The pastis of Provence: the revival of the aniseed aperitif
In a brief pause to travel restrictions in summer 2020 we dashed through France to Provence and while the family lounged by the pool I explored the fascinating story of pastis in Provence. From the 1960s when Paul Ricard put the drink on the map, to the newer distillers putting their own mark on their […]
A taste of France in six drinks
Story for National Geographic Traveller Food: link The French have had winemaking down to a fine art for centuries, but so too are they experts at creating liqueurs, spirits, aperitifs and digestifs. Each region has its libation of choice and each will tell you something of the land around you, its history, its produce and, often, the families who have been making […]
Five under-the-radar areas of France
Five great places to visit in France that are off the beaten track
A weekend in Marseille
What to see and do in Marseille, France. Explore its different neighbourhoods, museums, shops and restaurants
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 […]
Luxury Saint Tropez
Saint-Tropez is one of France’s most chic destinations and a host of new hotels and beach clubs means it’s more sophisticated than ever
50 best holidays in France
Some of my recent pieces for The Times’ travel section
My first book! France, From the Source
Lonely Planet’s series of books, titled ‘From the Source’, explores the local cuisine in countries around the world, combining regional and traditional recipes with the stories behind them, and the people who cook them. [Read more about the series here] . Having explored so much of France’s food culture during my time at France Magazine, I was […]
Total Guide: Seaside France
For Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s August 2017 issue, I wrote more than 4000 words about Seaside France in a variety of different formats. This included: Two longer pieces on the Roussillon coast and Roscoff (including the Ile de Batz), Top tens on best seaside hotels, secret coastal towns, sun-drenched beaches, lazy seaside meals, ways to […]
Best Provence restaurants for families
Where to eat with kids in Provence (written for a supplement in the Telegraph summer 2017). Marseille Pizzeria Chez Jeannot The Marseillais do their pizza differently to the Italians, and their thinner, pastry-like crust, will be a hit with parents and children alike. At Pizzeria Chez Jeannot, you can tuck into their giant pizzas […]