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This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Nature / camping sites
- Auvergne: Nature lovers will enjoy a unique experience in this brand new wooden chalet in a calming, ecological and comfortable environment.
- Brittany: Camping, cottages, chalets, Russian dachas, mobile homes, nature lodges or even tree houses are all on offer at the Domaine des Ormes near Saint-Malo.
- Burgundy: Moulin de Collonge is a 4 * family camping in the middle of vineyards. Swimming pool, restaurant, fishing pond, play area...
- Dordogne: Experience camping by the river Dordogne at le Gibanel à Argentat, les Iles à Beaulieu s/Dordogne, as well as Campin Le Port à Creysse, La Plage à Meyronne.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Tents, caravans, or cottages are all on offer at the ‘Petite Camargue’, in a world of pink flamingos and the famous Camargue horses.
- Midi-Pyrenées: Campsites classified in the categories “Pampering” and “Together” are especially selected for families on http://www.tourism-midi-pyrenees.co.uk
- Normandy: L’Anse du Brick campsite in Maupertus, close to Cherbourg, now offers a covered swimming pool as part of its amenities.
- Ile de Re: Located 10 minutes’ bike ride from the harbour of Saint-Martin and its beach, le Bois Saint-martin host 20 cottages in a flowery, wooded and enclosed park.
- Rhone-Alpes: The 4* Portes du Beaujolais campsite offers two eco-friendly lodges, complete with grassed roofs and a hot-tub and treatment offered using “vinotherapy” products.
Luxury
- Corsica: 395 Hôtels,189 campsites,115 residences, 37 holiday villages and centers, 664 guest houses and B&B – Hotel- restaurant Celine, Figha, Belambra clubs.
- Limousin: These luxury tree-cabins, made of Limousin wood, offers visitors a breathtaking view of the Dordogne Valley gorges.
- Nantes 2012: At the Château du Pé enjoy sleeping in a family room conceived by artists.
- Nord pas de Calais: A Night in a gipsy roulotte or in luxury room overlooking the breathtaking views are both possible at the 4* hotel ‘Châtellerie du Schoebeque’,
- Savoie Mont Blanc: The luxury Chalet Apassion in Samoëns can accommodate 12 people, who can also enjoy wonderful mountain views from the hot tub!
- Vendée: at the Logis de la Chabotterie, the exhibition path will take visitors through the War of Vendée and the era of General .The gourmet restaurant has two Michelin stars.
Budget.
Guesthouses
- Poitou-Charentes: The beautifully decorated rooms of the guesthouse ‘Les Cours du Clain’ overlook the river Clain and are only 15mn away from the Futuroscope in Poitier.
- Riviera: The ‘Moonlight’ ecolodge, nestled in the charming village of St Martin Vesubie is a nature’s haven bringing visitors back to the simplest pleasures and relaxation.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Local produce
- Auvergne: A region brimming rich in character and specialities such as local cooked-meat products, wine, cheese and the green lentil from Le Puy-en-Velay. Try the "petit salé" (salted belly pork), accompanied by sausages and spare ribs.
- Brittany: Children will love the ‘milk bar’ of the Dairy farm Gwel-kaer in Goudelin. Fresh milk from the cow, the ultimate rice pudding, milkshake cocktails, freshly churned butter and Far Breton, the famous Breton dessert can all be tasted.
- Dordogne Valley: Le moulin à l'huile de Noix à Martel, La Maison des Abeilles à Rocamadour, La Fromagerie de Rocamadour are all to be enjoyed.
- Limousin: Limousin is recognized for its top quality products (meat, apples, berries, mushrooms etc) which can be found in the local markets.
- Midi-Pyrenées: The Maison de Justine and the goat farm opposite where the famous Rocamadour goat cheeses are made are both not to be missed.
- Var: "Découvertes du Terroir" organises about 90 original visits from free to 5€ all along the year to meet over 70 farmers who will make children and adults discover their products and their trade.
Restaurants/ bars/ cafes/ bistrots
- Languedoc Roussillon: Enjoy lunching at the cafeteria and at the more traditional restaurant of the Pont du Gard
- Nord Pas de Calais: The Atelier de Steff in Dunkerque is a discount gastronomic restaurant, ideal for having children enjoy French cuisine on a budget.
- Normandy: Le Bistrot des Ecuries is a traditional local bistro offering simple but delicious dishes inspired by fresh, local products.
- Poitou-Charentes: Surprising recipes inspired by the Futuroscope’s attractions are to be tasted at the park’s ‘Cristal restaurant’.
- Ile de Ré: Located in the centre of the village, ‘Le Moulin à café’ will welcome you in a delightfully relaxed setting on the sunny terrace. Wonderful cuisine.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: ‘Plan Mya’ is a mountain hut in the Beaufortain middle range that serves delicious traditional dinners for its guests.
- Riviera: ‘La Confiserie Florian’ is a traditional confectionery, where the most delicious fruits and lovely flowers are made into delightful sweets.
- Clos Luce: Renaissance dinner served in period costume in the 15th century Priory with its beautiful Renaissance rooms and shaded terrace.
- Nantes 2012: Watch the Elephant go by the Café de la Branche, stay in the atmosphere of the castle at the café-restaurant “les Oubliettes”, and get a tea break at the Cigale, 1900 brasserie.
Cookery schools
- Burgundy: L'Atelier des chefs in Dijon will teach you to cook in just 60 minutes a delicious meal tutored by an experienced chef before savouring it.
- Rhône-Alpes: With many years of experience, Fred provides cooking and pastry classes combining theory, hands-on learning, and tasting at ‘La cuisine de Fred’.
- Riviera: In the world of flowers and sweets, ‘L’Atelier de la Cuisine’ des Fleurs offers cooking classes and tasting in a warm and friendly setting.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Museums
- Dordogne: On the outskirts of the pretty little market town of Saint Céré in the village of Le Tours de Saint Laurent is a tapestry museum the Atelier Musée Jean Lurçat.
- Languedoc Roussillon: In Sérignan, near Béziers, the Contemporary Art Museum of Languedoc-Roussillon offers an insight into creation from the sixties to present day.
- Midi-Pyrenées: Part museum, part theme park, Micropolis in Aveyron, invites families to enter the world of insects through its 15 themed, interactive spaces.
- Nord pas de Calais: The palais de l’Univers will take you on a trip that will take you from the first moments of the Big Bang up to the present day. Also, Visit Agincourt and learn more on how a small number of British bowmen defeated the entire French army during the most terrible battle of the Hundred Years War.
- Ile de Ré: The Guide "Les Clés du Patrimoine" details 12 visits aimed at enabling visitor to discover the wealth of heritage on the Ile de Ré.
- Riviera: 50,000 items on show amongst them Marie Antoinette's famous "nécessaire" at the newly restored International Perfume Museum of Grasse.
Castles
- Auvergne: The Auvergne’s châteaux range from medieval military fortresses to elegant Renaissance residences, where fun and entertainment is aimed at children.
- Brittany: Children will be open-mouthed at the wonder of the Château de Fougères. 13 of its huge towers still stand, as do great lengths of its defensive walls.
- Burgundy: First built during the 12th Century, the Château de Sully is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Burgundy and France.
- Clos Luce: New exhibition: ‘Léonardo da Vinci and France’, exploring ten years of the fascinating relationship between three kings of France and the Tuscan Master.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: Overhanging lake Annecy, the Castle of Menthon is said to have inspired Walt Disney for its fairy tale "The Sleeping Beauty"
Heritage
- Club French Heritage & Culture: an exhibition about ‘clothes and society in the Middle ages’ in the Popes’ Palace, the Cathedral Notre Dame and the Petit Palais Museum in Avignon.
- Vendée: With its dramatic displays - live films, original scenery, rhythmical settings and special effects - the Puy du Fou offers visitors an extraordinary epic in time, from the period of Gallic-Roman up to today.
- Limousin: Romanesque churches, abbeys, historical routes, some of “France’s prettiest villages” are only some example of what the rich heritage the region has to offer.
- Normandy: Ongoing restoration of the Mont St Michel and opening of a new car park plus launch of a shuttle bus service to improve access to this amazing site.
- Poitou-Charentes: The three towers of La Rochelle are among the most important remains of medieval maritime fortifications, with outstanding views over the town and old port, with Fort Boyard and the islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré on the horizon.
- Rhône-Alpes: The Gallo-Roman archaeological site of St Romain en Gal is considered to be the largest collection of artefacts from the gallo-roman period in France.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Region discovery
- Languedoc Roussillon: The ‘Réseau Culturel Terre Catalane’ offers themed itineraries from the major heritage sites of the major heritage sites of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
- Midi-Pyrenées: Children will discover the herdsmen, cheeses, donkeys and wildlife of the Pyrenées whilst travelling with donkeys and spending a night in a bivouac.
- Rhône-Alpes: Safran Tours organises many itineraries uniting nature and culture as well as sport activities: walking, cycling, canoeing or travelling with a gypsy caravan.
- Riviera: The history, secrets, rock carvings and legends of the beautiful Vallée des Merveilles will be told by Alain Grinda, writer narrator during a magical evening.
Gastronomy discovery
- Auvergne: The diversity, flavour and savoir-faire of the Auvergne countryside, will be discovered along the 40 stops of the Cheese Road (producers, farmers, agers).
- Burgundy: Learn how to make chocolate with the award-winning Bernard Dufoux. Are they really some of the best in France?
- Limousin: The aim of the Limousin Apple Route is to promote the various aspects of the land and orchards associated with the A.O.P Limousin apple.
- Nord pas de Calais: The Chocolaterie de Beussent, one of the few working directly from the cocoa bean will show you how chocolate is made.
- Normandy: Set in the grounds of the exceptional Manoir de Cauteuil, La ferme du Valaine offers visitors the chance to tour the grounds and discover Norman specialities such as goat’s cheese and goat’s milk ice creams and chocolates.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Products
- Auvergne: La Savonnerie, in the pretty village of Charroux, makes artisanal soaps. Seaweed, shea, almonds, verbena and bay as well as a range of organic products.
Spas
- Burgundy: The Celto spa dedicated Sunday mornings to families who can enjoy one of the beauty centres, along with a spa, pool, gym, massage, personal coaching, etc.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Obalia is a premier spa set in the beautiful town of Balaruc, where children aged 8 - 15 can enjoy various treatments.
- Midi-Pyrenees: In the Hautes-Pyrenees, Balnéa and Sensoria are the perfect thermal leisure & spa centres for a relaxing time for families, babies included.
- Rhone-Alpes: The 4* Buddha-Bar Spa hotel at Hilton Evian-les-Bains faces Lake Geneva and offers a 1,500m² spa occupying 3 floors and illuminated by natural light.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: Aquariaz in Avoriaz, which will open in July 2012, has been designed as an aquatic paradise in the mountains featuring lush vegetation and rocks.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Eco tourism
- Auvergne: Walking or cycling while admiring the monumental oaks of the Forêt de Troncais is simply a wonderful thing to do.
- Burgundy: Unique in France, the EcoPagayeurs® route (eco-paddlers) mix canoe-kayak and environment. Families can learn together during a 2 hour course.
- Club French Heritage & Culture: The Chateau de Thoiry and the Chateau du Colombier offer a unique experience close to nature and animals as both chateaux are located in a park where lots of different species enjoy full freedom.
- Nord pas de Calais: Overlooking the sea, facing England, the Grand Site des 2 Caps is now included in the very select circle of the 10 Grand Sites of France.
- Ile de Re: In Loix, in the heart of the salt marshes, an ecomuseum recounts the story of the “White gold” that gave the island its prosperity in bygone days.
- Rhone-Alpes: Surprisingly close to Lyon, the Villars les Dombes Bird Park is a vast area of lakes and ponds, home to over 400 bird species in France’s largest ornithology park.
