Please select an activity on the right hand side ➡
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Romanticism and luxury
- Auvergne: Refinement, elegance, harmony and simplicity at the Manoir du Mortier overlooking the Bourbonnais countryside.
- Burgundy: The 5* Relais et Chateaux Hostellerie de Levernois near Beaune is a truly charming haven that skilfully blends tradition and modernity, peace and tranquillity.
- Languedoc Roussillon: The Hotel Disini in Montpellier offers a subtle blend of refined decoration combined with luxury and objects around the world.
- Limousin: These luxury tree cabins in Corrèze offer breathtaking views of the Dordogne valley and complete relaxation in beautiful natural surroundings.
- Nord pas de Calais: La Cour de Rémy is a romantic hotel in the lush Seven Valleys which has a variety of 6 bedrooms, three large suites and one tree house.
- Normandy: First class accommodation and dining are to be experienced at L’Ermitage, a new luxury hotel close to the Mont St Michel.
- Club French Heritage & Culture: The Chateaux and Mansions of the ‘Grandes Etapes françaises’ association welcome tourists in exceptional historical houses with large parks and French gardens.
- Corsica: 2 hours from London, for a short break in a paradise island a full range of hotels, such as Hotel A Spelunca, Casa Musicale, Castel Brando, Cesario, Le Maquis, La Villa…
Inns/ Charming Guesthouses
- Brittany: Beautiful newly renovated little Houses on the Prairie, perfect for a blissfully romantic weekend getaway.
- Dordogne valley: Romantic guesthouses at the Chateau Hotels design, design hotels (Lacan, Le Turenne), charming hotels are on all on offer in Dordogne.
- Midi-Pyrénées: The Manoir de Malagorse in Cuzance has recently been brought back to life, infused with charm and modernity.
- Normandy: Les Bancs des Oiseaux is a new Maison d’Hôtes housed in a beautiful 1930’s house beside the sea in Merville.
- Rhône-Alpes: Petit Hôtel Confidentiel, a recently opened 4 suites guesthouse, is located in Chambery city centre.
- Riviera: l’Hotel du Clos ideally situated in the heart of the Village of Le Rouret offer the perfect opportunity to live and feel the region of Provence.
Budget
- Poitou-Charentes: La Chamoiserie in the historical centre of Niort is the ideal base to explore the Marais Poitevin.
- Ile de Ré: The 3* hotel La Villa Passagère is a new charming hotel, ideally situated 600m from beaches and market. Swimming pool, Jacuzzi and hamman on offer too!
- Savoie Mont Blanc: Chic and deeply cosy comfort, spa and pontoon all available at Le Clos Marcel, located on the shore of Lake Annecy
Eco-friendly
- Brittany: l’Hot’Berge in southern Brittany offers a unique night sleep with a clear conscience: the owners strive to be eco-friendly in all that they do.
- Burgundy: Domaine de Poiseul: 6 high-perched house trees for the romantic or the tipi-houses for the most adventurous...
- Nantes 2012: enjoy to sleep in the ‘Villa Cheminée’, a contemporary piece of art on the bank of the river Loire …as if at the top of a chimney!
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Oenology
- Burgundy: Tasting lessons with ‘Sensations Vins’ from one hour to several days for novices, wine-lovers or professionals. Located in the centre of Beaune.
Restaurants/ bars/ cafes/ bistrots
- Auvergne: Extraordinary cuisine and creativity of this Michelin starred chef, who has also won the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France at ‘The Decoret’.
- Burgundy: ‘Le Relais de Montmartre’ is a gastronomic experience in the heart of the Mâconnais vineyards, overlooking the Château of Viré, a charming village (1*Michelin).
- Languedoc Roussillon: ‘Hostellerie Le Castellas’, is a renowned gastronomic restaurant, a real treat for the taste buds, only using local and exceptional produces.
- Nord Pas de Calais: Auberge du Vert Mont in Boeschepe, with the best of the region’s country produces and a chef recently named ‘Young Talent of the Year’ is not to be missed.
