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Showing posts with label Brittany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brittany. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Southern Brittany, A Unique Tourist Destination In France With Lorient Interceltic Festival From August 5th-14th
Saturday, August 15, 2015
The Top 10 Villa Holidays In France
Our experts' pick of the top 10 self-catering and villa holidays in France for 2015/16, including villas in Normandy, Brittany, Languedoc, Provence and the Dordogne
All prices are for property rental for a week in spring or summer unless stated otherwise. They are subject to availability.
1. Earthship Perrine, Normandy
Just outside the village of Gers, in the rolling farmlands of south-westNormandy, stands the only "Earthship" in Europe available as a self-catering holiday rental. A glorified greenhouse with a capital G, Earthship Perrine was constructed to a model developed in Taos, New Mexico, as an eco-friendly “home of the future”.
Its walls, half-buried in the rich Norman soil, consist of used car tyres rammed full of earth; its south-facing façade is entirely glass, enclosing a plant-filled conservatory corridor off which lie three large, warm (and somewhat dark) bedrooms plus a kitchen, bathroom and living area. The whole structure is off-grid, and self-sufficient for power and water, without stinting on things like comfortable beds and a wood-burning stove.
From £78 a night through Canopy & Stars (0117 204 7830;canopyandstars.co.uk).
Greg Ward
2. Château du Bec, Normandy
Circled by a broad, tranquil moat, overlooking its own lake and swathes of woodland, the thousand-year-old Château du Bec is 14km south of the seaside resort of Étretat. Though repeatedly rebuilt since the 10th century, it remains a magnificent vision, with its turreted towers and forbidding gateway.
Its interior spaces have been radically transformed, however, to give it two ultra-modern, architect-designed self-catering apartments, each capable of sleeping four, and two b & b suites, L’Atre and La Rotonde. The latter on the ground floor, does indeed have a round bedroom, encircled by curving walls of ancient exposed stonework. There’s also a b & b cabin in the grounds, with its own lakeside terrace.
From £110 a night; self-catering suites from £430 per week, £280 for a weekend (00 33 6228 32 417; chateaudubec.com).
GW
Chateau du Bec in Normandy
3. Châteaux of Brittany
Countless rental homes and cottages are available along the Breton coast. For something truly exceptional, though, how about renting a castle? The easy-to-use Oliver’s Travels website lists a dozen genuine châteaux in Brittany, capable of accommodating from 10 to 35 guests; all are ideal for hosting large-scale get-togethers. Among the pick of the crop are the Château de Moulin, commanding views of both St-Malo and Dinard from a seafront hill-top; the Manor de Chalandes, set in magnificent gardens near the Loire which comes with its own spa; and the imposing Château le Bois near Rennes, which has a private fishing lake.
Château de Moulin from £7,991; Manor de Chalandes from £5,486;Château le Bois from £1,448 (0800 133 7999; oliverstravels.com).
GW
4. Grabels, Languedoc
As in Provence, so in Languedoc it makes sense to take one’s country break near a big town. Thus, when the need arises, one may get away from getting away from it all, and get back in among it. Montpellier’s the place for this. It’s among the liveliest and most elegant of all French cities, with a full roster of culture, bars and restaurants dotted about a superb old centre, a magnificent main square and, in Antigone and beyond, France’s most ambitious modern developments. Grabels, a charming village about seven miles out, is where we find the Villa Emma - a contemporary spot of decadently luxurious standards: loads of glass, light and air, lawns, pools, four fine double bedrooms, lolling areas for eight and more. Beyond Montpellier, the Med is but a hop. Behind Grabels, the Hérault high country leads quickly to the Cévennes. This is, in short, a great base - and a pretty smart place to return to.
From £1,826 with French Country Cottages (0345 268 0796; french-country-cottages.co.uk).
Anthony Peregrine
5. Pézenas, Languedoc
Maison du Pézenas has the sort of contemporary gleam you see in design magazines, plus mandatory terraces, gardens, big pool and a built-in sense of entitlement. Pézenas centre is under a mile away, with its period drama of narrow streets distinguished, in the past, by Molière and Clive of India (though, sadly, not together). It’s 30 minutes to the beach or the shellfish of the Etang-de-Thau, rather less to the Hérault hills and Héric gorges so remote that they get yesterday’s sunshine.
