Discover the Charm of France: Unveiling Vacation Packages for Every Traveler

by | Jun 7, 2023 | General | 0 comments

France, with its picturesque landscapes, cultural riches, and diverse regional cuisines, continues to enthrall globetrotters from every corner of the world. From the sandy beaches of the French Riviera to the grandeur of Paris, there’s always something for every traveler to explore. Today, we’re about to embark on a journey across this captivating country, unveiling hand-picked vacation packages that allow you to savor the best that France has to offer.

Vacation to Nice in France: The Riviera Dream Package

Often celebrated as the ‘Queen of the Riviera,’ Nice offers an irresistible blend of old-world charm and vibrant cosmopolitan life. This “Riviera Dream Package” is your golden ticket to discover the allure of this captivating coastal city.

The vacation starts with a warm welcome at a picturesque boutique hotel overlooking the Azure Mediterranean Sea. Wake up to the gentle lull of the waves and savor breakfast with a view of the sun rising over the water.

From there, your days are filled with exploration and indulgence. Visit the grand, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and stroll the bustling Cours Saleya Market, where vibrant flower stalls meet fresh, local produce. No vacation to Nice in France is complete without a leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a lovely seaside walkway dotted with restaurants, shops, and stunning views.

For the more adventurous, there’s an opportunity to try out a range of watersports. The “Riviera Dream Package” also includes day trips to the enchanting neighboring towns of Cannes and Monaco, expanding your French Riviera experience beyond Nice.

The City of Love: The Ultimate Vacation to Paris

There’s no place like Paris, the City of Love. Paris charms its visitors with its rich history, iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and irresistible cuisine. Our  Vacation to Paris package is designed to let you immerse yourself in this captivating city, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

The package offers accommodation in a chic hotel in the heart of Paris. This location offers you the convenience to explore key attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the picturesque neighborhood of Montmartre.

Moreover, you’ll get the chance to cruise along the River Seine, witnessing the city’s charm unfold before your eyes. The package also includes a guided tour, which will take you through the city’s rich history, architecture, and arts scene.

Food enthusiasts will relish the culinary tour included in this package. It’s a gastronomic journey through Paris’ famous cafes, patisseries, and brasseries, where you can sample everything from flaky croissants to savory escargot.

Delving into History: Normandy and Loire Valley Excursion

If you’re a history enthusiast looking for a cultural deep-dive, our “Normandy and Loire Valley Excursion” will cater to your curiosity. This package whisks you away to Normandy, known for its significant role in World War II, and the Loire Valley, famed for its chateaus and vineyards.

In Normandy, you’ll visit the historic D-Day beaches, the thought-provoking Peace Museum in Caen, and the stunning island commune of Mont Saint-Michel.

Following this, the journey proceeds to the Loire Valley, where you will be treated to tours of some of the most majestic chateaus in the region, including Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. The package includes wine-tasting tours, where you’ll sample some of the finest wines France has to offer.

The Alps Adventure: A Hiker’s Paradise

For adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, we offer the “Alps Adventure” package. This holiday is designed to immerse you in the breathtaking landscapes of the French Alps. The package includes guided hikes, mountain biking, and even paragliding for the more daring ones.

Explore the charming Alpine villages of Chamonix and Annecy, and take a cable car ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi for a spectacular view of Mont Blanc. This package is not just an adventure; it’s an experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Culinary Exploration: A Gastronomic Tour of France

For food connoisseurs and wine lovers, the “Culinary Exploration” package is a treat not to be missed. This itinerary takes you on a gastronomic journey through some of France’s most famed culinary regions, from the wine country of Bordeaux to the cheese heaven of Normandy, and the exquisite cuisine of Provence.

In Bordeaux, you’ll tour some of the finest vineyards, savoring world-renowned wines. In Normandy, enjoy a delightful tasting tour of local cheeses and cider. The journey culminates in Provence, where you will dine in top-rated restaurants and explore local markets to experience the authentic flavours of the region. Cooking classes led by top chefs are also part of the package, allowing you to take a slice of French cuisine home with you.

The Artistic Trail: A Journey Through France’s Art Scene

For art lovers, the “Artistic Trail” package offers an intimate exploration of France’s rich art history. The journey begins in Paris, with visits to iconic museums like the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay. Explore the vibrant art scene in Montmartre, where artists like Picasso and Van Gogh once lived and worked.

Next, you’ll head to the southern city of Arles, following the footsteps of Van Gogh, before moving on to Nice, home to the Matisse Museum. You’ll end your trip in the coastal town of Antibes, where the Picasso Museum awaits. The package includes guided tours by art historians, providing enriching insights into the lives and works of some of the world’s greatest artists. This is more than just a holiday; it’s an unforgettable cultural immersion.

Final Thoughts

France offers a diverse range of experiences that can cater to every kind of traveler. Whether it’s a vacation to Nice in France to soak up the sun on the Riviera, a romantic vacation to Paris, a historical expedition to Normandy and Loire Valley, or an adventurous trip to the Alps, there’s a package waiting to make your dream vacation a reality. Discover the charm of France and find the perfect package that speaks to your wanderlust.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject:

Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.

🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

I’m so glad you asked.

DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.

The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.

There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.

There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.

The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.

And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.

I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.

I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.

That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

There are Merriment Makers everywhere.

People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.

Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.

I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.

And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.

There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.

I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com

🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle