From quaint labyrinthine streets and ancient mountainside buildings to flower-filled gardens and picturesque ports, certain villages in the south of France look like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale. Whether tucked along the pretty pine-fringed coast or perched precariously atop a rocky outcrop, there’s even a committee that elects the most charming villages every year. Planning a French getaway?
2nd February 2025 - France Travel Inspiration
After seasoned skiers have retired their boots for the year and après paused for the warmer months, summer graces the French Alps with a soul-warming hug. Snow-capped peaks turn into lush green meadows, bringing ample opportunity for outdoor fun in the sun. Whether hiking well-trodden paths, relaxing by crystal-clear lakes or sampling seasonal food, one thing’s certain – summer in the French Alps is all about killer mountain scenery.
11th June 2024 - France Travel Inspiration
If Paris is the ‘City of Love’, then we’re certain cheese falls under its charm. Across France, cheese is considered the country’s culinary crown jewel, with almost 1,500 varieties. Because each creation has its own meticulous method of transforming milk into cheese, there are various categories of classification based on the type of milk used, heat treatment, curd preparation and method of ripening.
13th December 2023 - France Food & Drink
France – the very essence of romance – beckons lovers with its enchanting streets, charming cafes and breathtaking landscapes. While Paris, affectionately known as the ‘City of Love’, often steals the spotlight, there are numerous other places across France that will set your heart aflutter. Picture late-night strolls along lamp-lit boulevards, the melodic ambiance of bistro dinners a deux and early morning visits to boulangeries avec ton amore.
2nd October 2023 - France Honeymoon
The landmarks of Paris are so iconic that it might seem impossible to plan a visit that detours from the tourist trail. However, there are still plenty of lesser-known locations to discover during a day trip to Paris or long weekend. While it’s hard to entirely escape the crowds when visiting the French capital, these hidden gems in Paris are some of the city’s best-kept secrets. From a tower tourists often miss to an opulent chateau that isn’t Versailles, explore our favourite places to pretend we’re Parisian.
21st August 2023 - France Travel Inspiration
From the sleepy seaside haven of Trouville-sur-Mer to the glitz and glamour of Saint Tropez, the French coastline is graced with a bounty of beautiful beach towns. While away afternoons strolling along the palm-lined promenade in Nice, catch some waves at the surf mecca that is Biarritz or sip on sweet wine with sea views in Cassis. Beach essentials at the ready? Read on to learn more about the best
31st July 2023 - France Beaches & Islands
Often overlooked in favour of popular tourist haunts like Paris and Bordeaux, the national parks of France have mostly been the stomping ground of local hikers and mountaineers. That said, alpine and coastal parks like Calanques on the French Riviera and Vanoise in the heart of the Alps are finding themselves ever more attractive to nature-loving globe trotters. And it’s not hard to see why: France’s national parks offer acres upon acres of diverse unspoilt nature just a short drive away from popular towns and cities.
19th June 2023 - France Safari & Wildlife
Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a tipple every now and again, you absolutely must experience at least a couple of the wine routes in France. This country is home to some of the most celebrated and distinctive wines in the world, so naturally we think it’s a must-visit destination for all of you wine lovers out there. From dry and crisp whites and pale pink rosés to fruity and well-rounded reds, there are so many grape varieties and winemaking traditions to discover.
19th June 2023 - France Food & Drink
Want to spend the day (or week) somewhere with a unique character and charm? Then it’s time to take your pick from our list of the most beautiful villages in France. From the rolling hills and vineyards of Provence to the dramatic and rugged coastline of Brittany, there are countless villages that offer a glimpse into the history, architecture and general beauty of this country. Some are located in rural areas and have a rich agricultural heritage, while others are situated in the heart of wine country and have a long history of winemaking.
14th June 2023 - France Travel Inspiration
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, synonymous with love, food and fashion – aka all the best things in life. The city has been at the heart of countless films, novels and television shows, from Baz Luhrmann’s heartbreaking Moulin Rouge to the hilarious (if slightly cringey) television show Emily in Paris. But if, like Emily, you find yourself a little daunted when you finally step onto Parisian soil, we’re here to help.
5th June 2023 - France Travel Inspiration
France and Italy have long been at war over who has the better cuisine. Is it the simplicity of a good old cheese-laden pizza? Or the high-end finesse of a classic coq au vin? It might just be impossible to decide. That’s where Corsica steps in. Officially part of France but with a long Italian heritage, this Mediterranean island blends the tastiest grub from both nations into one heavenly cuisine. And while tucking into some high-end charcuterie or a hearty stew in one of our favourite restaurants on the island is a must,
8th May 2023 - France Food & Drink
Planning a trip to the South of France and want to visit a few beaches in Marseilles while you're in the area? Well, it'd be rude not to – right? While this Mediterranean port city may be better known for its ancient Greek and Roman history, Brutalist buildings and lively marina, there are certainly some stunning stretches of sand (and shingle) worth exploring here too. From bustling urban beaches to tranquil secluded coves, this segment of coastline offers something for every travelling type and occasion.
