France Magazine 2020 by Rendezvous

Magazine France.fr

n°2

Lifestyle • Gourmet • Accommodation • Heritage & History • Destination • Portrait

Australia 2020

CreActive France

CITIES with French flair

Gastro Tourism

SAVOY stirs the spot

GAME FOCUS ON RUGBY WORLD CUP

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Live the French way There’s character, then there’s French charisma. Book your stay at sofitel.com Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, France 4

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Clockwise from above: add in later (photo © name surname); add in later (photo © name surname); add in later (photo © name surname).

From the team at Atout France

The Atout France team, from left to right: Sarah, Pascale, Bérangère, Amélie, Claire and Sophie.

SPORTING EXCITEMENT, SASSY AND STYLISH ENTERTAINMENT, SENSATIONAL WINES AND SUPERB FOODS.

he theme of this year’s edition – sport and style – is a little ironic, given that most of us have been housebound for several months during an unprecedented global pandemic. But perhaps it’s all the more reason to start planning your next stylish, active adventure in France. In this edition we feature new cycle routes, ski slopes and walking trails in iconic destinations from Loire and Champagne to Bordeaux, Burgundy and beyond. We sit down with author and former Wallabies rugby player, Peter FitzSimons, to find out what excites him about France hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup and round up tips from various rugby insiders on how to enjoy each venue set to host the Cup. But being French, we can’t omit the finer things in life. For us, few experiences beat getting a seat at the Stade de France to watch our our beloved French national rugby team, Les Bleus, take on another world-class team. Unless perhaps

when we secure a booking at a great Lyonnais or Monte Carlo restaurant. And so, this issue also takes a peek at chef Alain Ducasse’s celebrated restaurants Aux Lyonnais and Ômer, the empire of Guy Savoy, and a first view of Lyon’s stunning Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie. We learn what’s new at the sensual, iconic cabarets of Paris: the avant-garde Crazy Horse and the majestic Le Lido. Refreshed by the unplanned break, brimming with new ideas and bolstered with hand sanitiser, our travel partners are ready to welcome visitors to France again. Until then, pour yourself a champagne and enjoy your armchair travels.

Patrick Benhamou Director Atout France in Australia France Tourism Development Agency patrick.benhamou@atout-france.fr MAGAZINE

Scenic Sapphire, Avignon

BEAUTY AROUND

EVERY BEND

Exploring France by river presents many unique experiences and brings a new perspective to your travels. You’ll enjoy the relaxed pace of river cruising and Scenic’s philosophy to create individual choice and personalised exploration. A sense of adventure, curiosity and passion for travel are just a few of the key qualities that many Scenic river cruise guests share. If you’re looking for diverse, authentic, culturally enriching experiences, and like to take your time exploring, then a Scenic river cruise is perfect for you.

WHY DO A SCENIC RIVER CRUISE? Luxurious holidays should be about exploring, unwinding and indulging. With Scenic, truly all-inclusive luxury means you’re free to make the most of every moment, everyday. Life on board a Scenic Space-Ship offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in remarkable locations, culture, history and many diverse ﬂavours. Scenic e-bikes

Scenic’s signature truly all-inclusive commitment will elevate your sense of luxury. Enjoy all meals with multiple dining venues to choose from, butler service, exclusive Scenic Enrich events, choice of Scenic Freechoice activities, transfers and tipping – it’s all included in the price you pay upfront. Also included are the ﬁnest regional wines, top-shelf spirits and cocktails all day, plus your mini-bar, which is restocked daily.

A HOLIDAY THAT PUTS YOU FIRST On board the luxurious 5-star Scenic Space-Ships, you will ﬁnd it easy to unwind with an exclusive state-of-the-art wellness centre. Salt Therapy Rooms are on board the Scenic Space-Ships cruising the Bordeaux and Scenic Salt Lounge South of France waterways. Salt therapy promotes healing, improves respiration and skin conditions and boosts the immune system. Simply step inside and breathe in the beneﬁts.

SCENIC CULINAIRE

One of the most exciting elements on board Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond is the exclusive Scenic Culinaire cooking experience. Immerse yourself in the culinary wonders of the South of France and Bordeaux regions - epicentres of cuisine and ﬁne dining.

Guests also have complimentary access to the state-ofthe-art gym and daily activities with the wellbeing coach, such as yoga. Complimentary e-bikes also allow you to combine exploration and ﬁtness.

Truly all-inclusive luxury every moment of the day • 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships • Luxuriously appointed suites • Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences • Butler service

• Choice of included Scenic Freechoice activities • All meals and premium drinks at up to ﬁve on board dining venues • All-inclusive wellness & ﬁtness

• Scenic Tailormade • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Cruise Director & local guides • Tipping & gratuities

CALL 138 128 | Visit scenic.com.au/france to order your free brochure or to ﬁnd your nearest Scenic agent

78 24 FRANCE.FR © France.fr Magazine 2020 EDITORS Stephanie Oley and Ella Legg ART DIRECTOR Oscar Berman SUBEDITOR Paula Towers CONTRIBUTORS Ruby Boukabou, Susan Gough Henly, Ella Legg, Stephanie Oley Cover photograph © Encrier Printed in Australia ATOUT FRANCE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND France Tourism Development Agency EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION AND SALES TEAM Patrick Benhamou, Sophie Almin, Marine Bleunven, Bérangère Carlier, Sarah Elfassy, Amélie Ménager, Claire Neil, and Pascale Rajek. L5, 25 Bligh Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia T: +61 2 9231 5243 W: www.france.fr PUBLISHER Peter Berman

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16 Nouvelle-Aquitaine Feast for the senses 24 Champagne and Loire The perfect blend 40 Nice One fine Summer 42 L’Occitane A source of beauty 44 Antibes Jewel of the Côte d’Azur 46 Ponant Making waves, French style

| ACCOMMODATION |

69 Hyatt Lap of luxury 72 Accor Hotels We can be heroes 74 Jo & Joe New kid on the block | COVER STORY |

78 Rugby World Cup 2023 Playing to win | HERITAGE & HISTORY |

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49 Lyon, Cite de la Gastronomie Food for thought

88 Hauts de France Paris of the north 94 Lille Object of desire

50 Alain Ducasse Turning the tables

Become our Facebook fan www.facebook.com/AtoutFranceAU

52 Guy Savoy Toque of the town

98 Club Med A village atmosphere

54 Beaune One fine vintage

104 New Caledonia Seasons in the sun

Watch new content on YouTube www.youtube.com/user/ RendezvousenFrance

56 Burgundy Physical attractions

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PRESERVE THE THINGS YOU LOVE

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Some call it an obsession.

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But what’s wrong with being passionate about something that’s more cherished now than the day it was produced? Stored safely, at the right humidity and away from harmful light, Vintec’s state-of-the-art wine cabinets offer the perfect conditions to keep your pride and joy safe until you’re ready to take one for a spin.

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Port de Saint Martin de Ré (photo © Tirc83_istock by Getty).

Nouvelle-Aquitaine

FEAST for the senses SUSAN GOUGH HENLY EXPLORES THE DEEP PASSION FOR RUGBY, GOLF, CYCLING AND SURF NOT TO MENTION THE GLORIOUS WINE AND FOOD AND NEW CULTURAL OFFERINGS ACROSS THE SOUTHWEST OF FRANCE.

ith 15 UNESCO World Heritage

wine region of the same name. To the south are the

With such rich and diverse offerings, Nouvelle-

sites (the highest number in

rolling green hills, beautiful beaches, and unique

Aquitaine delivers a phenomenal range of authentic

France), 31 of the country’s

culture of the French Basque country as well as

travel experiences. There are tours and tastings at the

most beautiful villages, 750

the spectacular Pyrenees Mountains, which form

finest wine chateaux; morish gourmet delights in local

kilometres of coastline, 51

the border with Spain. To the north are the famous

markets and oyster farms, casual bistros and remarkable

surfing spots, and 50 Michelin-starred restaurants,

producers of Cognac, while inland the Dordogne

Michelin-starred restaurants; world-class sports offerings,

Nouvelle-Aquitaine in the southwest of France is

Valley is renowned for prehistoric cave paintings

from exciting rugby matches to exceptional cycling, golf,

renowned for its exceptional variety of landscapes

(such as Lascaux, the most famous

cave) and

surfing and hiking. And Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s superb

and diversity of cultural experiences.

medieval castles, ancient river valleys and gourmet

landscapes – dotted with character-filled towns and

specialties such as foie gras, confit de canard and

villages – offer myriad opportunities to slow down and

truffles.

enjoy the French art de vivre.

At its centre is the beautiful city of Bordeaux, which is surrounded by the world’s most famous 16

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From the Basque Museum to the city’s cathedral, there is much to do in Bayonne (photo © Fotolia).

BORDEAUX BELLE Start your trip in the city of Bordeaux, with its gracious 18th century limestone buildings framing lively squares and car-free streets, its flower-filled parkland framing the Garonne River, where small cruise ships can dock right in town. The Old World wine capital not only sports dozens of wine bars and elegant shops but has also become a new foodie destination. Many Michelin-starred temples of haute cuisine as well as a tantalising array of chef-owned bistros can be found tucked away down atmospheric cobblestoned streets.

The new Hotel Zoologie has been created from the iconic 120 year-old glass, metal, brick and stone building that once housed Bordeaux’s Institute of Zoology, to which two new wings have been added to frame an interior garden. The hotel is ideally situated near the Saint Jean train station, where high speed trains whisk travellers to and from Paris in a little over two hours. Two new museum experiences in Bordeaux’s reimagined docklands area are set to enliven the city’s cultural offerings. The Musée Mer Marine, or Museum of the Sea and Navy, offers remarkable insights into the sea as a natural element as well

as man’s relationship with it through navigation and naval exploration. Opened in June 2020, the Bassins de Lumières is the world’s largest digital art centre: its immersive exhibition centre delivering sound and visual projections reflected in the water of four huge basins at the former German submarine base. Two other exciting events in Bordeaux’s vineyards include the three-day Hot Air Balloon Festival in mid-October and the Medoc Marathon in September, where costumed runners replenish their strength with wine, oysters, foie gras and steak, in true Bordeaux style.

The scenic and historic Place de la Bourse (photo © Nicolas Duffaure).

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Introducing the

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Gabares in La Roque Gageac © Norbert-CRTNA.

A PASSION FOR RUGBY “Rugby is a religion in the deep southwest of France; a passion that has expressed and fuelled village and small-town rivalries in the region for a century,” says Mark Whittaker in The Guardian newspaper. “Draw a line roughly from Bordeaux to Marseille… and you define the boundaries of what many call simply “Pays de l’Ovalie”, the Land of the Oval Ball.” Bordeaux will be one of the nine host cities for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. But there is an even more important shrine to the sport in a small red-tile-roofed Romanesque chapel above the village of Larrivière-Saint-Savin in the Adour River valley on the eastern edge of the pine forests in Les Landes. Here, the Notre Dame du Rugby chapel has hundreds of framed rugby shirts and behind the altar is a cabinet honouring young local men who died playing the game. It is believed to be the only rugby church in the world. Nouvelle-Aquitaine sports more than a third of the top-level teams competing in France’s top 14 professional rugby union games. They include Bordeaux Bègles, La Rochelle on the Atlantic Coast, Biarritz et Bayonne in the French Basque Country, Pau-Pyrénées, and Brive-la-Gaillarde in the Dordogne Valley. Arrive at the games as visitors and end up as friends when you join locals at the popular rugby bars afterwards. For a real insider’s experience, enjoy a meal at the cosy Le Comptoir de Bègles bistro, run by Bordeauxborn Maxime Machenaud, former scrum half for the French national team, Les Bleus.

French rugby union club Agen (photo © Julien Villemur).

Spectacular views and impressive technical standards at the 9-hole Golf d’Illbarritz (photo @ Claude Rodriguez).

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Beynac Castle, an emblematic medieval fortress of the Dordogne Valley (photo © Alban Gilbert CRTA / Vues de Beynac en Dordogne 8246).

LACANAU, LAND OF SPORTS Rugby is not the only sport to sample in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Surfing is huge in Biarritz and the Pays Basque and, indeed, all along the southwest coastline, with numerous international competitions such as the Lacanau Pro (in Lacanau, in the Médoc, near Bordeaux) and the Quiksilver Pro (further south, in Hossegor) drawing the world’s top surfers as well as numerous surf camps, clubs and local surfing brands for the rest of us to enjoy. Cycling is also extremely popular, with mountain stages of Le Tour de France in the Pyrenees and easygoing itineraries such as

La Vélodyssée along the Atlantic Coast, trails beside the Canal de Garonne and cycling alongside Bordeaux’s famous vineyards all appealing options for cyclists of varying abilities and interests. Nouvelle-Aquitaine is also the number one golfing destination in France, with some of the country’s finest courses. These include the Pau Golf Club, built in 1856 and now the oldest golf club in mainland Europe, and the Biarritz le Phare Golf Course with stunning Atlantic Ocean views. There’s also the Ilbarritz International Training Centre and Golf Course, which offers lessons, intensive golf

STUNNING STAYS IN NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region offers some compelling places to stay, whether you’re staying for a few days or have time to venture deep into the valleys and vineyards.

Bordeaux: To stay in a luxuriously comfortable hotel, there’s no better way than to choose the Intercontinental Bordeaux Hotel - Le Grand Hotel, which features gourmet restaurant Gordon Ramsay and is opposite the 18th century Grand Théâtre, now the home of the Bordeaux National Opéra. Lovers of boutique accommodation in central Bordeaux will appreciate the new Hôtel La Zoologie, inside the ancient institute of zoology. Or there’s Villas Foch, a 20-room hotel inside two mansions, complete with fireplaces, panelling… the best in contemporary comfort.

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programs and tailor-made golf equipment, the Golf du Médoc Resort and the Grand Saint-Emilionnais Golf Club near Bordeaux. Finally, there are many spectacular hiking trails, including six ways or routes of the Way of Saint James (which crosses preserved landscapes and historic monuments, 26 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites), and numerous treks in the Pyrenees.

Further Information Nouvelle-Aquitaine Regional Tourism Board www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com/en

Those travellers wanting to be close to the action in the Place de La Victoire will want to stay in the Clarion Le V Hotel. These Marriott group hotels feature 130 and 150 rooms.

Charente: With turrets and towers aplenty, choose from one of the seven rooms and suites inside this 11th century château. The deluxe Domaine des Etangs ranges over 2,500 acres of protected nature, spread across forests, grassland and ponds. It’s ideally located just an hour and 15 minutes from the famous Cognac vineyards.

Dordogne Valley: Don’t miss the beautiful and iconic castles of the Dordogne Valley, a destination with many outdoor activities and gourmet products.

