Three reasons to visit St Quentin, Aisne, France. Why visit St Quentin? The largest City in the Aisne, at the beginning of the 13th Century it was a thriving city thanks to the wool textile industry and its proximity to the Champagne region and to the cities of Flanders. Saint-Quentin Town Hall with its flamboyant […]
Paris Food Tour with Eating Europe
Hip Eats and Backstreets – a Paris Food Tour. One of the best ways to get under the skin of a city like Paris is by taking a walking tour. For my money, the best walking tours always involve food – not just because I love to eat but because with a food tour there’s […]
Chamonix Mont Blanc – Ski Season:
Winter Skiing Trip, Chamonix Mont Blanc. There is no better way to raise the spirits than being high up in the mountains surrounded by beautiful scenery and fresh air. Last year I visited Chamonix Mont Blanc in the summer so was thrilled to have the opportunity to visit again during the ski season this time. […]
Le Pavillon des Lettres – a Literary Hotel in Paris:
Boutique Hotel in the 8ième Arrondissement Paris – Le Pavillon des Lettres. Any regular visitor to Paris will have their favourite Arrondissement. Mine has always been the 6ième – Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter and the Luxembourg Gardens- an area full of cafés with history, old churches and heritage. I seldom stray – this time, tempted […]
The Résidence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc – review
Vallorcine Mont-Blanc – perfect accommodation in Chamonix The Résidence & Spa Vallorcine Mont-Blanc is a perfect self-catering option if you are looking for high quality, spacious, accommodation, at a reasonable price in the Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley. The picturesque village of Vallorcine (meaning valley of bears!) is situated at the end of the Chamonix […]
Trips from Paris – Overnight, Day Trips and Short Drives
Five Easy Trips from Paris – Overnight Trips, Day Trips and Drives: (#Ad – in conjunction with Discover Car Hire) Who doesn’t love Paris? Like many regular visitors to the City of Lights, I have a habit of arriving, settling into a boutique hotel somewhere in the 6ieme and staying put. I visit the Musée […]
Méribel – A Favourite for Skiing Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys)
Méribel – the heart of Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) Skiing is my passion. I love being in the mountains, so much so that I’ve loved spending the last three winters working as a rep in the Alps. Having skied for many years I’ve been fortunate to be able to visit a lot of […]
Champagne Revisited – an Introduction to the Champagne Region in France
Exploring the Vineyards and Wineries of Champagne – Wine Tourism in France: Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne! Winston Churchill Introduction to Champagne and the Champagne Region The British love for all things bubbly is undisputed. We are still the largest export market for Champagne by volume (although we are […]
Barge Holiday and River Cruise – Burgundy, France with Great Rail Journeys
Diary of a French Barge Holiday: Looking for a relaxing way to explore the waterways of France? A barge holiday is the perfect slow-travel solution. Unlike larger river cruises, a typical Great Rail Journeys barge cruise will have no more than 20 passengers, offering you an intimate and personal experience at a comfortable pace. Join me […]
Chamonix – a stunning summertime stay
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc – perfect all year round The historic town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a vibrant place to visit in either winter or summer attracting many visitors because of its spectacular scenery. Mont Blanc is ever present as a backdrop, and there are a wealth of outdoor activities available. In winter it is popular with skiers as […]