1st May 2023 - France Beaches & Islands
The beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica has long captivated travellers with its spectacular coastline, crystal-clear waters, dramatic mountain peaks and white sand beaches. But there’s more to the ‘Island of Beauty’ than its costal charms, with a handful of picturesque villages to explore which will seduce you with their charm, authenticity, cultural experiences, historical significance and beautiful natural surroundings.
1st May 2023 - France Travel Inspiration
France’s legendary landmarks need no introduction, and if you’ve visited Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Versailles’ eponymous palace or Normandy’s Mont Saint-Michel, you may feel as though you’ve seen the best of the nation’s iconic offerings. Yet, one of the joys of a country as accomplished as France is that its accolades appear to be never-ending, with treasures concealed behind every corner. Skip the queues outside the Louvre and opt for the art galleries of Metz,
21st October 2022 - France Travel Inspiration
Once again, summer has slipped away and those mitten-wearing months are nearly upon us, as the days begin to shorten and the temperatures gradually drop. Beating the winter blues with the promise of a Parisian escape could be just the ticket, but if you need a little persuading as to why, we’re here to help with some of our most convincing reasons to visit Paris in winter. Let the warmth of the seasonal festivities, the comforting meals and the picturesque monuments that often find themselves dusted in snowflakes sway you.
21st September 2022 - France Travel Inspiration
Paris is the land of hard-and-fast kitchen etiquette, where skilled chefs come to invent, and foodie fans come to feast. From bubbling croque monsieur’s on café tables, chateaubriand in candlelit bistros and inventive 13-course tasting plates of caviar and curried lobster overlooking the Seine, Paris’ food scene has never looked or tasted better. But with 44,000 restaurants (119 of which proudly boast Michelin stars) jostling for the mouths of the city’s two million residents and 30 million annual tourists, deciding where to take the first bite can be the hardest part.
25th July 2022 - France Food & Drink
French holidays are a serious matter. A thought shared by the country’s 90 million annual visitors and 68 million residents – 80 per cent of whom choose to holiday on home turf – France has long considered itself a holiday hot shot. And why shouldn’t it? After all, France hasn’t just perfected the ability to juggle its opulence (found in the plush palaces) with its twee (the Disneyesque villages of Colmar and Riquewihr), but has crafted a culture that still makes Francophiles weak at the knees.
29th June 2022 - France Travel Inspiration
Our clued-up local Concierges are the ultimate insiders. That’s why we’ve left it to them to plan the perfect 24 hours in Paris. From romantic cruises on the Seine in vintage motor yachts and afternoons spent wandering contemporary art collections to grand dinners at the award winning Le Grand Véfour, you’re bound to leave the city with the same deduction Aubrey Hepburn made in 1954 – ‘Paris is always a good idea’.
5th April 2022 - France 24 Hours In
There is surely no better smell to wake up to than that of freshly made baguettes and pastries drifting up from a nearby bakery as you start your day in one France’s sleepy towns or villages. With its gastronomic customs officially recognised by UNESCO for their intangible cultural heritage, France is a haven for simple combinations of rich, natural flavours that come together to create unforgettable culinary creations.
25th March 2022 - France Food & Drink
The iconic French capital plays host to an impressive array of legendary landmarks, and with a sense of romance suffusing the leafy boulevards and Gothic architecture, it won’t take you long to figure out why it’s nicknamed both the ‘City of Love’ and the ‘City of Light’. Boasting a certain je ne sais quoi that seduces travellers and locals alike, Paris also offers the perfect blend of gallery-hopping, boutique shopping and gastronomic indulgence.
28th February 2022 - France Culture
Flooded with sunshine and set between vineyards, the mountains and the Mediterranean, the villages scattered across the Provence countryside are overflowing with charm. From the coastal villages and Medieval architecture in the Var region, to the hilltop towns and lavender fields in the Luberon, below is our selection of the most beautiful villages in Provence… 1 Ménerbes This fortress village, set in the hills of the Luberon mountains,
24th December 2021 - France Travel Inspiration
If you’re dreaming of rugged mountain hikes and luxury coastal restaurants, the south west of France has you covered. Nestled on the Atlantic coast, the Basque Country is a hidden gem packed with rich culture and gorgeous scenery. The fascinating and unique culture of the Basque people provides insight into a largely undiscovered community while maintaining the classic features of French and Spanish (Spain is only a two-hour drive away) traditions.
