to play petanque are called terrains and these can be found all over the country.

Cycling - Think of cycling in France and one of the first things that springs to mind is the Tour de France.  France has a worldwide reputation for the sport and although you may not want to compete at international level, there are plenty of places to go for a leisurely cycle, including one of the many cycle friendly town and city routes. Alternatively, head out to the countryside and take one of the picturesque country or woodland trails or journey by the scenic riverside. If you want to cycle further afield, you can take your two wheelers free of charge on many of the country’s trains. 

Sailing and Windsurfing - You will find several coastal areas suitable for either sailing or windsurfing in France. There are many marinas dotted around the French coast where you can charter a yacht, or join one of the sailing courses. If you want to take up windsurfing, why not head to the south France, which has some of the best windsurfing conditions?

Football - Football is certainly the most popular sport in France and if you are a lover of the beautiful game, you will no doubt want to support your local football team, or perhaps play for a local team. The most successful football team in the First Division in France is Olympic Lyonnais, which achieved an incredible nine titles in the ten years from 1991-2011.

Golf - Golf is a popular sport in France and there are plenty of outstanding clubs to tee off in all over the country. In fact there are more than 550 golf courses in France and among the most beautiful are Chantilly, which has a stunning forest setting in the Ille-de-France. Champ de Bataille can be found between Evreux and Rouen in Normandy and surrounds a picturesque castle. Another great course is Pont Royal which is close to Aix-en-Provence and has views over mountains and streams.

Tennis - This is a very popular sport in the country and there are more than a million registered members. You can either have a game at your local sports or leisure centre or become a member of a private tennis club. If you are moving to France for an improved life style, it may be that you are lucky enough to have your own private tennis court in the grounds of your new home.

Horseback Riding - If you love seeing the countryside on horseback, there are plenty of riding schools dotted all over the country. Just drop into your local tourist information centre or browse the internet to find out where your nearest riding school is. 

Hiking - France is such a beautiful country that it is likely that you will want to explore some of the most scenic areas on foot. From the challenging trails in the Alps, to more leisurely walks in the open countryside, you can find many popular hiking trails in France suitable for different levels of ability.

Swimming - You will find lots of opportunities for swimming in France including visiting your local sport and leisure centre, swimming in the lakes, sea or rivers, or taking a trip out to your nearest water park. If you are moving here and require removals to France, it may be that you are lucky enough to have your own swimming pool!

About Hamiltons

We have 20 years’ experience in international removals and can provide removals to France to or from the UK or from most other European or global destinations.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Monday 10 December 2012

Removals to France: Top Tourist Attractions in France

France is the most visited country in the world, so if you require removals to France, you will never be short of things to do once you have settled here. From art galleries to museums, theme parks, ancient buildings and interesting natural phenomenons, the country has it all. Here we shall look at some of the best tourist attractions and how you can benefit from Hamiltons for removals to France.

Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience in domestic and European removals including removals to France. We carry out top quality removals for households and corporate clients and are committed to high standards of customer service. Our removals to France service includes weekly collection and delivery dates, although we also offer a special service so you can set the dates of your removal.

We tailor our removals to France services to suit your individual requirements. Hamiltons are also proud to be registered with the British Association of Removers (BAR) which means that we comply with their strict standards for removals to France and other international destinations.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Here is Hamilton’s pick of just a few of the best tourist attractions in France.

Art Museums

Any reference to France’s best tourist attractions would not be complete without mentioning the Louvre in Paris. This is one of the most visited art museums in the world, attracting an incredible 9 million visitors a year. It houses many famous works of art including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, which was in fact stolen from the Louvre in 1911, before it was eventually returned to the gallery.

Another major tourist draw in Paris is the Pompidou Centre, a modern art museum which attracts three and a half million visitors a year and is the eighth most visited art museum in the world. The area in front of the contemporary art museum attracts a range of street performers including jugglers, mime acts, skateboarders, as well as sketchers and caricature artists.

If you would like to see paintings by the impressionists at first hand, Musée D’Orsay, also in Paris, is the place to head. It is the tenth most visited art museum in France and in addition to impressionist paintings it also includes a whole spectrum of works encompassing neoclassicism, romanticism, and expressionism. Here you can view masterpieces by Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Monet and Van Gogh, as well as works by many other world famous names.

