Rennes and Nantes
Wanderlust magazine has a neat little feature called Double Bill, where they cover two different destinations as a suggestion for a two-centre trip. And for those heading to west France, you can’t beat both Rennes and Nantes. Set in the north-west of France, the cities of Rennes and Nantes are fiercely proud of their Breton […]
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 […]
My favourite finds in 2019
What were France travel expert Carolyn Boyd’s favourite finds in 2019 – ranked 1 to 10! From beaches to hotels to food trails, add them to your list for 2020.
France’s foodiest corner
The foodiest corner in France may start with its gastronomic capital Lyon, but to really indulge the tastebuds, strike out to the south to the department of Drome after a few days in the city. My story for The Times (read the shorter version here – and yes they spell it ‘Lyons’ as it’s their house […]
Lyon’s food: past, present and future
If you love food, you’ll love Lyon: it’s not for nothing it’s known as France’s gastronomic capital. And researching this story for National Geographic Traveller Food was probably the most gut-busting few days I’ve ever had in France (even including researching France From the Source! ) but also an absolute joy – from the Ile […]
Local’s guide to Biarritz
This story for National Geographic Traveller included a foodie guide to the town which you can read here: Local’s Guide to Biarritz Besides the brilliant offerings for food-lovers, though, there are myriad ways to enjoy the sea, whether you want to take a dip in it or not. Besides the seaside If the town’s surf scene […]
New luxury Paris hotels
Paris often has new luxury hotels opening, but those that came on the scene in autumn 2018 were unique – Hotel Fauchon – the first hotel from the French food brand, Hotel Lutetia – a reincarnation of the legendary hotel, and Brach Paris – a jaw-dropping new hotel from the genius (imho) designer Philippe Starck. […]
Great new chateaux hotel
My recent journey through Provence concluded at Chateau de Montcaud, which I reached after crossing the Rhône and driving through vineyards with Mont Ventoux forever in my rear-view mirror. While designer fashion houses are at the helm in Saint-Tropez at Le Cheval Blanc, the four-star Chateau de Montcaud celebrates its connections to the couture of […]
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
Weekend guide to Lyon
Read it here If you need a quick guide to Lyon, my article from The i Paper has the answers for those planning a weekend