22nd October 2021 - France Travel Inspiration
La Signoria Located just outside the town of Calvi, La Signoria has the best of both worlds - it's at the foot of the Corsican mountains, yet close to the beach. Housed in an 18th century Genoese estate in three acres of gardens dotted with orange trees, pine trees and fountains, the setting is stunning. The 24 rooms are dotted around the gardens, and comprise of residences (standard rooms and suites),
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
I discovered the brand new Le Portetta hotel Just before Christmas... I was whisked off to Courchevel 1650 in France on a research trip to see the brand new Le Portetta hotel. From the moment I walked through the glass doors, I felt warm and cosy, and even for an avid skier like me, the roaring fire in the sitting room with its large armchairs and sofas nearly proved a distraction from the slopes!
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
Les Fermes de Marie The charming Les Fermes de Marie consists of nine chalets in the heart of Megeve, each constructed using materials from centuries old High Mountain pasture chalets. One of the most luxurious accommodations in Megeve, Les Fermes de Marie is the perfect option for couples, who can retreat to the spoiling Pure Altitude Spa, and families, whose little ones can enjoy the facilities of the Hameau des Enfants.
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
Altapura Located in Val Thorens - Europe's highest ski resort - the ultra-contemporary Altapura is the resort's first truly stylish hotel, and one that could well put the resort on a par with neighbouring Meribel and Courchevel. After all, the resort has always had the skiing earlier, later and better than the neighbours but lacked a special place to stay. Enter Altapura, with 88 rooms and suites featuring contemporary Nordic design, birch wood furniture and stone clad bathrooms.
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
Le Mas Candille Le Mas Candille is an immaculate hotel in the attractive village of Mougins, five miles from the Cote d'Azur at Cannes. The property has been imaginatively transformed from its origins as an 18th century farmhouse. It is set within expansive gardens and parkland, with mature cypress trees, old olive groves, and views towards the foothills of the Alps. Its secluded but easily accessible location makes it a perfect base from which to explore the Côte D'Azur.
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
Hotel Keppler Hotel Keppler is an au courant 'new art' luxury boutique hotel in Paris, a stone's throw from shopping haven the Champs Elysees but also a welcome haven from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are 44 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each of which has been designed by interiors guru Pierre-Yves Rochon; think black and white decor with splashes of colour, custom- made furniture and hand-woven carpets.
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
The best new hotel in the Alps. Hotels in Courchevel France is the most visited country on Earth, and with extremely good reason. Choosing one Travel Stories from all that l'Hexagone has to offer is nigh on impossible, so we thought we'd go with the newest. Introducing Le K2 in Courchevel 1850, which opens today. We were there last week, and in our humble opinion this is one of the most exciting hotel openings anywhere in the world this year.
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
We love a city that's recovered its mojo, and Bordeaux has most certainly done so. The grand 18th-century boulevards and buildings - paid for by the proceeds of the wine industry - spent decades down at heel until a recent sense of urban renewal lured young entrepreneurs back. Now, with the arrival of a direct TGV high-speed link from Paris, the capital's Gallic 'ipsters may well also migrate to the west coast.
28th June 2021 - France Food & Drink
Plenty more secrets lie beyond Corsica's picture postcard scene of a turquoise cove lined with pine trees. Mountains and rivers, cliff-top villages, historic and lively cities : from north to south, a meandering journey allows you to get to know 'the Island of Beauty' better. Sitting in the shade of a century-old olive tree, it's hard to drag yourself away from Hotel Palazzu's patio. The scents of the cedars of Lebanon and the Caribbean lime trees mingle over the fountain in this land suspended between sky and sea.
28th June 2021 - France Beaches & Islands
Known as 'The Island of Beauty', Corsica has an unparalleled reputation, particularly for its coastline. All along its over 600 miles of coastline lie enchanting, often unspoiled and protected beaches, contrasted against the deep blue of the ocean. Secret coves, steep mountains, gin clear water, pine forests and a multitude of other wonders make up the landscape of this special region. Here is our overview of the best beaches in Corsica.
28th June 2021 - France Beaches & Islands
Who better to ask for their thoughts on the most charming hotels in France than our French partners in Paris? Here are the places 'le plus charmant' they came up with... 1 Haute-Savoie - Chalet 1864 The Chalet is open all year round for you to experience the Bornes and Aravis areas. 1864 refers to the year the house was built. You can expect typical vernacular architecture coupled with contemporary minimalism to create a lovely aesthetic.
28th June 2021 - France Hotels
France's sensational south coast is home to both the glamorous playgrounds of St. Tropez and Cannes and the authentic hilltop villages of Eze and Haut-de-Cagnes. While I was whizzing along the French Riviera in May, it struck me as a perfect time to visit. Here's why... Avoid the Crowds July and August is peak season in St. Tropez, which can lead to hoards of tourists, hour-long traffic queues and beaches jam-packed with loungers.
28th June 2021 - France Travel Inspiration
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