Buildings

As the symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower is a must see and is in fact the most visited paid monument in the world, attracting just over 7 million visitors a year. It was built in 1889 as the entrance arch to the then World Fair, and was only intended as a temporary structure. Now it is one of the most recognised towers in the world.

Also in Paris, the opulent Palais of Versailles and is well worth seeing and is one of the most visited attractions in France. Versailles is one of the world’s largest palaces and has been on the world heritage list for three decades. After visiting the magnificent palace, you have the chance to take a stroll in the beautiful grounds.

Away from Paris, in the Loire Valley, is the stunning Chateau de Chambord which was built in the early 16th century as a hunting lodge for Francois I. The castle plays host to around three quarters of million visitors a year and was the inspiration for the beast’s castle in the film animation Beauty and the Beast, 1991.

Natural Features


The highest sand dune in Europe is the Dune of Pyla in Arcachon Bay, Aquitane, south west France (60 km from Bordeaux). This incredible sand dune stands 108m above sea level and is 2.7km long.

Another spectacular site is the Gorge du Verdon which is the known as one of the most picturesque river canyon in Europe and you can find it in the Provence Verte region. You can take part in a host of activities here including horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, sailing and water skiing.

The island of Mont Saint Michel in Normandy attracts over three million visitors a year and is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is dominated an impressive Benedictine Abbey which is lit up at night. The island was used as a prison during the French revolution.

Theme Parks


Disneyland is located just 20 miles from the centre of Paris and is the most visited theme park in Europe. The 19 km sq site attracts around 15 million visitors a year to the Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney Studios Park.

Parc Asterix is a theme park based on the stories of the cartoon character Asterix and can be found just over 20 miles from Paris. It counts roller coasters, bob sleighs and log fumes among its many rides.

Another great attraction is FutureScope, a multi-media theme park with outstanding 3D and 4D effects.  FutureScope can be found 10 km from Poitiers and attracts around 2 million visitors a year.

About Hamiltons

Hamiltons offers removals to France tailored suit your requirements. We provide unpacking, packing, storage as well as removals of vehicles and other specialist items including antiques, artwork and musical instruments.
Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service

Saturday 8 December 2012

Removals to France: Living and Working in Rennes

Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience in the removals industry and is dedicated to providing high standards of customer service for removals to France. We provide domestic and commercial removals to France including to all the major towns and cities as well as many rural, off the beaten track settings.

France is one of the most popular European destinations to move to from the UK and Hamiltons has moved many expats here over the years. We provide removals to France from the UK, from France to the UK, and most other global destinations.

Whether you require business or household removals, we will tailor our services to suit your requirements. You can rest assured that our team will offer you the best possible service for removals to France as we adhere to the strict standards set by the British Association of Removers (BAR).

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Removals to France: About Rennes

Half a million people live in the Metropolitan area of Rennes, which is seen as the the capital of the Bretagne region.  It is also known as a gastronomic region in France, praised for the quality of its food and the creativity of its chefs.

It is a vibrant student city in the east of Brittany, based where the rivers Ille and Vilaine meet. Among its inhabitants are 60,000 students from the city’s two universities and as a result Rennes has a lively night life. Rue Saint Michele, for instance, has bars on both sides and has been dubbed by the locals as ‘the street of thirst.’

Out and about in the city you will find many beautiful buildings including fascinating examples of traditional timber framed houses which can be found off the city centre in streets such as Saint-Georges, Rue de Saint-Malo and Saint Sauveur. The Parliament of Brittany which can be found in the Place du Parlement is a landmark 17th century building in Rennes and tours of the building are available.

Rennes has a number of attractions including Les Champs Libres. Here you will find the Brittany Museum where you can discover more about the history of Rennes.  Other attractions include the Fine Art Museum and also Thabor Park which is a tranquil botanical garden with hundreds of species of roses, as well as many tropical and rare plants.

If you enjoy shopping there is a Saturday morning market in the Place des Lices. Les Galleries La Fayette at the Quay is also worthwhile heading to, or visit Rue d’Orleans and Rue le Bastard to check out the city centre stores.

