France is one of my favourite counties in the world, though you've probably picked up on that from the number of posts on this page. My very first trip abroad was to France (the Dordogne region to be specific) followed by countless trips to Paris, a city I will never get tired of exploring.

There are many reasons why I have such an affinity with this country, and why I keep returning. It’s the food, the wine, the weather. It’s the style and their approach to life. It’s the sound of that beautiful language which I’ve been studying since I was a teen. It’s the joie-de-vivre. But most of all it’s the people. I’ve never understood why French people get such a bad rap. I’ve found them to be warm, hospitable, polite and charming. Yes, even in Paris.  

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I love a city break, and, in my humble opinion, France has some of the greatest cities in the world: Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon and my own particular favourite, Toulouse. A recent visit to Nantes left us wanting more, and we’re also planning a return visit to La Rochelle this summer.

And then of course there’s the Riviera. I spent a fabulous week in Nice and Antibes for the week of my 40th birthday and discovered the wonderful little town of Vence. High in the hills of Provence, it’s home to one of the most incredible guesthouses I’ve ever had the pleasure of staying in, not to mention Matisse’s iconic chapel and the world-renowned Maeght Foundation of art.

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I also fell in love with the colourful fishing village of Collioure and the countless picturesque towns on the Côte Vermeille. South of Marseille we explored the Côte Bleue or Blue Coast, so named after the iridescent colour of the water, dotted with small ports, beaches and secluded inlets. The coastline is rugged, craggy and wildly beautiful.

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That’s just a little taster of why France is always on our holiday radar. I hope you find some inspiration here.

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Bon voyage x