Short Breaks

Toulouse is on top. With the November launch of new attraction La Halle de La Machine, marked by a 46-tonne Minotaur roaming the city’s streets, restorations currently improving the Musée des Augustins, and a...

A short tootle from Calais, the town of Arras offers the perfect mix of history, culture and retail temptation, says Gillian Thornton Viewed from the narrow balcony high on the Bell Tower, the townscape of...

Le Touquet – Paris by the sea. If it’s good enough for the Macrons… Just a 2 hr, 30-minute ride from Gare du Nord (pack a snack for the train from L'Etoile, Thierry Marx’s bistro)...

Ravaged during WWI’s trench-bound stalemate, Picardie is a true phoenix from the ashes. An unmissable stopover on this centenary year, the region has it all: history, culture and oodles of natural gems REMEMBRANCE TRAIL This centenary...

A few days into our Paris vacation, I needed a break from the busy city. You see, I really love visiting the City of Light, but sometimes the crowded museums and the vélomoteurs buzzing...

Stumped for things to do cet été? Here is our round-up of unmissable events, exhibitions and must-visit monuments to keep you (and the brood) busy all summer long. SKEDANOZ The ethereal light and sound show is set...

I have two unpleasant memories of getting up at the crack of dawn in Paris. Both were to catch that early morning train to arrive at the Palace of Versailles by opening time. Sadly,...

Here are our top 10 reasons to visit the fabulous region of Aquitaine! 1. The accessibility Aquitaine is easily accessible within a day or two’s drive from the Western Channel ports. Brittany Ferries offer a range...

For the people of Essoyes, a village in southern Champagne, the Year of Renoir, which was celebrated last year, capped years of planning, hard work, and determined effort that culminated in the opening of...

The accessibility The Loire is easily accessible from the UK and is just a few hours’ drive from the Western Channel ports. Brittany Ferries offer a range of daily sailings from Poole, Portsmouth and...