Travel ideas in France

Passport to France

NormandyNorthern FranceLoire ValleyFood and WineCultural HeritageShopping and French Savoir Faire

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Reading time: 0 minPublished on 11 November 2020, updated on 7 December 2020

Bateaux Mouches Go with the flow

The panache of Paris, seen from a new perspective is ever possible, over a lunch or dinner cruise on the Seine with the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches. With departures every 30 minutes and insightful audio tours, the secrets of The Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower and beyond are within easy reach. See Paris come alive at night as you dine on exceptional dishes, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Those who prefer to pair their boat cruise with a bus trip and a dash of cabaret may wish to choose a Crazy Horse dinner cruise. From Tuesday to Sunday, diners can experience local cuisine at Le Club, seconds from the Eiffel Tower.

www. bateaux-mouches.fr/en

Hotel Lutetia New take on old-world

Paris Is there a more delightful place for travellers and locals to have an intimate tête-à-tête and a refreshing champagne than at Bar Joséphine? In the heart of the elegant Saint- Germain area is where diners and drinkers can gaze skyward and marvel at the lovingly restored fresco by Adrien Karbowsky, savour Benjamin Brial’s elegant, flavourful dishes, and cocktails that pay tribute to entertainer Joséphine Baker. Bar Joséphine cocktails are the artistry of masterful mixologist Nicola Battafarano. Finish the week with live jazz. There’s no better way to be immersed in the spirit and history of Saint-Germain-des-Prés than at Hotel Lutetia.

www.hotellutetia.com/bar-josephine

Le Bristol Paris A sweet treat that’s heaven sent

Lovers of fine chocolate are sure to be captivated by the latest creation from Le Bristol Paris: a cocoa pod sculpture crafted from grand cru cocoa sourced from tropical Belize. Responsible for the fine artistry behind this limited edition chocolate masterpiece is Le Bristol Paris pastry chef Julien Álvarez. This moreish 600g limited edition holds chocolate roasted Provence almonds coated in chocolate, delicately lifted with fleur de sel. It was made from 75 per cent Tulakalum cocoa, grown on protected Central American mountain slopes and nurtured in heat and tropical rain. There is little doubt that 75 per cent Tulakalum pure Belize cocoa tastes like heaven.

www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/le-bristol-paris/

Caen Say cheese in Caen

The charming city of Caen, just two hours north-west of Paris, is where medieval history is never in short supply – Mémorial de Caen, Caen Castle and the 11th century Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, anyone? There are lively café terraces aplenty and of course cheese! A trip to Caen is incomplete without pulling up a chair inside a cheese bar. Over melt-in-yourmouth Camembert, Pont-l’Evêque, or Livarot, visitors will love lively chats with fellow foodies and savour a glass of local wine. Planning a November trip? That’s when the annual Novembre Gourmand festival dominates the city. Promising to tantalise the tastebuds of travellers from across France and around the globe, this delectable event is when Caen celebrates its culinary excellence with food tastings, inspiring workshops and exhibitions.

www.caenlamer-tourisme.fr

Somme Tourisme Soar high in an Amiens

Autumn Autumn in Amiens, anyone? Inspired travellers may wish to consider these top six fun ideas from Somme Tourisme: 1) Climb the towers of Amiens Cathedral, a Gothic architectural icon. 2) Wander through the Hortillonnages, 300 hectares of floating gardens on the city’s edge. 3) Be immersed in the world of Jules Verne by visiting his home of 18 years. 4) Relax with a drink in picturesque Quai Belu or Place du Don, in the Saint-Leu district. 5) Head underground, with a tour of Naours’ 30 metre-deep tunnels. 6) Experience the festive atmosphere of Amiens’ traditional autumn réderie (flea market), the secondbiggest of its kind in France. Australia has held a special place in the Somme’s heart ever since World War One, when the young nation fought alongside France on the Western Front. Last year’s bushfires prompted one of many events held year-round in honour of Australia. Full details and exclusive travel offers can be found online at Somme Tourisme

www.visit-somme.com

Studio Harcourt In support of koalas

A stunning portrait image of ‘Hanya’ the koala from Beauval Zoo is helping Parisian art photography studio, Studio Harcourt raise valuable funds for Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo and its koala population. Monies raised from the sale of each beautiful Hanya photo will be donated to Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo, via the Beauval Nature Association. Available in the series are 500 numbered portraits, on sale for €350 (inc VAT) via Studio Harcourt’s website.

www.studio-harcourt.com/ charity?lang=en

Clos Lucé Cultural tribute to da Vinci

Visitors eager to explore the multifaceted story of Leonardo da Vinci can now attend an immersive ‘virtual gallery’ of da Vinci’s work at a new cultural facility at Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, Loire Valley. The stories behind the painter, architect and engineer’s paintings and drawings are featured on interactive tables, through models and 3D animation, inside a 500 square metre interactive cultural centre and museum. The Château du Clos Lucé is proud to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death with this new cultural facility.

www.vinci-closluce. com

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