Sawday’s Detours – how to explore France
Alistair Sawday’s forays into France for his guide books inspired many people to take it slow and see the best of France and now that his publishing empire has extended into accommodation collection, their website is a great resource for planning a trip. I love their B&Bs, hotels and self-catering properties because they always feel […]
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 […]
Brittany’s Wild West
The rumble of the Atlantic ocean as it beats against the rocks on the Ile d’Ouessant is deafening, even on a clear, bright day, and it’s one of the most intoxicating places I’ve ever been in France. The Pointe de Pern is the island’s (and so France’s) westernmost spot and I covered it in a […]
Take the train to Angers
Take the train to Angers in the Western Loire, France. What to see and do
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 […]
10 great French holidays by train
Ten of the best places to visit in France by train, The Guardian, 29th March 2018. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2018/mar/29/france-by-rail-10-great-summer-trips
French city breaks by train
Two new high-speed train lines opening in July 2017 will mean several cities in the west of France will be much easier to get to. This piece for The Times revealed the best ways to enjoy each place: Rennes Saint Malo Poitiers Toulouse Bordeaux Nantes Angouleme Read it here.
How to do France on a budget
With Brexit bashing the exchange rate, many of those looking for a trip to France want to do it without breaking the bank. For this story in The Guardian I showed how, by emulating the French style of holidaying, you can save money on a trip, be it food, accommodation or driving. Read it here.
On the radar
A quick turnaround piece for The Guardian on the new high-speed train line from Paris to Bordeaux, which brings both the exciting city and the coastal area beyond it a little bit closer. Read the article here.
French food and booze cruise
The Calais hypermarchés are great for stocking up on cheap booze, but for a ferry trip with gourmet credentials, zip over to Brittany and Normandy for some top quality local produce. Using knowledge from several trips over the Channel, I put together a mouth-watering guide for Guardian readers on what to buy and where. [Read the […]