You can spend a lifetime travelling to France and never tire of her. You want beaches? Gravitate to the Côte d'Azur. You want rivers and gorges? Drive to the Massif Central and lose yourself in the Cevennes. For winter sports, there’s the Alps, for culture past and present there’s Paris – a city to fall in love in. And anywhere you choose you’re sure to find excellent food and wine.
The corner of France which makes my own heart beat harder is Biarritz. Maybe long-time residents King Edward and Mrs Simpson have endowed it with a royal aura. Maybe it’s the laid-back surfer culture, bouncy nightlife or those tasty Atlantic oysters. But whenever I visit, I find myself on the Esplanade du Port Vieux looking right at the Grande Plage and left at the magnificent Côte des Basques and wonder why on earth I haven’t moved there yet.
An exhilarating adventure through the majestic mountain scenery of the French and Swiss Alps, leaving you with a real sense of achievement.
A beautiful bergerie-style property set in peaceful grounds and surrounded by ancient olive trees. Situated between Bonifacio and Porto Vecchio, the location is very convenient for those wishing to explore the South of the island.
A self-guided hike in one of the most remote parts of France. Walk from La Brigue, on the France/Italy border, down the Roya Valley to beautiful Menton on the Riviera, taking in ancient Saorge, Breil, Sospel and Ste Agnes. This is a great walk for those who are seeking to move up a walking grade, and the route is well signed.
Hotel based one week Alpine walking holiday around Mont Blanc
This beautiful and demanding trek in the Pyrenees takes us from France over the high mountains into Spain. Our route follows the ‘Freedom Trail’, one of the escape routes followed by thousands of allied servicemen and Jewish refugees seeking to escape Nazi-occupied France by fleeing to neutral Spain.
Climb to the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe and climb to the summit of Gran Paradiso, the highest peak in Italy
Circuit Mont Blanc in style with the best route, excellent accommodation and an experienced leader.
Travel by train and ferry to this geographically diverse, Mediterranean paradise. Enjoy unlimited travel on the island's narrow gauge system with the travel card provided. Soak up Corsican culture with free time in the coastal towns of Bastia, Ajaccio and Calvi.
• Explore the fascinating and diverse history of Brittany, from standing stones to Paul Gauguin and the Pont-Aven school of painters
• Visit sites in Locmariaquer, including the Table des Marchands passage grave, the Er Grah tumulus and the Grand Menhir Brisé, the largest standing stone in Europe
• Discover the unique architectural and sculptural
Visit an eclectic selection of villas, gardens and art collections. Discover the contrasting villas of Charles, Vicomte de Noailles in Hyeres and Grasse. Several private gardens not open to the public. Literary associations from Lady Fortescue’s memoirs to Tender is the Night. Beautifully appointed 4* hotel in Mougins.