- Normandy: The restaurant ‘G.a’ of the Manoir de Rétival in Caudebec in Caux guarantees, with only 12 covers, to offer a personal and unforgettable dining experience.
- Poitou Charentes: Les Quatres Sergents in La Rochelle proposes a modern and traditional cuisine, all with local produces. Newly redecorated, it's the perfect place for a romantic dinner!
- Ile de Ré: Sample an inventive, fine, and tasty cuisine with ocean accents at La Cabine de Sain, bistro and seafood.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: The region hosts 29 Michelin Starred Restaurants! L'Oxalys located at 2,300m in Val Thorens is the highest in Europe. Traditional Savoyard food turned fabulous!
- Riviera: An 18th Century building, set in 5000m² of green space near Cannes, the gastronomic restaurant La Villa Archange and its two chic sidekicks, the brasserie Le Bistrot des Anges and L’Ange Bar are not to be missed.
- Vendée: 2 new Michelin star restaurants: Thierry Drapeau’s restaurant 2*at the Logis de la Chabotterie, and in Noimoutier, Alexandre Couillon at La Marine restaurant.
Markets & cookery schools
- Brittany: Learn to make the perfect pancake with all the traditional ingredients and equipment, pancake ready to be served!
- Dordogne Valley: Dordogne and Gastronomy, two words almost redundant! Markets, famers markets, the George Brassens market in Brive la Gaillarde, the vin paillé de Corrèze, vins, chesnuts and nuts liquors, the Louis Roques distillery and so much more…
- Limousin: Top quality producers and the art of fine dining: tradition, quality and good taste can be found in farmers’ markets and in inns and Michelin starred restaurants.
- Midi-Pyrénées: Located in the beautiful quaint village of Gramont, the Gascony Cookery School combines the knowledge and experience of two professional French chefs.
- Normandy: The Hotel ‘La Ferme des Mares’ is now offering cookery lessons run by its English chef/owner, Mike Allen.
- Rhône-Alpes: The Bocafina’s talented team organises classes about food and wine.
Located on Lake Annecy Lake, a great way to combine splendour and great food!
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Museums
- Languedoc Roussillon: The Museum of the Desert, in the centre of a typical Cevennes hamlet, illustrates the history of the Huguenots and Camisards in the Cévennes.
- Midi-Pyrénées: The Simonow exhibition, at Flaran Abbey in Gers, features masterpieces from the 16th through to the 20th century (Monet, Matisse, Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso).
- Nord pas de Calais: The new Louvre Museum extension in Lens gets ready to open its doors and promises 900 works for its inauguration in 2012.
- Rhône-Alpes: The Musée de Grenoble houses a beautiful collection of objects from ancient Egyptian through to contemporary art.
Heritage
- Auvergne: Among its many treasures, Romanesque art is particularly well represented here, with more than 250 buildings making the Auvergne's Romanesque heritage.
- Clos Luce: Leonardo’s garden brings to life the Master’s botanical drawings, geological studies and landscapes. Spread out over a hectare, “Leonardo’s Garden”, a real outdoor museum, has been landscaped in the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci.
- Dordogne valley: A list of some the Dordogne villages officially designated as the ‘most beautiful villages’ in France: Collonges-la-Rouge, Turenne, Curemonte, Autoire , Loubressac, Carennac.
- Limousin: Romanesque churches, abbeys, historical routes, some of “France’s prettiest villages” are only some example of what the rich heritage the region has to offer.
- Normandy: Nestled in le Bec-Helloin, one of France’s most beautiful villages, the Benedictine Abbey du Bec was founded in the 11th century.
Historic events and people
- Poitou-Charentes: Visit the house Napoleon was staying in when he surrendered to the English in Ile d’Aix or simply get back to nature while cycling around in this car-free island.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: The Château of Yvoire sits on the shore of lake Geneva and features a beautiful garden with an incredible variety of flowers and plants forming a maze.
Festivals/ Music/ exhibitions
- Riviera: The next edition of the Vallauris Biennial will be on the theme of ‘International Biennial of Artistic Ceramics – Contemporary Creation and Ceramic’.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
City break
- Auvergne: The ‘Massif Central Spa Town road’ was created to open up access to tourists to one of the many spa towns in the region.
