South of France

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

Hotel Les Cygnes and lake

Hotel Les Cygnes. Enjoy beautiful Lake Geneva on your doorstep.

Surprising as it seems, the three star Hotel les Cygnes is the only hotel situated on the Lake Geneva waterfront in the French resort of Evian les Bains. Of course the town is famous for its bottled water of the same name, but the hotel has its own spring and was once the bottling plant for the rival Graziella brand.

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 Terry Marsh uncovers his Guide to Aveyron

Guide to Aveyron. Insider insight to this beautiful region.

Aveyron is a department of remarkable contrasts; of verdant undulating, never-ending landscapes largely unspoiled by Man; distinctive, authentic and as close to La France profonde as it is possible to be. Terry Marsh uncovers his Guide to Aveyron.

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Solange Berchemin stays at the historic L'Hotel Du Chateau in Carcassonne.

L’Hotel Du Chateau. Carcassonne

L’Hotel du Chateau, situated right below la Porte de Narbonne, the main entrance to the walled city of Carcassonne, is a perfect example of what happened back then. Cecile and Stéphane Rives acquired a 1* hotel and turned it into a stylish boutique hotel

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Hotel Le Saint James. Bordeaux

The view of The Garonne river from my bedroom window is spectacular, no question. Particularly as it is framed by the vines in the foreground from Hotel Le Saint James own vineyard. But in all fairness, even that charming montage is surpassed by the sight of the full size Harley-Davidson standing like a silent sentinel next to my bed.

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Solange Berchemin enjoys a wonderful seasonal celebration in Avignon at Christmas. 

Avignon at Christmas. Experience the wonderful celebrations in the City of Popes.

Avignon celebrates catholic festivals the same way it celebrates its gastronomy and culture, with a genuine reverence for its past and a real enthusiasm for modernity. Next time you fancy a Christmas market with a soul, Avignon at Christmas is the place

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Languedoc wine tasting: B&B and Wine a beautiful combination.

It was, it must be said, the perfect evening. Languedoc wine tasting with dark chocolate, a delicious regionally inspired dinner and then sleeping it all off in a 13th century chateau. Such is life these days in the Languedoc-Rousillon, a region reinventing itself from mediocre table wine producer into highly respected vintner of outstanding quality while at the same time embracing the tourism industry with arms open wide.

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