AP
Maison du Pézenas
6. Var, Provence
Stick a pin in a map of Provence and it will land in a pleasant villa somewhere lovely. The truth is that in Provence, prettiness, warmth and, hence, villas are ubiquitous. So I’ll simply choose one of my favourite bits - the hill country around Fayence, where the Var département starts to rise towards the Alps, strewing gorges, vines, rocks, torrents and perched villages as it goes. British-run Pure France has an outstanding collection of top-end properties in the area (and, if you’re not going top-end, why go at all?). These include the stone-built, 10-sleeper Bastide de Cavaroux, far up a hill and with a wow factor (pool, gardens, general sumptuousness) to convince the meanest among us that we are fleetingly part of the élite.
From £2,930 (0203 514 2359; purefrance.com).
AP
7. Aix, Provence
It’s an excellent idea to spend one’s Provençal country holiday not too far from a fine town so, when it arises, the craving for culture, shops, bars and hubbub may be assuaged. Step forward Aix-en-Provence, brainiest city in France, most civilised in the south. A past involving Good King René, nobles, jurists and Paul Cézanne informs present elegance, enhancing everyone. Walk along the wide, tree-lined Cours Mirabeau and you’re a better person already. Villas du Monde has some cracking properties in the surrounding countryside - not least an eight-sleeper (romantically termed B398) with great pool and gardens, nine miles from Aix centre. Deeply bucolic itself, it’s also within hailing distance of the Luberon and the Camargue, to assuage further rustic cravings. Ideal, really.
From £1,650 (0033 800 800 565; villasdumonde.com).
AP
8. Rocamadour, Dordogne
Few properties plunge guests into the heart of la belle France quite like Château de Cantecor in the Lot, south-west France. Snug between chestnut forests three miles from the town of Rocamadour, this château means business. It has turrets and watchtowers. It has history harking back to the 12th century. And the valley view from its self-catering gîtes is magnificent. The holiday house in the former watchtower sleeps three. But the real thrill is the luxurious tree-top cabin with two stylish double bedrooms and a decking terrace for starlit dining and view swooning. Gîtes share the swimming pool and barbecue built in the chateau’s former bread oven.
From £890 for the treehouse, £420 for the watchtower (0033 5 65 33 73 50;amadour-hotel.com/fr/gites-de-cantecor.php).
Nicola Williams
Rocamadour (Photo: AP/Fotolia)
9. La Clusaz, French Alps
It can be hard to get away from it all in the French Alps. Not so at Les Ecotagnes, a romantic cluster of treehouses and 18th-century chalet with hot tub in the forest not far from La Clusaz. So off the beaten track is it that guests park in Les Villards-sur-Thônes and tackle the final off-road climb up to 1,350m by 4x4. At the wheel is Hugo, a ski teacher and first-rate chef who runs Les Ecotagnes with passion and care. The luxurious treehouses built by his father have wood-burning stoves and sleep two. Water comes from a mountain spring, and flaming torches light the forest path leading to the main chalet, where dinner is served around a shared table. Les Ecotagnes is open from May to mid-November.
From £130pp a night half-board in a treehouse, including 4x4 shuttle, is £130 a night in a treehouse (0033 6 70 02 10 14; ecotagnes.com).
NW
10. Montreal, Burgundy
Burgundy’s medieval villages make a great base for exploring the local area. In the golden light of midsummer they are picture-postcard perfect, with panoramic views across the wild Morvan national park. Better still, they are low-key lively, with bars, restaurants and cafes on your doorstep. Vezelay is the most famous of these villages, but accommodation can be hard to find in the summer months. Better to head to nearby Montreal, which is less visited but equally picturesque, with 600-year-old houses, a remarkable church and a view to die for. From here you’ll be able to explore the Morvan, the local chateaux and basilicas and the region’s vineyards. Casamundo has villas for rent across Burgundy, including a lovely three-bedroom cottage in Montreal.
From £480 (020 3514 9377; casamundo.co.uk).
Giles Milton
For our other expert holiday selections in France see our top 10 beach holidays in France, activity holidays in France, culture holidays in France and food and drink holidays in France.
