France. In the heart of Europe
19:25 France. In the heart of Europe | |
 French pleasures can be indulged in any time, although many Francophiles swear spring is best. In the hot south sun-worshippers bake from June to early September (summer) while winter-sports enthusiasts soar down snow-covered mountains mid-December to late March (winter). Festivals and gastronomic temptations around which to plan a trip abound year-round. The French climate is temperate, although it gets nippy in mountainous areas and in Alsace and Lorraine. The northwest suffers from high humidity, rain and biting westerly winds, while the Mediterranean south enjoys hot summers and mild winters. For independent travellers, France is the world's number one tourist destination, and it's not hard to understand why. France has it all - or more or less. It has tourist sights for all tastes; it has some of the greatest beaches in Europe, as well as the highest mountains and the finest historic monuments, the most beautiful cities, the most idyllic countryside, the most magnificent castles, the finest rivers, and plenty more, not to mention some of the best restaurants and the finest wines and more hotels than any other country in Europe. In July and August, France's Mediterranean beaches tend to be pretty packed; this is particularly the case in the famous resorts of Provence and the French Riviera. By contrast, the long sandy beaches of the Languedoc offer much more legroom. Away from the resorts, Brittany offers plenty of good beaches, with the added fun of tides and good waves; and France's Atlantic coast, south of the Loire, has plenty of long sandy beaches, in the regions of Poitou-Charentes and Aquitaine. South of Bordeaux, there are mile upon mile of fine beaches. For more information see guide to the French coast. Now ! France is famous for his beautiful streets and wonderful fashion. And I think that many many travellers are interested in where and how to relax in France ? I'd like to speak about French luxury hotels. Lets' go. 1. Lutetia Hotel - Paris Hotel Lutetia is a modern-day reflection of the 'Belle Epoque' and Art Deco periods - the embodiment of contemporary, stylish Parisian living. The sculpted Art Deco facade and welcoming statue of Gustave Eiffel, along with pictures of artists that once lived in the hotel, are your first indications that Hotel Lutetia is something special - full of artistic surprises. A renowned meeting place for artists, writers and politicians, Hotel Lutetia's busy lobby has a lively edginess with displayed works of art by renowned contemporary artists Arman, Cesar, Philippe Hiquily, Perrin and Thierry Bisch. Surrounded by Art Deco architecture, period furniture, crystal chandeliers and the sounds of jazz music drifting through from the highly popular Lutetia Bar, you will find you are immersed in a truly Parisian atmosphere. Lowest price $360.  2. La Tremoille - Paris The hotel's steadfast, quality-conscious personnel is ready to greet you in a resolutely contemporary decor. The 93 comfortable, modern rooms are decorated in over 30 harmonious color schemes that vary from room to room and leave guests with a unique and warm feeling of unpretentious luxury. The hotel features absolute privacy for guests who request it, thanks to a unique system installed in all rooms. Each room at the Tremoille has a private compartment- called the "Hatch"- linking it to the hallway, so that room service can be brought to your room without service staff actually entering the room. Lowest price $370. 3. Mon Hotel - Paris Mon Hotel offers 37 rooms distributed over six floors, each one personalised with its own colour. Premium, Deluxe or Executive, each room blends contemporary furniture, refined materials (alcantara, leather, wood…), high tech (LCD flat screen, wifi access, iPod station…) and attention to details. In addition four of the floors have balconies or small terraces with a view over Avenue Foch: charm and calm a stone's throw from the Champs Elysees. Lowest price $300. 4. Villa Gallici - Marseille A place to discover the beauty of Aix en Provence, a journey where history and nature meet, in the extremely comfort and where the most sophisticated services are tailor made to ensure a relaxing stay. The residence is set in a beautiful and breathtaking countryside whilst the hotel itself is decorated in a Provencal style and furnished with carefully chosen period pieces, creating a unique intimate atmosphere. This Provencal house is bathed in the soft light do often depicted by Cezanne. Set against an elegant Florentine garden, where cypress trees are reflected in a luxurious pool, it offers sumptuous rooms with terraces and private gardens, a place to linger with an apertif in the shade of the trees. Traditional Provencal cuisine is accompanied by the finest wines in the restaurant. Lowest price $290. 