Archive for 'Activities in France'

Biarritz is well known as one of the best and most famous surfing destinations in France and Europe and is a truly picturesque and historic upscale seaside resort full of belle époque and art deco architectural gems that has counted Napoleon III, Hemingway, Chanel, and Sinatra among its fans throughout the centuries. Boasting excellent restaurants, chic little bars, beautiful boutiques, some world-class golfing, lots of surf festivals and events throughout the year, and more, one can sometimes look past one of the most obvious appeals of this perfect destination where coastal and urban charms are blended: the beaches themselves! Not to be admired purely from atop a board out on the water, the beaches of this incredible city have lots to offer and there are several to choose from. So, if you have been looking to enjoy a dreamy seaside getaway and to indulge in some of the best parts of French culture then get browsing our amazing selection of villas in Biarritz and then read on to our guide to the city’s beaches to help you plan your itinerary!

Those who find a vacation rental in Brittany will quickly discover that the reputation of the region’s stunning coastline has not been exaggerated and, in fact, perhaps is even more impressive in real life. There are endless truly gorgeous beaches, views, towns, tourist attractions, and sights of unparalleled natural beauty to be discovered all across Brittany. However, even among this illustrious list of extraordinary gems, there are some particular stand-outs and Belle-île has to be one of the most notable. A beyond picturesque island, quite literally named for being a beautiful island, it makes for a brilliant day trip for anyone who decides to book a holiday rental in Brittany and begin delving into the immense loveliness of this land. And, with a mild climate year round, Belle-île is a brilliant place to visit no matter when you find yourself on vacation in Brittany. 

When you look up the commune of Anglet in France, you will likely be immediately shown images of some stunning beaches in the area rather than the town and it makes sense as the main attraction to this part of the Basque Coast is the incredible natural beauty of the landscape. Those who find a villa in Anglet are likely those interested in swimming, surfing, other water sports, relaxing on the beach, going for walks or hikes, cycling along scenic routes, exploring nature reserves, and, generally, enjoying the great outdoors. However, there also plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars to discover and keep you energised as you stay active and try it all out in this well-known Basque seaside resort.

A few years ago, while attending London Fashion Week, this writer was lucky enough to find enough time to go see the Dior retrospective at the V&A Museum. Having just missed its stint in the brand’s home town of Paris due to the impossible queues there, it was even more thrilling. The museum was open late to accommodate the even greater number of crowds drawn by the exhibition and I milled through line of excited people leading to the entrance. Inside, it was even more than I had imagined: a sprawling, wonderful, multicoloured, powerful tribute to this iconic heritage label that followed from its very origins to where it has come and what it has become today. Many were not quite so fortunate, however, and were not able to get the chance to see the exhibition in any of the cities around the globe in which it temporarily made its home. If you happen to be among this number and you were considering finding a vacation rental in Paris or a holiday rental in France and spending a day exploring the stunning capital, then you should know that you now have a chance to make up for it! This archive of incredible design and more now has a permanent home in the reopened flagship store at the brand’s historic address at 30 Avenue Montaigne. So, no matter when you plan a vacation in France moving forwards, you can come and admire the incredible history of the brand, perhaps do some shopping if that is in your budget, and indulge in some very chic and delicious treats at the new café in the building or go for a full Dior dining experience in the Dior restaurant - all under one roof!

Exploring the windswept, beautiful, and dramatic landscape of the region is an absolute must for those who have found a vacation rental in Brittany. It is an utterly picturesque part of the world that rewards those who venture out without any real plan and simply drive or walk and take in all that is around them. However, if you prefer to know for certain what sorts of gorgeous scenes you might take in on your travels, then it is worth taking note of a few different landmarks in the area. There are many worth mentioning in this impossibly scenic part of France, of course, far too many to cover in any single article, but a particularly lovely spot that we think you should take in as you explore Brittany has to be the Phare du Petit Minou, or the Petit Minou Lighthouse, in the commune of Plouzané, facing the Fort du Petit Minou.