This article was first published in November 2014 and updated and republished in July 2015
Friday, June 6, 2014
10 Of The Best Family Friendly Hotels In France
From a guesthouse on the Côte d'Azur to a chalet in the Alps, a farmhouse B&B in the Loire to a chateau in Limousin, we've selected hotels that know what kids (and their parents) need
Le Lodge Kerisper, France
Le Lodge Kerisper, La Trinité-sur-Mer, Brittany
This breezy boutique hotel is the perfect base for a seaside holiday, just a stone's throw from the beautiful beaches of Brittany's south coast. The style throughout is beach-hut chic with lots of pale wood and linen, but it's incredibly family-friendly, too: there's a small heated outdoor pool and garden, books and board-games to borrow, mountain-bikes for hire and a baby-sitting service. There are 20 rooms including several family suites, some of which have private, shady terraces, and inter-connecting rooms which can cater for family groups of all sizes. There's no restaurant but the yachting town of La Trinité-sur-Mer with its crêperies and seafood restaurants is just 100m away.
• From €150 for a junior suite sleeping two, plus €25 per extra bed. Buffet breakfast €14 per adult, and €9 per child. lodge-kerisper.com
• From €150 for a junior suite sleeping two, plus €25 per extra bed. Buffet breakfast €14 per adult, and €9 per child. lodge-kerisper.com
Chateau Ribagnac, Limousin
The Bergot family became unwitting TV stars when they featured in the Channel 4 series No Going Back, which followed their move from London to France in 2003 and their struggles to renovate a dilapidated chateau deep in the Limousin countryside. Ten years on, and there's no sign of the toil that went into creating this relaxed country house retreat. Patrick and Colette have three young children so they know exactly what's needed to make a family holiday work. Just let them know what you need in advance – from nappies to cots – and it will be waiting for you in your suite when you arrive. All five guest rooms are spacious and kitted out with a mix of French antiques and contemporary furnishings. Outside, there are 86 acres of grounds to roam with lakes, nature trails and outdoor games. Evening meals (on offer five nights a week) are a relaxed and sociable affair, with a 6pm sitting for children and an adults-only sitting at 8.30pm (baby monitors provided).
• From €130 per night for a suite sleeping two adults and two children (plus cot), on a B&B basis. chateauribagnac.com
• From €130 per night for a suite sleeping two adults and two children (plus cot), on a B&B basis. chateauribagnac.com
Villa Nais, Bormes Les Mimosas, Côte d'Azur
This friendly family-run guesthouse tucked away in the hills between St Tropez and Hyères offers a peaceful respite from the heat and crowds of the Côte d'Azur. There are just nine air-conditioned rooms, most of which overlook the small (fenced) swimming pool and a terrace with views of the valley, but what really makes this place ideal for families is the communal barbecue and kitchen area with fridge, freezer, microwave, sink and dishwasher – perfect if you don't want to eat out every night. There's a tennis court and table tennis, and Wi-Fi in all rooms. The charming little town of Bormes-Les-Mimosas and the beach at Le Lavandou are a short drive away.
• From €100 for a triple room with breakfast, and from €119 for a family room sleeping four in a separate annexe, with breakfast included.villanais.com
• From €100 for a triple room with breakfast, and from €119 for a family room sleeping four in a separate annexe, with breakfast included.villanais.com
Novotel Thalassa Oleron Saint Trojan, Ile d'Oleron, Poitou-Charentes
They might not win any prizes for design flair or local flavour but there are times when nothing quite hits the mark like a Novotel. What the Novotel Thalassa Oleron Saint Trojan lacks in bijou charm, it makes up for with a fab location right on the beach, great-value family rooms with terraces or balconies, and decent facilities. The hotel is on the Île d'Oléron, a more affordable and less crowded alternative to the chi-chi Île de Ré a bit further up the coast, and linked to the mainland by a bridge. It's connected to the island's thalassotherapy centre so parents can indulge in some restorative treatments while children are taken care of in the kids club (French school holidays only). There are tennis courts, bikes to hire, table tennis, free Wi-Fi, play areas and the sandy expanse of Plage de Gatseau on your doorstep for sandcastle building.
• Two children under-16 can stay free in their parents' room (or you can book a second room with 50% off). From €70 for a room sleeping four.novotel.com
• Two children under-16 can stay free in their parents' room (or you can book a second room with 50% off). From €70 for a room sleeping four.novotel.com
Hotel Alpina, Morzine, Rhone-Alps
Morzine might be known as a winter sports destination but it has plenty to keep active families happy in summer, from hiking and mountain-biking to horseriding and white-water rafting in the Haute-Savoie. The Hotel Alpina is a cosy, no-frills chalet-style hotel with a small pool on the sunny side of the Morzine valley, a short walk from the town centre and the Super Morzine Bubble lift. Simple rooms are kitted out in Alpine style with lots of exposed wood, and most have balconies. In summer the hotel is part of the Multipass scheme which gives access to all the operating lifts of the Portes du Soleil area (pedestrian-only), Morzine's swimming pool complex, indoor ice rink, tennis courts and local bus service, for €2 a day (free for under-fives).
