WINTER 2005

As 2005 comes to a close, I would like to extend my best wishes to all for health and happiness throughout the holiday season and the New Year.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who booked their 2005 holidays with France Bound. To those who are dreaming of a trip to France in 2006, I look forward to making your dream become a reality.

Don't wait to plan your trip to France. The best rental properties and accommodations fill up quickly, so reserve early to get the best selection. France Bound specializes in helping you to select the most suitable rental property, and to organize a trip to France that will exceed your expectations.

Kerry McKeen

WINTER IN PARIS

Paris is fabulous at any time of the year, and a perfect way to enjoy winter in Paris is skating at the Eiffel Tower! This is the 2nd holiday season the Eiffel Tower has created a skating rink with a bird's eye view of the city from the first floor of the monument - 57m above ground! ( December 1 - February 7).

For more winter fun in Paris, ride the Christmas carousels, admire the holiday window displays at the famous department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps and Bon Marche), and the lights along Boulevard Haussman, or visit the annual exhibit of designer Christmas trees at the Pompidou Centre.

France Bound offers a selection of Paris apartment rentals that are perfect for every season and occassion. Stay cozy and warm in the comfort of your "home away from home" at this sunny Paris apartment near the Eiffel Tower. The living room of this spacious 2 bedroom apartment faces southwest and has two sets of French doors opening onto a balcony with views of the city. One advantage of staying in an apartment in Paris is that you can dine at some of the most romantic tables in Paris - at your own apartment. Fabulous pre-prepared meals and ingredients can be purchased at local shops and markets.

Imagine a stunning 180 degree view of Paris from the wrap around balcony at this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Paris apartment. Step out onto the balcony and gaze over the Paris skyline, the Eiffel Tower, the Champ de Mars park, and the dome of the Invalides. If you can tear yourself away from the views, this elegant apartment is situated in a lovely neighbourhood near the Eiffel Tower, and just steps away from shops, markets and cafes. Visit francebound.net to view details of our Paris apartments, and to request a reservation.

Travel tip: For sightseeing in Paris, France Bound recommends the Museum Pass for good value, convenience, and priority entrance. We also recommend the hop-on/off sightseeing buses for an overview of the city and direct access to the most importantt attractions. Contact France Bound to purchase Paris museum passes and hop-on/off sightseeing passes before you leave home.

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STYLISH ST. REMY DE PROVENCE

Set at the foot of the Alpilles mountains in the Bouches du Rhone department, St. Remy makes an ideal base for exploring Provence. This stylish town is filled with quaint streets, charming shops, fabulous restaurants, and enchanting places to stay.

Our favourite place to relax in St. Remy, is the "En Attendant Gounod" tea salon. This elegant tea salon reflects the themes and music from the Opera Mireille, which was composed on the premises in 1863 by Charles Gounod. During our recent visit, France Bound consultants enjoyed excellent teas with home-made cakes, or an aperitif with made-to-order bruschetta - a perfect afternoon ritual to revive ourselves after a full day of exploring.

Attractions in St. Remy include the Saint Paul monastery where Vincent Van Gogh lived for several years, and painted some of his most famous pieces. The monastery also has one of the most beautiful cloisters in Provence. Don't miss the colourful Wednesday morning market in St. Remy, and the cultural and pastoral processions through town, reflecting the local traditions. Not far from St. Remy, you can visit some of the oldest and best preserved Roman monuments at "Les Antiques".

Les Baux de Provence is an exceptional site perched on a rocky outcrop with unique sweeping views over the vineyards and olive groves all the way to the Mediterranean. The impressive ruins tell the story of the site, medieval seiges, the history of Provence, and daily life during the Middle Ages.

St. Remy de Provence is located in the heart of Provence - 25 minutes from Avignon (TGV train from Paris 2.5 hours); 40 minutes from Luberon villages, 50 minutes from Aix en Provence and Marseille airport.

Contact France Bound for St Remy and Provence recommendations. We can help you with hotel and rental accommodations, car rental reservations, train bookings, and sightseeing information.

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DISCOVER BURGUNDY

Burgundy offers a rich mosaic of landscapes, villages, attractions and tastes. Beaune is situated in the heart of a great wine-growing region and has become the medieval wine capital of the region. The Hotel Dieu or Hospices de Beaune with its remarkable glazed-tile roof is a highlight of Beaune. It was built in 1443 as a hospital for the poor. Inside, the walls of the grand room are lined with antique wooden beds, and the apothecary, kitchen, antique objects, and art are also on display. For 500 years, caring for the poor was possible largely due to the extensive wine producing estate belonging to the Hospices de Beaune. The vineyards procuce outstanding wines, which are sold at an anual public auction.

Beaune is surrounded by colourful vineyards and legendary wine villages such as Pommard, Meursault, and Santenay. Most wine producers welcome visitors to discover the traditions of wine production and to sample the great wines of the region.

Dijon is worth a visit to explore a wealth of cultural and historical heritage and amazing architecture. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets like "Rue Verriere" to admire the half-timbered houses and arcades that were typical of the Middle Ages. The13th C masterpiece "Notre Dame" has a remarkable facade composed of fine arches and rows of gargoyles. The palace of the Dukes of Burgundy dates from 1366 and now houses the impressive Dijon fine arts museum.

Make sure to visit the Dijon tourist office, which is tucked inside a courtyard surrounded by picturesque half timbered houses. The Dijon tourist office has an exciting new way to explore the city - with a personal pocket PC-guide. The multimedia guide includes historical re-creations, interviews, library footage, and rare illustrations to enhance your visit to the city of Dijon.

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FEATURED RENTALS

Maison Monflanquin is set in a peaceful garden in one of the best preserved medieval bastide villages - Monflanquin. This 3 bedroom house has been redecorated to combine modern comforts and conveniences with original characteristics and charm. Monflanquin is one of the most beautiful villages in France. From its hilltop position, it provides lovely views of the surrounding countryside, including the famous Chateau Biron. The treed central market square, which remains much as it has since the Middle Ages, houses the Thursday morning farmers' market. Historic buildings surround the market square and contain a selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The area offers lots of attractions and activities, including the Tour de France which passes nearby. Further afield are the fascinating cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Maison Ansouis is a delightful restored Provencal village house situated in the pretty hilltop village of Ansouis in the southern Luberon. The sunny 5 bedroom house is tastefully furnished and decorated with style. At Maison Ansouis, guests can chooose to relax in the peaceful interior courtyard, or soak up the sun and the view from the sunny rooftop terrace. Ansouis is a charming village with tiny streets, artists studios, shops, cafes and a Thursday morning market. There is also a beautiful medieval 12C castle to visit. This house is ideally situated for exploring Provence.

Chez Beatrice is an exceptional Provencal manor house with antique furnishings and traditional decor. The spacious house accommodates 12 guests in 7 bedrooms, and the large grounds include gardens, terraces and a large swimming pool. Chez Beatrice is situated in a peaceful neighborhood on the edge of a small village between Avignon and Carpentras (Avignon - 20 mins; Aix en Provence - 50 mins; Isle sur la Sorgue and Luberon villages - 15-20 mins). This elegant family home makes a perfect base for a vacation in Provence.

Contact France Bound for more information about these rental properties, and visit francebound.net to view more rentals in France. Contact us for assistance in choosing a rental, and to request a reservation.

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HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES

Do you have someone special on your gift list who is dreaming of visiting France? Make their dreams a reality with a France Bound Holiday gift certificate. Gift certificates are valid for villa and apartment rentals, reservation services, itinerary planning, and relocation consulting. Your gift toward a trip to France will bring experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

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