What is it Like to Live and Work in Rennes?


The city’s biggest employer is Peugeot Citroen at Rennes La Janais, which has been operating in Rennes for more than 50 years. Other big employers include France Telecom and Technicolor, which both employ more than 1000 people.  Rennes also has the highest number of Information Communication Technology (ICT firms) in France outside Paris.

Rennes is a centre for art and culture and there are a large number of festivals in the city including Les Tombees de la Nuit which takes place the first week of July and includes art and street performances.

Other festivals include the cinematic festival, Travelling, held the end of January and beginning of February. Rennes also plays host to several music festivals including Rock & Solex in May which is the city’s oldest student festival.

If you are heading for a meal out there are many interesting specialities in the region including Galettes Saucisses (which is a sausage wrapped in a pancake) and for the sweet toothed: Galettes et Palets Bretons, which are small, circular biscuits. Also try Kouing Amann, a butter sugar cake.

Public Transport in Rennes

Rennes has good road, rail and air transport links and offers an excellent public transport system called ‘Star’. The city has dozens of different bus routes and there are 15 underground metro stations.

For travel further afield you can get to Paris via train (TTGV) in just over two hours. Rennes also has its own airport, which connects to the UK and Ireland, so it is easy to make a trip to see friends and relatives.

About Hamiltons

Hamiltons has an excellent reputation for removals and offers weekly domestic and commercial services for removals to France.  We can help with packing, unpacking and even offer cleaning services so you can leave your former home in tip top condition.

Contact us to find out about our removals to France services including our special service, which allows you to set your collection and delivery dates.

Removals to France - click here for full information or click here for a free European removals quote.

Thursday 6 December 2012

Removals to France - A Stunning Country with Diverse Landscape

France is a beautiful, picturesque country, with a diverse landscape and if you require removals to France, Hamiltons are experienced in providing high quality removals to all regions.

The scenery in France is so varied that each region can easily feel like a different country. From miles of lush green countryside to unspoilt forests, tranquil rivers, dramatic mountains and stunning coastland, it is easy to see why more people in Britain are choosing removals to France to settle here permanently.

While some people require removals to France as part of a job move, or choose to retire here, others are seeking to start a new life in the country with their French partner, or to relocate their whole family and start a new business here. 

Whatever your reasons for moving, Hamiltons are experienced in providing removals to France and we tailor our services to suit your requirements. Here we shall look at the attractions of moving to France and the beauty of the countryside, one of the many reasons why France is so popular.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Removals to France: The Alps


The dramatic landscape of the snow capped Alps is appealing to many people choosing to settle in France.

It may be that you are moving here to work in the tourist industry, such as popular resorts such as Chamonix, or have a job that involves freelance work (on the web for instance) and want to settle here to enjoy a slower pace of life.

The Alps is a popular place to move to for those who enjoy winter sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter, or hiking and mountaineering in the summer. The French Alps lie in the Rhone-Alpes and the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azure regions and the main city is Grenoble which has a population of 660,000 in the metropolitan area. Although the winters in the Alps are cold, the summers can be quite pleasant.

Removals to France: Vineyards


France is famous for its wines and produces between 7-8 billion bottles of wine a year, so there is plenty of opportunity to try out the local wines once you have moved here. There are several wine producing regions in France, including the world famous Bordeaux which is known for the quality of its wines and Burgundy, which produces two types of grapes: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

France has about 27,000 wineries and for some expats the idea of owning or running their own vineyard is a dream come true. But while owning a pretty vineyard may sound idyllic, it also involves a great deal of commitment.

If you don’t fancy the hard graft, however, another way of getting involved in the wine industry is to buy part of a French vineyard, such as a few rows of vines. This means all the work is carried out on your behalf and you receive bottles of wine in return.

Removals to France: Countryside

Many people who require removals to France do so because they want to escape the madding crowd and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the countryside. France is known for its stunning landscape and there are many picturesque areas in which to settle to escape the hustle and bustle of the town or city.

Some British people choose to move to the French countryside with plans to renovate an old farmhouse and provide holiday rentals, while others dream of a chateau to do up and live in so they can enjoy a better quality of life.

