France Uncovered

France is certainly rich in history and no place more so than “Gay Paris”, home of famous architectural landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc d’Triomphe, Palace of Versailles (official residence of the kings of France) and The Louvre - one of the world's most famous art galleries. There are literally hundreds of interesting and enchanting places to visit in Paris but don’t worry if you can’t recognise a Monet from a Cézanne and the thought of joining the scrum to see the Mona Lisa fills you with dread because our expert local guides will glide you through the city bringing to life the legends, literature, art and architecture along the way.

If there’s one thing Paris has got its choice and, if you think Paris is just for grown-ups then that’s where you are wrong! She harbours a wealth of child friendly activities and cultural treasures that kids just love to share. Capture their imagination with tales of the Hunch back of Notre Dame, of famous Kings and Queens and if they are still bursting with energy march their little legs up the Champs-Élysées just as Napoleon once did!

If you want to experience traditional rural charm and you’re in search of a more relaxed style of luxury short break then ditch the city and escape to places off the beaten track, discover for yourself the ravishing charm, unique décor, gourmet food and the genuine hospitality of our handpicked villas, châteaux, rural B&B’s, rustic farmhouses, converted convents and boutique hotels throughout under discovered areas of France, including Languedoc-Roussillon. We’ll suggest the very best places to stay, plan your route, point out places of historical and cultural interest along the way and we’ll even recommend the gastronomic highlights!

Tucked away in the South East corner is one of my most beloved regions-laid back Provence-lavender capital of the World. There’s no doubt that Provence is breath taking, its sun-baked countryside adorned with pretty châteaux and cute little villages, its Mediterranean climate perfect for enjoying lazy days and long country walks. Officially called Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur, (confusing I know) this region is subdivided into six departments and some of my favorite areas include;-

Alpes Maritimes, including the Côte d'Azur fabled playground of the rich, famous and glamorous. Also known as The French Riviera the Côte d'Azur (more or less) stretches from Monaco in the East to Marseille in the West. Home to places such as Monte Carlo and Cannes, places you either love or hate, but boy do they have entertainment value. As does glitzy St Tropez famed for its “Gucci clad ladies” and the “my yacht’s bigger than yours” clan, with the odd celeb thrown in of course! Yet venture further afield and you will encounter medieval villages which cascade down to the sparkling azure water, stop a while and soak up the ambience…you may very well be seduced to linger!

Situated in Bouches du Rhône, the undiscovered Camargue is home to Europe’s only cowboys. For a short break vacation with a bit more va va voom head for this Provençal version of the Wild West, its a place where black bulls, white horses and gypsy festivals reign supreme.

The legendary alpine resorts of the Hautes Alpes region are a Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Chamonix and Courcheval are consistently ranked amongst the very finest ski resorts in the World but everyone’s got their favourites and we adore the sophisticated Haute Savoie village of Megeve known for its pretty cafés and patisseries, up-market shops and horse-drawn sleighs.

The Vaucluse is home to the renowned wine villages of Châteauneuf du Pape and Gigondas and to the craggy, sky high, picture perfect villages of the Luberon. Make a visit to the gorgeous city of Avignon, famed for 'Le Palais des Papes,' or the Palace of Popes, it’s one of the largest medieval gothic buildings in Europe and has a real “Lord of The Rings” appeal that the kids just love!

Need more Inspiration?

Choose the Dordogne for its picture-postcard fantasy of castles, honey coloured villages and cliff-top châteaux which are simply perfect for fairy tale weddings abroad.

Gourmet food and wine lovers will adore the customised private wine tours which operate throughout the picturesque regions of Provence, Burgundy and Bordeaux. Tailored around your vacation they provide access to unique cellars and châteaux and offer you the opportunity of meeting leading vintners and cellar-masters…and if “Me” time is high on your agenda check out Les Sources de Caudalie situated in the middle of Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards near Bordeaux…it’s just the ticket for great golf and girlie spa breaks!

There are not enough superlatives to describe the natural beauty and enduring appeal of France but if you would like to call me for a chat I would be happy to share with you my recommendations of the very best regions, and hotels that she has to offer!