Car Ferry
Short Break
Crillon le Brave
The Luberon, France
superior
A sublime haven in the heart of Provence, Crillon le Brave is one of our favourite hotels in France and the perfect destination for a relaxing spring break. Just 25 miles from mediaeval Avignon, the property occupies part of a 16th century hilltop hamlet amid the vineyards of the Côtes du Ventoux.
The owners have created a relaxed, stylish retreat in a collection of restored houses, courtyards and terraces, with just 36 contemporary Provençale style bedrooms, many of which offer panoramic views of the countryside and the famous Mont Ventoux. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool, a small spa and an exceptional kitchen where the emphasis is placed firmly upon local produce from the nearby farms, rivers, vineyards and olive groves. The gastronomic ‘La Madeleine’ restaurant serves delicious dinners from Wednesday to Saturday; the more informal ‘La Table du Ventoux’ is open every day for lunch and dinner and offers rustic, regional cuisine. This is a great base to explore the hillside villages of Gordes and Lourmarin with their colourful markets, antique shops and galleries, or enjoy wine-tasting, walking or cycling. The Roman ruins at Vaison-la-Romaine and Orange are close by, as are the historic towns of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille airport is just one hour away. No lift.
Speak to a France specialist
Contact our expert team for first-hand advice and a tailor-made quotation.
Enrique Novella
Product Manager
Short Break
Villa Clarisse & Spa
Ile de Ré, France
deluxe-boutique
The little sister of De Toiras, the Villa Clarisse, a former 18th century town house, opened its doors to guests in June 2011. Situated a stone’s throw from St. Martin’s harbour, it has just nine beautifully furnished bedrooms in a relaxed island style with white-washed walls and distressed wooden furniture. All overlook the town or the hotel’s quiet garden and outdoor heated swimming pool, where a continental breakfast is also served, or outside on the terrace.
Short Break
La Mirande
Avignon, France
deluxe
This exquisite hotel was opened after the restoration of a Cardinal’s mansion built in 1688. Located in an atmospheric part of Avignon, beneath the towering city walls, La Mirande has a wonderful, tranquil atmosphere and is decorated throughout with beautiful antiques.
Short Break
Montalembert
Paris, France
superior
Built in 1926, the Hotel Montalembert is in the heart of Saint-Germaindes-Prés, a short walk from the Musee d’Orsay and a stone’s throw from the Boulevard Saint-Germain.
Short Break
Hotel Barge Athos
Carcassonne, France
Originally built as a commercial vessel to carry cargoes of sand, grain and wine, Athos now carries up to ten passengers – as well as a certain quantity of wine – in comfort on the Canal du Midi in southern France.
Short Break
Castille
Paris, France
deluxe
We are delighted to feature this stylish boutique hotel with its outstanding location on Rue Cambon and interiors inspired by Coco Chanel whose first atelier, Maison Chanel is located next door. . The beautiful 18th century building has 108 bedrooms split between two wings.
Short Break
Le Saint Paul
St. Paul-de-Vence, France
superior
The best hotel in the centre of the village, Le Saint Paul has just 16 cosy and charming rooms in a beautiful 16th century Provençal house. Enjoy lunch in the lee of the ancient bastions at ‘Côté Terrasse’, or dinner at the well-respected ‘Restaurant Le Saint Paul’.
Short Break
Napoleon
Menton, France
superior
This bright, modern hotel is located on the Baie de Garavan, 100 metres from the beach, a short stroll from the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden and a 10-minute walk to the atmospheric old town.
Short Break
Le Cavendish
Cannes, France
deluxe
In the heart of the city, 10 minutes’ walk from La Croisette, owner Christine Welter has created a really delightful boutique hotel.
Short Break
Royal-Riviera
Nice, France
deluxe
This elegant hotel stands at the entrance to Saint- Jean-Cap-Ferrat and has been a favourite for the affluent since its opening in 1904. It was renovated in a fresh Mediterranean style including Art Deco touches throughout the 78 rooms in the main building and the further 14 rooms in the Orangerie which is located in the delightful gardens.
Short Break
Esprit Saint Germain
Paris, France
deluxe
Ideally situated in the heart of the Left Bank, the Esprit St. Germain is an intimate hotel combining Parisian elegance with the charm of a private residence
Tailor-made Holiday
Tailor-Made Brittany
The rugged Brittany peninsula feels far removed not only from its neighbour Normandy, but also from the rest of France, with a distinct and proud Celtic culture.
