The Spring 2013 issue of the quarterly Business & Lifestyle magazine features a two-page lifestyle article on France as a holiday destination, with French Connections as the sole recommended resource for accommodation and travel throughout France.
The magazine has a worldwide readership of over 50,000 and is available in hotels, conference venues and airport lounges as well as by subscription. Its contributors are among the world’s most successful economists, entrepreneurs and directors of multinationals who share their views and experiences with the global business market. As well as their input, the magazine contains the latest news and analyses of banking, finance, business development and technology.
Travel features prominently in the Lifestyle section and the article 'France-c'est fantastique'opens by pointing out that: 'The great appeal of France as a holiday country lies not only in the quality of its culture and history, its food and wine, but also in the sheer variety of landscapes and experiences.'
It then gives the lowdown on all the most interesting regions to visit in France and highlights the reasons for the popularity of holiday rental properties:
'The favourite choice of Francophiles in the know is to rent their own holiday property. Modern villas and gîtes are just as likely to have designer-look interiors, to provide a maid and meal service and to boast state of the art facilities. The properties themselves range from bijou town apartments for a romantic weekend through charming country cottages to huge family farmhouses with swimming pool and grounds – not forgetting the occasional chateau, manoir or converted water mill.'
Our photo shows the beautiful Domaine du Crestet in Provence. More information on the magazine at www.businesslifestyle.co.uk
Easter is just around the corner and in France that means age-old community traditions and joyful celebrations – especially in the countryside, which is also great for getting active outdoors in the longer spring days. French cities combine tradition with the stimulation of an urban buzz and there are even more thrills as Disneyland Paris celebrates its 20th year from Easter Monday onwards. So Easter in France really does offer fun for all ages and tastes.
Both Valentine’s Day and school half-term holidays occur this month – and both are great opportunities for a trip to France. How do you choose when there’s a lot to be said for either?
Read more: France in February – Family half-term or Valentine hearts and flowers?
March is my favourite time of year when spring has arrived and the garden is beginning to show signs of new life. Of course with the weather and climate so changeable these days we may not be so lucky but I am forever an optimist.
It is a good month for a trip to France as it will refresh you and recharge your batteries so to speak. It is much quieter at this time of year and if you would still like a skiing holiday, it is not too late as March is the last month for this season so you can still take that longed for break.
It is at this time of year when I need my French 'fix'. That is to say, even a short visit to France is more than welcome to shake off the cobwebs, or, rather, the winter blues. Having had our fare share of snow and cold winter winds, it is time to recharge the batteries and pop over the channel for some change of scenery.
It’s February and here in northern Europe, winter still has us in its icy grip. So naturally our thoughts turn to long, lazy days in the sunny south of France, to glorious Mediterranean beaches and forests fringed by mountain views.
If the Gironde region is not already familiar, then why now make this the year to discover its beauties? The capital Bordeaux is already one of the most evocative city names in Europe. To arrive at this historic centre of wine and culture is to enter the warmer, sunnier climes of south west France and immediately to bask in a distinctively, delightfully French way of being.
Arrival in Bordeaux is not difficult, with the choice of a major international airport, TGV link from Paris and easy motorway access. The city is an enticing combination of wide avenues, elegant 18th century buildings, parks, pavement cafes, shops, museums, fabulous restaurants and, of course, the iconic centre of one the world’s great wine producing areas.
Bordeaux is also a good starting point from which to explore the Gironde. As you might expect, this is countryside replete with rolling acres of vines, many of them belonging to small independent vineyards. It also embraces the confluence of two rivers, with unspoilt coastline and a fascinating estuary to explore.
The history of wine production even influences the type of holiday rental you’ll find here. Stay at a truly mouth watering chateau in acres of grounds, make an ancient manoir or Maison de Maitre your very own or enjoy a stone farmhouse with its own swimming pool that oozes traditional character.
Many of our Gironde holiday properties are in peaceful country locations. Others lie at the heart of towns and villages, like the stunning Le Pavillon-Villemaurine, a Maison de Maitre in St Emilion, shown in our photograph.
See the full range of holiday rentals in the Gironde and Browse our useful guides to Bordeaux, the Gironde and Aquitaine