France

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in France, independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Andy Mossack enjoys renting Chateau Asturias near Carcassonne and feeling like a Lord.

Chateau Asturias near Carcassonne. Renting a chateau has never felt so good.

Languedoc-Roussillon is a region in south west France which often hides under the shadow of its more glamorous neighbours further east on the Riviera. But to those in the know, it’s far more appealing; huge sandy beaches, stunning scenery and lower prices. And what could be better than to base yourself in the 12th century luxury Chateau Asturias near Carcassonne.

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Lac des Fétoules

Hiking Ecrins National Park

I’d always wondered what life is like in those high altitude French Refuges, often no more than wooden shacks, nestling in the shade of the mountains. Even better, when I hear about a Tour Gourmand, or gourmet tour, hiking between them, I’m even more interested. So I pack my rucksack and set out to try hiking Ecrins National Park, about a 90 minute drive East of Grenoble.

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Rupert Parker dons his hiking boots as he goes walking the High Alps in France. Mont de Grange Summit with Hiker

Walking the High Alps in France. Experience mighty peaks and serene Alpine meadows.

Rupert Parker dons his hiking boots as he goes walking the High Alps in France.

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Andy Mossack spends three days in Lyon. Amazing the things you can get up to in three days.

Three days in Lyon. Discover glorious Roman history and incredible gastronomy.

The greatness of Lyon’s past is amply matched by its contemporary cultural dynamism and diversity. Sited at the meeting point of two great rivers, was always a guarantee of prominence, and today Lyon is France’s second city. Here is my travel guide to three days in Lyon

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Terry Marsh offers up his travel guide to Rocamadour, one of the unmissable sights of the Dordogne.

Travel Guide to Rocamadour. Discover a magnificent destination in the Dordogne.

Travel guide to Rocamadour. Looking from a distance rather like a bad architectural pile-up in imminent danger of collapse, the lovely village of Rocamadour in the department of Lot rises high above the Alzou canyon, a tributary of the Dordogne river.

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Terry Marsh stays at Hotel Les Esclargies in the charmong town of Rocamadour.

Hotel Les Esclargies. Discover Rocamadour’s chic hideaway.

The chic Hotel Les Esclargies in Rocamadour is my kind of hotel. Spending a fair amount of time in luxury hotels gives you an eye for what really matters and what is just ostentatious fluff. But what serves me best is an uncomplicated place of simplicity, with a certain amount of elegance, and a shedload of peace and quiet.

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