An invitation to “go mad” in France this northern spring/summer demanded further investigation.

The land of c'est la vie and laissez-faire has always appealed to free-wheeling tourism and, once you have mastered the Gallic shrug you get that sense of “belonging” whether you are in the city or reaches of Europe's most beautiful rural idylls. (And despite what diehard Francophobes insist, you are unlikely to be ridiculed for at least trying to speak the language!)

Walking encyclopaedia of all things France and French, Herve Le-Feuvre, set the scene with a suggestion to visit “a disused stone quarry in a forest of northern Burgundy.” Indulge him!

You find yourself on a bustling construction site by a river, surrounded by stone cutters, masons, carpenters, blacksmiths … but wait a mo: That's a donkey, not a truck, carrying a formidable load on its back. And what's that dog doing, running around a building site?

The penny (centime?) drops. This is not your average building site.
These people are building a medieval castle, using the tools and techniques as in the 13th century.

Burgundy-born Michel Guyot is behind this “mad” project which began in 1997 and a decade or so on, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to admire the fortified walls and postern entrances as well as the fixed bridge which will become a drawbridge.

There is also the inevitable (we are in France) cellar, first floor of the lord of the castle apartments and the main room known as the aula.

The castle is Philippe-Auguste style, King of France from 1180 and 1223. A committee of historical and archaeological experts has ensured design and construction methods are authentic.

Guedelon, as the project is known, is a permanently evolving example of medieval history come-alive for 21st century visitors.
Young and old are enthralled as workers use knotted ropes as measuring devices.

The workforce comes from all walks of life, some of them qualified, the majority, learners-as-they-go. In summer there are many seasonal workers and students, in it for the experience of a lifetime.
You can visit today and return years later to check progress.

Burgundy, perhaps better known internationally for its taste experience is easily accessed from Paris by the high-speed TGV train or hire car.

Give their website a visit to help you plan your holiday: www.burgundy-tourism.com  or click here.

Solving the Je nais se quois  

Pampering is the answer

Whether your quest is a dream holiday cruise or a honeymoon, check out Alegria.

Alegria has to be one of the finest, most comfortable hotel/barge vessels cruising the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Canal du Midi in the south of France.

The 30m-long barge has just two luxurious double cabins to accommodate four passengers to be pampered by a French/ English crew of five - including the owner-captain. Features include an upper-deck pool with lounging areas, a spacious lounge-dining room with giant portholes affording views of the canal as you go.

If none of that appeals, there is a home theatre, a library of books and parlour games and, if you must, the internet.

A well-stocked bar is yours to use, free of (additional) charge.

Alegria's generous cabins - one, port, one starboard - have king-size beds, air conditioning and central heating. And each has two entrances - one leads directly to the bow and the other to the lounge.

Both have en suite facilities, luxury amenities like heated towel rails, bathrobes and hair driers, a fully-stocked mini-fridge, tea and coffee.
Your biggest decision will be whether to opt for the six-night (Saturday-Friday) cruise of the shorter, discovery program of three nights/four days.

The rates (check the website below) are all-inclusive of transfers, accommodation, all meals (some in restaurants), all beverages and guided shore excursions.

The cruises normally run between Béziers (Port of Poilhes) and Carcassonne (Port of Trèbes), or reverse - that's about 70 kilometres or about four hours cruising each day.

The excursions include the famous City of Carcassonne, Narbonne, Minerve and wine estates.

Visit www.hotelbargealegria.com or, if you prefer, email Olivier Baudry on info@hotelbargealegria.com 

Nothing déjà vu abut this Reunion  

Another French connection

Come on, then  - hands up all those who have been to Reunion? (Better still, without wiki-ing, hands up who knows where Reunion is- and we don't mean the old school get-together).

A 1: Not many
A 2: It's the only European “region” in the southern hemisphere and is about 6000 km from Sydney, pretty much a mountain poking out of the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Getting there is by non-stop Air Austral service (an operator with about 35 years’ service down this way).

It is, the French will tell you, an island of France.

Reunion is safe and modern, uses the Euro, has a wide range of quality accommodation, a leisure park within a national park, a marine reserve and diverse landscape.

Reunion's 2500 sq kms appeals equally to those with a love of nature and those looking for an escape to “different” holiday surroundings.
A must for any visitor is the fly-over, the cirques, ramparts, waterfalls and a Hawaii-style volcano which delights visitors with occasional eruptions.

A potential UNESCO world heritage site, Reunion has 1000 km of marked trails through magnificent landscapes which enthral walkers, especially on the edge of ramparts 1000 metres high.
Importantly, you do not require super-human stamina to take it all in; Sunday strollers and athletes can take it all in their varying strides. Peace of mind is part of the scene.

Dive with an array of fish in the marine reserve; surf on the west coast; chase marlin in a big game fish safari. You can head for the roof of Reunion on horseback, by mountain bike and four-wheel drives.

The fly-over is by paraglider, micro-light or helicopter and there is golf on-tap in the shade of the forest.

Reunion's mixed-origin population is an attraction in its own right.
It comprises Creole, African, Malagasy, Indian, Chinese and European elements, all living in a mutually respectful harmony.
Smiling comes naturally here.

Reunion's rich menus are another offshoot. You must try the traditional Creole cari (curry) made with meat or fish, tomatoes, onions, turmeric, ginger and other spices. End the repast with sensational vanilla coffee.

It's a good idea, too, before you dine, to visit the markets to experience the colours and scents: a real festival of colours and scents!

A good place to start is com.au@franceguide.com