Outdoor activities
- Brittany: Children are encouraged to kick off their shoes for the ‘barefoot challenge’ or blindfold themselves to heighten their senses at The Jardins de Brocéliand.
- Dordogne: Children will love to kayak on a canoe or a more traditional boat on the Dordogne river as well as gently hiking in the beautiful surroundings.
- Languedoc Roussillon: The Narbonnaise park is a contrasting mix of wet and arid lands. 200 km of marked trails will show visitors at their own pace what makes it so unique and appealing.
- Limousin: Discover Limousin’s beautiful and varied landscapes: a stroll in one of the two Nature Parks, a canoe ride down the Dordogne river, see wolves at the sanctuary, or fishing.
- Midi Pyrenees: Thrill-seeking activities such as skiing and snowboarding on a synthetic ski slope, go-karting, a zip-line and a lake, fringed by a beach in a hollow formed by this former Tarn open-cast coal mine.
- Normandy: L’Avenue Verte provides 45km of all levels pathways through the Seine-Maritime countryside to be discovered on foot, by bike or even on roller skates!
- Poitou Charentes: Oléron Island has a well marked 60 miles cycling network of marshes, forests and running along the sea. Ideal for family picnics!
- Savoie Mont Blanc: The warm summer waters of the 4 big lakes (Lake Geneva,/ Bourget/ Annecy/ Aiguebelette) can reach 25°C in the summer! Water activities and swimming can be part of the family summer program.
- Riviera: Children will enjoy some magical moments going on a discovery of polar bears, wolves, llamas, bison, sea lions and wild horses, all squatting on the Riviera!
- Corsica: In the countryside overlooking the sea, snowshoe hike, ice cascades, cross country and alpine skiing, hiking, horse riding, climbing, and biking for the whole family.
- Var: treasure hunting in the Fayence country for the whole family hiking with GPS Adventure.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Gorges
- Auvergne: The Gorges de l’Allier are dazzlingly beautiful and one of Europe’s last remaining wild rivers and undoubtedly the best white-water spot in Auvergne. Jumping on board a canoe or raft is the ideal way to enjoy this natural sanctuary.
- Rhône-Alpes: The Gorges of the Ardèche are perfect for canoeing and river water sports: gentle family floating to extreme kayaking, rock climbing and hiking.
Lakes and rivers
- Burgundy: Aqua Fluvial offers a large range of different ships to discover the canal of Nivernais within the best conditions.
- Dordogne: A week long cruise on the Lot river in a houseboat will enchant all.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Exploring some of the 360km of the Canal du Midi on a penichette is possible by renting one for an hour, a day, or half a day.
- Midi-Pyrénées: Midi-Pyrénées offers a wide range of equipped leisure facilities, as well as specially created lake and river sites and some supervised beaches.
- Normandy: At the heart of the picturesque Normandy countryside, travel through l’Eure in a kayak and marvel at the green landscapes and the flourishing flora and fauna.
- Poitou-Charentes: No license is required to navigate on the River Charente. It winds its way through 160 km of vineyards of Cognac, 21 locks, green pastures and rows of poplar trees.
- Savoie Month Blanc: The Pré Curieux is a floating and unusual garden, to be discovered by solar boat in Evian-les-Bains.
Seaside
- Brittany: Gathering shellfish on the Crozon peninsula is a great family activity - and you get to eat your spoils at the end!
- Nord pas de Calais: Various sailing programs depending on children’s age group are available for sailing courses immersion. Family trips out to sea are also available.
- Ile de Ré: Experience the tales and legends, the fauna and flora, the story of Loix marshlands with a canoe guided tour.
- Riviera: ‘Pirates of the Mediterranean’ is the ideal activity for parents with young children. Hope on board, family picnic provided, swim and go on a treasure hunt, around the beautiful Ile de Lérins.
- Corsica: with miles of white sandy beaches and creeks, the whole family can afford all kind of nautical sports most of the time for free or at very affordable prices. Excursion to the Scandola and to the Lipari islands are also available.
- Var: At the ‘Domaine du Rayol’ children can discover the marine fauna and flora with a guide from 4 – equipment provided.