If you are looking to move to the country, France’s greenest region is Franche-Comte, situated in eastern France bordering Switzerland. It is known for its rolling countryside, mountains and forests. The region is also famous for its cheeses and produces 40 million tonnes of cheese a year.

Removals to France: The Coast

The south of France is a popular with expats and tourists alike. Offering 300 days of sunshine a year, it is easy to see why people are drawn to this area of France.  If you are moving to the south of France, however, be warned, the Cote d’Azure is one of the most expensive places to live outside Paris!

Another popular coastal area for British people to settle in is Poitou Charentes, in the south west of France. It has a wonderful coastline and one of the most pleasant climates in France. It is also possible to pick up a property to renovate here for as little as EUR 70,000.

Other well liked coastal regions include Brittany, situated on the west coast of France, bordered by the English Channel. Normandy is another attractive coastal region benefitting from its close proximity to the UK. It is also a cheaper area to move to compared to many other parts of France.

Removals to France: Riverside


France has some beautiful riverside areas such as the Lot Valley in the country’s south west. This is situated south of the Dordogne near the rivers Dordogne, Lot, Garonne and Tarn and is delightfully scenic.

The River Lot is the seventh longest river in France and if you are moving here, you will find plenty to do here for the whole family to enjoy. The river offers a wide variety of sporting activities including cycling along the riverside, canoeing, fishing and swimming.

About Hamiltons

Hamiltons has 20 years’ experience of carrying out removals to France and we offer competitively priced removals to most destinations in Europe and worldwide.

Removals to France - click here for full information on our removals to France service or click here for a free European removals quote.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Removals to France - Why France is a Popular Place to Move to

France is the most popular European destination to move to, so if you are considering removals to France, you will be joining the many thousands of expats who have already chosen to settle here.

In 2010, around 18,000 British people chose to settle in France, opting for the better weather, a healthier lifestyle and considering it a great place to raise a family. Hamiltons offer high quality international removals including removals to France and have 20 years experience in the industry.

Hamiltons know that moving abroad can feel like a challenging or difficult time, so our aim is to make sure that the entire process from start to finish for removals to France runs smoothly for you. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered, so you know you are in good hands, as we comply with their strict guidelines to give you the best possible service for removals to France.

If you would like to find out more about removals to France, please feel free to contact our experienced removals team.

Removals to France -  click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

Here we shall look at why France is a popular destination for expats and the benefits the country has to offer.

Ten Reasons Why France is A Popular Destination to Relocate To from the UK

1. Job - The number one reason for moving abroad is as part of a job move. Among some of the jobs people take up in France include building and decorating, teaching, tourism, finance, IT, and running their own business. A recent study by the INSEE, the French statistical office, show that the most popular French department for the British to settle in is Paris and 20,500 UK residents have bought property within or near the city. The second most popular place for British people to live is Dordogne, followed by Alpes-Maritime and Charente.

2. Weather - The weather is a huge draw for British people who want to settle abroad. Southern France, such as Nice on the Côte d’Azur, for example, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, so it is easy to see why British people are so keen to settle here. North and northwest France has a similar climate to Britain with changeable weather. Central and eastern France, such as Paris, enjoys a continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters than in the west of the country.

3. Property - Property wise, you can get more for your money in some parts of the country, although other areas are hugely expensive, such as Paris. Some people also like the idea of buying a château or farm and to do it up, either for their own use or to create a holiday rental business. Some properties for sale also have the added bonus of extras that you wouldn’t necessarily get for the same money back in the UK such as large, secluded gardens or a swimming pool.

4. Lifestyle - While many people move overseas for a job move, others decide to uproot to create a better life for themselves and their family. It may be that you want to start a business in France, such as a bed and breakfast, or run a villa rental, or work in the yachting industry. Some may also want to live on a small farm and enjoy a sustainable life-style, such as keeping your own livestock or growing your own vegetables.

5. Language - A move to France is also attractive because, while you may (or may not) be fluent in the language, many British people who relocate here have at least some knowledge of the language. Even if this is just a basic grasp of French to O’Level or GCSE standard, it all helps towards integration and the basics will also help with your day to day activities such as buying items from shops, asking for directions or reading signs and information.

