NEW "LOIRE A VELO" ROUTE

A new loop has just been added to the 'Loire à Vélo' cycling route, which runs the length of the Loire River from Amboise to Candes-Saint-Martin, near Chinon, and on to the Atlantic coast. The recently-inaugurated 100-km 'L'Indre à Vélo' circuit will take you along level well-marked paths through the meandering and verdant valley of the Indre, all the way from the gracious Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau right into the royal city of Loches. You can also hook up to any one of the other famous biking 'loops' that have been developed in the area. For example, you can branch out from Loches and cycle over to visit the magnificent Château de Chenonceau.

NEW AIRE IN DORDOGNE

The village of Montpon Ménestérol in the Dordogne has recently constructed a new aire that is due to open on 10^th July. The new aire is located to the north of the village, next to the cemetery -- no details of facilities or rates are available yet. The village is already served by a private aire.

SEAFRANCE AXES 725 JOBS

SeaFrance who operate ferry services between Dover & Calais is to cut 725 jobs in order to reduce its continuing losses. The plan has been put to unions & if accepted it will reduce its workforce to 850 employees. The company which has been in financial difficulties since early this year hopes that by cutting the wage bill it will stabilize its financial position.

VELOS IN LYON

The city of Lyon has recently introduced a new bicycle hire scheme that combines electric bikes with iphone tourism guides. The bikes are supplied with special iphones & holders that provide detailed tourist info about Lyon as well as pictures & videos. The iphones have various tours around the city programmed into them with detailed info on points of interest along the way. Details from the Office de Tourisme.

FRENCH ROADS IN JULY

Bison-Fute, the French road traffic information service has warned of possible traffic problems throughout July as the French holidays start. All the Fridays & Saturdays in July have been given Red warnings -- the second busiest forecast possible, whilst Saturdays 10^th & 31^st July have been increased to Black warnings on roads throughout France. Worst affected areas will be around Paris & on the autoroutes in the Rhone valley.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

Bar-le-Duc in Meuse is holding a Renaissance Festival from 1^st to 4^th July. The town has been transformed into a gigantic stage to welcome actors from all over Europe who will be presenting shows, concerts & street theatre. There is also a Renaissance market, games & displays all in the heart of the towns medieval quarter.

AUTO FESTIVAL

Mulhouse in Haut-Rhin is hosting a classic car display from 1^st to 4^th July with up to 1,000 vehicles from France & other European countries. The weekend includes a grand parade, exhibition, shows & music.

CHATEAUDUN FETE

Chateaudun in Eure-et-Loir is holding a Medieval Fete from 2nd to 4^th July in the historic quarter of the town with numerous displays, costume parades, medieval market & jousting displays.

NEW RADARS BEING INTRODUCED

In the past, the French have always clearly marked the location of speed traps with signs positioned within 400m of the radar. The government has now however decided to introduce 800 new "average speed" radars before the end of 2012. These radars will track the average speed of a vehicle over a section of highway & the signs will now announce to motorists that they are entering a 2km long section of road where there are from one to several cameras installed.

64^TH AVIGNON FESTIVAL

From 7^th to 27^th July the 64^th Avignon Festival is being staged with over 40 theatrical productions being put on in various locations throughout the city -- from small chapels to the Popes Palace.

TOUR DE FRANCE

This years Tour de France commences on 3^rd July in Rotterdam & runs until Sunday 25^th July, covering a total distance of 3,642 kilometres in 20 stages with only 2 rest days.