5. Chateau De La Messardiere - Nice The exclusive Chateau de la Messardiere is Saint-Tropez's largest hotel, featuring a Spa, gourmet restaurant and poolside restaurant, bars, an art gallery and magnificent 25-acre grounds (an official French Bird Protection League / Birdlife International ornithological reserve). Benefiting from an exceptionally refined environment, Chateau de la Messardiere also provides a magical backdrop for weddings and receptions, business tourism, incentive, team-building and prestige events of all kinds. Lowest price $250. 6. Hotel Le Cep - Beaune Hotel Le Cep, in Beaune, is set in one of France's most interesting cities in the heart of the Burgundy wine region. Originally built in 1442 and once a private residence, Hotel Le Cep features a magnificent tower and a beautiful stone staircase, as well as two classified historical courtyards and a picturesque garden that provide a sanctuary of privacy within the hotel's urban environment. A key part of Beaune's history, the Hotel Le Cep also features an ancient artesian well and Renaissance medallions sculpted into rock in the hotel square. The hotel is located in Beaune's town centre, close to the Basilique Notre Dame church, the famous Hospices de Beaune and not far from the vineyards of Burgundy. Lowest price $230. 7. Le Hameau Albert 1er - Chamonix The Hameau Albert 1er proposes three types of accommodation, which differ in decor but are equally comfortable. THE ALBERT 1er: Some of the rooms in this main building are contemporary with our local heritage expressed through antique furniture and carefully chosen artwork. The other rooms are classic and comfortable with alpine ambiance. With its two Michelin stars, the Albert 1er restaurant proposes French cuisine in Chamonix, with a subtle hint of modernity, influenced by the Mont Blanc and Italian Piedmont regions. Head chef, Pierre Maillet, brings out the best out of fine produce and lets his creativity work it's magic to deliver the flavours and tastes to the dinner table. Lowest price $245. 8. Hotel Le Maquis - Corsica The Hotel Le Maquis is an intimate Sea-front Property Enjoying A Splendid Location Overlooking Its Own Sandy Beach In A Paradise Secluded Cove. Located at The Edge Of The Bay Of Ajaccio, the hotel sits against A Backdrop Of Lush Hillsides And Gorgeous Mountain Sceneries. The Hotel's Architecture Is Intrinsically Mediterranean In Style. Le Maquis-from The Corsican Macchia-is A Little Encampment Of White, shuttered, Terracota Tile-roofed Pavilions With Crenellated Buildings In The Corsican Style Of Genoese Towers And Citadels. Le Maquis Is Distinctively Furnished To A High Standard; much Of The Furniture Is Local Antique And Has A Refined Country-house Atmosphere. Framed Photographs, paintings, Arranged Flowers, lamps And Other Ornaments Complement The Rustic ambience. Lowest price $220. 9. Trianon Palace Versailles - Paris Witness the splendour of France's leading luxury retreat at Trianon Palace Versailles, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Situated less than a mile from the world famous Chateau de Versailles, and only 20 kilometres outside Paris, this fashionable Chateau de Versailles hotel recently benefitted from an artful, full-scale redesign, adding an air of tasteful, modern elegance to our atmosphere of regal luxury. Find solitude among centuries-old trees and lush, vivid gardens, newly updated by famous landscape designer Louis Benech. Experience a splendid reflection of our palatial surroundings within the sumptuous style and decor. Enjoy indulgent features, from lavishly appointed accommodation and an exquisite French restaurant by legendary Chef Gordon Ramsay, to the Spa Guerlain with a hammam, steam rooms and a beautiful, heated, indoor swimming pool. Yet even with these special comforts, it is our personalised level of service that sets us apart from the standard Paris Versailles hotels. Lowest price $410. 10. Chateau Grand Barrail - Bordeaux Our 19th century Chateau, is surrounded by a park located in the heart of the beautiful vineyards of Saint-Emilion. Join us in exploring our Resort with its four unique properties, and experience our "Island of Relaxation" in the middle of the world's most famous wine region. Our 33 rooms and 9 suites are situated in the Chateau and the four properties. All rooms offer modern life comfort while respecting the Chateau flair. Whatever your taste and the type of relaxation you are looking for, we have the perfect room. Lowest price $270. | |
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