- Brittany: Go driving or cycling to see a selection of the famous ‘Malouinières”, St Malo’s grand ornate houses, built in the 17th and 18th centuries by wealthy shipowners.
- Marseilles: Vis’eating in ‘Le Panier’ the oldest district of Marseilles. A great 2 hours tour between History and Provencal gastronomy that shows traditional boutiques, hundred years old delicatessen shops, characters fond of their "Terroir"
- Midi-Pyrénées: Enjoy Toulouse’s great weekend deal more than 130 offers on museums, monuments, restaurants, excursion, activities, etc.
- Rhône-Alpes: Guided visit in English of Grenoble city centre including the famous Bastille hill reachable with the cable car.
- Riviera: A large range of absinthes are served in the traditional manner at ‘Balade en Provence’ in Antibes, complete with original Roman walls dating from the 9th century.
Regional tours
- Burgundy: Tour the Burgundy vineyards in an authentic 2CV to visit the area and all the various caves.
- Dordogne Valley: “Escapades vigneronnes” from Cahors to tour the Lot region and its various vineyards.
- Languedoc Roussillon: From Castelnaudary to Carcassonne, the ‘Cassoulet Road’ offers a 180kms discovery trail around the world’s famous dish that is Cassoulet!
- Normandy: 53km long route des Chaumières stretches out along the meandering banks of the river Seine, allowing visitors to discover the best examples of typical Norman architecture.
- Poitou Charentes: The ‘Etapes du Cognac’ invites you on a discovery of wine-making traditions, gastronomy and local heritage related to the Charentes ‘Cognac’ vineyards.
- Ile de Ré: ‘Course Gourmet’ is an opportunity to discover the local products of the island: salt, jam, beer, goat cheese, oysters, chocolates and caramels, jams and chutney, urchins…
- Savoie Mont Blanc: The vineyards of Savoie, still relatively unknown to most Brits, can be discovered on a wine route tour either with a wine specialist or in a chauffeured 2CV.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Thermal springs/ Thalassotherapy
- Auvergne: 10 resorts along the ‘Route des Villes d’Eaux’ that cross the Massif Central provide visitors with all the benefits of thermal springs.
- Brittany: Treat yourself with a stay at the Grand Hotel des Bains in Locquirec, a marine spa, the epitome of refined luxury.
- Poitou Charentes: Beautifully set in the architectural splendour of 1950’s Royan, the Thalazur Royan offers a hydrocentre, spa and an aquatic area.
- Riviera: The exceptional sunny climate of Cannes, the quality of its hotel supply, and its sporting and cultural environment give the ‘Thermes Marins’ their Exclusive character.
Spas
- Burgundy: Near Chablis and Champagne vineyards, the SPA of the Château de Courban offers relaxation and well-being: sauna, jacuzzi, hammam, outdoor pool.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Located in the heart of a 17 ha vineyard, Verchant le Spa is a private club covering 750m2, unique of its kind in Montpellier.
- Midi-Pyrénées: Spa and relaxing weekend in Toulouse in the new luxury and trendy ‘Urban Spa 360’.
- Nord pas de Calais: the Nuxe spa at the Westminster hotel in Le Touquet offers comfort and serenity.
- Normandy: Nestled in the village of Lyon-la-Foret, one of France’s most beautiful villages, the hotel La Licorne also offers spa therapies with an indoor and outdoor pool.
- Ile de Ré: The SPA by Clarins of the 4* hotel Le Clos St Martin offers maximum relation with its treatments, wellness and beauty centre, all in verdant surroundings.
- Rhone-Alpes: the 4* Chateau de Pizay hotel offers on top of beautiful rooms in the Chateau’s wings a 1000m2 spa where the natural Rosa Vinifera range of treatments is available.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: Brand new spa at the 4* Chabichou Hotel in Courchevel: 1,100m² of aqua fitness, aqua fun area with musical pools, ice and fountain bath, salt grotto…
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Eco tourism
- Auvergne: Discover the grandiose plateaus, valleys, mountains and forests of the 2,500 km2 Monts du Cantal, Europe's biggest volcanic landscape.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Take on the historical 250 kms GR70 trail followed by R.L Stevenson in his book "Travel with a donkey in the Cevennes".
