Tearing yourself away from Paris is like bursting out of a bubble of romance. But away from the charming capital, France’s rolling countryside and coast are not to be missed. Each of the villages retains a provincial distinctness that goes much deeper than cheese specialties. If you visit Paris in high summer, you might find it somewhat deserted, as the locals flee for the lush Loire valley, fresh Alpine air or Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Each region, from Brittany to the Côte d’Azur, boasts a rich cultural heritage, delectable gastronomy and unique hotels that embody local traditions.
Restaurant le Vieux Logis.
In southwest France, the Aquitaine region borders Spain, with the Atlantic lapping at its shores. Alongside the stunning coastline, the region is home to the historic cities of Bordeaux and Biarritz, where life is a breeze in one of the local luxury hotels, which offer top-class service. France introduced the five-star classification for hotels in 2009, and the famous Hôtel du Palais Impérial Resort and Spa enjoys the top designation, overlooking the beach at Biarritz. What a dream to while away an evening slurping oysters and wandering seaside!
Château Grattequina.
But to really soak up the provincial charm, it’s best to whisk your lover away into the fresh air of the country (and why not in a vintage Citroën?) and enjoy the old buildings that have been converted into sumptuous accommodations. Many farmhouses and châteaux have been revamped, with all the modern conveniences, and made into beautiful, romantic hotels. The fresh and airy Château Grattequina sits on the bank of the Garonne, and with just 10 rooms, oozes the charm of centuries past. Near Bordeaux, it is the ideal escape from the buzz of the city. For exquisite gourmet cuisine served in an old tobacco-drying room, stay in the small country hotel Le Vieux Logis, which has a relaxing pool and lush gardens.
For romance and regional specialties after your visit to Paris this summer, head to the stunning southwest region of France and indulge in great wine and accommodations.
Located in the 19th Arrondissement, near both the Gare
du Nord and the Gare de l'Est, the Hôtel
le Canal has been recently
renovated. This boutique hotel was designed to be sustainable, producing
its own heat and hot water, thanks to solar energy.
Last week the girls and I cuddled up to watch Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. I love this film—all that pink and powdered blue, all that sumptuous silk and those decadent pastries—it really speaks to my inner girl. And being teens, my girls loved it, too. Suddenly it seemed I had found the perfect way to squeeze both some Mom time and some culture into them at once.
Coming to Paris in July or August? High summer in the city is one long social whirl. There are a few unfortunate Parisians who find themselves spending July and August in the city, instead of disappearing to St. Barthélemy, Île de Ré or the Riviera like everyone else. Just imagine having to spend the entire summer season in Paris, lounging in the Jardin du Luxembourg and sipping wine on terraces. Doesn’t the heart bleed?
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Countryside, Wine and Romantic Hotels
by Sandra Ban
Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 10:00 AM
By Holly Maguire
Hôtel du Palais Impérial Resort and Spa.
Tearing yourself away from Paris is like bursting out of a bubble of romance. But away from the charming capital, France’s rolling countryside and coast are not to be missed. Each of the villages retains a provincial distinctness that goes much deeper than cheese specialties. If you visit Paris in high summer, you might find it somewhat deserted, as the locals flee for the lush Loire valley, fresh Alpine air or Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Each region, from Brittany to the Côte d’Azur, boasts a rich cultural heritage, delectable gastronomy and unique hotels that embody local traditions.
Restaurant le Vieux Logis.
In southwest France, the Aquitaine region borders Spain, with the Atlantic lapping at its shores. Alongside the stunning coastline, the region is home to the historic cities of Bordeaux and Biarritz, where life is a breeze in one of the local luxury hotels, which offer top-class service. France introduced the five-star classification for hotels in 2009, and the famous Hôtel du Palais Impérial Resort and Spa enjoys the top designation, overlooking the beach at Biarritz. What a dream to while away an evening slurping oysters and wandering seaside!
Château Grattequina.
But to really soak up the provincial charm, it’s best to whisk your lover away into the fresh air of the country (and why not in a vintage Citroën?) and enjoy the old buildings that have been converted into sumptuous accommodations. Many farmhouses and châteaux have been revamped, with all the modern conveniences, and made into beautiful, romantic hotels. The fresh and airy Château Grattequina sits on the bank of the Garonne, and with just 10 rooms, oozes the charm of centuries past. Near Bordeaux, it is the ideal escape from the buzz of the city. For exquisite gourmet cuisine served in an old tobacco-drying room, stay in the small country hotel Le Vieux Logis, which has a relaxing pool and lush gardens.
For romance and regional specialties after your visit to Paris this summer, head to the stunning southwest region of France and indulge in great wine and accommodations.
Visit the following site to learn more about romantic hotels in France.
Editor's note: For hotels and tours in Paris, consult our Book It page.
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Located in the 19th Arrondissement, near both the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l'Est, the Hôtel le Canal has been recently renovated. This boutique hotel was designed to be sustainable, producing its own heat and hot water, thanks to solar energy.
>> Read more
Girl Time with Marie Antoinette
Last week the girls and I cuddled up to watch Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette. I love this film—all that pink and powdered blue, all that sumptuous silk and those decadent pastries—it really speaks to my inner girl. And being teens, my girls loved it, too. Suddenly it seemed I had found the perfect way to squeeze both some Mom time and some culture into them at once.
>> Read more
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Coming to Paris in July or August? High summer in the city is one long social whirl. There are a few unfortunate Parisians who find themselves spending July and August in the city, instead of disappearing to St. Barthélemy, Île de Ré or the Riviera like everyone else. Just imagine having to spend the entire summer season in Paris, lounging in the Jardin du Luxembourg and sipping wine on terraces. Doesn’t the heart bleed?
>> Read more