Travelers stories

Visiting castles in France can be exciting - with all the stories of ferocious battles and knights in shining armor. Some of the castles are even known to have a resident ghost.France has thousands of castles (around 1,000 in the southwest alone). A few of them have been used as stage sets for movies, such as Jeanne d Arc and Chocolat.

The castles in the Loire Valley are world-famous and a real tourist magnet; the Chateau de Chenonceau looks like it came straight out of a fairytale book, with its serene location on the river Cher.

So why are there so many castles in France? Castles served primarily as the residence of a nobleman who defended certain territories. They were places especially designed to protect the nobleman and citizens from any invading army, which is the reason why castles have drawbridges and battlements. Each castle was a fortress where the nobleman could control the surrounding territory.

One of the most spectacular castles in France would probably be the Chateau de Versailles. This castle was once just a village 10 miles from Paris, but today it is a suburb of the capital city. It has always been the center of power for the absolute monarchies. Noblemen from all the surrounding territories were required by Louis XIV to spend some of their time every year at Versailles, so that he could prevent regional power from developing.

Other french castles are perched defiantly on clifftops, dominating the countryside for miles around, such as Castlenaud and Beynac in the Dordogne region. East of Beynac is the french Chateau de Montfort. This castle has seen many wars throughout the past, burned down and rebuilt many times.

Gordes, in Provence, is also a highlight and popular tourist destination. The village homes are made of stone, in colours of honey and terracotta, with its medieval castle perched at the top. The relaxed and laid back atmosphere which prevails around the village, makes it easy to forget that Gordes has had a tumultuous history, having been besieged during the Wars of Religion.

Famous french castles are not the only things you’ll see. There are many villages that were built on hillsides, as fortresses during a battle, and have remained today. All of them with amazingly gorgeous surroundings - a standout being the Lot Valley, which covers 4 districts: Midi-Pyrenees, Acquitaine, Languedoc-Roussillon, and Auvergne.

Najac, for example, is a village that was built on a ridge - one reason for this was that it was much harder to fight when a soldier had to run uphill, and it was easier for the defending people to fight looking down on the enemy. The village still has the fortress and medieval style homes.

Penne is a beautiful picturesque village that is a must-see, built on the side of a lush green hill. The battlements are located at the top, with the beautiful medieval houses tumbling down below the battlements; the 12th century church makes you feel like you are stepping into the past.

This article was  written by Sarah Role

About the Author

Sarah Roles loves travelling and writing about France. She has published a website, www.france-travel-secrets.com which provides planning resources and travel tips for holiday makers.

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Aberdeen, situated on the coast of the north east of Scotland is a great holiday base. Not only does the city itself offer a multitude of visitor attractions, but it also has hundreds of great places within 1-2 hours drive nearby, including castles, mountains, near deserted beautiful beaches, picturesque wee villages and much more.

I feel Aberdeen even though in my opinion it is a fantastic holiday destination, many visitors who come to Scotland often overlook it. This is probably down to the Scottish tourist board and the Scottish Governments Edinburgh and Glasgow bias!  Also the local councils inadequate promotion of the city, and the many virtues that the city  offers  for tourists.

For those of you that have never been, or for that matter haven’t even heard of this great city, jump on a plane, train or car and make your way to Aberdeen, you wont be disappointed, it will make a great holiday base.

Things to do in Aberdeen:

Marishal College and Museum, is the Second largest  granite building in the world, it is a very impressive building and  a great free museum. Which features a collection of high quality material, most notably Egyptian and Classical antiquities, non-Western ethnography, Scottish prehistory and numismatics, which rank alongside the largest in Scotland.

The Gordon Highlanders Museum, this is a vibrant military museum located in the heart of Aberdeen and is home to the regimental treasures of the world-famous Gordon Highlanders.

Maritime Museum, Visitors can discover what it is like to live and work on a massive oil platform in the middle of the North Sea. Using models, real equipment and computer displays, the exhibitions bring the North Sea experience to life. The museum has sleek models of fast clipper ships, fishing displays and outstanding views of the harbour, another great free attraction.

Provost Skene’s House, This elegant 16th century town house now contains an attractive series of period room settings, recalling the graceful furnishings of earlier times.

Aberdeen Art Gallery, Housed in a Neo-Classical building, purpose built in 1884, Aberdeen’s splendid Art Gallery houses an important fine art collection with particularly good examples of 19th, 20th and 21st century works. The Gallery has a wide range of exhibitions with an emphasis on contemporary work and an impressive permanent collection featuring such names as Damian Hirst, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Francis Bacon, Monet and Renoir.