6. Romance - Another reason why people move overseas is because they have met their partner either in the UK, on holiday, or while working abroad and have chosen to build their future life together in France.  It may be they have chosen to settle in France to be closer to their partner’s family and the UK national is happy to make that compromise, rather than maintain a long-distance relationship.

7. Close to Home - In comparison to other European destinations a move to France is much closer to home. It is not that far to go to pop back home and see friends and family. You can get from Paris to London, for instance, via the Channel Tunnel in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

8. Retirement - Retirees may decide to move to France take up a new life-style in what they feel is a safe and healthier environment with a better climate than the UK. The country also has an excellent healthcare system to benefit from.

9. Scenery - France benefits from varied and breathtaking scenery: from dramatic mountainous regions (such as the Alps in the east) to the glamorous coastal areas such as the Côte d’Azur. You can also find rolling countryside, acres of forests (which cover as much as a quarter of the country) and picturesque rivers such as the Loire, Rhone, Seine, Garonne and Dordogne.

10. Food and Wine - For lovers of fine food and wine, a move to France will put you in heaven! From the wonderful restaurants to food festivals, food markets and wine straight from the local vineyard - there is much to stimulate the senses in France!

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

Saturday 1 December 2012

Removals to France: Living and Working in Nice

Hamiltons is a high quality UK based removals specialist offering removals to France from the UK and most other European and international destinations. We provide removals to all destinations in France including the major towns and cities as well as some of the more off the beaten track locations.

Over the past 20 years, our experienced team of staff have undertaken removals to France for clients for a variety of reasons. Some require removals to France as part of a job relocation, others want to move possessions to a holiday home in France, and several have plans to retire in the country.

Removals to France is a popular choice for relocation from the UK, and we tailor our services to suit your individual or business needs. Whatever your reasons for removals to France, you know that you will get the best possible service as we comply with the strict criteria set by the BAR (British Association of Removers).

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.

Removals to France: About Nice

Offering an incredible 300 days of sunshine a year on average, it is easy to see why people choose to live in Nice.

Along with its wonderful climate, Nice offers a relaxed lifestyle, which attracts many artists and writers. Among the most famous was Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885) who was one of the most well-Known Romantic writers in France.

This vibrant city is the capital of the Côte d’Azur or French Riviera, although it only became part of France in 1860. Before this date, it formed part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It has a lengthy history and ancient findings revealed there was a settlement here as early as 400,000 BC.

Nice is one of the most established resorts on the French Riviera and an attractive city to settle in. It is well known for its famous 4 mile esplanade, Promenade des Anglais, which dates back two centuries. It is a very alluring destination, particularly the area by the Old Port where many awe-inspiring yachts are moored.

If you are considering removals to France to live in Nice, you won’t be disappointed, as there is plenty to do here. Among its attractions are the old town with its winding streets housing many boutiques, souvenir shops and the daily fruit and flower market. The Colline du Château offers spectacular views over the city and there are several art galleries and museums including the Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

What is It Like to Live and Work in Nice?

Nice is a very attractive place to live and work with many expats choosing to retire here, or to work in the tourist or yachting industry. There are also expats based here working in one of the city’s multi-national companies.

The city has several business parks and just outside Nice, northwest of Antibes is Sophia Antipolis, a major science and industrial park.

If you require removals to France to live in Nice, it is a wonderful place to settle, particularly if you love activities and the great outdoors. There is plenty to keep you occupied from beautiful seafront walks to mountain climbing and windsurfing. Monaco is also only a 25 minute drive away and there are some people who live in Nice but commute daily to Monte Carlo to work.

The city is also great for shopping and has several shopping centres and the main shopping street is Avenue Jean Médecin.

Public Transport in Nice

Nice is the most popular tourist destination in France after Paris. Its airport is France’s second busiest passenger airport, attracting 10 million passengers a year, and it offers direct flights to most of the biggest cities in Europe.

There is no underground or metro station in Nice but you can get out and about by bus, or hire bikes - and even rollerblades! For travel further afield, the main railway station is Nice-Ville and from here you can get to Paris in six hours, while a journey to Marseille takes two and a half hours.

Removals to France - click here to find out more about our removals to France service.