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The latest A350 emits 25% less CO2 emissions and 40% less noise emissions.

Air France

SUSTAINABLY fuelling the future FROM REDUCING AND OFFSETTING EMISSIONS TO STRIPPING BACK SINGLE-USE PLASTIC, AIR FRANCE IS RAMPING UP ITS EFFORTS IN ECO-FRIENDLY FLYING.

hether you’re travelling within France or heading off on a long haul flight, the experience with Air France leaves a smaller footprint than ever before. The airline is making big changes: from the cockpit to the tail, and on the tarmac, as part of a sustainability strategy that promises to propel Air France towards a greener 2030.

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A LIGHTER FLIGHT

READY, SET… OFFSET

New additions to the Air France fleet are emitting significantly less than the planes they’re replacing, thanks to the use of increasingly lightweight construction materials. Clever improvements to seats and baggage compartment design mean fewer emissions. Its Airbus A220s300s for example, use 25% less fuel, and the latestgeneration A350, made from materials which are 67% lighter, are making their own contribution. Every 1kg removed from its aircraft fleet is saving a huge 69 tonnes of C02, equivalent to taking 14.6 passenger vehicles off the road for a year.

Air France is one of many airlines taking steps towards being carbon neutral. Already since the start of 2020, 100% of domestic flight emissions are being offset to make travel in domestic France carbon neutral for around 57,000 customers a day. That’s significant, with the company’s 450 flights across France each day. Travellers wanting to reduce their environmental impact even further can support local and international reforestation projects by participating in its ‘Trip and Tree by Air France’ program at www.airfrance.com. 120,000 trees have already been planted on four continents.

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stick onboard lately? That’s because they were ditched in 2015.

FUELLING THE FUTURE Biofuel research and development is on Air France’s radar, too, with the organisation heavily involved in biofuel testing partnerships and initiatives in the aviation sector. It’s also looking to progressively introduce biofuel to its flights. Air France planes departing San Francisco are already using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of a 16-month project aimed at saving 6,000 tonnes of C02 over the fuel’s life cycle. Next time you board an Air France flight, sit back, relax, and give Air France’s lofty goal of a greener aviation future some thought.

WASTE, SORTED

SAY GOODBYE TO SINGLE-USE

Next time you discard that empty water or champagne glass on your meal tray, rest easy knowing they will be sorted (and recycled) in France or Europe. That includes plastic bottles, Tetra Pak cartons, aluminium cans and glass bottles. In a year, that equates to 7 million plastic bottles, 3 million cartons and 6 million cans.

Air France is already waging a war on plastic, reducing 1,300 tonnes of single-use plastic onboard each year with sustainable alternatives. The company has swapped 100 million plastic cups with paper, and 85 million items of cutlery with items manufactured and packaged from bio-sourced materials. Haven’t seen a plastic

Further Information Air France www.airfrance.com.au

Top: Air France is waging a war on plastic Below: Travellers can support reforestation projects to reduce their environmental impact.

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Loire Valley, Champagne and beyond…

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Clockwise from above: Château with tulips (photo © Château du Rivau); Candes-SaintMartin (photo © ADT Touraine/ JCCoutand); Vin & Vignobles (photo © E Mangeat).

The PERFECT blend IT’S NEVER BEEN EASIER TO SAY ‘OUI’ TO AN ITINERARY COMBINING SOME OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE AREAS OF FRANCE – THE LOIRE VALLEY AND CHAMPAGNE, GATEWAY TO EASTERN FRANCE.

wo easy hours. That’s all it takes for travellers to hop by direct TGV connections between these unforgettable French heritage destinations: a visit to the enchanting châteaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley and the first-class Champagne ‘houses’ in the historic towns of Reims and Epernay before continuing to explore further east.

FIRST STOP LOIRE The Loire Valley is nicknamed the ‘Cradle of the French’ due to the abundance of enchanting vineyards, orchards and fields that line the 24

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banks of the Loire River (France’s longest). The lush landscapes that stretch for 280 kilometres between Sully-sur-Loire (in north central France) and Chalonnes-sur-Loire (to the west of Angers) have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage, as have a number of the châteaux and other monuments along the river valley, their ancient walls whispering unhurried stories of French history, events and equally feted French royalty. Regardless of your interest – whether châteaux, gastronomy, vineyards, architecture, or a combination – there are numerous itineraries by car, bike, on foot, or even down the river by boat, that explore the Loire’s rich history and tantalising terroir.

ENCHANTING CHÂTEAUX The enchanting châteaux of the Loire Valley such as Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Blois and Villandry, once stately homes of French kings and nobles, are quite simply breath-taking, their magnificent gardens are really attractions in their own right. There is enough variety here to cover a four or five-day itinerary, not forgetting the nearby home of Leonardo da Vinci, Château du Clos Lucé. The great master is said to have designed the magnificent double-spiral staircase of the 400-plus room Château de Chambord.

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CHÂTEAUX AND VINEYARDS GO HAND IN HAND With wine-growing in the Loire beginning around the fifth century, it’s little surprise that some of the châteaux are also wine-producing estates, such as the Château du Rivau which produces AOC Chinon, the largest of the Loire Valley appellations, famous for its reds. Try also the Cave Monplaisir just outside the town of Chinon on the banks of the Vienne, which showcases three producers in a former underground quarry. The medieval Château d’Azay gives its name to the red, white and rosé wines of AOC TouraineAzay-le-Rideau. The castle’s 6-hectare gardens are a masterpiece of botanical arts. Vineyards surround the village of Amboise, which boasts two châteaux: the royal Château of Amboise, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Touraine, and Le Clos Lucé, home to the great master Leonardo da Vinci. For sampling and buying wines from AOC TouraineAmboise, visit the Caves Duhard which also offers a restaurant with an attractive terrace overlooking the river. Another distinctive wine is the floral and fruity red Bourgueil, varying from a light, gravelly style to rich and smooth. The terroirs and wines of Bourgueil are presented at the troglodytic museum Cave de la Dive Bouteille, nestled in the heart of the vineyards just outside the village. For lovers of a dry, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, look no further than the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé at the eastern section of the Loire Valley, perfected by such great domaines as Henri Bourgeois. MAGAZINE

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BY BIKE IS BEST The best way to investigate the magnificent Loire and soak up the natural scenery is by bicycle. A dedicated cycling route traverses the length of the Loire, reliably signposted and with a thoughtful degree of accessibility. The Loire Cycle Path (La Loire à Vélo) links Sancerre with the Atlantic Ocean an incredible 900 kilometres away. Following the Loire Cycle Path, travellers will be enchanted by beautiful châteaux, gardens, villages and vineyards. Opportunities to encounter the local culture, heritage and gourmet delights exist behind almost every hillside. The most stressful decision visitors are likely to face is determining which glorious local cuisine to try for dinner.

MAGICAL LOIRE VALLEY TOWNS A popular base for exploring the vineyards and châteaux of the Loire Valley region is Tours,

Chaumont © J.Damase

Chenonceau by hot air balloon © C.Mouton

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between the Cher and Loire rivers. Once the capital of the kingdom of France, this ‘Town of Art and History’ has an extraordinary heritage – don’t miss the magnificent stained-glass windows in the Saint-Gatien Cathedral. In Blois, combining Gothic, Flamboyant, Renaissance and Classic architecture, the Royal Château of Blois stands proudly over the city below. The old town’s lively little cobbled lanes, hidden courtyards and paved squares are testament to a by-gone era where time has stood still. The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is a museum totally dedicated to magic, and performances are also held there regularly. On the eastern edge of the Loire Valley, the city of Orléans is probably best known as the place where Joan of Arc liberated the city in 1429. At the replica Maison de Jeanne d’Arc, where she lived during the battle, travellers can watch a film about her life.

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Statue of Joan of Arc in front of Reims Cathedral (photo © freshandfearless).

CHEERS IN CHAMPAGNE Having liberated Orléans, Joan of Arc marched triumphantly eastwards on to Reims, to have the dauphin crowned as Charles VII, rightful King of France. Our journey likewise takes us to Eastern France, now made much quicker with the advent of the TGV line connecting St-Pierre-des-Corps in Tours to the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station in just two hours. First stop is Champagne, with its iconic vineyards, verdant forests, historic towns and world-class landmarks. Both Reims and Épernay make an ideal base for travellers. In Reims, the statue of Joan of Arc stands proudly opposite the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, site of 25 coronations of French kings and an unparalleled example of Gothic architecture, boasting 80-metre high towers and some 2,300 statues. Founded in Roman times, Reims was built from chalk blocks dug from vast underground quarries. Today, these ancient ‘crayères’ are linked by a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels dubbed ‘caves’, which store millions of bottles of the world’s most famous sparkling nectar. What better way to taste champagnes such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger or Pommery than from deep inside their cellars.

SIMPLY THE BEST In the nearby town of Épernay, nicknamed the ‘Capital of Champagne’, prestigious champagne producers such as Moët & Chandon and Mercier line the central Avenue de Champagne. One of the most stunning buildings along the mansion-studded Avenue is the magnificent Château Perrier, once the headquarters of Champagne Perrier-Jouët, a fitting venue to house the new, interactive Champagne Wine and Regional Archaeology Museum. Make sure to also stop by the many equally impressive smaller champagne houses, such as Boizel, Georges Cartier and De Venoge. The latter also offers beautiful accommodation in the heart of the Avenue.

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Clockwise from main: View over the Moselle Loop at Liverdun (photo © Jéremy May / ARTGE); Cycling along the Alsace Wine Route (photo © ADT-Infra); Cité du Champagne (photo © PE RASTOIN B3A8967).

BEYOND THE BUBBLES Beyond the downtown feted cellars and houses, there’s plenty more to explore. Pick up a bike from the Épernay tourist office and follow the banks of the Marne, via a dedicated bike path, either upstream towards Châlons-en-Champagne, or downstream towards Dormans (a train back to Épernay is available from both destinations). Note the vineyard slopes of Aÿ and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, landscapes that are listed by UNESCO. These and other little Champagne villages are dotted along the river, with cafés, terraces, and picnic spots at regular intervals for stop-offs. You will also find a good choice of open-door cellars, where you can meet local champagne producers and taste their production.

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A short diversion from the cycle track takes you up through the vineyards to Hautvillers, where the monk Dom Perignon, the Father of Champagne, lived and worked. He is buried in the abbey church. Other treasures along the way include the Cité du Champagne for a complete overview of both region and wine, and the Cave aux Coquillages which displays a fascinating collection of prehistoric fossils.

FURTHER AFIELD BY BIKE Beyond Champagne, there are other famous wine growing areas in the Eastern France region. The easy cycle paths of the 85-kilometre Boucle de la Moselle (Moselle Loop) take you through the vineyards of the AOC Côtes de Toul. Along the way,

sites steeped in history, outstanding views, gentle countryside, bustling towns and local products ensure that this route has all the ingredients for a perfect family holiday! The three main towns around the Loop are Toul (don’t miss the 14th-century cathedral), medieval Liverdun where you can sample delicious Madeleine cakes and Nancy, the capital of the Dukes of Lorraine. Nancy is a fine example of the Art Nouveau era with its grand 18th century royal square, Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Top on the list to taste are the wafer-light macarons and Bergamotes, a golden candy based on essential oil of Bergamot orange, favoured by the Royal Court.

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ALSACE WINE ROUTE Brimming with quaint villages producing Grand Cru wines, the Alsace Wine Route is a capricious serpentine which curves peacefully around the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. The cycle path follows this course via former railway tracks, ancient Roman roads and side paths through the vineyards, the landscapes dotted with ruins of mediaeval castles and Romanesque abbey churches. Spanning 170 kilometres, this cycling route is part of the Eurovélo 5 from Reading, UK to Brindisi, Italy and takes travellers through the vineyards between the capital of Eastern France, Strasbourg, and the picturesque country town of Colmar with its carefully restored and protected tanners’ district.

TOUR OPERATORS Whether you’re holidaying for a weekend or for weeks, there has never been a better time to discover the Loire Valley and Eastern France regions with some of the country’s finest travel companies. > Loire Valley Travel (Rando Vélo) | Cycling tours for all ages and stages and fitness levels | www.biking-france.com > Europe Holidays | Luxury, escorted wine tours to Champagne and Alsace and other unique French experiences | europeholidays.com.au/tours/europe/ france > Entire Travel Group | Chateaux & Champagne | Loire, Champagne and Alsace| www.entiretravel.com.au Left: Cycling in Alsace (photo © ADT-Infra).

Further Information Loire Valley Tourist Board www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/ Eastern France www.visitlachampagne.travel www.boucledelamoselle.fr/en/ www.cyclinginalsace.com/en MAGAZINE

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Events Pencil THIS in WHETHER YOU’RE STEPPING ONTO A FLIGHT OR STILL ONLY DREAMING OF TRAVELING, HERE ARE OUR TOP EVENT PICKS FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS IN REGIONAL FRANCE.

SUMMER

15-17 AUG Horse Sales: Yearlings Auction, Deauville NORMANDY www.arqana.com/catalogues_results.html

AUTUMN

8-13 SEP Cannes Yachting Festival, Cannes PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D’AZUR www.cannesyachtingfestival.com/en-gb.html 12 SEP Medoc Marathon NOUVELLE-AQUITAINE www.marathondumedoc.com/en/ 27 SEP-11 OCT French Open PARIS www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/ 24-26 SEP Horse Sales: Yearlings Auction, Deauville NORMANDY www.arqana.com/catalogues_results.html 15 NOV Wine Auction, Third Sunday in November BOURGOGNE-FRANCHE-COMTÉ www.hospices-de-beaune.com/ UNTIL 15 NOV Normandy Impressionist Festival NORMANDY en.normandie-tourisme.fr/normandy-tourism-1-2.html

WINTER

5-8 DEC Festival of Lights, Lyon AUVERGNE - RHÔNE-ALPES www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/en NOW SHOWING Christo Et Jeanne-Claude Paris Centre Pompidou PARIS www.centrepompidou.fr/ UNTIL DEC 31 Klimt: Gold and colour / Klee Bassins de Lumieres BORDEAUX www.bassins-lumieres.com/en/home Le Flacon en Majesté, Esprit D’une Collection BACCARAT www.flaconenmajeste-baccarat.fr/ UNTIL 3 JAN 2021 Lu: A Century of Innovation (1846-1957) NANTES www.nantes-tourisme.com/en/all-offer-pass-nantes

SPRING

15 MAR Chagall: The Light Smuggler, Center Pompidou-Metz GRAND EST www.centrepompidou-metz.fr/chagall-lepasseur-de-lumi-re Further information au.france.fr/en

LATE NOV Christmas Market, Strasbourg GRAND-EST noel.strasbourg.eu/en/

Images, from top: Centre Pompidou-Metz (photo © Shigeru Ban Architects Europe Cannes Yachting Festival (photo © SEMEC); yearling auctions in Deauville (photo © Sandrine Boyer Engel); the magnificent Hospices de Beaune (photo ©Michel Baudoin-Etonnante); Christmas markets in Strasbourg (photo © Adobe Stock/Anyaberku)..

