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France, the perfect destination for short breaks or holidays offering easy access, with just a short trip across the Channel by ferry, train or plane to reach your chosen accommodation. Experience the French way of life by staying in a gite, cottage or villa situated in the most popular destinations of France.
Pick up your provisions from the local market, savour the smell of freshly baked baguettes and taste the difference of home produce colourfully displayed on stalls tended by sellers which together create a vibrance and vitality that allow you to immerse yourself in the real France. Relax over a long, lingering lunch on a pavement café combining people watching with sipping full- bodied local wines and sampling regional cuisine. Sit in the shade of the plane trees idly surveying the progress of local villagers playing a game of petanque or simply snooze!
France, undoubtedly, has something for everyone, with spectacular coastlines, sun drenched beaches, magnificent mountains together with a rich array of historical influences, wondrous architecture and works of art inspired by the artist’s passion to capture the outstanding beauty of the landscape.
Historic France…
France is rich in medieval architecture which ranges from the smaller Romanesque churches to the vast Gothic cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris. A great example of medieval France not to be missed is the lovingly restored citadel of Carcassonne which crowns a steep hill above the river Aude.
Renaissance France left behind its legacy in the numerous chateaux that can be explored in the Loire regions and Burgundy. The Roman influences in the south of France can be seen in the town of Arles where visitors can admire the amphitheatre and Constantine’s baths. There is also a Roman amphitheatre at Nimes and the 2000 year old Pont du Gard is a fine testament to the greatness of Roman architects.
Natural France…
France is known for the diversity of its landscapes, not only creating a painter’s paradise for visiting artists but also providing a host of holiday opportunities. For beach lovers and surf enthusiasts the long , broad, sandy coastline of Aquitaine is a prime location to enjoy the sun soaked beaches lapped by the rolling foam-capped waves of the Atlantic.
In contrast, the Cote d’Azur offers a more craggy coastline dotted with charming coves and sheltered bays. Travel inland to explore the cave formations of the Dordogne or marvel at the rugged Gorges of Tarn and Verdon. Amble through the lavender fields of Provence or wonder at the sight of the flora and fauna that can be spotted high in the Alpine meadows of the Rhone Alpes.
Travel further north to unwind on a relaxing river cruise through the lush landscape of the Loire Valley or take a wine tour up into the vine covered hillsides of Burgundy. France prides itself on the preservation of the country’s natural beauty and visitors can take full advantage of this by visiting the National and Regional Parks which have numerous well sign posted walks and cycle paths.
Delicious France…
France has a worldwide reputation for being the connoisseur of good food and wine. Wherever you are in the country your taste buds will be in for a treat from the succulent and rich red wine dishes of Burgundy to the Provencal culinary creation Boullabaise, a delicious regional fish dish which must be sampled. Combine that with pastries, famous cheeses and fine wines to discover a country which provides a veritable feast of mouth-watering and tasty dishes.
Active France…
France offers a huge range of activities to suit the lovers of outdoor pursuits, both in the summer and the winter. Surfing in Aquitaine, canoeing and river rafting in the Gorges du Tarn, hiking, mountain biking and skiing in the Rhone Alpes and the Pyrenees are just a few of the many types of holiday themes available.
For a more leisurely pace, meander along in a long boat between vineyards and sleepy villages on the Canal du Midi or float amongst the clouds in a hot air balloon above the breathtaking French countryside. Also popular are fishing, golfing and sailing, in fact the list goes on in a country where visitors will most certainly want to go back for more year after year.