Short Breaks

In the Rhône-Alpes there are several “Routes des Vins” winding their way through the different wine areas. Côtes du Rhône, Beaujolais and Savoie wines all have their own itinerary or circuit which will take you through pretty villages, each with their own cellars renowned for a certain vintage.

The Champagne Trail runs from one Champagne bastion to another, from Reims to Epernay, covering 70 km of Champagne's villages and the vineyards in-between. There is no better place to learn about the golden nectar.

The Rhone Alpes, with its 180 ski resorts and 18 linked ski areas, boasts the largest ski area in the world. Every winter millions of holidaymakers are drawn to its slopes, and in the summer its mountains become a magnet for enthusiasts of sports such as mountain climbing, rock climbing, glacier hiking and paragliding.

Toulouse is France's fourth largest town and the capital of the Midi-Pyrénées, or "pink city" as it is also called It boasts an incredible architectural wealth which bears witness to its long history. During the Renaissance period, Toulouse made its fortune thanks to the woad trade in particular.

One of the most trilling and unique experiences in France awaits you in Rhone-Alpes. Known as the most technical piste in the world, the run is really frightening as you reach speeds of 90km/h to over 100km/h. This isn’t just for adults as families can go in four-man bobsleighs.

Considered the largest natural lake in France, it shelters around fifty species of fish. During the summer, Lake Bourget is held in great regard for sailing, water skiing and diving, since the temperature of the water is between 20 and 25^oC.

With more than 100 ski resorts spread out in 11 massifs, 15 connected ski areas (Espace Killy, Portes du Soleil, Grand Massif, Les 3 Vallées…), up to 650km of slopes for one single ski domain, Savoie Mont Blanc is the largest ski area in the world. You can even hop across borders and see another country! (Italy and Switzerland).

The delightful sound as the club hits the white green-tinted ball that flies away surrounded by amazing scenery awaits you. No doubt about it, you are on one of the numerous greens of Poitou-Charentes: Royan, Angoulême, Niort and Poitiers.

Poitou-Charentes is well known in the fishing world. Pescalis nature and fishing centre is considered the number one fishing centre in Europe. Experienced and beginner fisher men and women are welcomed to join in. Adding to this are all the other places to fish in this water filled region.

An Unforgettable Holiday. Hire a boat for the family, as a couple or between friends, and wander over 375 km of navigable waterways. No need for a licence to drive these boats, which have all the home comforts: spacious cabins, bathrooms with WC and shower, fitted corner kitchen, and a sundeck to make the most of both sunshine and countryside.

Corsica is an island dedicated to sports. Having been French for only 200 years it is culturally different and has a unique, festive feel to it.

Leaving the towns, there are 343,000 hectares of forests! Through the forests of Chantilly, Compiègne, Retz, Saint-Gobain, Halatte, Crécy or Ermenonville, with a walkers' map, the official hiking trails are obvious, leading to royal boundary markers, a mysterious cross, menhir or a spinning stone are just some of the legends that please children.

Each time you visit you will see a different Picardy depending on the time, light and season. Each place is different and extraordinary, just like each encounter. Picardy’s theme parks will thrill you with shows and rides for the whole family.

The park of Valgenceuse chateau, in Senlis, a few kilometres from Paris, is a haven of peace and tranquillity where it is a pleasure to stroll around in the footsteps of the greats.

With four Regional Natural Parks to choose from in Normandy, you will be spoilt for choice, space and scenery. Natural environments are protected and preserved in these splendid parks, with fabulous views of forests, valleys or maritime wetlands with extensive wildlife.

With 13 painted caves, the Ardèche gorges are the most visited in France. Inside you can admire engraved or painted masterpieces together with various tools. For a better understanding of this exceptional legacy it is worth paying a visit to the Musée Régional de Préhistoire, close to the Aven d’Orgnac.

Aquitaine also has various National and Regional Parks such as The Pyrénées National Park, The Landes de Gascogne Regional Park, The Périgord-Limousin Regional Park.

From the flat, sandy plains and pine forests of the Landes to the beautiful lagoon of the Bassin d’Arcachon... Aquitaine is immensely diverse. The valley of the Dordogne provides a sharp contrast...ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horse riding and cycling.

Escape into the enchanting countryside and enjoy cycle tours, bird-watching, golf, hot-air ballooning, canoeing and kayaking.

If you are a food lover then the Loire Valley is the place for you from fresh fish to goat’s cheese, delicious wines and more delicious local specialities.

An hour's drive South of Paris, the Loire Valley offers holiday experiences to suit everyone. Experience its astonishing châteaux open to the public, many with extensive, lush gardens. Be seduced by 740 religious monuments such as the impressive Chartres and Bourges cathedrals. The Loire Valley boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just an hour south of Paris, here you are in the land of canals and vineyards, fertile hills and huge forests. A land, named after a river, that features a seldom-seen natural diversity.

Walking, hiking, snowshoeing, sledging or dog-sledding, all our areas have come up with inventive ideas to ensure you don't have to be a fanatical skier to have an invigorating but relaxing winter holiday. In Savoie Mont Blanc, there are many fun and healthy ways to explore and enjoy the countryside.

The Lozère department covers the southern part of the Massif Central, including the mountainous regions of Aubrac, la Margeride, le Gevaudan and the Cevennes.

Rouen is the Capital of Normandy and the Seine-Maritime department. The city, also known as the ‘Ville aux cent clochers’ has preserved much of it’s historical centre which is now largely composed of pedestrian streets.

Aude is known for its wine, castles and abbeys. Often referred to as 'the land of the Cathars' it is here that you'll find the unconquerable mountain sites of Rennes-le-Chateau and Peyrepertuse. The coast provides a sharp contrast with miles of sandy beaches for family holidays and isolated inlets for those looking to escape the crowds.

Bordering Belgium, the rural Ardennes departement/county is a nature lovers paradise. Largely covered by ancient deciduous forests it provides a fantastic playground for outdoor types. The emblem of the departement is the wild boar (Sanglier) which also features heavily in local dishes. The capital, Charleville-Mézières, has a very attractive main square modelled on the Place des Vosges in Paris (pictured).

Le Havre is multi-facetted, as important a commercial port as it is a popular yachting destination. Its 2 km of beach open onto the Seine estuary, once the backdrop for Impressionist artists who loved the effect of light and painted many famous paintings, including Monet’s “Sunrise at Le Havre”.

The Marne is quite simply ‘Champagne Central’! The departement contains both Reims and Epernay, which between them are home to almost all of the well known Champagne houses. As you might imagine, the landscape is dominated by vines although part of the lac du Der-Chantecoq sneaks into the bottom south west corner. The Marne is also home to the administrative capital of the region, Chalons.

The Vendée throws open its protected natural sites. Between rocky escarpments and beaches of divinely fine sand. Both along the coast and inland, a living heritage awaits your exploration – castles, humbler dwellings, tourist sites. Thanks to its position between land and sea the Vendée offers a comprehensive range of traditional flavours. A comprehensive network of walking and riding trails and of cycle paths covers the length of the coast and the hinterland.

The Haute-Marne département/ county, is an intensely rural department, which has approximately 3 acres of forest per inhabitant, this area was the birthplace of the philosopher Diderot and is the final resting place of Charles de Gaulle. In the north west of the departement is the lac du Der-Chantecoq, which claims to be the largest man made lake in Europe and is a magnet for bird watchers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. The town of Langres also gives us one of France’s most distinctive cheeses, which tastes better than it looks!