Vineyards & Harbours of France

It’s not hard to see how Belle-Île got its name – the beauty of this island is found in the magnificent coastline, which varies between unspoilt beaches and dramatic cliffs, with the occasional quaint townships in between. Brittany’s largest island lies south of Quiberon, in the Morbihan department, and is divided into four communes: Le Palais, Sauzon, Bangor and Locmaria. Le Palais is the island’s hub, with pastel-coloured buildings housing bakeries, cafes and shops, and an imposing citadel overlooking the harbour. Sauzon is a pretty fishing village at the top of Belle-Île close to the magnificent La Pointe des Poulains – a magnificent area of rocky coastline dominated by a lighthouse. Locmaria in the southeast has some excellent beaches, while Bangor is a great place to start for those looking to explore the island’s wild coast in the south-west.

Exploring Bordeaux during the summer offers you the opportunity to discover not just the world’s wine capital but also its fascinating cultural and historical sites. Spend time at Place de La Bourse, with its iconic Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, or wander along the Rue de Saint Catherine and the maze of streets running through the city, lined with boutiques and wine shops. Renowned for its incredible wines, the region surrounding Bordeaux is home to numerous wineries and vineyards producing some of the best wines from around the globe. You can explore La Cite du Vin, a museum dedicated entirely to wine and its production and designed to look like a wine decanter, discover local food markets and 18 th -century architecture, or simply enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine on the banks of the Garonne River.

Long known as a centre of strategic maritime importance due to its location in the Normandy region of France, Cherbourg's focal point is its historic harbour, transformed by Napoleon into a major port in the 1800's. This blend of maritime history and cultural attractions make the city and surrounding are fascinating to explore, with beautiful beaches and cliffs, and the D-Day landing sites close by. The streets are a delight to wander through, with the old town renowned for colourful umbrellas suspended between buildings; and small restaurants offering typical Normandy cuisines such as fish soup and the famous "tartiflette au Camembert". The Cité de la Mer is a maritime museum housed in the old Transatlantic Railway Station, featuring exhibits on underwater exploration and oceanography; while the fortifications of La Redoute des Capucins offer panoramic views of the city and harbour.

Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.