‘Everything carries a hint of myth and magic’: six great island escapes in Europe
From the Med to the Atlantic and the North Sea, our writers choose great offshore idylls offering peace and perfect beaches
In search of Monet’s wild landscapes: a glorious art adventure in central France
Rouen, Paris and London are better-known Monet destinations, but rural La Creuse’s rugged gorges, spectacular lake and medieval castle really captivated the artist
Kids on board: a family surfing trip to France’s wild Atlantic coast
With vast empty beaches, reliable waves and pine forests, the Gironde, near Bordeaux, is perfect for an exhilarating but relaxing holiday
July 2024
An Olympian effort: my struggle to cycle from London to Paris
‘Food is the key to understanding Marseille’: a gastronomic city tour
Step away from the Games: four unsung Paris museums to visit during the Olympics
‘I had the beach entirely to myself’: four gorgeous places in France off the tourist trail
The other Dordogne: exploring France’s unspoiled Périgord region
Readers' travel tips
From Normandy to Provence via Alsace: readers’ favourite unsung places in France
Nice and easy: a leisurely cycle, with dog, along the final stage of the Tour de France
My kids are holidaying without me – and I’m worried they’ll repeat my foreign faux pas
Zoe Williams
Skip the coast: three of Europe’s loveliest lakes to visit – by travel experts
‘My escape is going north’: heatwaves begin to drive tourists in Europe to cool climes
June 2024
Retro Paris: stepping back into the 70s
Take a nostalgia trip at a newly-opened hotel in the bohemian heart of the French capital
Rail journey of the month
Rail route of the month: Nantes to Quimper, France – a Breton classic
In Brittany, modern regional trains with huge windows invite you to soak up the views. Our author’s final piece in her series takes in the line to Finistère
Wild west: a walk on Brittany’s rugged Crozon peninsula
The fishing villages, clifftop paths and sandy coves of the Breton coast provide the perfect backdrop for a five-day hike
May 2024
South of France, but not as we know it: exploring Nîmes and the Gard
Unesco listing for the city’s Roman temple put this city on the map last year, but there are uncharted delights in the surrounding towns as well
Europe’s best beach holidays: Arcachon, France
A buzzy town prom, plates of moules with chilled rosé and cycle rides to sandy beaches on Cap Ferret add up to happy holidays on the Atlantic coast
10 of the best beach towns in Europe, with places to stay
From the Turkish Riviera to the Île de Ré, we select quiet and unspoilt places to stay for sun, sand, snorkelling – or just snoozing
April 2024
Pass notes
Going for gold! Have the Olympics overturned centuries of no-tipping etiquette in France?
With the Olympics just a few weeks away, waiters in Paris are apparently encouraging tips on top of the required 15% service charge. Sacré bleu!
