High in the snow covered peaks of the Rhone Alps is the Savoie - a land of wild, majestic beauty and our region of the month. For skiers, this area is a Mecca, and superlatives abound. It is home to Mont Blanc, the mother of all French mountains, contains Les Trois Vallées, one of the largest connected skiing areas in the world and features L'Espace Killy, known as the most beautiful ski centre in the world.
There’s been plenty of snowfall recently, so the ski season will extend well into April, giving you time to book a self-catering stay at one of our traditional ski chalets and apartments. Chambery is the region’s capital and plenty of ski resorts are within a short driving distance of its airport. You can also get a low-cost flight to Lyon and drive south from there. When booking, don’t forget to ask owners for tips on travel.
When the weather gets warmer and snow leaves the lower slopes, Savoie is also a great destination for walking, cycling and boating, for enjoying clear mountain air, breathtaking scenery and wide open spaces. If you’ve never been to the French mountains in summer, you have a treat in store. Grassy slopes and meadows with snow-topped peaks, stunning lakes that evoke a sense of deep peace, a magical landscape with views that you just want to sit and soak up.
Our photo shows views of glaciers from Ste Foy, a charming, unspoilt ski resort that is home to Chalet and Apartment Morion.
And all year round you can savour the local cuisine – fish and game dishes, fabulous cheeses - and discover some delicious local wines exclusive to the area. The very names make you want to try them – white wines include Altesse, Chasselas and Roussane while Savoie reds have a ring to their names of Mondeuse and Persan. Salut!
Today I’m turning my design eye towards a Centre de bien-être or ‘well-being centre’ close to my heart and my home!
When we first viewed our dream French house there was that inevitable question in our minds… what would the neighbours be like?
We didn’t have to wait long to find out when, on a steaming hot June day, in the final visit before signing the Compromis de Vente, I spent a few hours at the empty property with builders trying to convince myself it wasn’t as bad as it looked. It’s amazing what you can talk yourself in to, foolishly choosing to ignore the builders teeth sucking as part of the routine to prime me for an over zealous devis!!
If, like us, you love France, the France Show is a great opportunity to dive in and get a fix of all things French. Described as the UK's biggest celebration of France, the show moves this year to London Olympia and runs from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th January 2015. Buy discounted advance tickets at franceshow.com
The show aims to bring together the best of France under one roof, so you’ll find authentic food to stock up on in the French market and, of course, plenty of wine. Last year I learned so much about vintage, terroir and bouquet by taking part in a small tasting and seminar on a wine importer’s stand – fun and informative.
If you’re looking to buy, there’s a large property section with expert advice and, for holidaymakers, information about the regions. You can sit down and enjoy cookery demonstrations, the language theatre and seminars or play a game of pétanque and even watch a lively can-can.
All visitors receive a goodie bag which contains the January issue of French Property News magazine. As you read it, check out the article by our very own Glynis Shaw highlighting some inspiring properties for sale through French Connections. Could one of them be your dream home and/or holiday rental in France?
There’s still time to whisk your beloved off their feet and get all loved up with a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend in France, the country of lovers. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, in the flush of new romance or content in lasting love, the French approach to l’amour is bound to create happy memories. My heart still melts when I think back to a certain Art Nouveau restaurant in Calais with food like art on the plate and little hearts scattered on the tablecloth….
Read more: Ideas and offers for a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend in France
Provence is a fascinating land, celebrated for its excellent climate, breathtaking scenery, fine beaches, suberb food and fashionable resorts. There really are few places in Europe that can compete with its romantic ambience and allure, with that special combination of glamorous places, beautiful people and rich cultural heritage.
Read more: Provence-Alpes-Cote D'Azur is perfect for year-round holidays
We’ve joined again with FrenchEntree magazine to offer you the chance to win a weekend in Normandy in early or late Summer 2015. The destination is Le Grand Pont, a restored farmhouse with comfortable bed & breakfast accommodation near Estry, in Calvados cider country.
Lots of magazine coverage for our owners this month at the start of the tourist season - and in publications featured and promoted at the France Show from 23rd January at Olympia.
The January issue of Living France includes a three-page article entitled Heaven on Earth. Starting on page 28, it tells the story of Tony Spit and Bernard Balet, who bought a gorgeous but run-down 18th to 19th century Provencal Mas. The couple have lovingly restored the property to create three gites with a peaceful garden and swimming pool, where they now enjoy hosting visitors and soaking up the culture and landscape of southern France.
Read more: Major features about French Connections owners in the latest top magazines