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PINAUT IN PARIS The historic Bourse de Commerce has been transformed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando into a new exhibition space for the Pinault Collection. The Bourse de Commerce’s third floor overlooks the Jardin Nelson Mandela and gives new perspectives of the Church of St Eustache, the Canopee, le Centre Pompidou, and the roofs of Paris. www. boursedecommerce.fr

MAISON AMAZEMENT Peek inside the freshly renovated private home of famous French writer Victor Hugo at Maison de Victor Hugo, in the prestigious Place de Vosges in the heart of the Marais district. The apartment, which Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848, takes visitors through his life, evoking his writing through furniture, objects and works of art that belonged to him or that he created. www. museevictorhugo.fr/fr/home/

OLD IS NEW: CARNAVALET REOPENS After four years of renovation, Paris’s oldest museum, the Carnavalet Museum, has reopened to the public. From prehistoric mammoths’ molars to 2.600 paintings from French and foreign artists to the shaving dish of French revolutionary and architect Maximilien de Robespierre, it’s an ideal place to explore the history of Paris. www. carnavalet.paris.fr/

Top: The reopening of Hotel de la Marine, a landmark of French excellence commissioned in the 18th century (photo © JP Delagarde); Right: The walls of Hotel de la Marine have witnessed the history of France (photo © A Tézanas).

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CULTURE club

FROM PARISIAN HISTORY TO 18TH CENTURY ART DE VIVRE, HERE ARE OUR PICKS OF THE BIG REOPENINGS THIS YEAR.

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Above: The Hotel de la Marine has undergone a remarkable restoration (photo © A Tézenas); Left: Bourse de Commerce is a new contemporary art venue (photo © M Tetard).

PALAIS GALLIERA The newly renovated Paris fashion museum, Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode has reopened its doors. Added are a further 670 square metres of exhibition space, named in honour of esteemed French designer and businesswoman Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, a bookstore and outdoor tearoom. www.palaisgalliera.paris.fr/

THE WALLS CAN TALK For the first time in over two centuries, the freshly restored Hotel de la Marine in Paris, in the Concorde Square, which once served as the ministry of the Navy and colonies, is opening its doors to the public. Eighteenth century art de vivre will be showcased in this spectacular setting. The Hotel de la Marine is one of two illustrious palaces designed to adorn the royal square, commissioned by Louis XV in the 18th century. www.hotel-de-la-marine.paris/

Further Information Atout France au.france.fr MAGAZINE

Lido de Paris

Eiffel Tower Restaurants

Bateaux Parisiens

6 ICONIC SITES IN PARIS The mythical cabaret on the Champs-ElysĂŠes

Legendary restaurants on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Eiffel Tower

The only hop-on hop-off on the River Seine

No. 1 cruise on the River Seine

An exceptional dinner-cruise

lido.fr | bateauxparisiens.com | restaurants-toureiffel.com | batobus.com | yachtsdeparis.fr

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Anne Boillon

ACTION plan

THE NEW CONSUL GENERAL OF FRANCE, ANNE BOILLON, HAS BEEN POSTED TO PLACES AS FAR AND WIDE AS AFRICA, THE MIDDLE EAST AND EUROPE. PRIOR TO HER APPOINTMENT IN SYDNEY, SHE WAS CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE FRENCH MINISTER IN CHARGE OF TOURISM AND FOREIGN TRADE.

Madame Anne Boillon, Consul-General of France.

Your favourite French region and why?

France’s most underrated city?

The French Riviera and its red, rocky beaches, and its versatile offerings for sport lovers (ski in winter, explore beautiful beaches in summer).

Historic Besançon, near the Swiss border. It has superb 17th and 18th century heritage including a UNESCO listed citadel. It’s also a wonderful place to taste Comté cheese and learn French.

Besancon (photo © M Coquard et EA4).

Favourite annual sport event in Paris?

The Paris-Versailles, a 20 km run from the Eiffel tower to Château de Versailles. It’s beautiful in Autumn.

Best sport event in regional France? The start of the Route du Rhum, a transatlantic solo yacht race from SaintMalo (Brittany) to the French West Indies (Guadeloupe). The atmosphere is incredible.

Top French destination for an active summer holiday?

Gallerie des Glaces (photo © Sophie Clark).

The French Alps or Pyrenees, where visitors can hike, ride and explore stunning lakes and rivers. France rugby fans (photo © Patrick Derewiany /Midi Olympique).

Favourite French destination for an active winter holiday?

Events set to excite visitors to France in 2020?

Also the French Alps and Pyrenees. You can visit high-altitude, purpose-built ski stations, or relax at lesser-known farming villages where travellers can enjoy Nordic skiing.

There are so many renowned international festivals and sporting events. The opening of the renovated Hôtel de la Marine, Place de la Concorde, will showcase French art de vivre through exhibitions and gastronomy.

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Le Lido’s costumes are as artistic as the performances (photo © Pascaline Labarre).

Cabaret

A BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE

Just the TICKET

FEW LIVE SHOWS CAN RIVAL LE LIDO PARIS, AN ENTERTAINMENT FIXTURE DATING BACK TO 1940S PARIS, AND AN ARTISTIC FLAIR MORE THAN RELEVANT TO MODERNDAY AUDIENCES. BY RUBY BOUKABOU

here to experience iconic architecture, sip champagne, dine on French cuisine, be entertained by top international performers then glide out onto the world’s most famous avenue? At the Lido, bien sûr. Located on the glorious Champs-Élysées, Le Lido was widely sought out for all its glamour, glitter and sensuality by the upper classes some 74 years ago. Today, Le Lido is a must-have inclusion on the entertainment itinerary for cabaret-loving travellers. Now playing is the seductive cabaret Paris Merveilles – the 27th revue since it began in 1946, and the brainchild of acclaimed writer-director Franco Dragone (Cirque de Soleil, Celine Dion and many others). 36

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Moments away from Le Lido are some of Paris’ finest boutiques and restaurants: Louis Vuitton, The Fouquet’s Paris and many others. Visit the ever-popular landmark Arc de Triomphe (just 400 metres away), and climb the 280 stairs to a perfect vantage-point from which to gaze upon beautiful Paris.

THE FIGURES OF LE LIDO The sheer scale of Le Lido’s spectacle – the

Dragone’s multi-million dollar production is a feast for the senses. The mimes, the acrobatics and the projections are experienced from within a majestic, panoramic space that enthrals as many as 1,100 spectators twice each evening. Adorning the bodies of the jaw-droppingly stunning dancers of Le Lido – more than 40 statuesque ‘Bluebell Girls’ and ‘Lido Boys’ – are the lavish costumes of the cabaret, heavy with glistening jewels, tantalising tassels and equally impressive ostrich feathers. Esteemed dancers hold themselves with poise and grace. Somehow, they make balancing delicate feathered headdresses appear effortless and elegant – a testament to their character, stamina and prowess.

feathers, the glitter, the sensuality – has to be seen to be believed.

> 1,100 seats for the audience > 600 costumes made by

Dragone’s

costume teams

> 200 headdresses > 100 kilograms of ostrich feathers dyed pink and turned into petticoats

>22 dressers tending to the costumes each night

>12-15 costume changes for each Bluebell girl during the show

11 seamstresses tend to the costumes

each night

> 8 designers developed projections

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FINE WINE AND DINING A NIGHT AT THE LIDO Your evening starts at Napoleon’s victorious neo-classical Arc de Triomphe. Awakened by the buzz of Paris by night, you saunter down the Champs-Élysées to number 116. A golden corridor leads you to a chandelier-lit lobby where you’re warmly welcomed. Inside the room, you’re hit by the magic of the dark blue-andgold décor, and the red velvet seating of France’s largest cabaret venue.

You toast to Paris, to the invisible musicians (impressively automated instruments) and to the singer/guitarist and double bass player who are warming up the room. While you’re imagining what it could have been like to watch Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, Eartha Kitt or Josephine Baker perform, dinner arrives. To digest the delicious three courses, you take to the dancefloor. The room darkens, the stage ‘rises’ (the front seats actually drop) and the famous Bluebell dancers glide on with their limbered bodies and spectacular costumes.

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THE BEST OF PARIS, ONSTAGE AND OFF

The marvels of Paris are shown through the eyes of the main female character – from the sparkling Eiffel Tower to the palace and fountains of Versailles, complete with videos and 3D effects. Sets transform while vaudeville-style acts break up the show, such as contortionists, a sword swallower and sometimes even ice skaters. You gasp, applaud and smile, before you float back out onto the shimmering avenue.

Further Information Le Lido www.lido.fr/en

High-tech stage effects, magnified by mirrors and projections, add to the spectacle (photo © Lido).

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Above, left to right: A beautiful view of Nice (photo © OTCMNCA - A.ISSOCK); Visitors are spoilt for choice. Mountain biking in Nice (photo © OTCMNCA - ACP); Excellent via ferrata routes in the south of France (photo © OTCMNCA - La Colmiane).

Nice

One FINE summer FROM LIVELY TOWNS AND UNDISTURBED CAVES TO HILLTOP VILLAGES, HIKES AND THE MAJESTIC MEDITTERANEAN. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT NICE.

ituated on the south-east coast of France at the foot of the Alps, Nice Côte d’Azur is a Mediterranean masterpiece that attracts 5 million visitors annually. It’s hardly surprising, with its seductive Mediterranean shoreline, awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and a generous mix of galleries, museums and restaurants enriching any itinerary.

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A MOUNTAIN BIKING MECCA Nice’s towns and villages provide the perfect playground for adventurers, with countless trails, mountain stations, bike paths and 300 days of sunshine. The Parc National Du Mercantour, featuring 600km of paths and spanning seven alpine valleys, is a haven for skiiers, snowboarders and hikers, attracting 800,000 visitors each year. New and enabling people to seamlessly reach

the highest peaks of Mercantour on the French Riviera are electrically-assisted mountain bikes. Ride a seven-step, 261km route between Auron and Nice that crosses 16 towns. It is set to pass through La Bonette, the highest road pass in Europe, arriving on the Promenade des Anglais!

FILL UP ON WATER SPORTS Travellers seduced by water sports can jump on a wakeboard or jet ski and ride the waves

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in the Baie des Anges. The view is spectacular from the 7km Promenade des Anglais, packed with coloured buildings overlooking the majestic Mediterranean. Water sport lovers are well catered for, with paddleboarding and jumping on a ‘flyfish’ (an inflatable raft) among the popular options.

PACKED WITH PERSONALITY, ARTS AND CULTURE Nice is renowned for its monuments, churches and generous gardens. The 660-hectare Natural Park of the Grand Corniche is a park lover’s paradise. In the city’s heart is the Paillon Walk. In the art of discovery, visitors are spoilt for choice: there’s MAMAC (with its 1,300 works by over 300 artists such as Calder and Warhol), Musée Marc Chagall, Musée Matisse and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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WINDOW SHOPPING Museums, art, local crafts, gastronomy…Nice captivates, with the beauty of its neighbourhoods, unique light and mild climate. There are flower markets In the Old Town (Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya). Or, 93m above sea level, there’s ‘Castle Hill’ (Parc de la Colline du Château), the sunny, family friendly vantage point from which to gaze upon the bay of Nice.

STAY WITH ME ONE MORE DAY Along the beaches, or high in the hills, delightful hotels, palaces, international chains and cosy hideaways abound. Nice is alive with activity, with 10 hotels under construction. The Plaza and the Park Hotel are reopening as five-star. In Nice,

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urban and boutique hotels stand shoulder to shoulder with seaside options and luxury options, such as those in Eze and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Off the beaten track, try yurts or Bulles de Nature. People watch in the historic pink-domed Negresco, where great artists (Matisse, Picasso), royalty, stars and politicians have resided. Or, come to the laid back Cabane du Val in Tournefort. Whatever the itinerary or holidaymaking style, Nice is the ideal launchpad from which to explore nearby Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, or Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Further Information Nice Tourisme en.nicetourisme.com

City of Nice © OTMNCA - J. Kelagopian.

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Above: In Antibes, where opulent yachts meet 2,000 year old ramparts. Pictured is Port Vauban (photo © CJ Bayle).

JEWEL of the Côte d’Azur

IN THE ATTRACTIVE CITY OF ANTIBES, THERE’S PLENTY TO SEDUCE SUN LOVERS, ENTERTAIN MUSIC AFICIONADOS, ENTICE SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS AND SATISFY HISTORY BUFFS.

estled between Nice in the east and Cannes in the west is Antibes. It’s a place where the astounding azure Mediterranean, humming with opulent yachts, 2,000 year old ramparts and a charming old town, surrounded by a pine-fringed craggy coastline. From the working harbour Port Vauban that predates the Roman Empire, and down Rampe des Saleurs, are places for visitors to orient themselves to the Antibes of old. Stroll the narrow streets and 44

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squares – rue de l’Horloge or rue Saint-Esprit, for instance, are moments from the Mediterranean and its magnificent vistas. For travellers with a taste for history, a trip to the Musée d’Archéologie d’Antibes is one to earmark. Once a military stronghold built by renowned military engineer Vauban in the late 17th century, the museum explores how various visiting peoples left their mark on Antibes over the centuries, such as the Ligurians, Greeks and Romans. Another charming stopoff is Chateau Grimaldi, home to the

Musée Picasso and the beautiful opening to the sea. This is where Picasso, in late 1946, created many fine works, sketches and paintings. Attractive small boutiques and workshops are never in short supply. Try rue Sade, rue Clémenceau, rue Thuret, boulevard d’Aguillon, rue James Close, or rue de la République. Take a terrace table or hunker down in a hidden garden for some time out and local cuisine.

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Above: Acrobatic and impressive, a footvolley game at Juan Les Pins (photo © OT-Antibes); Right: The alleys of Antibes (photo © OT-Antibes).

FOOTVOLLEY, ANYONE?

At Juan Les Pins, sports fans can catch international footvolley teams (France, Brazil, Italy, Paraguay and many others) competing on the sand of Pinède Gould. Originating in Brazil in the 1960s, footvolley has much in common with beach volleyball except it is played with the feet and a soccer ball.

