We’ve teamed up with FrenchEntree magazine to offer you the chance to win a week's holiday this autumn in the most southerly part of France. Roussillon Farmhouse is a gorgeous Catalan farmhouse and two chic cottages restored to high standards - and they're in a fabulous location in sunny south-east France, near Perpignan, Mediterranean beaches and the Spanish border.
Read more: New! Win an autumn sunshine break at a Catalan farmhouse
Oh, the pleasures of Paris….dozens of scintillating memories flood back. The frilly lights of Pont Neuf twinkling across the Seine, Rodin’s tour de force sculptures, the view from the steps of Montmartre, crepes on the roof of the Beaubourg, boats on the pond at Jardins de Luxembourg. Not forgetting the ongoing dream of a Valentine’s Day surprise trip.
Makes me want to be there right now, but from the moment I disembark the sleek Eurostar at Gare du Nord, I’d want to fit right in as a temporary Parisienne, not stand out like a tourist, especially at this time of year. So, what to do? Think formal - or at least chic casual.
This would be a good opportunity to wear my nicest clothes, especially a stylish coat and boots, even if they have flat heels for comfort. A trendy bag would complete the look. I’d certainly never insult the city and its people by wearing trainers to walk those stylish streets. Evenings would be another chance to dress up a bit, even if it’s only some nice jewellery on that favourite little black dress.
A feature called ‘The Spirit of Place’ in the January issue highlights five inspiring properties that are currently for sale through French Connections, in five varying regions. Over three pages, the article considers the history and place of each house in the local community, along with the area’s landscape and lifestyle.
Read more: Our houses for sale in a major French Property News magazine feature
Bonne Année everyone, happy New Year. How quickly time flies, I hope you are all well and beginning the new year with a positive outlook and good health. If you have made any New Year resolutions and are able to keep to them, you have more willpower than most. I do make a few resolutions myself but alas, have frequently failed to keep them over the years. Why do we do it to ourselves?
December is the start of the ski season in France and the Alps in particular are a favourite destination for ski lovers. However, the French have a secret which is less well known here in the UK and that is if you are considering a skiing holiday, maybe you would enjoy your break in the Pyrenees.
As soon as the shortest day has passed and festive celebrations are over, our minds turn to the exciting thought of holidays. Here at French Connections, we are unashamedly dedicated lovers of France – and millions of you agree that, as a holiday destination, France really has it all. It’s that perfect combination of being able to relax in the sunshine amidst beautiful countryside, lounge on unspoilt beaches, soak up the culture and history, enjoy exuberant festivities and celebrations.
During the winter, the ski slopes of the Pyrenees mountains are a fantastic, more 'French' and cheaper alternative to the more popular Alps. Stay in a mountain village or nearby countryside and combine sightseeing and culture with winter sports. In summer, the peaks and passes become a paradise for walkers, cyclists and fishing enthusiasts. The more adventurous can try rock climbing or white water rafting while, if you prefer holidays of a gentler persuasion, you can just relax with a glass of wine and the local cuisine and enjoy the majestic scenery and mountain air.
The Midi Pyrénées spreads right across South western France, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and includes the departments of Ariège, Aveyron, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées, Lot, Tarn and Tarn-et-Garonne. All except the Hautes-Pyrénées department owe their name to the river that crosses them.
The Midi-Pyrénées is bordered to both the north and south by mountains, and the Pyrenees form a natural frontier with Spain, so a bonus to staying in the area is a chance to cross into Spain to explore. The Pyrenees National Park is one of the seven national parks in France and there are also three regional nature parks. The caves of Padirac, in the Lot, are considered to be one of Europe’s greatest geological curiosities and the Ariège also has an abundance of caves that tell stories about the life of Homo sapiens.
Rocamadour, in the Lot, is among the most visited places of interest in France, second only to Mont Saint-Michel, and anyone interested in insects and nature will love Micropolis in the Aveyron. If you prefer flying objects, the Cité de l’Espace, the space experience in Toulouse, is a must-see and, of course, Lourdes welcomes visitors from the world over.
There’s a fabulous feast of food here, from foie gras to rare truffles, from Rocamadour goat’s cheese to Quercy lamb. Cep mushrooms are found in the undergrowth in autumn and bryony along the paths in spring. Cassoulet, aligot (mashed potatoes with cheese), garbure (soup with cabbage and confit of goose), stockfish and gâteau à la broche (spit-roasted cake) are just some of the traditional recipes that you may sample.
Toulouse-Blagnac airport is the fourth airport of France and has connections to all parts of the UK and most of Europe, including cheap airlines, and you can drive via Paris on the A71 and A20 which runs straight through the middle of the Midi- Pyrénées. The journey is approx 850km from Calais to the northern end of the Midi Pyrenees and will take around 8-9 hours depending on length of stops.
See gorgeous holiday homes and more information in our complete guide to the Midi-Pyrénées