As tourism to the south of France gained popularity towards the end of the 19th century, a train service was introduced for the wealthy and famous travellers taking them from Calais to Paris and onwards to the final town on the Cote d'Azur before the Italian border, Menton. Here's the story of Le Train Beu.
Take a trip to Brantôme and visit the Benedictine Abbey complete with troglodyte caves. Brantôme Abbey has history back to the 8th century, it has been rebuilt and restored over the centuries with the latest incarnation being built in the late 19th century.
Beautiful days are fast approaching so why not discover Collioure, a pretty Mediterranean town on the Côte Vermeille in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The first thing to do is to stroll through the heart of the town to discover its pretty colourful streets. A sun-drenched city, full of flowers and colours, where you will find original houses, craft shops and art workshops.
La Maison de la Pâtisserie, Coralie Coms is a high quality and friendly pastry shop located in Cabestany in the Pyrénees-Orientales in the south of France. Coralie works only with local produce. Previously, she worked with Christophe Adam, the famous chef and founder of L'Eclair de Génie.
The story of the short animated TV series which became famous both in France and the UK. Created by Serge Danot, Le Manège Enchanté first appeared on French TV screens in 1965. At the same time, across the channel, it became a children's favourite known as The Magic Roundabout.
It seems a long time ago. 20 years ago, Pure France started its journey into quality holiday rentals. Previously a series of separate regional sites, founders and dedicated francophiles, Dan Jones and Hugh Atkins brought everything together under one roof in 2002 and launched Pure France - now the leading independent rental agency for high-end holiday homes throughout France.
A love story, a travelogue, a collection of stories and snapshots, both visual and verbal, irreverent and brilliant. "Anyone who doesn’t read Cortázar is doomed." - Pablo Neruda In May 1982, Julio Cortázar, literary explorer of the highest order, set out with Carol Dunlop aboard their VW camper van to explore the uncharted territory of the Paris to Marseille autoroute.
Leading Hollywood actor, Johnny Depp is looking once again to sell his small French village. Located just outside Le Plan de la Tour, 25 kms from Saint Tropez, Depp bought the village in the early 2000s and spent millions renovating the buildings. The village includes a main house, six guest homes, a private restaurant, and an art studio. There are also two swimming pools, a square, a skate park, a full gym, and a wine cave. Find out here how much you need to buy it...
A spectacular 5 km walk round the southern-most tip of the extraordinarily beautiful peninsula of Cap d'Antibes. Take a break from the chic boutiques, the busy cafés and the luxury properties and superyachts - discover the wonders of natural beauty on this unspoiled coastal path.
The Bathers by Paul Cezanne was painted at the turn of the 20th century. Cezanne was one of the leading impressionist artists. This paintings links man to nature - the bodies are depicted together to blend in with nature and become one. The picture also represents the transition to modern art, heralding Cubism.
Bergerac and the surrounding region is an ideal holiday destination set in the heart of Périgord countryside. Bergerac is a fabulous town itself to discover with a medieval heart with a beautiful river-front and winding streets with excellent restaurants. Venture out to two examples of the best preserved bastide towns in the region, Monpazier and Monflanquin.
"Anyone can take a picture, the art is to capture a moment and to see what no one else sees." Daniel Killoran is one of the best wedding photographers in the business. Fluent in three languages, he spends his work and leisure time between France, Italy and the UK. With access to some of the most spectacular wedding venues in France, here's an insight into his work.
On every desk in every school, university or workplace. In your coat pocket, somewhere in the car or in a kitchen drawer there is a familiar pen, made by Bic. Its one of France’s most uncelebrated design classics. Manufactured in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France, the world's favourite pen reached a landmark in 2006 when sales reached 1 billion. Find out here why there is a hole in the cap...and more.
‘Aimless people who are involved in tangled, often amoral relationships.’ These are the international best selling stories of one of France’s most celebrated authors. Discover here the life and works of Françoise Sagan. Are they a true reflection of real French life ?
The prestigious Château de la Ronde is situated in a UNESCO World Heritage region, 5 km from Saumur in the Loire Valley. Current owner, Madame Douillard has carefully curated the history and serenity of the château to offer a fabulous and unique property that is available for holiday rentals.
Come and discover the beautiful and intriguing 'calanques' of the Provençal Mediterranean coastline. The calanques are a series of natural, steep-walled coastal inlets that can be enjoyed by hikers or from their fine sandy beaches or from spectacular boat rides.
Maison Pierre Frey is famous throughout France for its high quality interior-design products such as wallpaper, upholstery, rugs, carpets and high-end furniture. Created in 1935, Maison Pierre Frey continues today running as a family business. Find out more in this article...
As an ancient royal residence, the Louvre is inextricably linked to eight centuries of French history. Designed in 1793 as a universal museum, its collection, among the best in the world, spans many millennia and miles, from the Americas to Asia. Over 38,000 artworks are grouped into eight curatorial departments, including universally-admired works such as The Mona Lisa, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
Anyone with memories of a 1970s summer beach holiday either on the Atlantic coast between Arcachon and Biarritz or anywhere along the Cote d’Azur from Marseille to Menton will remember the familiar site of the Citroën Mehari. A classic French vehicle and style-icon; find out more here.
Absinthe is the forerunner to one of the most popular drinks in France; Pastis. But it didn’t start well. This is the story of alcohol, the green fairy, 19th century artists in Paris, prohibition and how pastis was created. And how the taste of summer is now found in the cafés of Provence.
What are the must-sees in and around Biarritz, on the Atlantic Coast of France ? Here you will find all the best activities and sites in this beautiful part of France. Rich in its architectural heritage and its history, there is plenty to discover for your family holiday in and around Biarritz.
Everyone knows Catherine Deneuve, the icon of French and international cinema. But less is known about her sister, Françoise Dorléac. Françoise was actually the first of the two sisters to become a star - she first modelled for Chritian Dior and then made a number of films before her tragic death in 1967.
The Mascaret is mysterious, tidal-wave enjoyed by surf-board sports enthusiasts. The tidal bore is a natural phenomenen and is found in around 80 rivers and bays in France. It is quite prevalent on the Garonne River near Bordeaux. reaching up to 2 meters high and traveling at 15 to 30 km/h.
The classical architecture of the Provençal town of Arles has recently been challenged by something quite extraordinary - a contemporary 56 metre tower that dominates the skyline and resembles what has been called 'a stainless-steel tornado'. To some, it is beautiful and revolutionary, to some of the residents of Arles, it is neither...
France is a country rich in natural landscapes, history, culture and gastronomy. Mountains, forests, seaside, ocean, picturesque towns or villages... A huge choice of destinations to discover in your villa for an unforgettable vacation. All regions are full of exceptional natural sites, cultural heritage and architectural treasures. Culture has a predominant place in France.
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