BUOYED BY NATURE The rich, varied landscapes and dramatic cliffs of the Côte d’Azur are ideal for adventurers of all kinds, whether travelling solo or in groups. Kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboarders can get out on the water with The Paddle Center at Cap d’Antibes, on Port Gallice, and experience Antibes from a different perspective. Or, further afield are the Lérins Islands or the Corniche d’Or.

THE IMMERSIVE MEDITERRANEAN For travellers seeking something more immersive, Antibes offers some interesting dive sites, which are particularly pleasant from May to November when the water warms and visibility is good. La Formigue, Les Iles de Lérins and the Cap d’Antibes are the main dive sites to investigate here. For waterskiers, the popular seaside resort of Juan Les Pins is well worth a visit. It’s been a popular waterskiing destination since the late 1920s when its first nautical club was founded, largely thanks to the deep pockets of US billionaire Franck Jay Gould.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC Prestigious and influential annual jazz festival Jazz à Juan could not celebrate its 60th birthday in 2020, but it will celebrate it in 2021 - as well it should.

IN WITH THE NEW Slow down and watch the world go by from the centre of Antibes in Place Charles de Gaulle and take in its Haussmannian architecture. Next, walk down the boulevard Albert 1er. Play a game of petanque on Élie Lévy Square, take a photograph from the roof of the Musée d’Archéologie, and don’t forget to greet Victor Hugo on your way back to the port via the ramparts. At the end you will find the very

beautiful Nomade, a lacy sculpture by Jaume Plensa, made of letters of the alphabet and standing a monumental 8 metres high so that visitors can go inside. And across the harbour, Fort Carré.

Further Information Office De Tourisme Antibes Juan les Pins www.antibesjuanlespins.com

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Dog sled tours are one of the exclusive experiences to have when sailing on board Le Commandant Charcot (photo ©Nicolas Dubreuil).

Making waves, FRENCH style EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE AWAITS ONBOARD PONANT’S NEWEST LUXURY POLAR VESSEL LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT, NAMED IN HONOUR OF ONE OF FRANCE’S FIRST POLAR EXPLORERS.

orld leader of luxury expeditions, Ponant has built its reputation upon venturing to some of the planet’s remotest parts in unrivalled luxury. When Le Commandant Charcot sets sail from Le Havre, France on its inaugural voyage in May 2021 to Reykjavik, it will be no exception. Its voyage will mark the first time this PC2-class luxury polar expedition ship visits the world’s most extreme northerly and southerly latitudes. 46

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The ship bears the name of skilled French sportsman, rugby player, Olympic medallist and exceptional sailor Jean Baptiste Charcot. From as early as 1902, Charcot crossed the Arctic Circle, and embarked on a series of explorations to locations such as Greenland and Antarctica. Unlike Charcot, today’s travellers don’t have to compromise a single creature comfort to observe wild expanses from exciting perspectives. Onboard delights include meals

by award-winning chefs, warm and elegant designer cabins and suites by renowned architects Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associes, pampering at the sauna and snow room, and bespoke cooking classes. Wonders of the geographic North Pole, remote Antarctic locations such as Charcot or Peter Islands, the Ross Sea, and even the Bellingshausen Sea are places of immense possibility aboard Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot.

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French dining rounds out the sophisticated on-board experience (photo © Christophe Dugied).

Jean Baptiste Charcot (photo © Library of Congress Washington DC).

IMMERSIVE ADVENTURING AHEAD

Try polar diving. Or, take a kayak for a paddle. Keen fishers can drop a line in the ice.

WHERE TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY MEET

A signature of Ponant is its intimate ships, accommodating no more than 270 guests in elegant suites and staterooms. Extraordinary experiences abound, and Le Commandant Charcot will be no exception. Spectacular mountainous landscapes, imposing icebergs, exceptional marine wildlife and even expansive penguin colonies will be on show to the ship’s 270 guests. Adventurers who love striding out of their comfort zones during outings and shore visits will be spoiled for choice, with abundant adventures accessible via Zodiac expedition boats. Take a ride on a dog sled. View icy landscapes from a tethered hot air balloon.

EXCLUSIVE ITINERARIES

Le Commandant Charcot’s environmental credentials reflect Ponant’s laser-focused commitment to sustainable, responsible tourism. A powerful combination of technologies (think energy optimisation system, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)-powered engines and advanced wastewater treatment systems) minimise fine particle emissions and fuel consumption, and its certifications exceed environment regulations.

Ponant’s new Arctic voyage is the latest in a series of impeccably compiled itineraries by the small-ship expert, to over 100 countries and 400 ports in all five continents. As the world’s only cruise company operating under the French flag, Ponant offers small-ship voyages to the earth’s most incredible places. New itineraries include the geographic North Pole and the Ross Sea cruises, which take guests to some of the world’s last marine sanctuaries. The Bellingshausen Sea Emperor Penguin voyage takes you 450km from the Antarctic coastlines.

Further Information Ponant au.ponant.com

For over 30 years, Ponant has taken guests to the remotest parts of the planet aboard its intimate, exclusive vessels. Launching in 2021 is Le Commandant Charcot (photo © Stirling Design International).

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Citadines Apart’hotel, your private space in the city Enjoy a unique stay experience in fully-equipped apartments in prime locations while benefitting from a large choice of personalised hotel services. Discover our 36 Citadines Apart’hotel properties in key bustling cities in Europe (Paris, London, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Lyon, Brussels, and many others...).

The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with more than 720 properties in over 180 cities spanning more than 30 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its portfolio of serviced residence and hotel brands includes Ascott The Residence, The Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Préférence, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello and POP!

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Lyon

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Food for THOUGHT

A NEW DESTINATION CELEBRATING ALL THINGS GASTRONOMICAL, LA CITÉ INTERNATIONALE DE LA GASTRONOMIE HAS OPENED IN FRANCE’S FOODIE CAPITAL, LYON.

Top: interactive displays at the Cité (photo © Cité de la Gastronomie); Bottom: giant spoons adorn the inside of the revamped glass dome (photo © Thierry Fournier/Metropole Lyon).

he immense Grand Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon has reopened after an ambitious renovation, delivering one of France’s most compelling new foodie destinations. Occupying four levels of a onetime medieval hospital – one of Lyon’s most famous landmarks – the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie treats visitors to permanent exhibitions, displays and a year-round roster of foodie events. Themed spaces, located underneath the beautifully preserved dome that dates back to 1622, have been given suitably gastronomic names such as Et demain? and À table. In Bon Appetit, visitors can explore the history of the Lyon Mothers, the origins of the Michelin Guide, and feast their eyes upon Paul Bocuse’s original stove. Curious children can play interactive games themed around nutrition, gastronomy and health in Miam-miam. The €20 million Grand HôtelDieu revitalisation incorporates the new Intercontinental hotel, shops, bars and restaurants, set around courtyards and cloisters that feature the names of four centuries of hospital donors.

DID YOU KNOW? Lyon is home to over 4,000 restaurants (19 of them Michelin-starred), 80 AOC wines, 340 farms, traditional Lyonnais ‘bouchon’, modern bistros and hundredyear-old brasseries In June 2013 Lyon was chosen to host one of the four International City of Gastronomy projects, alongside Tours, Dijon and Paris-Rungis In November 2010, the ‘Gastronomic Meal of the French’ was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

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The iconic red wood façade of Aux Lyonnais dates back to 1890, and Ducasse has worked his magic here since 2002 (photo © Pierre Monetta).

Ducasse

Turning the Tables

FOUR DECADES AGO, ALAIN DUCASSE BEGAN HIS CULINARY JOURNEY AT THE PAVILLON LANDAIS RESTAURANT IN SOUSTONS IN SOUTHWEST FRANCE. TODAY, THE INFLUENCE OF THIS MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF SPANS THREE CONTINENTS, SEVEN COUNTRIES AND 2,000 COLLABORATORS.

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he traditional Lyonnais bistro or bouchons has been given a contemporary makeover at Alain Ducasse’s Aux Lyonnais. “Without challenging the traditional taste combinations, we wanted to update the regional Lyonnaise cuisine so that more people could know and enjoy it,” says executive chef Yann Mastantuono. Take sabodet, a cooked sausage based on the meat from a pig’s head. Instead of being cut into thick slices and hidden in a strongly flavoured salad, it is gently poached in broth, finely sliced and heaped with fine slivers of potato perfumed with a light gribiche sauce. The freerange chicken is perfectly roasted and garnished 50

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with mushrooms, tomatoes and onions to retain moisture and bring flavour. Upstairs, wood panelling, patterned ceilings and 19th century light fixtures and metro tiles create an intimate ambience. Ceramics by the renowned Jean-Claude Novaro are dotted about. Bevelled mirrors reflect busy waiters deftly moving between tables which are charmingly bedecked in mismatched silverware and balloon wine glasses. Chief sommelier Gérard Margeon has stocked the cellar at Aux Lyonnais with a generously varied wine list – from Burgundy to the Rhône Valley and through the Lyonnais region. All were handpicked by Margeon, who has evidently travelled from Lyon to Dijon via Bugey, the north of the

Rhône Valley, and Bordeaux. Try Cerdon, a rare rosé, or the Côte-Rôtie, served by the glass or in a crystal carafe. Or, the sommelier can direct drinkers to daily selections.

FURTHER INFORMATION Aux Lyonnais www.auxlyonnais.com/en

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Clockwise from top: Chef Alain Ducasse (photo © Gary Hamill); fine Mediterranean dining at Ômer; the wine cellar at Ômer (photos © Pierre Monetta).

ÔMER The Mediterranean remains among Ducasse’s most cherished terroirs. Now, the celebrated chef has taken up another residence inside the iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the long-time site of his Le Louis XV restaurant which first propelled him to stardom. He joins chef Patrick Laine in honouring the produce, traditions and recipes of the Mediterranean in restaurant Ômer, a play on the words ‘au mer’. Situated on the garden floor of the Rotonde wing of the luxurious Hôtel de Paris, Ômer is like a culinary tour of the Mediterranean in all its diversity. The restaurant’s interiors – lightly coloured leather, brushed bronze and wood – are fashioned to resemble a ship’s interior. Diverse dishes grace the menu – from Turkish dolmas and Lebanese falafels, to Greek marinated sardines, and signature dishes such as caramelised Tentaculaire squid, lentils, beets and cabbage, or M’Rouzia candied lamb with rice and spiced dates. All reflect the colours of the Mediterranean: squid ink black, harissa red, yoghurt white. Accompanying the cacophony of colour is a flurry of appealing aromas. Pungent garlic and chilli punctuate vegetable dishes, and aromatic herbs (think marjoram, coriander and mint) and spices such as cumin, cardamom and ras

el hanout bring continuous pleasure to the palate. Wine lovers are well sated at Ômer. A softly lit Wine Circle presents a selection of more than 1,000 bottles (essentials from Burgundy, the Rhône Valley and Bordeaux), and even rare crus from the Aegean Sea or the slopes of Mount Bargylus.

FURTHER INFORMATION Ômer www.montecarlosbm.com/en/restaurantmonaco/omer

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At every Savoy restaurant, the team plays a major role in the service that guests experience (photo © Laurence Mouton).

TOQUE of the town BRILLIANT CHEF GUY SAVOY SHOWS HIS MASTERY ACROSS ALL ENDS OF THE DINING SPECTRUM – FROM BISTRO ATELIER MAÎTRE ALBERT, WITH ITS UNPRETENTIOUS YET PERFECT PARISIAN DISHES, TO THE SHEER CULINARY ARTISTRY OF RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY.

hink of some names synonymous with French cuisine, and Guy Savoy quickly springs to mind. Savoy won his first Michelin star aged 27, and now holds three stars for his Restaurant Guy Savoy, two for its sister establishment in Las Vegas, one for Le Chiberta and a string of accolades for his two other restaurants in Paris. He is a global ambassador for French cuisine, being one of the chefs who successfully pitched in 2010 to have the French gastronomic meal declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Never one to flaunt his celebrity status, Savoy has nevertheless made subtle yet memorable marks on the world of pop culture: he voiced the character 52

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of Horst in animated film Ratatouille, mentored a young Gordon Ramsay and recently appeared in a witty French tourism clip, feeding garlic snails and frogs’ legs to Australian racing car driver, Daniel Ricciardo. Visitors to Paris can experience his creative talents at several restaurants, especially the two featured here.

BISTRO CHIC AT ATELIER MAÎTRE ALBERT Classic French dishes, served in a rustic yet elegant setting tucked just behind the Notre Dame and Boulevard Saint-Germain? It sounds like the setting for a love story, and Atelier Maître Albert certainly does evoke adoring swoons from

its loyal fanbase, even after almost two decades of service. Step inside and you’re cocooned in intimacy, all charcoal walls, lush artworks and rough-stone fireplace. The interior is by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who has breathed contemporary touches into this Renaissance-era building that make it spacious yet old-world cosy. Attentive staff welcome you to a beautiful Parisian table, where perfectly executed drinks and seasonal amuse bouches arrive in tantalising formation before the main event. Rotisserie is the specialty here, and you’ll see the daily selections of lamb, chicken, beef, fish and Breton pigeon roasting to perfection on

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the sleek modern spit on full view to diners. Accompanying the meats is a parade of timeless French sides, from gratin dauphinois to creamed spinach and mushrooms or roasted red peppers. End the meal with one of the finest cheese selections in all of France.

PERFECT SCORE AT RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY

Internationally acclaimed chef Guy Savoy (photo © Brian Leatart); below: Fireside dining at Atelier Maître Albert (photo © Stevens Fremont).

Is there such thing as the world’s best restaurant? According to La Liste – the world’s most impartial aggregator of restaurant rankings – the answer is yes. And Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris holds this enviable reputation. Savoy’s fine-dining establishment in the city’s iconic 6th arrondissement has placed equal first for four consecutive years in La Liste. And deservedly so. The culinary concept here goes far beyond provenance or quality alone. It’s operatic in its sheer drama, the cast of talents behind each dish, and the lavish art-filled setting. Expect genuinely gracious service, delectable twists in every course, and presentation as an art-form. Think a salmon dish prepared tableside: first rubbed over a block of pink Himalayan salt, then seared to perfection on dry ice. A parade of rare fine wines accompanies each course. Topping off the once-in-a-lifetime dining experience itself is the high chance of being greeted by Monsieur Savoy himself. Known for his humble generosity in sharing the joy of fine dining with all, both within and beyond the culinary world, Savoy is set to transform your perceptions of French cuisine.

ATELIER MAITRE ALBERT www.ateliermaitrealbert.com 1 rue Maître Albert, 75005 Paris, France

RESTAURANT GUY SAVOY www.guysavoy.com/en Monnaie de Paris, 11 quai de Conti, 75006 Paris, France

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Beaune

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Clockwise from top: At Pauline’s Table, guests are warmly welcomed (photo © latabledePauline); Enjoy the differences between vines of the different Climats (photo © Aurélian-Ibanez); The Chateau de Gevrey-Chambertin (photo © Michel Joly).

