French connection: The best holiday destinations in France

Simon Calder’s Travel Week [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE: £20 FOR 1 YEAR]( August 13, 2023 [View in browser](   SIMON CALDER’S TRAVEL WEEK [The Independent]( [The Independent]( Last week I launched a brand new newsletter, exclusive to subscribers of The Independent. It’s called [Ask Me Anything]( and it gives you the chance to have your travel questions answered by me. To receive Ask Me Anything, along with unlimited access to Premium insight, ad-free reading, the daily edition newspaper, puzzles and more, [subscribe today for just £20 for one year](.   There's a reason France makes such an enticing destination for holidaymakers. Our Gallic neighbour really does have it all, whether you're on the hunt for an elegant city break, rural retreat, beach getaway, wine-tasting trip or skiing holiday. [Into the blue: Discover the Cote d'Azure, among France's best regions]( Yes, this week we're celebrating all things French. Its size and diversity of terrain results in a nation that offers a fantastic array of holiday options for travellers. And the best part? It's right on our doorstep, accessible by train and ferry, as well as by plane. If you want to tick off the capital, make sure you do it right with our [ultimate Paris city guide](. Or, if travelling with little ones, our [Paris guide for families]( has plenty of top tips for keeping kids entertained in the City of Light. We've got you covered for destination inspiration too, with this [pick of the best regions in France]( to discover, while urban explorers should check out this [list of the best cities to visit in France](. Agde naturally Agde, one of the oldest towns in France, is best known for its naturist plage. If you prefer to keep your kit on, visit the newly opened Chateau Laurens: an extravagant mansion created by Emmanuel Laurens, with Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Hollywood flourishes. [FRANCE TRAVEL GUIDE]( [Isles of Scilly]( CDG connections One little-known feature of Paris CDG airport is the Roissypole bus station, adjacent to Terminal 3 rail station. BlaBlaCar and Flixbus run direct services to destinations including Lyon, Limoges and Lille. [A FLIXBUS ADVENTURE]( [Sail the French Riviera with James Martin]( This 9-day tour, which includes a cooking demo, covers French waters and the Italian Riviera 10% off National Trust shop orders over £50]( Save 10% on gardening essentials, homeware, books and more with code WELCOME10 [Save 20% on Village Hotel stays in the UK]( Use code pro20a for savings at over 33 hotels, including Newcastle, Swansea, and Nottingham Enjoy a year of unlimited digital access for just £99 £20 ✓ Full access to Premium news analysis ✓ Advert-free reading across web and app ✓ The Independent Daily Edition newspaper ✓ Puzzles, virtual event tickets and more [SUBSCRIBE NOW]( City guide Summer in Marseille Head south for your next urban break; here's where to eat, drink, shop and stay in France’s cool, coastal second city. [GO TO GUIDE]( Sustainable travel Wind your way to the Alps How to swap plane for train and plan the ultimate flight-free summer trip to the French mountains. [READ MORE]( Marseille has an energy and a charm that’s a world away from France’s more haughty capital Nicola Stewart Travel writer Hotels Boutique stays The best boutique hotels in Paris, from romantic pads with Eiffel Tower views to affordable digs on the outskirts of the city. [BOOK NOW]( Holidays Carry on camping Looking to keep costs down? Check out these French coastal campsites for a beach holiday that won't break the bank. [GET INSPIRED]( [Budget Paris: The best hotels for an affordable break in the French capital]( [Le Mans city guide: Find out how there's more to this town than motorsports]( [How to hike the Tour de Mont Blanc: This stunning 170km trail through France, Italy and Switzerland should be on your bucket list](   PICK OF THE WEEK: JET2HOLIDAYS [Explore Madeira from £519.]( [Madeira’s an emerald-green dream of mist-cloaked mountains, lush landscapes and heavenly hikes. If you’re looking for an activity-filled island escape where every day is an adventure, you’ve found it.](   [Your summer reading list sorted! 18 of the best books to take on your travels, from mystery to romance]( [SHOP NOW]( [These 16 pairs of linen trousers will ensure you stay cool and look effortlessly chic this summer]( [SHOP NOW](   OTHER NEWSLETTERS YOU MIGHT LIKE [Climate News]( Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats]( IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now]( [Climate News] Climate News Every Friday, 12pm (UK time) Written by Louise Boyle [Join now]( [IndyEats] IndyEats Every Saturday, 7am (UK time) Written by Hannah Twiggs [Join now](   The Independent proudly partners with [Refuge]( and the [National Domestic Abuse Helpline](: 0808 2000 247 If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. 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