Anyone who thinks style, luxury and children can't go hand in tiny hand hasn't explored this selection of child-friendly boutique hotels. Château de Saint Paterne: Normandy, France Style: Chic stately retreat Setting: Lush lands of the Loire There are few kids who won’t be excited by... [more]

On our most recent trip to Paris, in May ’09, my husband, David, and I decided to put to the test all the articles we had read about free things to do in the city. We had never found Paris to be particularly easy on the wallet, and on this trip we were really pinching pennies. [more]

Aaaaah, France! This is like a fairyland! Who does not want to go on holiday to Paris? When the foreigners come back from a trip to the French capital, they tend to speak very well of its monuments and its food, but the ideas of its citizens are variable. As with any other nationality, the French... [more]

A new gîte in Nantes offers guests the chance to live as a rodent for the night - complete with fur costumes and a romantic hamster wheel for two. Tucked away down an unremarkable side-street near the centre of the western French city, the Villa Hamster offers guests the "unique" opportunity t... [more]

One of the symbols in this world that is irrevocably connected with royalty and wealth is the fabulous Château de Versailles near Paris. Under its former [more]

For the first time an exclusive women's art collection is being shown in the Pompidou Centre in Paris. This is a presentation dedicated to female artists from the twentieth century up to the present day. [more]

Alastair Sawday selects his favourite hotels, B&Bs and apartments from his new book, Paris – Special Places to Stay. 1. Côté Montmartre Walk in and touch an 1890s heart: floral inlay on the stairs, stained-glass windows behind the lift. On the top landing, a curly bench greets you. Young an... [more]

When it comes to packing for our holidays men and women are completely different. Sure you can imagine the situation: her attitude sets his nerves on edge, telling him what to wear and as devastating as a hurricane she rummages through her closet looking for the perfect holiday luggage. She takes... [more]

Bordeaux, Brie, Dijon. Ever notice how the French countryside seems to be responsible for half the items in your pantry? While the lush, forested Loire Valley may not be known for any single edible import, it does have regal chateaux, trendy shops, and excellent cuisine galore. From medieval s... [more]

Paris, city of love, of Glamour and of… cabarets! As soon as 1881, this entertainment tradition starts in France with the opening of the first cabaret by Rodolphe Salis called the “Cabaret Artistique” soon renamed Le Chat Noir (The Black Cat). [more]