One fine VINTAGE

MEET ‘THE PEOPLE FROM HEREABOUTS’ – BEAUNE’S WINEMAKERS, RESTAURATEURS, GUIDES AND HOSTS IN THE WONDERFUL, ANCIENT-WALLED CITY OF CENTRAL BURGUNDY.

n arriving in beautiful Beaune, two hours south of Paris, meet ‘the people from hereabouts’. They are the town’s passionate winemakers, restaurateurs and hosts, whose passion for their paradise is palpable.

CAROLINE BONFILS DE BELLE FROM MAISON DE L’OISELIER Flowers and refreshing drinks. Soft beds. Sparkling bathrooms. Linen made of pure cotton. Welcome products made from wine extracts of Gevrey-Chambertin. Host, artist and interior designer Caroline at Maison de L’Oiselier in central Beaune gives visitors all they need for a comfortable home away from home. She’s always 54

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available with inspirational ideas on Beaune, arranging a buffet dinner for guests on arrival, and cooking workshops or wine courses in her cellar.

DENIS AND NATHALIE CHARLES, DOMAINE DE LA COMBOTTE, BED & BREAKFAST Proprietors Denis and Nathalie have two passions: wine and truffles. At the foot of their vineyards, visitors are welcomed to their guest house. It’s been in the family for five generations. From the garden terrace they will share the stories of their estate, which produces white, red and rosé wines from the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, as well as prestigious appellations such as Pommard, Volnay, Beaune and Meursault in

premier cru and village varieties. Tastings are available in the comfort of their cellar.

AT PAULINE’S TABLE, OLIVIER’S, JULIE’S AND MORE Winemakers and innkeepers, La table de Pauline in Nantoux, and Maison Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, welcome visitors to their homes, their village and their table, to taste food and wine (Chardonnays and Pinots) and discover a dash of history. Pauline from the Charles Père et Fille Estate knows intimately the exposure to the sun upon the parcel of vines planted on the birth of their youngest, and the weather that year. Olivier is easily recognisable, hat firmly planted on his head, giving greetings at the table, and telling

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guests why a particular Pinot Noir goes so well with Époisses cheese. You might start with a cellar visit, before tasting a menu of regional specialities at the table. Beef bourguignon takes pride of place, along with marbled ham or famous snails. Two to three hours is needed to fully embrace the experience with ‘the people from hereabouts’. Those with an evening appetite will be wise to head to Roland Chanliaud’s Maison du Colombier. This former starred chef has set up shop with wife Françoise in this enchanting medieval house that offers stunning views of the Notre Dame de Beaune Collegiate Church. Exceptional seasonal ingredients are a given. Organic œufs cocotte (baked eggs) with Burgundy truffle strips, minced chuck steak confit in red wine are best enjoyed with one of 900 wine references on the menu.

HOTEL DIEU/HOSPICES DE BEAUNE The Hotel Dieu is a study in the grandiose. Guide Alexia Papin shares the place’s storieswithin-stories, which begin with the hospice’s founders, 15th century philanthropists and patrons Guigone de Salins and Nicolas Rolin. Their courage, intelligence and piety still permeate the atmosphere of this timeless landmark. A trip to the skies to experience the mosaic of plots and enclosures is highly recommended. It’s equally pleasant to maintain a gentle pace along the roads and vineyard paths between Santenay, Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Picnic, or take a break in villages dotted every 3 or 4 kilometres, or on a low vineyard wall. Before you pass through Beaune, don’t miss La Maison des Climats, a permanent exhibition detailing the 2000-year history of Burgundy’s vineyard “climats”.

Further Information Beaune Tourist Office www.beaune-tourism.com MAGAZINE

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Above: The passionate and successful team behind La Côte Saint-Jacques (photo © La Cote Saint-Jacques); Below: Double-starred chef Jean-Michel Lorain from La Côte Saint-Jacques (photo © Cote Saint-Jacques).

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THE EXCEPTIONAL BEAUTY, WORLD-FAMOUS FOOD AND WINE OF BURGUNDY IN CENTRAL EASTERN FRANCE IS AN EASY HOUR AND 15 MINUTES BY TRAIN FROM PARIS. IT MAKES SENSE TO STAY AWHILE.

ith world-famous food and wine (think pinot noirs, Chardonnay, proximity to Chablis (the golden gate of Burgundy and 45-minutes from Beaujolais), captivating countryside, aweinspiring architecture and heritage spanning the Renaissance, Middle Ages and Prehistoric Period, it’s easy to spend several days soaking in this central eastern part of France.

A JAUNT IN JOIGNY A must-visit on the banks of the Yonne river, Joigny is a town oozing with art, history, and half-timbered houses. Food lovers will find the Michelin starred La Côte Saint Jacques restaurant & spa exceptional. Part of the Relais & Châteaux collection of gourmet restaurants and boutique hotels, this building majestically reflects in the Yonne river’s peaceful waters. 56

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It’s a destination for all seasons: relax on the outdoor lounge in summer, or in winter, stay by the fireplace with an aperitif and browse the hotel’s magnificent library of cookbooks.

very famous appellations which all had the distinction of being sold at 5 francs!” Each year the 15 hectares of vines are cultivated organically and biodynamically.

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FABULOUS FLAVIGNY

Not far from the Côte Saint Jacques, travellers can peer behind the doors of the famous Château de Béru and its Chablis vineyard. There, they can meet Athénaïs de Béru, a woman whose passion for wine and commitment to her craft is palpable. Athénaïs spent her childhood in the Chablis region at the Château, a family property dating back over 400 years. She is generous with anecdotes that stimulate the senses: the smells of fermentation, the flavours of harvest meals, the candles to light at night in the vines to fight against frost. “And then I remember how, having installed myself in a small garden hut, I had opened a ‘restaurant’ with a fabulous wine list,

South of Chablis in the heart of Auxois’ gentle landscape is Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, where travellers can be charmed by the fortified doors of medieval architecture, narrow streets, craft houses and bourgeois residences. There is no medieval city more fragrant than Flavigny. The scent permeating its alleys will guide you to the heart of the old Benedictine abbey: the one place where Anises are made. Since 1999, Catherine, who succeeded her grandfather and her father Nicolas Troubat, continues the tradition of the Anis de Flavigny. No trip to Flavigny is complete without visiting the Anise Factory, the Anise Crypt, the Anise Museum, the Anise Café and the Anise Boutique.

A FEW WORDS FROM DOUBLE-STARRED CHEF JEAN-MICHEL LORAIN “My grandmother, Marie Lorain, created La Côte Saint-Jacques after the war. But it was my parents, Michel and Jacqueline, who, from 1958, transformed the guest house into a luxury hotel.” Almost 30 years before cooking workshops

DELIGHTFUL DIJON A cultural destination par excellence, Dijon is the capital of the greater Burgundy – Franche-Comté region, dubbed The City of Art and History with a vast, protected area of 97 hectares. The latter is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dijon’s city centre is exclusively reserved for pedestrians. In the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, a tiny owl guides visitors through Dijon’s historic

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Catherine continues the tradition of the Anis de Flavigny (photo © Marc Troubat).

architectural heart, ensuring no detail of Dijon’s architectural heritage is missed. From Place Darcy, the owl takes visitors to the original owl perched on a Notre-Dame church buttress. According to legend, those who caress her with their left hand will have their wishes granted!

Further Information Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourism www.burgundy-tourism.com

went mainstream, Jean-Michel shared his culinary prowess with wives of the hotel’s loyal customers. Today, many courses and local market tours tempt guests.

No trip to Dijon is complete without exploring the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon (featuring 1,500 works displayed in 50 rooms). The museum has occupied the palace’s eastern wing since 1799 (photo © Francois Jay).

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An elegant blush in the kitchen from Le Creuset (photo © Le Creuset).

Objets d’art WHETHER YOUR PERSONAL TASTE IS TRADITIONAL, CUTTING EDGE OR NOSTALGIC, THESE DIVINE FRENCH LIFESTYLE GOODS AND HOMEWARES BRING YOU FRANCE’S FINEST.

Impress

Feast

A golden age

Pastel perfect

Who needs a reason to open a bottle of champagne? Decades since Laurent-Perrier released its first cuvée rose in 1968 (100 per cent pinot noir), it has been re-released within a vibrant, limited edition, pink-gold gown. The shapely bottle pays homage to bottle designs from decades past. The cuvee rose’s ripe red fruit aromas, which deftly combine raspberry, cherry and redcurrant, are not to be missed. https://cuveerose.com

The global leader in premium quality enamelled cast iron cookware, Le Creuset, is bringing elegant blushes into kitchens and homes with its Shell Pink collection. Inspired by the soft tones of seashells, and capturing the essence of romance and sunsets, this delicate pink hue graces Le Creuset’s cast iron, stoneware and kitchen accessories. www.lecreuset.com.au

An ode to centuries past (photo © Laurent-Perrier).

A fresh take on Lacoste’s original design (photo © Lacoste).

Textile Sport is beautiful It’s been 87 years since Lacoste created its first polo, and 58

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since then this iconic brand has brought elegance to the world with its original lifestyle wear for men, women and children. In its Festival of Chic collection, which is filled with ’90s checks, Lacoste honours its unique heritage, with a fresh take on its original designs. www.lacoste.com.au

Rylstone, NSW

Burgundy, France

We searched for a location in Australia that shared Burgundy’s cool, inland climate and limestone-rich soils – a ‘terroir’ that produces some of the best wines in the world. We found it above the historic village of Rylstone in NSW. Our family’s range of award-winning wines harness Old and New World winemaking techniques to create wine that is truly one of a kind.

www.debeaurepairewines.com

old world new world ne world

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Handcrafted in France, Le Creuset’s cast iron casserole dish (photo © Le Creuset).

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Inspire Special reservation For nearly 200 years Maison Mumm’s exceptional cuvée was designated exclusively for friends and family, marked in the cellarmaster’s book ‘RSRV’ (ReSeRVed). The tradition of the day was for a visiting card, with its corner folded down, to be left for the lucky recipient. Today’s lucky

recipients of the RSRV collection of four champagnes, all 100 per cent Grand Cru, are an esteemed selection of Australia’s finest restaurants and bars. www.mumm.com/en-au/homepage A history of exclusive taste and choice of fine champagne (photo © G.H. Mumm).

Cook Table mates Le Creuset’s palette of Meringue, Sage and New Fig is a thoughtful assortment of calming hues, designed to fill your kitchen with sophisticated simplicity. The delicate new pastel shades add an elegant softness to Le Creuset cast iron, stoneware and kitchen accessories. Available at Le Creuset Boutiques (Sydney and The Strand Arcade) and other quality outlets. See website for a full list of approved stockists. www.lecreuset.com.au

Taste Say fromage The French have always loved their cheese, and GJ Food is no different. Discerning cheese lovers will be chuffed to know that GJ Food has added a delicious range of cheeses to its catalogue. There is something for all kinds of cheese lovers in GJ Food’s range: hard, soft, brie, blue, goat’s cheese, sheep’s and unpasteurised milk cheeses as well as cheeses aged up to three years. www.gjfood.com.au

Cheese lovers satisfied (photo © GJ Food).

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P O R T R A I T Stylish luggage from S.T. Dupont (photo © S. T. Dupont).

Luggage Leather greats A travel bag light enough for air travel yet durable enough to withstand international adventuring? S.T. Dupont’s oiled canvas and cognac leather duffel bag, first commissioned in 1947 by American film star Humphrey

Bogart (which became his very favourite), is today a stylish icon enjoyed by travellers everywhere. Get yours today from Alexandre de Lacharrière, the Australian distributor for S. T. Dupont ($1,150 RRP). www.st-dupont.com

Fine porcelain by Revol (photo © Table Manners).

Porcelain

Cutlery

Finer things

Visual feast

Introducing the Pekoë Collection from the makers of fine porcelain, Revol. Designers of this delicate yet durable, high quality collection drew their inspiration from the fans of LED lamps. Everything refined tea lovers could possibly ask for is easily found in the Pekoë collection: cups, bowls, plates, ramekins, bowls and more. Available from local distributor Table Manners. table-manners.com.au

For a dinner table that is certain to turn heads you can’t go past Collection Panda cutlery from Sabre Paris. Marrying usefulness and pleasurable avant-garde with tradition, this cutlery, featuring genuine bamboo handles, makes any dining experience a visual feast. For a complete change of scenery at the dining table, choose cutlery inspired by some of the world’s most beautiful places. Available through local distributor Table Manners. table-manners.com.au

Cutlery that will turn heads (photo © Table Manners).

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Above: Eiffel Tower views from the terrace outside Hotel Brach’s Suite Suzanne; top right: city views spa-side at Suite Henri (photos © Guillaume De Laubier).

Hotels

Midnight in PARIS

SO, YOU THOUGHT YOU HAD A FAVOURITE PARIS HOTEL? THINK AGAIN – THESE DELIGHTFUL DESTINATIONS WILL MAKE YOU CRAVE A NEW EXPERIENCE ON YOUR NEXT SOJOURN TO THE CITY OF LIGHTS.

Let’s face it. A hotel is much more than a place to sleep, especially when you’re in Paris and there are views to admire, flavours to savour, bars to rendezvous in and artistic interiors to drool over. Paris has always set the global standard for compelling hotels, so much so they’ve served as temporary residences for the likes of Salvador Dali, Coco Chanel, Oscar Wilde and others in the past. Here are five that might inspire you to do the same. 62

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HOTEL BRACH The five-star, glass-and-steel Hotel Brach – once a 1970s mail sorting centre – is the realisation of Philippe Starck’s vision for a cheeky and iconic venue. Here, 1930s architecture meets modernism, Bauhaus, Dadaism and Surrealism. Behind the imposing façade are 52 individually appointed rooms and seven suites, thoughtful facilities, a spa, sports club with swimming pools, and even a rooftop kitchen garden with resident hens. Then there are Hotel Brach’s landmark dining

and drinking spots. Foremost among these is Brach Restaurant, its flavourful, Mediterraneaninspired menu the work of celebrated executive chef Adam Bentalha. Meanwhile, pastry chef Yann Brys serves his show-stopping creations at Patisserie Brach, where guests can indulge in traditional desserts and signature creations alike. Relaxation and wellness go hand-in-hand inside the hotel’s cavernous sport centre, its design inspired by 1930s boxing clubs. Splash away the day’s cares with a few laps of the

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22-metre swimming pool, then unwind in the sauna, steam room or Himalayan salt cave. The programme for fans of fitness and relaxation is comprehensive – from kickboxing to functional training and more. Aromatic herbs, fruits and vegetables await on the rooftop garden that brings the countryside to Paris’s 16th arrondissement, complete with a 360-degree view of the city’s skyline. Sip a signature cocktail or champagne spritz at the bar, then retreat to the warm surrounds of your room – to admire the collection of fine art and books, or simply gaze out of generous windows to the iconic cityscape beyond.

