GOING TO PARIS? GET ON YOUR BIKE!

On July 15, 2007, the city of Paris introduced a new self-service "bicycle transit system" called Velib'. Parisians and visitors alike are now able to pick up and drop off bicycles throughout the city at 750 locations--offering a total of 10,648 bikes. By the end of the year, there was a Velib' station  at approximately every 900 feet for a total of 1,451 locations and 20,600 bikes.

To access the bikes, riders can select a one-day card for 1 euro, a weekly card for 5 euros or an annual card for 29 euros. After the purchase of an access card, riding for the first half-hour is free and a supplement of 1 euro will be charged for an additional half-hour, 2 euros for another 30-minutes and 4 euros for every addition half-hour after that. Example: a 25 minute trip = 0 euros, a 50 minute trip = 1 euro, a 1 ¼ hour ride = 3 euros.

Each Velib' parking station is equipped with muni-meters to purchase either 1 or 7-day passes and to pay any additional charges once the bike is dropped off. The Velib' meters will also provide information on other station locations.

The city of Paris has over 371 km (230 miles) of cycling lanes.

LES CASTELS -- 2 NEW SITES ADDED

The "Les Castels" chain of campsites has now welcomed two new sites to its group -- these are; Le Caussanel in Aveyron (located between the Gorges du Tarn & Millau) and Les Criques de Porteils in Languedoc-Roussillon (near Argeles-sur-Mer) -- bringing the total number of 4 Star campsites in the chain to 36. They have also re-branded themselves with a new logo & a new motto -- "Four Stars & a Soul".

HEADING FOR THE DORDOGNE THIS YEAR?

If you are planning on visiting the popular Dordogne area this year then why not ask for your FREE "Pass Perigord" -- a booklet full of discounts for various attractions in this beautiful region of France.

This personal booklet will give you discounts up to 50% on 36 tourist sites and activities (castles, museums, gardens, caves...) all around the Dordogne area. The booklet is valid for one year and it will be sent, free of charge, by post. Just ask for it by email at:  sla24individuel@wanadoo.fr
You will be able to use it all year round until the 31st of December 2008.

"CAMPING-CAR WELCOME STOP" SCHEME

The French Camping & Caravanning Club (FFCC) has introduced a "Stop-Accueil" scheme for motorhome owners whereby they can stay at any participating campsites (more than 500 in France) for the following nightly rates:

2 STAR SITE: 8 €

3 STAR SITE: 10€

4 STAR SITE: 13€

+1€ /PERSON SUPPLEMENT

The above rate includes drainage facilities & fresh water refill, arrivals must be after 18.00 pm & departure before 10.00 am the following day - the dates that this offer applies to vary from site to site. Annual membership of the FFCC costs 59.2€ / annum (for a couple or a family with children under 18 years old). Full details of the offer & participating sites can be found on their web-site www.ffcc.fr.