- Limousin: Discover Limousin’s beautiful and varied landscapes: a stroll in one of the two Nature Parks, a canoe ride down the Dordogne River, see wolves at the sanctuary, or fishing.
- Marseilles: The Calanques National Park will be created in 2012 and will thus become European’s largest National Park encompassing sea, land and peri-urban areas. Thanks to this classification the 5000 hectares massif will benefit from added protection.
- Rhône-Alpes: Guests at Nicolas Vanier’s eco camp can try dog-sledding, ski joëring, snow-shoeing and hiking. Tipi, wooden chalets, solar heating and locally-grown food are on offer.
Outdoor activities
- Dordogne Valley: Unforgettable day spent discovering the Dordogne region on a canoe-kayak from Argentat towards Souillac, in a hot air balloon or by simply hiking.
- Midi-Pyrénées: Cycle on the attractive green route of the canal de Garonne from Toulouse to Moissac, along 74 kms of traffic-free routes, taking you through the beautiful countryside.
- Normandy: Discovery of flora and fauna and spectacular view over the bay of the Mont Saint Michel, these barefoot walks in the sand make for an unforgettable experience.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: With more than 5000m2 of footpaths, Savoie Mont Blanc is a paradise for hikers with parks suck as Les Bauges or Chartreuse, or La Vanoise National Park.
- Riviera: 600 km of marked paths lead walkers to discover the Mercantour Park. Protected area of 68.500 hectares which stretches for more than 120km.
- Riviera: The Mercantour Park, a protected area of 68,000 hectares, can be explored through a selection of 600 km marked paths.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Lakes and rivers
- Auvergne: The extraordinary Gorges de la Jordanne in the Cantal have for centuries been carved out of volcanic breccias. Remarkably well managed and easily accessible to visitors of all ages.
- Burgundy: Clients of the Relais Montmartre restaurant in Vire are being offered the option to be able to enjoy special menu of 2 hours boating on the Saone River.
- Languedoc Roussillon: Take a cruise on the Rhône to Sète Canal on board the "Isles de Stel" to discover the magical Camargue. Option to meet ranch’s herders too!
- Midi-Pyrénées: Take a cruise on the Lot River, one of the loveliest navigable waterways in France. Over 75 km of enchanted voyage, rocky gorges, vineyards, castles and high-perched villages.
- Rhône-Alpes: from Lake Lemon to the Rhone delta, Viarhona is a 650km long car free and carefree way to enjoy the river heritage. Open to all, cyclists, walkers and roller skaters…
- Savoie Mont Blanc: Why not try to follow Steve Redgrave tracks on the calm waters of Lake Aiguebelette, a rowing centre where the British team regularly comes to train.
Seaside
- Brittany: Add to the romance by tasting oysters onboard a traditional sailing ship! A morning on the An Durzunel includes an al-fresco breakfast, a tour of Mont-St-Michel bay and a picnic lunch, bien sûr!
- Nord pas de Calais: Horse riding along the beach at Hardelot and Le Touquet is a real threat at sunset.
- Poitou-Charentes: Share a dinner on a catamaran for a seafood dinner onboard whilst sailing and admiring the sunset over the ocean.
- Ile de Ré: Sail along the beautiful sites of Ile de Ré and experience all the pleasures of sailing catamaran expeditions with the safety of a skipper.
- Corsica: All nautical sports on offer for everyone, everywhere…Swimming, Sailing clubs, Sea Kayak, Waterskiing, Jet ski, Inflatables, Fishing on the high sea, deep sea Diving…
- Var: Live the glamour of the 60s in Saint-Tropez, the beauty queen of the Bay, or Port-Grimaud (the "Venice of Provence"), the Marines de Gassin, the Marines de Cogolin and Sainte-Maxime all competing for a second place in the line up.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Nature
- Auvergne: Visit Le Puy de Dôme, the highest point of la chaîne des Puys at 1,465 metres, which is listed as a Grand Site de France®, and soon to be a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Accommodation
- Brittany: The Manoir Dalmore is a brand new hotel in Névez set in a spectacular manor house dating to 1926. Think contemporary design, sea views and luxurious bathrooms...