HOTEL BRACH brachparis.com

FAUCHON L’HÔTEL PARIS

FAUCHON L’HOTEL PARIS hotel-fauchon-paris.fr

From beautifully appointed rooms to the complimentary delicacies, Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris in the glamorous 8th arrondissement is a stunning partnership. A joint initiative between the Esprit de France hotel group and upmarket delicatessen, Maison Fauchon, Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris is rich in the fine details that make all the difference. Take the Sacha Lakic-designed Gourmet Bar, for example. Guests can savour complimentary – and customisable – Fauchon delicacies, from pastries and chocolate truffles to foie gras. Hotel staff will kindly pack any leftover dainties for guests to savour at home. The hotel is set within a beautiful Haussman-era building. Inside, architect Richard Martinet has preserved many original balconies, doors and mouldings. L’Atelier Paluel-Marmont has brought to life the Paris aesthetic, with a pink and black palette throughout the 37 guestrooms and 17 suites. Rooms promise plenty of Paris: some look across Boulevard Malesherbes, others have a window onto Place de la Madeleine, and the duplex suites have Eiffel Tower views. Selected suites even accommodate a chef, to produce in-room meals. If you’re in need of some pampering, visit the state-of-the-art Carita Spa. For a more rustic foodie experience, drop by the Grand Café Fauchon for everything from Breton, Sardinian and Corsican hams to freshly smoked local salmon. And don’t leave without a peaceful hour or two in Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris’ picturesque tea garden, the perfect setting for a signature Fauchon tea. Centre and left: contemporary colours, textures and lights inside the old-world Paris setting (photos © Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris). MAGAZINE

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HÔTEL DU ROND-POINT DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES

The Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and all the delights of Paris are minutes from the 36-room Hotel du Rond-Point (‘roundabout’). A leisurely 10-minute walk is all it takes to reach the 8th arrondissement of Paris, filled with refined boutiques. The hotel’s Art Deco entrance canopy transports guests back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Inside is a peaceful place for unwinding. It’s also where Art Deco blends seamlessly with contemporary styling. Likewise, its recently refurbished rooms respectfully reference the era’s glamour, with fine marble, wine-bottle glassware and metallic elements. The view from select top floor suites lets visitors easily sample Paris sunsets across

Main: Retro vibes of the hotel façade; right: a chic modern take on Art Deco style in the rooms (photos © Hôtel du Rond-Point).

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rooftops, complete with glimpses of iconic monuments. Two seventh floor suites even overlook the always-romantic Eiffel Tower. A leisurely place to relax after touring local boutiques and galleries is poolside, at the hotel’s contemporary and stylish 13-metre indoor pool. A traditional Turkish bath rounds out the on-site wellness facilities. An evening’s relaxation awaits at the elegant cocktail bar. Each of the 36 rooms is appointed in Art Deco-inspired furniture, textiles and lighting, along with modern comforts including Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and Sothys skincare products. Service is discreet yet personal, with staff known on a first-name basis, and a 24/7 front desk. Hôtel du Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées is a member of Esprit de France, a collection of hotels and residences rich in art and history.

HÔTEL DU ROND-POINT DES CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES paris-hotel-rondpoint-champselysees. com/en

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PEONY To stay on Île Saint-Louis is to immerse yourself in the story of Paris. This discreet and unspoilt island unravels a mixture of 17th century architecture, modern boutiques, narrow streets and magnificent views from its tree-lined quays. The Île always feels like your secret place in Paris. Formerly known as Île aux Vaches (island of cows) it sits directly behind Île de la Cité, and is a stone’s throw from Notre Dame. The gentle splashes of the River Seine are never far. The Peony apartment is located in a prestigious 19th century building. Elegant and spacious, it has recently undergone a total renovation and brims with contemporary flair. The 90-square-metre residence features two stunning bedrooms, five large windows, two bathrooms, a modern fully equipped kitchen, and large livingdining area. The pastel palette, high moulded ceilings and parquet floors are further enhanced by an Empire style fireplace and bespoke lighting. Assorted authentic objets d’art complete the picture of this exquisite apartment. Picture yourself returning home from the nearby markets to dine in the serenity of your own apartment. Or skip downstairs each morning, to fetch warm croissants from the local boulangerie.

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Peony is perfect for two couples, a family or honeymooners who wish to savour the ambience of the Île and the experience of living like true Parisians. As the world changes it is rare to discover a place such as Peony, where you can experience romantic Paris at its best.

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GUEST APARTMENT SERVICES PARIS www.guestapartment.com

Top: The prestigious Guest Appartement office in Paris welcomes you. Below: Classic Parisian style inside and out at the Peony Appartement (photos © Guest Apartment Services Paris).

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ARTUS HOTEL Steps from some of Paris’s most-visited landmarks is the Artus Hotel, its lavish interiors inspired by the golden age of Saint-Germain-desPrés. Situated on the Rive Gauche, 10 minutes’ walk to Saint-Sulpice and Odeon Theatre and a kilometre from Pont Neuf, this delightful establishment brims with originality. The hotel’s bold look pays homage to the joie de vivre of 1950s Paris, with 27 individually styled rooms and suites, enriched with bold colours in the spirit of Jacques Tati. Each room invites with a palette of pinks, yellows and reds, along with vintage lampshades and chairs, high ceilings and lavish soft furnishings.

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Travellers can experience unspoilt calm in bathrooms featuring waterfall shower-heads or baths. Or don your velvet robe and slip downstairs to unwind in the spa and sauna, set in the hotel’s exposed-stone vaulted cellar. Indulge in a soothing massage afterwards. Guests who prefer to stay in and recharge may sip their favourite drink in the bar and lounge, dine in the restaurant or be cocooned with convenient room service. Travellers are warmly welcomed by the hotel’s caring and attentive staff. Whether visiting Paris on business, seeking a short stay, or getting set for romance, the Artus Hotel is an ideal base.

ARTUS HOTEL 34 rue de Buci 75006 Paris, France +33 1 43 29 07 20 info@artushotel.com www.artushotel.com

Clockwise from above: vibrant palette throughout the hotel exterior and rooms (all photos © Bielsa).

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Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme

Lap of LUXURY

A LUXE STAY IN PARIS THAT’S HEAVENSENT? THE EPITOME OF STYLE NEXT TO PLACE VENDÔME AND TWO MINUTES’ WALK FROM THE OPERA GARNIER IS PARK HYATT PARIS-VENDÔME.

oused in a classic Haussmannian building on the prestigious rue de la Paix is Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, where visitors are mere breaths away from one of the world’s most luxurious and iconic streets and the Louvre itself. Paris has long provided a setting for the well-heeled and tasteful, and the Park Hyatt ParisVendôme is no exception. Awarded the distinction of ‘Palace’ for hotels above five stars, it’s among the city’s finest luxury hotels. Its 156 rooms, including 46 suites, painstakingly designed by the renowned Ed Tuttle, were inspired by luxurious Parisian apartments, with carefully selected artworks and furnishings. Rooms and suites promise bustling street vistas or views of a tranquil inner courtyard. The hotel holds its own as a sophisticated dining destination, including the one Michelinstarred Pur’ by Chef Jean-François Rouquette. The restaurant, complete with a six metre wine wall, is set in a rotunda with mahogany walls adorned with ink sketches by acclaimed artist Viswanadhan. The Chef’s Table overlooks an open kitchen for a memorable dining experience. More relaxed dining is assured in Sens restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch under the hotel’s distinctive glass ceiling. La Cheminée is an all-day dining location where diners can warm up around the fireplace. The intimate Bar lures guests back time and time again for

distinctive cocktails, special wines, rare spiritts and champagnes. The hotel brims with delights, such as the intimate Spa, and Hair Room Service by hairdresser to the stars, John Nollet. The Spa offers a fitness centre, step room and whirlpool bath, a refreshing oasis after a day out discovering Paris.

Further Information Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme www.parkhyattparisvendome.com Top: A fine hotel; Right: The Presidential Suite (photos © Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome). MAGAZINE

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Top and opposite: refined Italian gastronomy and an ambience that combines tradition with innovation (all photos © Relais et Châteaux).

New SENSATION

HÔTEL SPLENDIDE ROYAL PARIS, FROM RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX, IS THE PLACE FOR ROMANTIC TÊTE-À-TÊTES, DISCRETE LUXURY AND ‘FAMILY HOME’ AMBIENCE. BY PETER BERMAN.

hat could be more romantic than an Italian in Paris? This thought follows me throughout my three-day sojourn at Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris, a model Belle Époque building and once the residence of Pierre Cardin. The elegant address has now been transformed by its new owner, Roberto Naldi, into a 12-suite luxury hotel for those who have nothing to prove but enjoy sophisticated anonymity. 70

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There is much to discover in this exclusive Paris precinct, nestled between the Grand Palais, Champs-Élysées and Rue du Faubourg SaintHonoré. Visitors are positioned right in the heart of luxury shopping. Easily recognisable high-end brands are within a few short steps: Hermès, Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton. A visit to the concept store of the oftencelebrated French retail brand L’Éclaireur is well worth doing – even if merely to experience its

sensational interiors. Around the corner, head to Carita for a haircut. Despite its glamour the area has a village-like intimacy, albeit with neighbours including the French President. A brisk 2-kilometre walk lands you at the Louvre Museum, home to French, Italian, Spanish, Flemish and English works from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Keep walking and you’re at the The Musée d’Orsay, a converted railway station dedicated to the art of the 19th century and world-

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Right: celebrated chef Raffaele de Mase.

famous impressionists including Monet, Renoir, Manet, Sisley, Gauguin and Degas. Walking a little further takes you to the Pompidou Centre, designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, one of Europe’s most outstanding museums, and rooftop restaurant Georges, offering stunning views of the capital. For exotic dining, Caviar Kaspia has been the go-to spot for high society in Paris since the 1920s. Here, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beyoncé rub shoulders with politicians and the literary elite. It’s like an old-world private members’ club, where guests are welcomed by name and led through the ground floor shop to the second floor where champagne flows and vodka is served in carafes. The menu is simple, with extravagant ingredients and various ways to enjoy caviar. However, you need not venture further than the adjoining door of Hôtel Splendide Royal Paris to Ristorante Tosca where you can dine on fine Italian cuisine. Or, you may choose a cooking

masterclass with celebrated chef Raffaele de Mase. He demonstrates the subtleties of refined Italian gastronomy, combining tradition with innovation and contemporary accents of Italy’s finest flavours. An Italian in Paris, Raffaele is equally at ease with Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino as the exotic liver and tongue dishes, to which he adds his designer touches. Hôtel Splendide Royal and Ristorante Tosca are members of the select Relais & Châteaux group of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants. Each property is owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs who are passionate about their craft and share the art de vivre engrained in local culture. Your host in Paris is Maître de Maison Benoit Saudemont. Born from an Italian mother, Benoit is a gentle unassuming manager whose attention to detail has a welcoming balance of friendly ambience that makes you feel at home.

Further Information Hôtel Splendide Royal www.splendideroyal.fr/en

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port and travel are intrinsically linked, whether it’s the lure of the FIFA World Cup or the French Open, Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup or the greatest event of all, the Olympic Games. Sport tourism is now a multibillion-dollar industry, encompassing fans who travel to watch their sporting heroes in action or those who take part in their own sporting competitions. And wherever they go, travellers can expect to find an Accor hotel to host them and their teammates or fellow fans. Accor knows that the three main passions of its guests are food, entertainment and sport. As the largest operator of hotels in France, the group is a strong supporter of sport from the grassroots level to the highest echelons throughout the country.

KICKING GOALS Soccer buffs can access a compelling range of Elite Experiences when they join the group’s new lifestyle loyalty programme, ALL (Accor Live Limitless), now the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club’s Principal Partner and official jersey sponsor. Fans can choose from around 400 once-in-alifetime Elite Experiences through ALL, including getting to meet legendary players such as Neymar or Mbappe, or going behind the scenes at special matches. PSG celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and, to celebrate, the most-awarded Club of French football will open a dedicated museum

Rising star Kylian Mbappe with his entourage (photo © PSG-Accor Live).

Accor Hotels & Resorts We can be HEROES

INSPIRED TO VISIT FRANCE FOR AN UPCOMING BIG-TICKET SPORTS TOURNAMENT? HOTEL GROUP ACCOR OFFERS SPORTS FANS MUCH MORE THAN ACCOMMODATION, WITH ITS EXCLUSIVE TICKETING AND EVENT OFFERS FOR GUESTS. Right: Michael Issenberg, Chairman & CEO Accor Hotels Asia Pacific, holds the Australian Open trophy (photo © Accor). 72

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showcasing trophies, photos, videos and official jerseys. Entrance to the museum will include access to two locations: the Parc des Princes, where the history of the Club will be retraced, and the Jean-Bouin stadium. Inspired by the Atelier des Lumières, the museum offers fun activities and virtual reality experiences.

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Serena Williams is a long-term Ambassador for Accor’s Australian Open sponsorship (photo © Accor).

GAME, SET AND MATCH Accor also backs some of the biggest tennis tournaments in France and abroad, and is an official supplier to Roland Garros. For tennis fans around the world, this iconic venue is synonymous with the French Open. Accor also has a long-term relationship with tennis legend, Serena Williams, who has been Accor Australia’s ambassador for the Australian Open for the past few years. At both the French Open and Rolex Paris Masters, Accor organises partnerships with players, special Elites Experiences and a VIP Welcome Fans terrace.

LIVING IT UP So, what does this mean for guests? Well firstly, Accor’s partnership with sports and live entertainment company AEG means that members of ALL can get access to special VIP events, private suites and tickets to sporting and entertainment events at Accor Arena in Paris. In addition to world-class concerts, this includes an impressive array of sporting events from tennis to boxing to cycling. Accor’s generous packages for sports fans also extend to its budget offering over at Ibis hotels. Here, guests can access preferential rates, late check-out after a game, private dining bookings and other services for sports fans travelling in groups. With over 1,500 hotels and resorts in France, Accor can offer the perfect hotel for every sporting fan including the Hôtel Molitor Paris - MGallery, just moments from Roland Garros Stadium; a range of ski resorts in the majestic Alps; golfing hotels across the continent; or a number of hotels along the route of the Tour de France.

