Fall in Love with France

France is a country which continues to draw millions of visitor   s with its palpable charm, beautiful countryside, coastline, world-renowned cuisine and architecture.

There is a treasure trove of destinations worth visiting across France with each region possessing its own unique landscapes and ambience. Whether you want to see the stunning 16th century chateau de Monbazillac in the Dordogne, storing 6000 bottles of wine in its cellars; the vibrant, Provencal lavender fields at the Abbaye de Sénanque; the white wine route running through the Loire Valley; or the rising medieval walls of Carcassonne – the list is endless!

Take a look at our recommendations, which include a beach hotel, a touring holiday, and a special interest holiday, all curated by Expressions Holidays, our trusted partner with first-hand expertise of this destination.

Stay at the Pinède Plage in the South of France     There is a vast choice of luxury hotels in France. We have picked out La Pinède Plage - a 4-star boutique hotel with 32 rooms, nestled among pine trees on the iconic Gigaro beach in the St-Tropez peninsula.

This Mediterranean-style retreat has been family-owned for over 60 years, evolving from humble beginnings into a haven of comfort and elegance. Guests are welcomed into freshly renovated rooms, a seaside bar and restaurant, an outdoor heated pool, a tennis court, and access to water sports. The hotel captures the timeless charm and relaxed simplicity of beachside summer living that first drew visitors to this enchanting coastline.

Lavender and Sunflower fields of Provence fly-drive
This 7-night lavender and sunflowers fly-drive touring holiday of Provence is a celebration of summer and all things of the south of France.
Day 1: Marseille to Crillon-le-Brave
Begin your Provence fly-drive holiday by arriving in Marseille, collecting your hire car, and driving about 1.5 hours to Crillon-le-Brave. This charming village, surrounded by fields and orchards with stunning views of Mont Ventoux, is part of the Côtes du Ventoux wine region. Stay here for two nights.
Day 2: Visit Sault
A 40-minute drive takes you to Sault in the high Vaucluse, surrounded by lavender fields and wheat. Visit lavender distilleries, festivals, and the Romanesque church. Nearby villages like Bedouin and Aurel are also lavender hubs.
Day 3: Crillon-le-Brave to Joucas
Enjoy a scenic drive into the Luberon’s rolling hills, vineyards, and sunflower fields. Arrive in Joucas, where you’ll stay for three nights.
Day 4: Explore the Luberon
Spend two days discovering the region. Visit the lavender museum in Coustellet, Senanque Abbey, and Gordes. Explore lavender fields and distilleries near Lagarde d’Apt, pairing it with a visit to picturesque Roussillon.
Day 6: Luberon to Moustiers Sainte Marie
Drive east through Valensole’s lavender fields and Riez to Moustiers Sainte Marie. Stay two nights in this stunning village near the Gorges du Verdon.
Day 7: Verdon Area
Explore the Gorges du Verdon and Lac de Sainte Croix. The village is known for its pottery, with workshops and a museum.
Day 8: Return to Nice
Drive to Nice for your flight back to London.

Cookery holiday in Bordeaux
This is a 3- or 4-night holiday with two different cookery classes included held at Le Saint James, a Relais & Chateaux hotel with Michelin starred restaurant located on the outskirts of Bordeaux with its own vineyard.
Day 1: Arrive in Bordeaux and Transfer to Le Saint James
Arrive in Bordeaux for a three-night getaway. Flight options include early morning or lunchtime departures, varying by season. You’ll be collected from the airport or can opt for a hire car for the trip. Spend the rest of the day at leisure—relax at the hotel, explore, swim, or visit Bordeaux. Dinner includes a 5-course menu with wine, mineral water, and coffee.
Day 2: The Saint James Style Cookery Lesson
After breakfast, join a hands-on cookery class (9:30 AM–1:30 PM) with up to 10 participants. Learn to prepare a three-course gourmet meal with guidance from the Chef and Pastry Chef, accompanied by wine and coffee. The afternoon is free to relax or explore. Dinner is at your own arrangement.
Day 3: Themed Cookery Class
Following breakfast, attend a themed cooking class (11 AM–2:30 PM) focusing on a specific ingredient, such as salmon, lamb, or scallops. Prepare and taste two dishes with a dessert by the Pastry Chef, wine, and coffee included. The afternoon is at leisure for relaxation or exploration.
Day 4: Return to London
For the 3-night break, enjoy leisure time before an afternoon transfer to the airport for a 6:45 PM flight. For longer stays, consider visiting Saint-Émilion, Médoc vineyards, or arranging a wine tasting through Le Saint-James. Dinner is at your own arrangement.



Why visit France?
·
Cuisine  – Having more Michelin starred restaurants than any other country in the world, the French appreciation for gastronomy is unrivalled! Eating becomes an artform, with hundreds of cheese varieties, pastries, sauces and wines on offer to visitors! 

 ·  The rural idyll   – The addition of a hire car makes the difference in France since you have full freedom to explore unique landscapes and coasts, from wine-growing regions to coastal villages.

·  Cultural setting  – From the works of artists like Paul Cézanne in Provence to the palaeolithic painting in Lascaux, France is brimming with art exhibitions, preserved architectural wonders and prehistoric remnants available to visitors.


There’s so much more to uncover in France! Get in touch with us, and we’ll share our expert advice to help you create a bespoke French adventure that’s perfect for you.

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