• From €80 for a family room in summer sleeping up to four. Breakfast €9.50. alpinahotel.com
• From €80 for a family room in summer sleeping up to four. Breakfast €9.50. alpinahotel.com
Hotel de l'Océan, Biarritz, Aquitaine
The Hotel de l'Océan makes the perfect base for a car-free holiday. Located right in the centre of buzzing Biarritz, a traditional seaside resort which is well connected by bus to the Basque resorts of St Jean de Luz, Guéthary and, across the Spanish border, San Sebastián. The 26 air-conditioned rooms in this three-star hotel have been decorated in a crisp, nautical style: it's worth paying extra for a room with balcony for the pleasure of watching the surfers do battle with the Atlantic breakers on the Grande Plage or for people-watching in the Place Sainte Eugénie below. There's a good choice of doubles, triples and family rooms.
• From €124 for a family room sleeping four. Breakfast from €7.70 per person. biarritz-hotel-ocean.com
• From €124 for a family room sleeping four. Breakfast from €7.70 per person. biarritz-hotel-ocean.com
La Louviere, nr Saint-Denis-sur-Sarthon, Normandy
Photograph: i-escape.com
This 18th-century farmhouse in the gentle hills of southern Normandy has been transformed with great flair into a five-bedroom guesthouse which oozes tastefulness and elegance. But don't let that put you off! The welcoming owners Alain and Isabelle go out of their way to make families feel at home here. Children will enjoy splashing about in the heated outdoor pool, playing tennis, befriending the ducks on the pond, or playing hide and seek in the heavenly gardens. Some of the rooms are big enough for an additional child's bed or you can opt for two inter-connecting rooms for more space and privacy. Alain is happy to make reservations at local restaurants but once you've tasted Isabelle's cooking you might be tempted to stay put for dinner.
• €180 for a family suite of two connecting rooms. i-escape.com/la-louviere
• €180 for a family suite of two connecting rooms. i-escape.com/la-louviere
La Maison Olea, Le Bugue, Dordogne
Photograph: Sawdays.co.uk
It's hard to think of a more welcoming base from which to explore the Dordogne than this friendly guesthouse in the hills above the village of Le Bugue. All the attractions of the Périgord Noir region are within easy striking distance including the medieval town of Sarlat, the prehistoric rock dwellings and cave paintings at Les Eyzies and Lascaux and the Dordogne river. After a day's sightseeing or canoeing, children can cool off in the delightful saltwater pool with its dreamy views of the Vezere valley or let off steam on the trampoline. There are five rooms, including two family suites which can sleep up to four people, plus two gîtes in the grounds which can each sleep up to five for those who prefer to self-cater. The owners occasionally offer table d'hôte meals which make good use of Périgordine specialities such as duck and truffles, and wines from nearby Bergerac.
• From €130 for a family suite sleeping four, including breakfast.sawdays.co.uk
• From €130 for a family suite sleeping four, including breakfast.sawdays.co.uk
La Gaucherie, Langon, Loire Valley
Photograph: Sawdays.co.uk
This relaxed farmhouse B&B makes a great alternative to the grand chateau hotels of the Loire Valley for families. Surrounded by the conifer forests of the Sologne, it has lots of space for running around, ponies to pet, eggs to collect, an orchard, a lake with boat and a heated pool (fenced off). Rooms are tastefully fitted out with neutrals, rustic wooden furniture and seagrass or terracotta floors. The stable conversion has a cosy sitting room with wood-burning stove and red sofas: a perfect spot for reading or board-games. Aurelia, the English-speaking host, is a great cook and can prepare evening meals on request. Lots of people use La Gaucherie as a stopover en route to the south: most end up wishing they'd booked to stay longer.