Hotel Molitor Paris MGallery is not only a great hotel for swimmers, but is located within a short walk of Roland Garros (photo © Accor).

Further Information Accor All.accor.com/australia Accor Promotions all.accor.com/gb/ australia/promotions-offers/index.shtml and limitlessexperiences.accor.com

Hôtel Mercure Les Arcs 1800 provides the perfect base for skiers in the French Alps (photo © Accor).

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the RER B line and 15 minutes to the heart of Paris. Notre-Dame de Paris isn’t far either: jump on the RER 8 Metro, or cheer in the crowd at a sports event at Stade Sébastien Charléty. For travellers coming by bus from Orly airport, take the Orlybus shuttle and stop at Stade Sébastien Charléty. The contemporary communal spaces – the bar, restaurant and garden – are a hub for having fun (self-serving beer tap system, anyone?) with travellers from all corners of the globe. There are hearty hot dogs and fabulous cocktails (arguably among the best in town), as well as inspiring events and activities that are changed up every week: yoga, live DJs, concerts and plenty of others. Look out for the Jo&Joe offering in two other locations around Paris and France, including in the 20th arrondissement, Nation, and Hossegor in Landes.

Jo&Joe

Equal parts fun youth hostel, budget hotel and meeting place (photo © Thierry Savage / Abaca).

NEW kid on the block

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Choose from cabins (for two), private rooms with bathrooms for two or three guests. Or select from communal-style dorm accommodation for groups of four, five, six, eight or 12.

Further Information Jo& Joe www.joandjoe.com

HOTEL JO&JOE PARIS-GENTILLY IS A NEW PARIS HUB FOR TRAVELLERS LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO STAY THAT’S AFFORDABLE, FUNKY AND ON THE DOORSTEP OF MAJOR ATTRACTIONS.

ere at Atout France, we get to know all manner of hotels – from the luxurious to the homely. If there is one thing we love seeing, it’s innovation, and that’s what appeals

about Jo&Joe. With a vibe that’s equal parts fun youth hostel, budget hotel and hipster meeting-place, Jo&Joe from the Accor group is designed first and foremost to get conversations going. With large living spaces, restaurants, bars (and of course beds), it’s for the young, and the young at heart – those for whom travel is firstly about meeting people and seeing where the road will take them. Importantly, it’s also about keeping costs down, and you won’t find a bed here that costs more than a few rounds of fancy cocktails with friends.

JO&JOE PARIS-GENTILLY Situated between the Porte d’Orléans and the Porte de Gentilly, a 5-minute walk from the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, Hotel Jo&Joe’s first Paris site at Gentilly is next to 74

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The facade of Jo&Joe Paris-Gentilly at night (photo © Thierry Savage / Abaca).

CRUISE THROUGH ROM ANTIC PAR IS & HISTOR IC NOR M ANDY Journey through picturesque Giverny and visit the enchanting gardens and estate that inspired Claude Monet. Retrace Joan of Arc’s footsteps in the medieval city of Rouen. Walk hallowed ground at Normandy’s military cemetery and D-Day beaches. Savour rustic French cuisine and world-class wines.

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Paris Olympics 2024

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Diver against the backdrop of the Le Grand Palais (photo © Paris 2024/Alain Gadoffre).

Faster, higher, STRONGER THE BEST IN WORLD SPORT. THE FINEST FRANCE. PARIS 2024 WILL BE THE BIGGEST EVENT EVER TO BE HOSTED BY FRANCE, AND THE WHOLE WORLD IS INVITED.

wenty-eight Olympic sports, 206 nations, and an incredible 304 events. Paris 2024 is all set to host an unbridled celebration for the whole of France – and the world. In the towns and cities, across TV screens and on the internet, everywhere will be swept up in the celebrations.

PARIS’ ICONIC MONUMENTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT The games are poised to be an inclusive celebration of art, architecture, gastronomy, culture, fashion and music. Moreover, spectators will see sport’s finest, showcased in locations not normally seen. All kinds of sporting prowess will

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be set against picturesque backdrops – among them celebrated Parisian monuments, others to be feted for the first time. Triathlon and open water swimming will be set against the iconic Eiffel Tower. Beach volleyball, judo and wrestling will be set against the Champ de Mars. The historic site, exhibition hall and museum complex The Grand Palais will set the scene for fencing and Taekwondo. The familiar sight of picnickers and sunbathing at the Esplanade des Invalides will be replaced by feats of archery. The equestrian world’s sporting royalty and pentathlon competitions will be honoured at the Château de Versailles.

WHERE IN THE WORLD… Place de la Concorde in Paris is set to become a spectacular multi-sport venue, showcasing heritage and bringing exceptional images to viewers worldwide. Bordering 10 arrondissements, the iconic Seine river, which joins Paris’ historic heart to the Seine-Saint-Denis department, will become a focal point of festivities for outdoor lovers and sport fans. For centuries, its banks have attracted poets, architects and artists; now, travellers will be drawn by shows, concerts and live entertainment. The Seine may not be renowned for its surf,

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From top: Tennis in front of the Eiffel Tower; trampolinist at the Grand Palais (photo © Stephane Kempinaire/Paris 2024); competitors at the Marine de Marseille (top and bottom photos © Paris 2024/Populous/Luxigon). but Teahupo’o in Tahiti, home to one of the world’s iconic and dangerous waves certainly is! Olympic surfing events will be held in this overseas collective. Add an over-water bungalow stay into the mix while you’re there. Consider a visit to The Three Waterfalls (Les Trois Cascades) in north east Tahiti. Or, get up close and personal with marine life in The Huahine Natural Aquarium. Olympic water events will be held at The Paris 2024 Aquatic Centre in Saint-Denis. While you’re there, stop by the Basilica of Saint-Denis, a medieval abbey church completed in 1144. For stunning views of Saint-Denis, visit the nearby Parc du Colorado.

REGIONS IN FOCUS From major cities to far-flung villages, the

Olympic Games will offer a burst of energy that will ricochet across France. Eight different cities will host football matches. Marseille’s Roucas Blanc Marina will proudly host all sailing events. Some 500 towns and cities throughout France have been awarded the ‘Terre de Jeux 2024’ label – many of which will be Games Preparation Centres: bases for national delegations, and home to fan zones, uniting people in celebration of countless sporting achievements and of course harnessing the energy of the people that celebrate the Olympic Torch Relay.

Further Information Paris Olympics 2024 www.paris2024.org/en/

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Main image: France has begun counting down to the 2023 Rugby World Cup (photo © RWC/Destination France/(Paul Antoine). Inset, opposite: Australian fans at a recent World Cup (photo © RWC 2023).

Playing to WIN AN UNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATION OF RUGBY’S FINEST AWAITS, ON AND OFF THE FIELD, WHEN FRANCE HOSTS THE RUGBY WORLD CUP IN 2023.

reparations by the France 2023 Organising Committee and World Rugby are gathering pace since hosting passed from Japan. It started in 2018, when the RWC 2023 logo and brand identity were unveiled, continued with the Pool Draw announcement in late 2019, and continues to peak with the first commercial partnerships signed this year. In Paris, the Organising Committee HQ was inaugurated, and, around the country, nine host cities were honoured to be selected as official team base camps. These towns, from Lille in the north to Nice in the south, and including Saint-Étienne, Nantes, Marseille, Toulouse and Lyon, are set to welcome 20 teams competing across 48 matches. A rousing manifesto, “Bougeons les lignes!” (Let’s shift the lines!) debuted, to engage youth, unite regions and communities, and promote unity through diversity. As well as this, a celebration of rugby’s values in a national and international societal context is taking place.

Social networks have been activated with the release of ‘Rendez-vous en France en 2023’: a promotional video that pays tribute to France and rugby in all its diversity (tourism, cultural and geographical). It has already been viewed over 1.7 million times. And, more than one million fans have signed up to the #WEARE2023 database in readiness for the Opening of Ticketing in March 2021. One of the main aims of the Organising Committee is to ensure that RWC 2023 is both a success as a sports event and for tourism. To this end, World Cup Rugby and Atout France entered into a partnership. The goal is to take the Cup beyond the sport, by offering a complete and unique experience for visitors to France: to discover the country writ large – its plurality, cultural identity and historic sites and monuments. Being the bicentenary of the birth of rugby, 2023 is an incredible opportunity to place French gastronomy, culture and local agricultural products in the global spotlight. Promotion of “Destination France” and French savoir-faire will be keys to success.

KEY STATISTICS

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600,000

Foreign visitors

Days of competition

209

Number of countries broadcasting the Rugby World Cup

3,000+

Media representatives expected to visit F to cover the 10th World Cup

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2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP MATCH VENUES

asting

ted to visit France

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We know where you will be in 2023.

If you follow rugby, or just need an excuse to holiday in France (and who doesn’t) then 2023 is your year, because in 2023 the very best of The Rugby will be on display in nine French cities: Bordeaux, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Saint-Étienne and Toulouse! Soak up the atmosphere at one of the world’s biggest up coming sporting events and get also inspired to explore France’s bucket-list destinations on France.fr, like the Cote d’Azur, the Renaissance castles of the world-heritage-listed Loire Valley, the Burgundy or Champagne region or simply discover the Cite de la Gastronomie in Lyon. Plan your trip at France.fr, the ultimate guide to visiting France.

www.France.fr

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Top: Former Waratahs player Damien Fitzpatrick played rugby in France for several years (photo © Marc Galaor). Right: Lyon’s cuisine is renowned throughout France (photo © Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie de Lyon).

Interview

Footy-player to FOODIE WE CAUGHT UP WITH FORMER NSW WARATAHS PLAYER DAMIEN FITZPATRICK, WHO RELOCATED FROM SYDNEY TO FRANCE IN 2013 TO PLAY FOR LYON UNTIL 2016. HE SHARES SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS TIME THERE.

On France: It’s the best country at offering something to entertain anyone. Cheese, wine, bread, restaurants, history… Go anywhere, and 40 minutes down the road is entirely different, with its own distinctive culture and heritage. Ninety minutes from Lyon, you’re in the French Alps. On small town welcome: The French are among the world’s most welcoming people, taking pride in their history and culture. Small towns will welcome you and want to share the origins of their customs and traditions with you.

On Bordeaux: If you love wine, go to the Bordeaux region. While there, Saint-Emilion is an unmissable medieval town that’s a joy to tour on foot. On Lyon: France’s gastronomic capital is a city I can’t recommend highly enough. With 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, chefs like Paul Bocuse and Daniel Boulud have really helped put Lyon on the map.

On the Côte D’azur: If you catch a game in Nice, you’ll be in the middle of the Côte d’Azur in no time. Be sure to spend time in smaller towns. I love Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a seaside village on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco. Say bonjour: For the French, the store or shop is like an extension of home. Be sure to say ‘bonjour’. The gesture goes a long way each time you enter a restaurant, hotel or boutique see the response you’ll get!

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Booked to go

NINE FRENCH CITIES, DOTTED ALL AROUND THE COUNTRY, WILL HOST FIXTURES FOR THE 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP IN FRANCE. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN ENJOY AT SOME OF THEM.

Paris Food Discovery: Visit three-Michelin starred restaurant Epicure. Or give Guy Savoy a go. Immerse in history by: Stepping inside the Museum of French History. Savour a taste of culture: Attend a Moulin Rouge cabaret. Live like a local by: Visiting the Louvre late at night. Eiffel Tower and the River Seine (photo © Atout France/Jean Isenmann).

Nice

The coastline along Nice near Eze (photo © Office du tourisme d’Eze - P. Masson).

Food discovery: Dine at Olive & Artichaut in Old Nice. Immerse in history by: staring at the beautiful interiors of Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas in Nice. A taste of culture: Marvel at the artistry of The Carnival of Nice (held in February). Live like a local by: Strolling along the seafront or taking steps along the pebbled beach.

Marseille

Marseille’s brilliant Museum of Mediterranean and European Civilisations (photo ©Atout France/Alizée Palomba).

Food discovery: Sample bouillabaisse at a top-rated Marseille restaurant. Immerse in history by: Wandering around the Vieux Port, where the city was founded around 600 BC. A taste of culture: Soaking up Mediterranean history at the ultramodern MuCEM museum. Live like a local by: Diving into turquoise waters at Calanques National Park.

Lille Food discovery: Have a meal at L’Étable, just two steps from rue Royale. Immerse in history by: Soaking in the surrounds at meeting place, La Grande Place. A taste of culture: Peruse painting prints and sculpture at Musée des Beaux Arts. Live like a local by: Picking up fresh produce from the local markets in Wazemmes. Left: Shopping in downtown Lille (photo © HelloLille/Nablezon).

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Lyon Food discovery: At Les Halles de Lyon, discover regional produce at Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse and Saint-Antoine Farmers Market. Or try something new at a traditional family-owned bouchon. Immerse in history by: Discovering Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere. A taste of culture: Visit the Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain. Live like a local by: Going out for lunch and staying in for dinner. Musée des Confluences, riverside in Lyon (photo © Quentin Lafont).

New Zealand-born Tim Cowley once placed for ‘Top 14’ team Bourgoin-Jallieu, above left, and now runs Rustic Vines Tours, right (photos © Rustic Vines Tours).

Bordeaux Tim Cowley: Loving French wine country ORIGINALLY FROM WAIKATO, NEW ZEALAND, TIM COWLEY HAS LIVED IN ROMAGNÉ OUTSIDE SAINT-ÉMILION FOR FIVE YEARS. COWLEY FORMERLY PLAYED PROFESSIONAL RUGBY PLAYER WITH TOP 14 TEAM BOURGOIN-JALLIEU, AND TODAY HE RUNS THE AWARD-WINNING RUSTIC VINES TOURS. Cowley – who has held the number one spot for wine tour companies on TripAdvisor since 2015 – will be celebrating the Rugby World Cup with a glass or two of quality Bordeaux wine, and shared a few insights about the region. On Arcachon: Arcachon in the south-west is renowned for gastronomy. Visitors only visit the area’s vineyards; they miss out on the outstanding oysters. Allow a few days to visit the seaside. On the Bordeaux region: Bordeaux, which will be one of the host cities for the 2023 Rugby

World Cup in France, became a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site in 2007. The Old City and its cobbled streets are all very accessible. You’ll encounter a 12th, 13th or 14th century building every 100 metres. Don’t miss Le Palais Gallien, the ruins of a once-large Roman amphitheatre dating back to the third century. On wine tours: There are over 8,000 châteaux in Bordeaux, covering almost as much area as the total vineyard area in Australia. My company, Rustic Vines Tours (rusticvinestours. com/en), has an office in the centre of the historic wine village of Saint-Émilion, which is

a great place to start exploring on one of our electric bike tours. Our tours are popular with a range of age groups. Tour by e-bike, picnic in the château grounds, or take a walking tour of the old town in Bordeaux. Enjoy wine and good fresh local French produce on our tours. In the past 15 years Bordeaux has had a stunning makeover. Today it’s a city that’s fresh and rich with history.

