La Rochelle has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: a seaside location, a picturesque old town and port, and any number of fantastic bars and restaurants to while away the hours. It's neat and compact, with all key sights of interest within walking distance. It's a dream of a city, an absurdly beautiful maze of narrow streets lined in pristine white limestone buildings with tasteful pastel shutters. There's a good reason why they call it the Ville Blanche.

The Wild Atlantic Way at its ruggedly beautiful best: totally unspoiled with epic scenery with crystal-clear water, soft white sand beaches & a haven of biodiversity.

It's fair to describe Farmleigh House and Gardens as one of Dublin's best kept secrets with acres of parkland and beautiful gardens. You'll also find a fabulous art gallery, a sculpture trail, a lakeside walk and a restaurant, not to mention fields of horses, donkeys, cows and the occasional alpaca.

The Côte Bleue or Blue Coast, so named after the iridescent colour of the water, is dotted with small ports, beaches and secluded inlets, and the coastline is rugged, craggy and wildly beautiful.

First impressions of Marseille... A sparkly sea with boats bobbing in the harbour.  Sunny day vibes at the old port - people sitting with their legs dangling over the edge, chatting and slurping ice-creams before they melt in the afternoon sun. Brazilian buskers rocking a bossa nova beat on the pier. An infectious exuberance and energy in the air. It was love at first sight.

How Blur saved my life on the Camino and other stories... Musings & ramblings from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre - 129 kms in 4 days