- Burgundy: Building on the success of the elegant one Michelin-starred establishment,
Le Pré aux Clercs now offers a unique place to stay in the beautiful town of Dijon. - Marseilles: Mamashelter, the second hotel designed by Stark will open in March 2012 on the bustling Cours Julien, a 10-minute walk from the Old Port. Original rooms, a terrace, a mood, a concept!
- Midi-Pyrénées: The Grand Hôtel Garonne (5*) and spa will open at Spring 2012 in one of the most ancient and beautiful part of Toulouse, in 16th-century building.
- Savoie Mont Blanc: In Megève, ‘La Ferme de mon Père’ has been completely renovated by the new owner and is now called Le Chalet. 12 bedrooms and suites, a chalet, all very sophisticated!
- Riviera: Right next to the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette, the ‘Five Hotel & Spa’ features 45 rooms, including 15 suites, The Sea Sens restaurant with Michelin starred chef, the Spa Cinq Mondes...
Cultural
- Club Patrimoine et Cultures: Le Louvre Lens ouvrira ses portes le 4 décembre 2012.
- Languedoc Roussillon: The famous Montpellier’s Comédie Opera House is due to reopen in May 2012 after 18 months of renovation and modernisation.
- Nantes 2012: Memorial to the abolition of slavery in March 2012 with 2000 commemorative plaques noting ships leaving Nantes on slave trade expeditions and the HAB Gallery
- Nord pas de Calais: The town of Ors has honoured the British WWI poet Wilfred Owen by rebuilding the forester's house in which he took refuge hours before he was killed in 1918.
- Normandy: Opening of a new interactive permanent exhibition at the Cité de la Mer maritime museum (Spring 2012), commemorating the centenary of the voyage of the Titanic.
Restaurants
- Rhône-Alpes: Côté Marché is a newly opened restaurant, headed by the Michelin starred Chef Alexandre Ongaro.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Movie
- Auvergne: The World’s largest short-film festival is held in Clermont Ferrand, in late January, attracting masses of film buffs and professionals, to discover emerging talents.
Food
- Brittany: Enjoy 3 days of scallop-related festivities, from farmer’s markets and tastings to boat trips, with the experts at the Fete de la Coquille St Jacques in St Quay-Portieux!
- Burgundy: The Festival of the Grand Crus of Burgundy combines classical music and grand crus. Definitely not one to be missed!
- Dordogne Valley: Beaulieu on Dordogne has been staging a strawberry fair every May since 1990. Beaulieu strawberries are rightly famous for their flavour, the ‘guariguette variety’ being the star!
Music
- Dordogne Valley: About 500 young musicians share a human and musical adventure of exception at The Orchestrades Universelles in front of more than 70,000 spectators spread over 10 days. Also, every summer, the Lyrical festival of St Céré presents several operas in the Workshop's hall or out-of-doors at the Château de Castelnau. The Souillac Jazz festival and the Brive Plage ‘Festiv'all’ are not to be missed either!
- Limousin: The 'Nuits de Nacre' (nights of Mother of Pearl) accordion festival is held every in Tulle, the capital of Corrèze, famous for the production of lace, accordions and armaments.
- Marseilles: The ‘Festival de Marseille’, on June and July, has built on a multidisciplinary identity with a taste for travel, blending and sharing, hosting the biggest international choreographers. Taking place in 2012 for the 17th time!
- Midi-Pyrénées: Interpreted by both established artists and young performers, the warm sounds of the blues are at home in Cahors when the magic time of the Cahors Blues Festival comes around.
- Normandy: Set out from Saint-Vaast-le-Hougue, arrive at l’Ile Tatihou at low tide and enjoy an around the world musical tour focused on musical maritime traditions during ‘Les Traversees Tahitou’.
