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.
A wonderful walk along the Dordogne and Ouysse rivers, following in the footsteps of pilgrims to reach the awe-inspiring town of Rocamadour.
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.
Europe’s greatest concentration of classic modern art in the idyllic Mediterranean setting where it was created.
Old and new collections, with outstanding work by Renoir, Bonnard, Braque, Léger, Miró, Giacometti, Cocteau, Chagall, Matisse, Picasso.
Visits to the coastal towns and villages which inspired the artists, staying in Nice throughout.
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
Ride to the sun! This demanding yet spectacular cycle challenge takes us from lakeside Geneva through the Alps and Provence, following part of the historic Route Napoleon as we head south to the Mediterranean city of Nice. Our route takes mountain passes, quiet valley roads and cruising descents.
We stay in a 12C Chateau hotel (4 star), with a 1st class restaurant serving classic cuisine and wines. We walk on ancient drovers’ paths through natural rock formations above the gorges of the rivers Tarn & Jonte & visit mediaeval priories and villages. Running from 24 - 31 May 2020, this 8 day trip costs from £2,489 with a max of 14 guests.
Elaborate architecture and exceptional cuisine, legendary landscapes and live history on the streets – western and central Europe is a place well worth its accolades
Push yourself with a tough but rewarding cycle from London to Nice. Enjoy the beautiful views of Provence lavender fields, lakeside Geneva, and the towering peaks of the Alps.
This tour is led by expert guide, Col Nick Lipscombe, author of ‘Wellington Invades France’. Our route roughly follows the Great North Road from Madrid towards the great French border fortress of Bayonne and thence eastwards to Toulouse.
