One of my very favourite times of the year to visit Paris is in August. I love August because Parisians leave the city for their summer holiday and the entire city gets a little quieter, a little softer, a little bit more accessible, and wide open to exploring with the usual buzz at bay. It seems this…
France
Culinary Tour on a Canal du Midi Barge Cruise, France
After spending one evening on board our Canal du Midi barge, the luxury Savannah, there was one word I was confident of never hearing. That word was hungry. For seven nights and six days, our eyes would feast on the beauty of the Canal du Midi in southern France. Equally, our stomachs and our bodies…
Tours and Activities on Our Luxury Barge Canal Cruise in France
A luxury canal cruise in France elicits images of tree-lined waterways, sipping champagne, and generally sitting back, relaxing and having a good time. There were plenty of moments like this aboard the barge Savannah. For those who like a little more adventure, this barge cruise offers a suite of daily activities ranging from visits to…
Cruising the Canal du Midi: A Luxury Barge Cruise, France
Ancient stone villages built right on the water’s edge pass you by and large iron barriers groan under the pressure of the water that is pushing against them. You are sitting back in a deck chair, relaxing with a glass of French champagne in your hand, watching the sun set on yet another glorious day…
Casadelmar and La Plage, A Luxury Stay in Porto-Vecchio, Corsica
The island of Corsica is a sweet spot for good reason; floating in prime real estate in the magical Mediterranean waters off the coast of France and Italy. It pulls not only the elements from each, but an incredible history and feeling that blends, dances and exists on its own terms. I fell madly in-love…
Les Passeroses Rural Yoga Retreat in the South of France
There’s a magical moment when you arrive at Les Passeroses in the middle of rural south-west France. Push open the anonymous blue door by the side of a dusty road, pass through the heady scent of honeysuckle and you unexpectedly find yourself next to an inviting swimming pool by an enchanting French farmhouse. This is…
Eat, Play, Love: The Ultimate European Honeymoon
Just over three months ago, I married my best friend. We had the party of a lifetime and yes it was, like everyone says it will be, one of the best days of your life. After the busy lead up to a wedding, all the planning and emotional energy that is invested, you are well…
Hilton Paris Opera
Hilton Paris Opera is the perfect mix of Parisian classicism and modern luxury. The hotel holds prime position in the buzzing Opera arrondissement with bars, bistros and boutiques right at its doorstep, to whet your appetite for all the temptations that the City of Light has in store. Skye Gilkeson Hilton Paris Opera Review A grand…
An Incredible Day at The Peninsula Paris Hotel
A doorman wearing the traditional crisp white uniform opened the door to The Peninsula Paris. “Bonjour!”, he beamed. Our polite smiles quickly turned to excited gasps as the foyer opened up before us. The late 19th-century Haussmannian building typifies Paris’ architectural heritage. But beyond the landmark facade, a breathtaking synergy of traditional and modern design…
A Digital Detox at The Westin Paris
“It might be a little hard for you”, the receptionist at The Westin Paris suggested, reminding us we would have to hand our phones in and completely switch off from technology during our Digital Detox. No doubt she had seen me glued to my screen before we were introduced. I laughed nervously, concerned she might be right. But as it…
Tea Time at La Reserve Hotel, Paris
La Reserve Hotel Paris is the epitome of Parisian chic. Walking through the ruby wrapped doorway of the 5-star luxury hotel is like stepping back in time. More specifically, to the dazzling days of 19th century Paris. Tucked away in a quiet street in the iconic Champs-Élysées arrondissement, La Reserve Hotel Paris overlooks the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower,…