France

Sitting down to write this, I’m ashamed to admit, I feel slightly torn. Because La Mirande is like nowhere else I’ve ever had the good fortune to stay. And a big part of me wants to keep it as my little secret, my little escape, a place almost too good to share. Like an enormous warm chocolate fondant, lathered in fresh cream, ‘one spoon only, please’. But despite such selfish temptations, I can’t deprive you of what I have absolute conviction will be one of your favourite stays anywhere, ever.

Sometimes you wonder why on earth a hotel chose its name. Or what they were inspired by. Or who thought of it in the first place. And this is exactly what I put to the manager of Parenthèse Concept Room – a gem of a secret hideaway in the divinely terracotta city of Toulouse. “Parenthèses is the French word for brackets,” explains Jean-François. The perfect name for this boutique apartment, so it would seem. “It’s a secret place where time is suspended,” he told me. “When you stay here it’s as though you put your life in brackets, you put everything else on hold.

Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned, whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses. To make sure you’re getting the very best of your holiday (and to clue you up if you’re thinking of going) check out our wonderful travel guide, it’s full of tips, info and the things you really shouldn’t miss when you visit unforgettable Aquitaine.

What can one say about the Château de Champs-sur-Marne (www.chateau-champs-sur-marne.fr/en), which was built in a loop in the River Marne and constructed on request from a financier of Louis XIV between 1703 and 1708 by architects Pierre Bullet and Jean-Baptiste Bullet de Chamblain. Sumptuous is one word that springs to mind.  
 

La Rosiere
Variety is the spice of life and an invitation to ski at La Rosiere, a French resort that had never featured on my radar, was irresistible. Lots of familiar names around: Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Aosta Valley, and in sight across the valley: Val d’Isere so there were obviously good prospects.

194 countries were polled on the cost of living, leisure and culture, the economy, the environment, health, infrastructure, risk and safety and climate.
It seems that the French enjoy life, and work less hours, whilst the British are more stressed and prone to binge drinking . The French go skiing and have the Riviera at their disposal whilst also taking better care of themselves.