France, Croissants, Chateaux and Champagne

Mention the country France and the image that pops into many people’s heads is probably the elegant chateaux, the delightful pastry and the bubbly wonder that is champagne. This article celebrates the beauty of the land, the warmth of the people and the countless charming buildings, once homes of the rich and now open to you as places of relaxation and enjoyment.

France is a nation of many faces, from the glitz and glamour of the capital, Paris, and the Eiffel Tower, to the quiet village life in France’s Regions. Wherever your interests lie, be it in the savoury food of French cuisine, the tipple known and loved the world over or the history, culture and heritage, there is more than enough to satisfy your appetite. The Historic Hotels of Europe offers a variety of hotels in historical buildings for you to stay in and enjoy as you explore France.

Indulge the wine lover in you by visiting the wine capital of the world, if we can make such a claim, Bordeaux. France’s 6th largest city’s fortunes are built on a foundation of the world’s love affair with its wines. Nestled between the Forest of the Landes and the Atlantic Ocean, the town claims its rightful place on the river Garonne. Continue your love affair with wine by taking a trip to the region of Aquitaine and the town of Bordeaux and while you are here wallow in the luxury of hotel Le Clos de Meyre. Located just three mins from the centre of town, the 3-star endearing hotel is right in the middle of a wine growing region. Activities include visiting vineyards and attending wine tastings. You can also enjoy elegantly prepared meals in the restaurant for a taste of regional and local dishes.

The home of food and drink lovers, France can boast as the originators of fine dining. Home of the Michelin star system of rewarding chefs and restaurants, it’s not difficult to see why this is so when you visit France. Each region has its gastronomic specialities, from Tahitian raw fish originating from Polynesian cuisine to the simple Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich a staple in the brasseries and bistros all over the country. Heading further inland to the region of Auvergne Limousin and the town of Allier, the Chateau de Busset welcomes you. A medieval fortress with Renaissance influences, the 3-star property, is a few minutes drive from Vichy, a spa town. A typical bourgeois home, you will enjoy all the entrapments of luxury the original owners would have experienced, with a contemporary twist. This hotel is the ideal focal point for exploring the rest of the region’s small towns and villages knowing you have a magnificent bed that to return.

You cannot describe the beauty of this land in a mere handful of words. There is so much to see, hear, feel and taste about the French landscape, culture and cuisine volumes and volumes of books would be needed to cover it all. The Historic Hotels has all the best places for you to stay on your visit to France in one place, elegant hotels full of stories to tell. Visit the Countries and Hotels page, select France and you are all set for a memorable adventure.