- Marseilles: Don’t miss to Visit the Calanques from Marseille to Cassis. Two companies based on the old port offer this service.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Accommodation
- Brittany: For some quality family time, the 4* Spa Marin du Val André, in the chic resort of Pléneuf, is perfect with its family suite and tailor-made treatments.
- Ile de Ré: A P’tit Dej-hotel is to be opened in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré. This is a brand of quality, economic hotels, made up of independent hotels of 1 and 2 stars.
- Riviera: HôTEL LE GREEN – La Colmiane Bold move in the mountain pastures! "Le Green" is an eco-lodge, a quiet, attractive spot in natural, peaceful surroundings conducive to rest, relaxation, peace, serenity...but it is also a restaurant where the gourmet flavours come from fresh produce mixed with the harvests of local producers...
- Savoie Mont Blanc: A new Club Med Village is opening in December in Valmorel. The upmarket club will have 418 bedrooms, 24 suites and 70 chalets-apartments -
- Riviera: ‘Le Green’ eco-lodge, soon to be opened in La Colmiane, is perfect for relaxation in natural and peaceful surroundings.
Cultural
- Auvergne: Children can learn how to milk a cow, gather freshly laid eggs, or climb up on a horse’s back for an unforgettable ride in various farms.
- Burgundy: The MuséoParc of Alésia is a new learning centre whose aim will be to teach visitors the history of the battle in 52 BC between Cesar, and Vercingetorix. Many animations such as 3D reconstructions will be on offer for families.
- Languedoc Roussillon: The iconic French designer Christian Lacroix is designing the new line 4… two new tram coaches to visit Montpellier by tram in style!
- Midi-Pyrenées: In June 2012, the Contemporary Circus Festival CIRCA will team with the Centre of Innovation and Research on Circus, dedicated to circus creation.
- Poitou-Charentes: Children will love ‘The Little Prince’, latest Futuroscope attraction. Poetic and entertaining, it is also 4D adventure with 3D images, water effects, gusts of air and vibrations in the theatre.
- Club French Heritage & Culture: From March 2012, the famous ‘Pont d’Avignon’ will be rebuilt...in 3D! The time has come to know how life was during the middle ages.
- Nantes 2012: After the Elephant moving around the Nantes island, it is time to discover the Underworld Merry Go Around and all its inhabitants. It will be 3 times the size of the Elephant.
- Marseilles: The Mémorial de la Marseillaise allows visitors to learn more about the history of this world-famous national anthem.
Sports
- Nord Pas de Calais: From June 2012, the 2nd phase of works will start on the "The "Parc des Rives de l'Aa", a multi-purpose Olympic Regatta.
- Rhone-Alpes: The Lac des Sapins is a 40 ha man-made lake to open in the summer 2012 in the centre of 115 ha of parkland. Swimming sailing, fishing, horse riding... a whole range of family activities to enjoy.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Food
- Dordogne Valley: An array of food celebrations are held in Dordogne such as the ‘Strawberry Fair’ in Beaulieu sur Dordogne and the ‘Prune Fair’ in Carennac…
- Ile de Ré: On the first Sunday of May, market gardeners and restaurant owners gather to celebrate the arrival of the first potatoes on the occasion of the ‘Régalades’.
Arts and crafts
- Auvergne: Aurillac is a pioneer of Street Theatre, inviting since 1986 theatre troupes and artists from all over the world to perform and provide live entertainment.
- Burgundy: In July, ‘Les Zaccros d’ma rue’ and ‘Chalon dans la Rue’ offer street theatre performances in the towns of Nevers and Chalon.
- Dordogne: Every summer, the ‘Brive-Plage Festiv'all’ , the ‘Orchestrades Universelles of Brive’ and the ‘Mime Festival of Souillac’, are not to be missed.
- Limousin: The “Route du Cirque” in Nexon is a contemporary circus festival offering a nine-day program of carefully-selected international work.
- Midi-Pyrenées: The fortified town of Cordes- sur-Ciel in Tarn goes back to medieval times to honour the Fêtes du Grand Fauconnier including performances by professional companies, a big procession, music and storytelling (13-14 July).
