FRANCE
Auvergne, Loire, Normandy, Jersey & Brittany

The Auvergne is one of the most remote districts in France. With its deep green valleys, tranquil streams and old grey stone houses, it has a rugged appearance and is a perfect place to absorb French rural life. We wander through medieval villages and the small markets offer a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the fresh produce of the land  – bilberries, Cantal cheese, morels and green lentils from Le Puy.

The fertile Loire Valley is rich, both in produce and in history and is home to some of the country’s finest white wines. Fruit trees, vines and vegetables thrive, fish is plentiful and the fresh chevre is ‘out of this world’. No wonder this region is known as the Garden of France. During our time in the Loire Valley, we discover some of the area’s glorious past. We ramble through sleepy villages, towns and hamlets, often built on the sites of Gallo-Roman settlements.

We walk through orchards and vineyards, past Roman remains and magnificent chateaux. At night indulge in such delicious treats as Rillons (a local speciality), Fricassee de Volaille au Vouvray, Salmon a la Chouee, Salade du Jardin and of course the famous Tarte Tatin.

Normandy, the land of Calvados, Camembert and cider, just can't help looking as it's posing for a picture postcard. Rolling hills so green they make your eyes squint. Mont St Michel is amongst the most unlikely, extraordinary sites on the surface of the earth. What makes it so exceptional, besides bearing some of the finest examples of gothic architecture ever produced, is the location of the "Mount" itself. The so-called Bay of Mont St Michel sees the largest tides in the world with up to 12 metres difference between high and low!

As a result, the bay changes twice a day from a flat sandy beach to the ocean. There is a local saying stating that when the tide comes back, water runs on the flat sand at the speed of a galloping horse! The "Mount" has been sitting there for many centuries witnessing the constant changes of landscape. We walk barefoot across the flat sand banks towards the "Mount" which we spend time visiting at the end of our walk.

The Channel Islands, mainly Jersey, Guernsey and Sark are within a short ferry ride from St Malo; a busy harbour off northern Brittany. Landing on the island, one is immediately overwhelmed by the strong insular identity. The Channel Islands are a part of England just off the coast of Normandy. Somehow it can be said that they feel even more British than the UK itself. Blessed by a particularly mild climate, they are host to numerous vegetable farms and lush gardens.

The islands are a very inviting destination for a day visit and an excellent suggestion for our free day.

Brittany offers an outstanding setting for some wonderful walking; a rugged coastline swept by the rough Atlantic Ocean. Above the cliffs, massive granite headlands covered in heath extend back to sun-drenched forests and picturesque villages. The spectacular coast occasionally interrupted by long sandy beaches, rivers and hidden bays, surprises walkers time and time again.

The movement of the huge tides provides a fascinating spectacle. Naturally the sea is "setting the table" - scallops from Quiberon, oysters from the shallow waters near Cancale and lobsters from Camaret. And of course one can't forget the "Crepe" - the regional pancake, apple cider and the wines of the Loire.

Our Hotels & Cuisine

Based in the medieval village of Salers, our comfortable and friendly family hotel offers guests a quiet garden to relax in, and a swimming pool. The dinners here are truly “Auvergnat”.

In the Loire our family run hotel is located in the middle of the village of Chenonceaux and not far from its famous castle. The hotel is made up of various buildings with gardens and a swimming pool. Our hotel restaurant takes pride in presenting a polished repertoire of traditional dishes that include duck salad, chicken breast in a delicate chervil sauce and licorice parfait. It is the only restaurant we know serving a pre dessert before the dessert!

You will be won over by the authentic charm of our hotel in Saint Malo, located right at the entrance to this historical fortress town. It has Napoleon III style architecture typical of a seaside resort and the traditional restaurant serves many seafood and regional specialities.

Our hotel in Brittany is pleasantly located on a large white sandy beach just out of the little resort town of Morgat. The hotel was originally built at the turn of the 20th century by the “Peugeot” family as a diversification from their already brisk tyre manufacturing business, at a place where they had often spent their holidays.

Our rooms all have sea views. The large terrace overlooking the beach is ideal to relax and sip drinks while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the well-sheltered Morgat bay. We dine in our hotel as well as local restaurants.