7 night price from £1,885 per person
Includes
Accommodation
Kirker Concierge
Tailor-made Holiday
Tailor-Made Normandy
Deauville, Bayeux
Starting in the historic port city of Cherbourg, this seven-night holiday encompasses the coastline of Normandy, from the landing beaches around Arromanches, as far as Le Havre in the east.
7 night price from £1,998 per person
Includes
Car Ferry
Accommodation
Kirker Concierge
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Art, Opera & Ballet in Paris
Paris
The Opéra de Paris presents an extraordinary range of operas and ballets each season – casting, repertory and musical depth are of the highest international calibre.
4 nights price from £3395 per person
Includes
Eurostar
Accommodation
Performance tickets
Meals
+3
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Wines of Alsace
A fascinating cultural blend of French and Germanic influences, Alsace is a region of half-timbered mediaeval towns and delicious cuisine which combines French refinement with hearty Germanic ingredients such as Choucroute, the regional speciality.
4 nights price from £2189 per person
Includes
Flights
Accommodation
Meals
Wine tastings
+2
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
The Western Front
Led by military historian Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan, we will visit the principal battlefields of the British Expeditionary Force, starting in the notorious Ypres Salient which saw intense fighting throughout the war, especially at Paschendaele.
5 nights price from £2324 per person
Includes
Return Eurostar
Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
+1
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Christmas on the Côte d'Azur
Nice
The Côte d'Azur has attracted artists since the 19th century, and the unique microclimate and glowing light which brought Monet, Matisse, Chagall and Picasso to the Riviera makes this the perfect destination for an elegant Christmas escape.
Includes
Flights
Accomodation
Meals
Tour Leader
+1
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Carcassonne & Albi
Carcassonne
This tour is based at the pinnacle of the mediaeval citadel of Carcassonne where we stay at the luxurious Hotel de la Cité, built into the ramparts with panoramic views of the countryside. It is from here that we will explore the many distinctive regions of this beautiful part of southwest France.
6 nights price from £2998 per person
Includes
Flights
Accommodation
Three Dinners
Sightseeing
+1
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Reims and Champagne
Champagne
Whet your appetite for the festive season with a pre-Christmas Champagne escape in the company of wine expert Tim Clarke. Based in the heart of Reims, walking distance from the magnificent gothic cathedral where the kings of France were crowned, we will enjoy exclusive tastings and delicious cuisine, as well as time to explore the atmospheric Christmas markets.
3 nights price from £2697 per person
Includes
Eurostar
Accommodation
Meals
Tastings
+1
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Art of the Cote D'Azur
Nice
French artists began to discover the attractions of the Côte d’Azur and the iridescent quality of the region’s dazzling light towards the end of the 19th century. Monet was the first artist to be lured to the Riviera, arriving there in 1885.
5 nights price from £2098 per person
Includes
Flights
Accommodation
Meals
Entrance Fees
+1
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
The Birth of Modern Medicine in Paris
Paris
Discover the foundations of the modern science of medicine in Paris, where the ‘Paris School’ of hygiene and hospital teaching flourished. From mummified écorché figures to bone-lined catacombs, the early history of medicine is sometimes gruesome but always fascinating.
4 nights price from £2757 per person
Includes
Eurostar
Accommodation
Dinners
Lectures
+2
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
The French Revolution
Paris
Join Hugh Macdonald-Buchanan as he traces the story of one of history’s most important events. The French Revolution burst on the scene at Versailles where Louis XVI had convened the Estates General in 1789, then spread to Paris and the rest of France. It also provoked a world war that lasted 23 years.
4 nights price from £2787 per person
Includes
Eurostar
Accommodation
Meals
Sightseeing
+1
Cultural Tours & Music Holidays
Bordeaux - Wine Capital of the World
Bordeaux
At the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, the elegant city of Bordeaux is not only one of France’s most charming, but has become a byword for fine wines over the course of many centuries. We will visit some of the best winemakers in the company of The Spectator's wine expert Jonathan Ray.
Includes
Flights
Accommodation
Tour Lecturer
Wine tastings
+2
Speak to an expert - 020 7593 2288
Our expert reservations team regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to explore new cities, visit hotels and to research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.
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