Vive la France! Where to book for any occasion
To celebrate French borders reopening to Brits, we’ve curated a list of our favourite escapes across the channel from ski holidays to under the radar city breaks and multi-generational getaways.
France has got the lot when it comes to holidays; soaring mountains, beautiful cities, chic coastal resorts and bountiful countryside – there are few places in the world where you can you ski in the morning (Pyrenees) and surf in the afternoon (Biarritz). It’s only a short hop across the channel yet you feel a million miles from home when you sip a vin rouge in The Marais or cruise along the roads of the Cote d’Azure. So to celebrate our neighbour, here’s a selection of favourite Muddy getaways that are as stylish as they are fun.
Château St Pierre de Serjac, Languedoc
Best for: A multi-generational getaway.
Why: A winning mix of eight posh hotel rooms in the Château combined with 36 self-catering accommodations (the largest sleeps 10) scattered around an estate, makes this a great getaway for couples, families or a group of friends. There’s a Mediterranean restaurant, Cinq Mondes® Spa and pool all set in incredible grounds containing tennis courts, boules pitch, a vineyard, olive grove and 220 acres of woodland. La Cave from €230pn, self-catering, sleeps four in March.
Chalet Cristal 3, Val D’Isere
Best for: A ski party.
Why: Muddy went on a Skibeat holiday pre-Covid and was really impressed with the chalet, catering and slick equipment hire and transfers. If you’re keen to make up for lost time and still hit the slopes this season, take a look at Chalet Cristal which sleeps up to 10, is fully catered for seven nights (including afternoon tea) and has a great communal space with a log burner, comfy sofas and slope views from the balconies. Seven nights from £1069pp this season, or starts from £784pp Dec 2022, includes flights.
Villa Marie, St Tropez
Best for: Romantic rendezvous.
Why: Shhh…this boutique retreat tucked high in the hills above the beaches of Pampelonne is such a great find we don’t want you to tell everyone, ok? With just 45 bedrooms it’s intimate, but the gorgeous grounds with pine forests, olive trees, palms, shady private terraces and ponds give it a secretive, romantic air. Throw in a gourmet restaurant, exquisite rooms with canopied beds and a pool to dive into and suddenly the hustle and bustle of St Trop below seems less appealing. From €512pn in May 2022.
Kimaro Farm, Burgundy
Best for: Glamping adventures.
Why: Pack the family into the car and drive to Nièvre where luxury safari tents await. Each comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, roll top bath, four-poster bed, cute bunks, swinging couch on the deck and a whole host of adventures including foraging in the surrounding forest and evening campfires by the lake. Adult-friendly activities include camping the local Burgundy wines, searching local flea markets for antiques and paying a visit to Vezelay’s famous basilica, the starting point of the pilgrimage Santiago de Compostella. From £87pn, sleeps six.
Hotel Le Sénéchal, Île de Ré
Best for: Sea, sun and style
Why: Île de Ré’s a favourite holiday spot of Parisiennes, which gives you an indication of how stylish this small French island is. Muddy’s had some great times there, cycling along paths criss-crossing through the salt flats, tucking into moules mariners on the harbour front at Ars en Re and soaking up the sun in the golden dunes. Despite its high end rep you can holiday here in style in the airy white hotel rooms of Le Sénéchal, which has classic rooms for couples through to family-friendly Tower Loft which can sleep two adults and three kids. Hire bikes, take, surf lessons, live your best lives. Classic rooms from €80pn to The Tower Loft from €259pn.
Chateau Jumilhac, Dordogne
Best for: A fairytale escape.
Why: It’s a floating treehouse that looks a bit like a fairy-tale castle – what’s not to love? There’s a jetty with a hot tub, views of the Dordogne hills from the bed and a pool. Need more? Well you can hire bikes, play tennis, book a hot air balloon flight and have a go waterskiing, meanwhile we’ll be back in the hot tub.. Pure escapism. From £272pn, sleeps two.
L’Arlatan, Provence
Best for: Under the radar city break.
Why: A former 15th Century palace converted into a kaleidoscopic hotel packed with patterns, joyful art and colour at every turn. Its restaurant is in the Michelin-guide and the ancient city of Arles is on your doorstep – be sure to visit the new Luma arts complex. From €90pn.