- Nord pas de Calais: Illustrations from Charles Dickens' Adventures of Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol and David Copperfield will be on display in the unique setting of the Château d’Hardelot (Nov 20122 – 5/03/12)
- Normandy: Les Sorties de Bain (5/8 July 2012) is a free family friendly 4-day festival which sees the town of Granville host an array of shows, from theatre to circus acts and singing to comedy.
- Rhône-Alpes: The Lyon light festival is held every December, and during 4 days the city is transformed with many activities and artists’ works around the subject of light.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: The Festival Au bonheur des Mômes at Le Grand Bornand (26- 31 August 2012) includes shows, workshops, exhibitions, giant games, children's books and numerous amusements.
- Riviera: Cannes, Antibes and Monaco demonstrate amazing creativity in big firework displays set to music. All flock to the beaches for half an hour of breathtaking beauty on a dozen evenings throughout the months of July and August.
- Clos Luce: ‘In the footsteps of Leonardo’ will be a very special event on the 12, 13 and 14 August: Forming 20 tableaux, the show that take place in different points around the Château du Clos Lucé: a journey through space and time.
- Club French Heritage & Culture: let the Roman games ‘ludi’ revive in the Nimes’s Roman Arena on the 28 &29 April.
- Nantes 2012: A Journey to Nantes from 15 June to 19 August.
Sports
- Brittany: Next July, ‘Les Tonnerres de Brest’ will be the place to head to for any sea lover! This nautical extravaganza takes place every 4 years, and turns 20 this year.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Regattas, exhibitions, conferences, food and wine tastings are all possible during ‘Escale à Sète’ (6-9 April 2012), a festival of maritime traditions.
- Poitou-Charentes: Highland Games in Bressuire (9-10 June 2012) will be a fantastic demonstration played by renowned international participants from all over the world. Also a very friendly musical moment with the famous Scottish band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and maybe the Most Famous Bagpipe Group in the World!
- Dordogne: ‘Les Montgolfiades’ held every September in Rocamadour is a hot-air balloon festival.
- Var: The ‘Roc azur’ is the most important mountain bike competition in Europe: 17,000 contestants, 150,000 spectators. From 10 to 14 October in Frejus, Saint Raphael and Roquebrune sur Argens.
- Vendée: Vendée Globe Race 2012.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Sports
- Poitou-Charentes: The “Velo-rail” machines have four wheels and two pedals, and can carry up to five people. Ride past woods and fields, and over a 160m viaduct that gives a great view of the stunning countryside.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: Winter or summer Luge’s parks (Alpine Coaster) can be found in Chamonix, Les Saisies and La Clusaz and are great fun for kids and their parents.
Accommodation
- Burgundy: 4 “Countryside caravans” with all comfort and cosiness, 2 “stars squares” to admire the stars at night since your bed, and 3 “Eco-Pods” for the most adventurous are offered by ‘Clos d’Aventure’.
- Midi Pyrenees: Les Gouttes d’Eaux are two transparent bubbles in the Tarn-et-Garonne, in which you can sleep and… enjoy an unprecedented view of the stars!
Cultural
- Auvergne: Every summer the Massif du Sancy plays host to a marvellous spectacle whose central theme of these encounters is man’s relationship with the natural world.
- Brittany: Go batty at the Maison de la Chauve Souris! This interactive discovery centre dedicated to bats in Kernascléden is a brilliantly fun day out for all the family.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Horse-drawn carriages or sleds in winter can be used to tour ‘La Margeride’ where European bison have been reintroduced.
- Ile de Ré: In the past, donkeys were wearing pants to protect them from insect bites and cuts from weed. Today they still provide loads on entertainment to the children.
- Rhône-Alpes: Located close to Lyon, Salva Terra is a medieval theme park offering families entertainment, shows, and games within a 5-hectare natural area.
- Riviera: "Settled down on a hillside, Terre d’Arômes propose to discover the atypical Yurts as well as proposing bio meals as well whole bio range of products.