Torry Battery, Torry Point Battery has commanded the entrance to Aberdeen harbour since 1860. The Battery has had a long and varied history: by turns, it has been a coastal defence battery, emergency housing and a sanctuary for migratory birds. Today it is one of the best-loved historical monuments in Aberdeen. Free entry.

Duthie Park, the park has many artefacts including a bandstand, fountains, ponds, and statues. Within the park is the Winter Gardens, which were rebuilt in 1970. These house many exotic plants including the largest collection of cacti in Britain. This is a park for all the family, with activities from boating in the ponds to cricket on the lawns.

Old Aberdeen, a huge array of places to visit in this part of the city including, St Machar’s Cathedral, The 14th century Brig o’ Balgownie, Kings College, Powis Gate, and many more.

Aberdeen Beach, Amusement complex, including multiplex cinema, amusement park, ten-pin bowling, bingo, bars, restaurants etc

Aberdeen Beach and The promenade, a great place to hang out, walk and enjoy the fresh sea air, at the east end of the harbour is a former fishing village called “fittie” which is worth visiting.

Aberdeen also has a host of shopping centres, designer shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs which are as good as, or if not better than most cities.

Nearby Aberdeen:

Countless Castles, Including, Crathes, Fraser, Drum, Dunottar, Craigivar, Huntly, Fyvie, Balmoral.

Distillery Trail, the start of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Trail can be found in Grampian and features eight of the most famous Scottish distilleries and one cooperage.

The trail is famous for being the only malt whisky trail in the world and guides visitors through the North East and onwards into picturesque Speyside. The trail is about 70 miles (110km) long and weaves through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking countryside while taking in the traditional and distinctive distilleries.

Costal Trail, the trail takes in over 165 miles of unspoilt coastline and will take the tourist on a stunning journey featuring some of the North East of Scotland’s most breathtaking sights.

Stone Circle Trail, The North East of Scotland has an impressive history and heritage and this can be seen in the many stone circles, standing stones, Pictish ruins and centuries old cairns.

The Victorian Heritage Trail, the trail takes tourists on a grand tour of Queen Victoria’s favourite sights and locations and features a wide range of attractions that will leave the visitor with a lasting impression of the country and it’s rich history.

Royal Deeside, an area of outstanding beauty, sparkling Highland rivers and misty mountains.

Loch Muick, The wild expanse of Loch Muick, almost totally encircled by steep mountains, is surprisingly accessible. Located on the royal estate of Balmoral, under the shadow of Lochnagar, its surrounds are home to many types of wildlife, including mountain hare, grouse and herds of red deer.

Burn o’ Vat, situated on low-lying ground, Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve (NNR) consists of extensive Birchwood, wetlands and heather moor. In its centre are two large lochs, Davan and Kinord, which provide a winter home for thousands of geese. To the west, you can find the hidden Vat, a spectacular geological feature famed for concealing the 18th Century outlaw, Gilderoy Macgregor.

I have just giving you a wee sample of what Aberdeen and its surrounding area has to offer, I would run out of space with my web hosting company if was to write a complete list of all the great things to do and the fantastic places there is to vistit.

For those of you that would like to learn some Aberdeen and north east of Scotland local dialect, here is couple of great article that will help you  For Those Heading to the Granite City This Summer, Learn The Language! and Advanced Doric Phrases For Tourists Heading to the Granite City

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Scotland is a country that has a fascinating history behind it. Fortunatley due to the great work of organisations like Historic Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland many historic buildings and sites have been preserved for the benefit of the nation. There are literally hundreds of buidlings, monuments and sites that are worthy of a mention.

I have listed 11 of my personal favourites to wet your apetite, and give you some ideas as to where to visit this summer.

Craigivar Castle, 6 miles south of Alford:

Craigievar Castle is a pinkish harled castle six miles south of Alford, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is currently the seat of the Clan Sempill. The setting is among scenic rolling foothills of the Grampian Mountains. The contrast of its massive lower story structure to the finely sculpted multiple turrets, gargoyles and high corbelling work create a classic fairytale appearance.

Culloden, Drumossie Moor, North East of Inverness:

A fascinating place to go and visit,experience one of the most historic and brutal battles every faught in this country.

Visiting Culloden the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil, takes on a whole new meaning with the opening of an exciting new visitor centre and interactive exhibition. The battlefield itself is now restored to as close as possible to that marched on by the two sides on that fateful day.

Come and find out why this battle that lasted only one hour changed the way of life of the Highlands and Islands for ever.

Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire:

Visit Dunnottar Castle for an unforgettable experience. A dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress in a truly stunning setting.

As you wander around the extensive buildings - from the keep through the barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses to the less-ruinous chapel and drawing room - you will discover the importance of Dunnottar, an impregnable Castle that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.