• From €85 a night for a double room, plus €15 per extra person.lagaucherie.com
• From €85 a night for a double room, plus €15 per extra person.lagaucherie.com
Orion B&B & Treehouses, nr St-Paul de Vence, Alpes-Maritimes
The South of France is not generally known for its choice of quirky accommodation, which makes this collection of four delightful treehouses near the medieval fortified village of St Paul de Vence even more of a find. When the kids have finished playing Tarzan and Jane in the treetops, there's a natural swimming pond, perfect for cooling off after a hot day on the beach. The treehouses may look rustic but the owners haven't skimped on modern luxuries such as showers, heated towel rails, hairdryers and Wi-Fi connection (in the shared summer kitchen).
• From €400 for a two-night stay, in a treehouse sleeping two adults and two children, including breakfast. orionbb.com
• From €400 for a two-night stay, in a treehouse sleeping two adults and two children, including breakfast. orionbb.com
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Thursday, July 4, 2013
Ten Of France’s Natural Wonders
France‘s smorgasbord of cultural delights could keep even the most avid museum-hopper busy for a lifetime, but don’t forget about the great outdoors. France smoulders with natural beauty, so why not go au naturel at mountain ranges, canyons and startling stretches of coast? This round-up of fresh-air sights in France will have you tumbling down giant sand dunes and feeling the cool spray of waterfalls in no time.
Gorges du Verdon
The spectacular river-carved cliffsides of the Gorges du Verdon make this southern French valley a magnet to adventure travellers (as well as a favourite spot for that less adrenaline-fuelled pastime, le pique-nique). Kayakers and climbers test their limits on the rocky outcrops but stunning views are on show to road trippers too (the scenery from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Castellane is truly showstopping).
Aiguilles de Bavella
Corsica feels like a world apart from mainland France, particularly in summer when the island is aflame with wildflowers. In the south, the sight of the Aiguilles de Bavella (Bavella Needles) will stun you almost as completely as local brandy acquavita. For vertiginous views, hike from Col de Bavella – there are walking trails to suit all abilities.
Alpine wildlife
Skiing, boarding and making snow angels are all excellent pastimes for France’s rugged Haute-Savoie region, but summer in the mountains also has its charms. Grab your binoculars to spy fuzzy locals like wild boar, ibex and mountain hares. The mountain-dwelling marmot is a local icon, so if your wildlife-spotting draws a blank, gift shops in local towns like Morzine overflow with cuddly souvenirs (for a friend, of course).
Côte de Granit Rose
Brittany has such a sensuous stretch of coast that even the boulders blush. The Côte de Granit Rose flushes a delicate shade of orangey pink, giving a surreal air to this breezy part of northern France. Drink in the views on a coastal walk before getting to work on Breton cuisine: mussels, cider and galettes (buckwheat pancakes) are all filling local favourites.
Dune du Pilat
Europe’s highest sand dune, barely an hour from wine-rich Bordeaux, draws paragliders, sun-worshippers and – believe it or not – the occasional skier (when winter brings a dusting of snow). Scale this southern French gem and you’ll be shaking golden sand out of your socks for days.
Lavender fields
OK, so there’s nothing ‘natural’ about the neatly tended rows, but the vivid purple hills of Provence are rightly legendary. Every summer, flowering lavender sets the hills of southern France alight with colour. One of the most famous views is at the Abbaye Notre Dame du Sénanque, but the Routes de la Lavande site (www.routes-lavande.com) can point you to a range of ways to see violet.
Gavarnie Falls
France might not boast Europe’s biggest waterfalls, but the dramatic setting of the Gavarnie Falls will make your jaw drop. Starting their journey in the Spanish Pyrenees and fed by glacial waters, these tiered cascades are at their most gushing after the spring melt.
Mont Blanc
The best way to experience the most towering peak in the French Alps is by hitting the hiking trails or heading to the Mont Blanc massif for winter sports season. Experienced adventurers can arrange a climb (find a guide and bring your crampons). You can also zip through the mountain on your way to Italy through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Etretat cliffs
The arches of Etretat have inspired many an artist. 19th-century writer Guy de Maupassant grew up in Etretat and was moved to pen short stories based on some of his experiences here, and many of Monet’s landscapes draw on local scenes. The most iconic arch is said to resemble an elephant dipping its trunk into the sea. Learn more here.
Camargue salt flats
The salt marshes of the Camargue are a poetic setting for horseriders, wildlife spotters and romantic souls. Spot flocking flamingos in the Parc Ornithologique (www.parcornithologique.com) or take a horseback tour of the windswept marshlands (find a guide here).
Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/france/corsica/travel-tips-and-articles/77458#ixzz2Y5q6Z4Da
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