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.
Explore wild mountains, alpine meadows and glacial lakes on this week-long walking holiday based in a tranquil French valley.
The River Dordogne, beloved of travellers for decades, passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in France. Each section has its own character, but the stretch we have chosen reflects that variety, giving the walker a taste of the Middle Dordogne landscape in all its forms.
Hôtel St Christophe is a popular hotel, in a privileged location with all of Calvi's amenities on your doorstep.
An adult-only escape, Le Home apartments nestle in luxuriant gardens in the heart of Calvi – the perfect place for couples seeking a tranquil and comfortable holiday home.
Walk the most spectacular section of the Tarn river valley, through rocky gorges and stone-built villages, woods and meadows.
An adult-only retreat, this collection of lovely apartments feature a shared pool and lush gardens in an idyllic setting – just a few minutes' walk from Calvi and its superb beach.
A self-guided hike near Mont Ventoux in northern Provence, from Venasque to Vacqueyras, including a circuit in the Dentelles de Montmirail. Add a night or two in Avignon at the end.