- Ile de Ré: "Jazz en Ré" is held in the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré and Vauban fortifications, magnificent settings. From blues to gypsy music through the swing, it’s for everyone! (Aug12)
- Riviera: Two legendary events in Europe’s calendar of jazz take place on the French Riviera during the summer: Jazz a Juan and Jazz a Nice.
Arts and crafts
- Clos Luce: 28,29,30 September, the European Festival of Renaissance Music as a tribute to the talent for music and performance that was yet another string to Leonardo da Vinci's bow.
- Languedoc Roussillon: The 7th edition of the Pole Circus will take place all over the region with with more than 200 shows.
- Rhône-Alpes: Evian-les-Bains in collaboration with the Musée de l'Elysée in Lausanne offers an unprecedented foray into the world of Charlie Chaplin, through a selection of 200 outstanding works.
Sports
- Dordogne: Hot air balloons tours over the Dordogne valley, an experience everyone should try.
- Poitou-Charentes: The ‘Circuit des Remparts’ (Sept 2012) is a race of vintage and classic cars which will invade the city of Angouleme.
- Savoie Mont Banc: The Evian Masters, one of the World’s most glamorous tournaments, gathers the sport’s top female players as well as 50,000 spectators!
- Var: the selective regatta ‘ Les Voiles de Saint Tropez’ with 300 of the most beautiful sailing boats in the world and 4,500 sailors.
- Vendée: Vendée Globe Race 2012 - On Saturday 10th November 2012, the seventh edition of the Vendée Globe will depart from Les Sables d’Olonne. This supremely challenging non-stop solo circumnavigation - referred to as “the Everest of the sea” – is acknowledged to be the toughest event in ocean racing.
This is just a quick snapshot. The regions' representatives will take you through anything which interests you in detail. Remember to register.
Accommodation
- Brittany: For an unusual night’s sleep, book into Kastell Dinn – upturned boats-turned-gîtes! This pair of cosy cottages makes the perfect love nest.
- Normandy: La Cour au Grip is perfectly located on the ‘cider route’. Guests are invited to spend the night in a giant Calvados barrel, which has been converted into a bedroom.
- Poitou-Charentes: The beautifully decorated modern guest-houses, gîte or camping of the splendid Château de Lerse make perfect bases to discover the nearby picturesque villages.
- Rhône-Alpes: ‘Space-age’ bubbles at the Domaine du Tisserand in the Drôme give guests the chance to fall asleep counting the stars, whilst the Tree Orb is a comfortable type of tree-house unlike no other.
Cultural
- Auvergne: Learn the ancient art of paper making with J.Hacking, an English B&B owner, and create your own design of paper.
- Burgundy: Celebrate the ‘Year of the Archaeology’ with dedicated cooking demonstrations held on the Bibrate site, where the Gaulois used to live.
- Club French Heritage & Culture: Lille3000, FANTASTIC, from 6 October 2012 to 13 January 2013.
- Corsica: don’t miss the Island Sanctuary and the five nature reserves on the Island: Iles Cerbicales, Iles Lavezzi, Iles Finocchiarola, Scandola (labeled by the UNESCO), Bigulia pond.
- Languedoc Roussillon: In 2010, The Grotte de Clamouse was the first cave to be equipped with LED lighting to ensure a sustainable use. A Must See Spot! Also, recently opened is an amazing new show: Magnificat, poème de Clamouse, which is an "Opera della Terra" which transports the audience on each tour into an unreal and exciting atmosphere.
- Midi-Pyrénées: Unique to France, the Cahors Secret Gardens have taken over the city and this original initiative tempts one to stroll through the medieval streets, taking in the history of Cahors through its heritage and plants cultivated in the Middle Ages.
- Savoie Mont-Blanc: An affordable and stunning treat: fly above the Mont Blanc from Megève and the mythical summits around it: Grande Jorasse, Drus, Mer de Glace.
- Riviera: Access the world of manufacturing at Fragonard, Gallimard and Molinard factories in Grasse, the World’s perfume capital. Even create your own perfume!