First, start your day on the slopes. After all, Courchevel offers some of Europe's best skiing, and the hordes that come each ski season attest to such. Five resorts (Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel Le Praz 1300 and La Tania), each at a different altitude, present their own characteristics, and it is considered one of the best inter-linked resorts in the world. Courchevel was dreamt up in the 1930s with the intention of making it the best and biggest ski resort in the world and, if you consider all the lifts and total land area, it may very well be.
Courchevel lies in the Savoy Department of France. Millions of tourists come annually to ski in this area, known the world over as the Three Valleys. The popularity of the spot is not surprising, with the 600 km of slopes, 180 ski lifts, 150 km of ski runs for all levels and all available with one ski pass.
Most of the slopes in Courchevel face north and they are always groomed and ready for your fresh wax. There are over five hundred snow cannons to keep you out skiing no matter what the weather brings. There are ski schools that can teach you the very basics to the very advanced, taking you out on some of the most challenging off-pistes trails you can find in this part of the world. If the guides can't assure you of this, then the ski lifts can—the resort almost guarantees that you'll never get caught in queue when wanting to ski. And, the prices for skiing Courchevel won't break your bank account either.
Now that the sun is getting lower, it's time to get serious! Not serious, romantic, with a "Soirée bûcherons" (lumberjack evening). The Chardon Loisir team has concocted a "lumberjack evening" that will allow you, for about 99€ per person, to spend an unforgettable Valentine's Day. Far away from stressful cities, it is good to recharge your batteries in a warm atmosphere with your darling. The expedition starts with a torch lit arrival, through the forest. Then, you both wine and dine while listening to typical mountain songs and then, your atypical evening continues with romantic night sledding.
To end your romantic day, why not sleep in a beautiful room, in an exquisite bed. If you've got any amount of money, Courchevel has any line of accommodation—from hostel to luxury five-star spas, you'll get treated to what you pay for here. The five various towns offer a variety of places to stay and most of the hotels have a place to eat. As long as you stay in the area, too, you'll have plenty of options for restaurants, bars, clubs, discos and other activities. Odds are, however, that if you take advantage of all the skiing, you won't have much energy for much après ski options. But, if you do, then Courchevel does have a lot to offer the nigh owls of any group or family. It will definitely be among your most romantic, if not THE most romantic Valentine's Day you've had.
Valentine's Day In France
The Bastille
The Bastille was built in 1382 and was originally used to defend the east side of Paris from attack. The Bastille had walls more than 80 feet high and was surrounded by a moat. Hundreds of years later, the French monarchy converted The Bastille into a prison to lock up people who didn't agree with their decisions. People were jailed by arbitrary decision of the King. The Bastille was, in particular, known for holding political prisoners whose writings had displeased the royal government. The prisoners inside the Bastille were given no trial ? they were placed there under the king's orders and only he could decide when and if they would be freed. The Bastille became a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of King Louis XVI's Ancient Regime.
For the peasant class, the Bastille stood as a symbol of the hypocrisy and corruption of the aristocratic government ? controlled mostly by nobility and clergy. The monarchy wasn't just undemocratic. The king and the aristocracy also owned the land and extracted not only the rent, but imposed taxes andrestrictions on the people.
The French people of all classes were frustrated with many of the problems of their government, including wanting the king to share his absolute powers, the right to own land and vote, tithes and feudal rights, religious staff wanting more money.
The Beginning of the Revolution
Due to these many reasons, the French people stormed and seized The Bastille on July 14, 1789. Violent peasants pillaged and burned chateaux, and destroyed records of feudal dues.
At the time of its capture, the Bastille only held seven prisoners. But the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens. By capturing this symbol, the people signaled that the king's power was no longer absolute: power should be passed on to the Nation and be limited by a separation of powers.
The storming of the Bastille was the beginning of the French Revolution that toppled King Louis XVI and the aristocracy. For all citizens of, the storming of the Bastille came to symbolize liberty and democracy in the struggle against oppression.
Modern Day Celebrations
Bastille Day was declared a French national holiday on July 6, 1880. Bastille Day has such a strong signification for the French because the holiday symbolizes the birth of the Republic.
Bastille Day is commemorated world-wide. For instance, in Philadelphia people dressed as French revolutionaries mark the day by singing the , the French national anthem.
In France the day holds many festivities. Military parades are held in the morning, the largest of which takes place on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris in front of the President of the Republic. The parade opens with cadets from certain schools, followed by infantry troops, which are then followed by motorized troops. During the entire parade, aviation flies above. In recent times, it has become customary to invite units from France's close allies into the parade. For instance, in 2002 cadets from the United States Military Academy paraded.
Bastille Day also falls during the running of the Tour de France, and is traditionally the day upon which French riders will make a special effort to take a stage victory for France. Parisians celebrate this national holiday with colorful arts festivals and raucous parties. Many cities hold fireworks during the night. It is also customary that firefighters organize dancing parties. Everyone is encouraged to raise a glass of champagne and toast the national freedom they've enjoyed for more than 200 years. Celebrate Bastille Day at Home This July, why not join the citizens of France in a celebration of national freedom and plan a .
Both Alex Gwen Thomson & Jane Roseen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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