A family road trip through France
On July 4th, 2020, the British government gave the green light for travel in France after four months of lockdown during the pandemic, so I booked the Eurotunnel and put together a trip of a lifetime through France, taking the route straight through the middle, stopping for adventures on the way that ranged from a […]
Five under-the-radar areas of France
Five great places to visit in France that are off the beaten track
Best stopovers en route south
“Where do you stop when you drive south?” is possibly the number one question I get asked… and it’s so good to have dozens of suggestions up my sleeve. Whether you want to just enjoy a bit of luxury and switch off at a beautiful boutique hotel, or have a more adventurous stay in a […]
50 best holidays in France
Some of my recent pieces for The Times’ travel section
Heartache and beauty on the battlefields of northern France
In summer 2018, I explored some of the key sites involved in World War I and the newer memorials and museums, including the newly renovated Musée de l’Armistice. It was a heart-wrenching trip, but it gave me a much deeper understanding of the losses and sacrifices, as well as the history of how the war […]
Compiegne: World War I history
When visitors go in search of World War I history, their travels usually take them to Flanders or the battlefields of the Somme. But in Picardy, the town of Compiegne, has its own story to tell. It was here that both the Armistices were signed – in World War I it was Germany that was […]
Where to find the best ‘brocante’
If you love bric-a-brac or antiques, then you can’t go too far in France without finding a ‘brocante’, rammed with all sorts of objets and vintage items. The best place I’ve found, in terms of variety, is Le Perche in Normandy, which is included in this feature for Homes & Antiques magazine, along with Paris, […]
A weekend in Montreuil-sur-Mer
When it comes to a foodie weekend in France, there are certain things on most wish lists: markets, wine, cheese, Michelin stars if you can, some seafood if possible and something to take home (preferably more wine). So it is most convenient that the small town of Montreuil-sur-Mer has reinvented itself as “La Destination Gastronomique” […]
Ferry breaks in France
Five of the best places to visit just over the Channel. Travel is so easy by ferry – you can fill your car with luggage or leave it empty to fill with cheese, wine, liqueurs (you know the ones, those sticky, after-dinner tipples they make from everything from quince to walnuts – I like them, […]
Discover the real France
A useful little round-up for The Independent on how to dig a bit deeper on a trip to France and find some true Gallic charm. [Read it here]