A little bit of France- the Rhys perspective - Why you should be going to Carnac

 FRANCE.....
 
Well this is a little write up on a a country that well and truly won me over.
 
In case any of you Aussie B14 sailors were thinking about staying in Australia next winter, think again!! Not only will you miss out on a World title (we all know how good they are) you'll also be missing out on seeing one of the most spectacular countries in the world.
 
As many of you know i have been overseas this year, travelling and keeping out of trouble of course. I visited France for 10 days and it won me over the moment I stepped off the plane. I got a chance to see all the sights of Paris and also Carnac, the venue for the 2010 World Championships.
 
PARIS..... What an amazing city, it has it all. Amazing architecture, Museums, food, great people and a buzz that is impossible to explain... it just makes you smile.
I recommend seeing Paris the old fashioned way, on foot. Its easy to do and you take in alot more, also burn off some of that great food you will no doubt eat :)
All of the big sights are within walking distance, you might have to catch a train to see the sights that a little bit out of town but the public transport is easy to understand and reliable.
Depending on how long you are staying, you can purchace a Visit Paris ticket. The ticket will allow you on all trains and buses around the city and makes it even easier to see the sights. The passes are 1,3 & 5 day passes and will cost about 9 euro for a 1 day pass.
 
Read up on Paris to work out the best tourist path to take. Its good to know a little bit about the city before you get there, makes the experience that more enjoyable.
 
Hotels are everywhere throughout the city. Prices vary and so does quality, stick to a 3 star and over strategy and you should be able to find a good deal.
 
One more thing about Paris. While the city is amazing during the day, make sure you see it at night. You will not be disappointed!!
 
Oh and Kelvin..... The wine is up there with Italy mate
 
PARIS TO CARNAC
I Travelled by high speed train to Auray. Fast but expensive (81 euro each way) and not much time to stop and take a time out in the country side. If time is the issue, this train is for you. Tickets are easy to get from Montparnasse station, this is the station you depart from. Hotel staff will be able to help you out if you are stuck, or most people in the city for that matter. Just have a crack at speaking french and they will soon know you cant speak it at all and be more than happy to help :)
 
If time is not the issue maybe a hire car is the option for you. Even a train with multiple stops on target to Auray.
Auray is about 12km from central Carnac and a taxi will cost about 20 euro. The taxi drivers will know most holiday accommodation in Carnac as long as its spelt correctly.
 
There is plenty of accommodation in Carnac, Scotty and Chris have all the brochures for this. Booking this soon would be wise as it is a massive holiday destination for the POMES.
We stayed in the camp ground... which is great. Close to the beach and yacht club.
 
As for the sailing.... It looks like this venue is going to be just fine!! Good weather, open water, great Yacht Club facilities and a great beach for all the trolley dolleys to relax on during the day. Carnac is a nice little town. Plenty of restaurants and bars... This will be a great venue for the 2010 world titles
 
Hopefully i have covered enough...... I thought this might be able to help the folks that are sitting on the fence
if anyone has any specific questions on Carnac or Paris just throw me an email.. happy to help
 
Anyways hope everyone is doing good
See you when im looking at ya
 
Rhys