William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, the Marquis of Montrose and the future King Charles II, all graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though, it was at Dunnottar Castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell’s army for eight months and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels, the ‘Honours of Scotland’, from destruction. Crown, sceptre and sword now take pride of place in Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh:

Edinburgh Castle dominates the city of Edinburgh like no other castle in Scotland, and Edinburgh Castle is unequalled in the whole of the British Isles. Over one thousand years of history sit on top of the famous Edinburgh rock, and when you see Edinburgh Castle you will understand why over a million visitors a year visit Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh Castle is every schoolboy’s dream of what a castle should look like and if there is only one site you should visit in Edinburgh, this should be it.

Eilean Donan Castle, Dorrie, by Kyle of Lockalsh

As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.

Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.

Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow:

I dont think it matters what relgion you are this cathedral is a an amazing building to go and visit, have a wonder round. I love sitting down in here and just chilling out.

In 543AD, Glasgow’s patron saint St Mungo founded this cathedral on the site of a Christian burial ground. It is Scotland’s oldest medieval church and now houses the Church of Scotland. The first stone church on this site was established in 1136 by Bishop Achaius and King David I, but was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1197. The present building is in the Gothic “First Pointed” style and dates from the 13th century. Bishop William de Bondington (1233-1258) supervised the initial work but the cathedral was not completed until 200 years later. Approximately 550 years ago, Glasgow University was founded in the sacristy of the upper church, which also houses the nave and choir, while in the suitably solemn lower church you can visit the shrine of St Mungo.

Glenfinnan Monument, Glenfinnan, Loch Shiel:

A truley atmoshpheric and beautiful location, which never fails but to inspire me every time I go and visit it, no matter what the weather is like, there is also a good vistor centre nearby.

Half way between Fort William and Mallaig on the A830 lies Glenfinnan. This impressive monumont marks the spot where the Young Pretender “Bonnie Prince Charlie”,came ashore on Monday 19 August 1745 and the uprising began.he arrived in a small rowing boat, which landed at the north end of Loch Shiel. It was early afternoon. Prince Charles Edward Stuart, “Bonnie Price Charlie” came ashore and met his escort of 50 MacDonalds before retiring to a nearby barn to await the response to letters he had sent to possible supporters all over the Highlands

Glenmorangie Disterllery, Tain:

There is nothing quite like visiting a Scottish Distillery, it is most certainly a unique and interesting tour. Glenmorangie may not be the best whisky tour out there, but it is one of my personal favourites and its my favourite whisky.

No visit to Scotland would be complete without a distillery tour, and Glenmorangie will not disappoint. The distillery tour will let you see the skilled mashmen, stillmen and warehousemen as they go about their daily work. You will also see the fermenting room, filtering processes, bottling and labelling, the cooking of the preserves and sauces.

No visit to Scotland would be complete without a distillery tour, and Glenmorangie will not disappoint. The distillery tour will let you see the skilled mashmen, stillmen and warehousemen as they go about their daily work. You will also see the fermenting room, filtering processes, bottling and labelling, the cooking of the preserves and sauces.

The National Wallce Monument, Stirling:

This monument was built in honour of one of Scotland most revered sons William Wallace.Completed in 1869 after eight years’ construction, the 220 feet high Wallace Monument sits prominently on the Abbey Craig two miles north of the city of Stirling itself. It was from this prominent hilltop in 1297 that William Wallace watched the English army approach across Stirling Bridge before leading the Scots into the battle of the same name: and victory (see our Historical Timeline). A fitting, and striking, location for the national monument to a national hero

The National Wallace Monument is packed with fascinating exhibits and displays - so come and visit one of the country’s most magnificent sights, and meet Scotland’s national hero - William Wallace.

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith, Edinburgh:

The most famous ship in the world, the Royal Yacht Britannia was launched at John Brown’s Shipyard in Clydebank on the 16th April 1953.

She has served the British Royal Family for over 40 years, clocking up more than one million miles around the globe, including Royal Family holidays and more than 900 official voyages.

Britannia has carried on a tradition of Royal Yachts, dating back 300 years to the reign of Charles II.

Moored at Leith, a short bus ride from the centre of Edinburgh, and with the airport less than 30 minutes away, this magnificent ship has been host to some of the worlds most famous people

Urquart Castle, 2 miles from Drumnadrochit:

It is close to the village of Drumnadrochit. Though extensively ruined, it was in its day one of the largest strongholds of medieval Scotland, and remains an impressive structure, splendidly situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness. It is also near the castle where the majority of Nessie (Loch Ness Monster) sightings occur.

For a humorous look at the American presidential election race you must read this article I found Stewie Griffen To Run For American President

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