The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department is in the far southwest of France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It borders Spain and includes the seaside superstar Biarritz, mountains and glorious countryside. Taking its name from the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, the department is roughly half Pays Basque Country and half Béarn. We talk to Charlie Ellis, an […]
To understand what WW2 was truly like, you must take a trip to Normandy, France to see where some of the most monumental events took place. The turning point of the war occurred in this region and the battle sites are meticulously preserved with many relics. It makes Normandy a must-visit to learn about and […]
Disneyland Paris is the most visited theme park in Europe. Clearly everyone loves a little magic in their lives! Being this popular could mean that getting in to enjoy all that Disneyland Paris offers, isn’t as much fun as you’d like. But that’s not the case if you sort your tickets out in advance. Klook.com […]
Banish those winter blues with a spring break in France…. Spring sees the return of a warm sun in France. Vineyards are flourishing, the beaches are enticing, the countryside is filled with the scent of blossom from cherry, almond, lemon and orange trees. Shops and patisseries are filled with drool-worthy sweet things like edible works […]
The Rhone Valley is the ultimate wine lovers destination. And there’s no better way to discover this beautiful area of Provence and its vineyards than with a three day tour with a local expert guide. This is a unique chance to experience the real Provence. You’ll meet local wine makers, visit the grand domaines and […]
If you’re thinking of getting married in France or celebrating your wedding in France – there’s not much that beats the romance and ambiance of a fairy tale chateau wedding venue in the heart of gorgeous Dordogne. The Chateau de Sadillac is the ideal wedding venue in Dordogne, historic, luxurious and in the most stunning […]
Day trips from Avignon to see the best of Provence are easy, but you will need wheels to see some of those off the beaten track beauties. If you don’t want to hire a car and drive, meet Emily Durand of Your Private Chauffeur Provence. She has lived in the area for many years. She’s […]
ABTA (The Travel Association of British Travel Agents) has updated advice for travellers from the UK to Europe. This latest advice highlights that the UK is on track to enter a transition period from the end of January 2020 meaning that all travel requirements and arrangements will remain the same until at least the end […]
Spring officially starts on March 20, 2020 and festivals and events, as well as blossom, bursts into life all over the country. We take a look at some of the top events in France in March … What’s on in France in March? Provence, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Alpes Maritime, Festival of Violets 29th February- 1st March 2020. The whole […]
Golden, flaky, buttery croissants… There’s nothing quite like a fresh baked, straight out of the oven, still warm and steaming croissant to make your spirit soar. They’re not super easy to make. It takes time to get it right, and time to chill the ingredients. You might need a few goes before you get it […]
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One grey dismal day, I took a day trip to northern France to buy some cheap wine with my dad and my husband Mark. My mum had died two years before and my dad, broken-hearted and bereft, turned to whisky to drown his sorrows. I thought getting him to drink wine would be better for […]
The French Mediterranean village of Collioure is nothing short of enchanting. Travel guru Rick Steves refers to it as “paradise reclaimed” – it’s hard to disagree. These gorgeous photos of Collioure, basking in the sun, are sure to make you want to visit… Collioure is everything that describes an idyllic postcard-perfect retreat from modern stresses… […]
The day came recently when I realised that this year, the year of Coronavirus, I would have time to do the garden and it’s probably going to be a very good idea to make my vegetable bed as efficient as possible. But I am a chicken mum and some of my chickens are as much […]
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in Provence, in the south of France, is famous for its wines. The town’s name means “the pope’s new château” because many centuries ago a summer papal palace was built here. The main Palace of the Popes was in nearby Avignon. Popes need good wine to drink, so vines were planted, barrels were crafted, […]
La Meuse is a winding river which meanders its way through the French Ardennes and on into Belgium. It’s a haven for cyclists, especially if you enjoy cycling on the flat. A cycle path follows the Meuse for over 50 kms with incredibly scenic views on either side of the river where hills descend sometimes […]
On summer evenings, the swallows dip and swoop in nervous arcs as if anxious to protect, or preserve, the close of day in its melancholy stillness. A light hovers over Collioure, on the Vemillion Coast in the Pyrenees-Orientales. Caught in a pale brushstroke of watercolor blue, a wash which holds the houses together as they […]
Paris is an ancient, time-shifting, secret society. I made it to the ripe old age of 61 by creating plans and organizing my life around them. This should come as no surprise. The clearest memory I have of my father is him sitting at the breakfast table looking from my sister to my brother then […]
In the centre of Paris you can visit a café that’s also a cosy refuge for abandoned cats. Highly recommended for cat and coffee lovers! Margaux Grandelon opened her first Cat Café in 2013 in the Marais district. I visited her second little establishment close to the Bastille monument at 9, Rue Sedaine and enjoyed […]