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Gullivers Sport Travel Many TEAMS many DREAMS

Fans wave flags at a France vs Argentina game in 2018; Inset: Gullivers Sport Travel director and hosts, Ken and Sally Glover (photos © Gullivers Sport Travel).

RUGBY FANS ARE IN EXPERT HANDS WITH GULLIVERS SPORT TRAVEL, THE ONLY TRAVEL AGENCY IN THE WORLD TO HAVE CONDUCTED NINE RUGBY WORLD CUP TOURS SINCE 1987.

ver set out to visit an international sporting fixture? Then you’ll know what a logistical challenge you’re up for. For starters, there’s the stress of booking the minute those tickets go online, armed with the banking details and names of your entire entourage – plus a truckload of patience for when the system crashes, just as you’ve placed your order. 84

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Then there are hotels, flights, transfers and special outings to coordinate. All while remembering that Dave needs super-regular meals because of his diabetes, Harry needs a day to sulk if his team loses, and Jenny wants to shop for every type of merch available.

TICKS ALL THE BOXES Luckily, rugby fans seeking an unforgettable 2023 Rugby World Cup in France are in expert hands when

they book with Australian-based specialist sports tour company, Gullivers Sport Travel. Gullivers Sport Travel founder, Ken Grover, started his thriving business in 1983 and is a diehard Francophile. “France is a hugely compelling destination, whether rugby is your number one passion, or history, or gastronomy – there are just so many attractions,” he says.

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Ken’s first tour was with a group of 200 to the Cup in New Zealand in 1987. His business has hosted 4,000 successful tours since, culminating in Japan last year, when Gullivers hosted 3,500 guests and sold more match tickets than any other travel agent. “We foresee an even greater demand for France than Japan, with the rich culture, beautiful scenery, fine wines and superb gastronomy

boosted by the return of Rugby World Cup.” Ken and his experienced tour team are currently working hard to create a compelling 2023 France travel program. Pre-booked tickets go without saying, but it’s the immersive French experiences that make the trip. Gullivers Sport Travel’s experienced consultants have a deep knowledge of all things France, and can tailor tours according to interest:

WHY I LOVE LYON

whether it’s young singles seeking the romance and vigour of Paris, or well-travelled gourmets, wine lovers and history buffs wanting to go beyond the beaten paths.

Further Information Gullivers gullivers.com.au

One of Gullivers Sport Travel’s tour leaders to the 2019 Rugby World

“Don’t miss Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. In the space of 100

Cup in Japan was professional rugby player Damien Fitzpatrick, who

metres, visitors can experience an incredible overview of French

is well placed to guide visitors through France in 2023.

delicacies and high end French cuisine. Try all the food; share some

Fitzpatrick spent three years in Lyon during 2013-2016, when

oysters and a bottle of wine; be prepared to spend.

he played for LOU Rugby in Lyon – a town he is still deeply fond

“You should also eat at Brasserie Georges. It’s a Lyon institution.

of. “I can’t recommend Lyon highly enough. For starters it’s the

It’s big. It’s beautiful. It’s THE place to experience traditional French

gastronomic capital of France. The influence of chef Paul Bocuse

Lyonnaise cuisine, especially in a group.”

is everywhere – he’s Lyon’s spirit animal. Everywhere, in beautiful enclosed marketplaces, are murals paying tribute to him.

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U NI QUE PH OTO E X H I B I T I ON Epitomising French Flair Rugby.

COMING TO SOFITEL SYDNEY WENTWORTH IN 2021

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Peter FitzSimons Rugby is a state of MIND BEFORE BECOMING A BEST-SELLING JOURNALIST, AUTHOR AND PRESENTER, PETER FITZSIMONS AM WAS A WALLABIES RUGBY PLAYER WHO REPRESENTED AUSTRALIA IN THE LATE 1980S. WE ASK ABOUT HIS MEMORIES LIVING IN FRANCE, AND HIS THOUGHTS ON THE FRANCE RUGBY WORLD CUP. I remember when the All Blacks went to a

café brasserie in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I love to

24-7 lead with 7 minutes to go. The French blew the All Blacks out of the park. At any time, a match can explode into action. The French approach to rugby is about avoir l’impression. It’s about the spiritual connection between players. The Anglo approach is more about mechanics. When the French play, they draw strength from the crowd, from the village church bells – it’s called l’esprit de clocher. That’s why they will play above themselves – to exhaustion and beyond. I visit France every couple of years. In Paris, Le Bristol is a wonderful place to stay. I love to eat at Le Grand Colbert in the 2nd arrondissement. Then there’s Les Deux Magots, a

wander Père Lachaise Cemetery, where many of the good and the great are buried, such as Oscar Wilde. I remember visiting Jim Morrison’s grave, standing next to a German lady who cut off the last tuft of her hair and placed it on his grave. It meant so much to her. I love to visit charming Donzenac, where I played rugby for four glorious years. I loved the people there. The village matriarch, Madame Simone Salesse (now passed), ran the local restaurant, Le Périgord, for many decades. I visit Madame’s grave every time I go to France. Les Deux Magots is on the list when Peter visits France (photo © Serge Melki); French men on French soil are hard to beat (photo © DP RWC 2023).

atching a rugby match in the geographical heart of Europe is incredible. I toured the regions in 2007, during the quarter-finals in Marseille. There were tens of thousands of people in the streets, and maybe a thousand police – but none were needed. Whether their teams win or lose, these fans don’t want to hit each other! France is where you’re most likely to see a French team playing out of their tree. In 2007 everyone knew the All Blacks were set to win, but no one told that to the French team. French men on French soil are hard to beat, and that’s exactly what drove their win that day.

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Hauts-de-France

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Paris of the NORTH

A VISIT TO HAUTS-DE-FRANCE, THE NORTHERNMOST REGION OF FRANCE, IS A MUST-DO ON ANY TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR VISITORS WISHING TO BE STEEPED IN CULTURE, NATURE, ARCHITECTURE AND HERITAGE.

lthough Hauts-de-France may be better known for its battlefields and memorial sites, it’s a destination with diverse appeal: from resplendent Gothic cathedrals to 18th century châteaux, galleries and fine restaurants. This region of northern France, encompassing the departments of Aisne, Nord, Oise, Pas-deCalais and Somme, extends from Normandy in the west, Île-de-France in the south, and Grand 88

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Main: Rich collections covering the history of the western world to the present day at Musée de Picardie (photo © C Pegard); right: The famous Dewailly Clock in Amiens (photo © Remi Vimont).

Est to the east. It includes the port city of Calais, the impressive gothic cathedrals of Picardy and the famous beaches and battlefields of the Somme.

REGAL RELICS A trip to Amiens, just two hours north of Paris, takes visitors to the unmissable landmark that is the 13th century Notre-Dame Cathedral, celebrating 800 years in 2020. France’s largest Gothic construction has more to offer than simply the landmark itself: there is a museum which is home to relics such as the head of Saint John the Baptist and the votive crown of Paraclete. Travellers looking for places to explore beyond museums and churches may consider a trip to the famed floating gardens nearby, Les Hortillonnages d’Amiens, waterways that were created by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. After an extensive and ambitious renovation, the Museum of Picardy reopened in March 2020. Built between 1855 and 1867 during the reign of Napoleon III, the Museum of Picardy was the first building built in France specifically as a museum of fine art and classified as an historical monument in 2012. Rich collections from Amiens, which cover the history of the western world from prehistory until the present day, have been redeployed in a revamped setting and punctuated with magnificent ancient decor. MAGAZINE

Over 100 years on, FRANCE remembers what we owe to AUSTRALIA, and invites all generations to visit memorial sites, including the magnificent

Sir John Monash Centre for peace, contemplation, and commemoration. www.france.fr

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Jules Verne’s home is a must to visit. The house is where the famous writer lived for 18 years in Amiens and where he wrote most of his work. You will discover a luxurious private 19th century mansion, and learn about Jules Verne, his life and his “Extraordinary Voyages». Just an easy hour’s drive south into the valley of Nonette will take travellers to the historic town of Chantilly. Once the domain of Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of King Louis-Philippe I, today it is home to an impressive château, 115 hectares of stunning gardens and the Great Stables, the largest of their kind in Europe. Travellers can get a glimpse into the private world of the Duke of Aumale by visiting Les Galeries De Peintures (The Art Galleries) that feature 550 paintings hung just as they once did in the 19th century – works from Raphael, Poussin, Delacroix and many others. It’s well worth stepping inside the magnificent 19th century Grand Apartment of the Musée Condé to experience how the Duke of Aumale once lived in great splendour. Or, enjoy a guided tour of the 115 hectare gardens (via the tourist train). An 18th century masterpiece of extraordinary proportions in the same locale is the Grandes Écuries (Great Stables). The former ‘palace for horses’ was built from 1719 to accommodate 240 horses and 500 dogs, and is the largest of its kind in Europe. Why not delve deeper into a world that explores the relationship between horse and man inside Le musée du Cheval (The Living Museum of the Horse).

The famous Chantilly Forest affords itself to superb walks, horse riding and cycling. Historic Chantilly is home to the Great Stables, the largest in Europe.

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Glade of the Armistice in the Forest Compiegne Top:of add in later (photo © name surname); Above: add in later (photo © name surname). (photo © J-P Gilson). Cycling in Amiens (photo © Ronan Le Bideau).

DINE, STAY AND SHOP Busy feet and curious minds can enjoy a welcome break at either La Capitainerie restaurant, in the heart of the Château, or at Restaurant du Hameau for visitors that prefer a tranquil lunch at the gardens (and a taste of authentic Chantilly whipped cream). Extend your visit with an aperitif at one of several nearby historic hotels – or even stay overnight. A stay of elegance and grandeur is assured at the five-star Auberge du Jeu de Paume (aubergedujeudepaumechantilly.fr/en/) in the heart of the gardens, or a Michelin-star meal at La Table du Connétable that opens up onto the gardens. The central Hotel Campanile (www. campanile.com/en-us/our-hotels/france/hauts-defrance/hotels-chantilly), Best Western Plus Hotel Du Parc Chantilly (www.bestwestern.fr/en/hotelChantilly-Best-Western-Du-Parc-93375) and Hôtel Le Chantilly, a 10-minute walk to the Chateau, (www.hotel-lechantilly.com/en/) offer comfortable modern rooms at excellent rates.

Further Information www.entiretravel.com.au/france/discover-hauts-de-france www.domainedechantilly.com/en www.visit-amiens.com www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk 92

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Remembering our Diggers

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Somme

THE MAIN FANFARE OF THE RECENT WORLD WAR I CENTENARY EVENTS MIGHT BE OVER, BUT COMPELLING NEW WAR HISTORY MUSEUMS, LIKE THE UNDERGROUND CITY OF NAOURS MUSEUM, CONTINUE TO OPEN ACROSS THE SOMME REGION.

Main and inset: underground quarries and soldier graffiti at the Underground City of Naours (both photos © Anne Boillon).

orld War I will forever go down in history as the brutal initiation of a young Australia into the setting of international conflict. Nearly 417,000 Australians enlisted – a staggering number, considering our population was just five million at the time. Of them, 62,000 were killed and a further 156,000 wounded or taken prisoner. Many fought in the Somme. Today, many of the key northern French battle sites where Australians and others fought and died are now covered in innocent wildflowers beneath benign blue skies. But they remain enduring historic attractions for Australians, who continue to flock year-round to the area’s military graveyards, memorial sites and interactive war history museums. Among these is the recently revamped and expanded Vignacourt 1418 Interpretive Centre (www.vignacourt1418.com/home). This charming museum was converted from a farmhouse that once belonged to local farmers and amateur photographers, Louis and Antoinette Thuillier, who photographed soldiers throughout the war on silver gelatin print. Their works are rich in storytelling and accompanied by numerous original wartime relics. Nearby is the new Underground City of Naours museum (citesouterrainedenaours.fr/ citesouterraine), which opened in late 2019. The museum features an extensively restored network of 28 underground tunnels and 300 chambers, dug out by the citizens and used alternately by soldiers as a hiding place and convalescent area. Thousands of these soldiers, from France, the UK, Scotland, America and Ireland, scratched their names and short messages into the quarry walls. The museum is set within a 24-acre wooded park offering various activities, including a high-ropes course in the trees.

Further Information Visit Somme www.visit-somme.com/great-war MAGAZINE

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Lille

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Above: From stone-paved streets and rich architecture to the old city, Lille enthralls (all area photos © Hello Lille / Nablezon). Opposite, top: uniquely local shopping at Lille’s markets. Opposite, below: up close in the old city, brimming with art, culture and history.

Object of DESIRE HISTORIC LILLE IS RENOWNED FOR SUPERB FRENCH AND FLEMISH ARCHITECTURE, FINE ART AND SUBLIME CUISINE, AND ITS RECENT TRANSFORMATION INTO A DESIGN DESTINATION.

n hour by high-speed train (TGV) to Paris, 90 minutes to London, and 35 minutes from Brussels, Lille is a metropolis where enriching destinations are never far away. Diverse drawcards abound: from stone-paved streets and rich architecture in the old city (le Vieux-Lille), to Lille’s awe-inspiring Vielle 94

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Bourse, made up of 24 Flemish Renaissance houses and built around a courtyard. Visitors are equally enthralled by the Palais des Beaux-Arts collection (second only in scale to the Louvre), holding impressive collections from painters such as Rubens and Goya, sculpture by Rodin and Carpeaux as well as extensive Raphael drawing collections.

An easy 20 minutes from Lille, in Villeneuve d’Ascq, is the Lille Métropole Musée d’art moderne, d’art contemporain et d’art brut. It’s renowned for its fine collection of modern art (including Fernand Léger, Joan Miro, and Pablo Picasso among others). France’s fourth largest city – once a hub of industry for textiles, machinery and chemical manufacturing – is attracting global attention

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of an entirely new kind in 2020. Having been awarded the prestigious title of World Design Capital for 2020, it is the first French city to receive this honour. Lille is standing proudly on the international design stage as it joins Seoul (South Korea), Helsinki (Finland), Cape Town (South Africa) and Taipei (Taiwan) as a World Design Capital. In 2020 this university town, with a student population of 115,000, close to 600 design companies and home to no fewer than 80 research centres, is a thriving hub for world-renowned urban designers. Lille’s galleries, warehouses, factories and cafés are ideal destinations for showcasing design excellence from every angle – whether that is urban design, industrial design or something different entirely.

EATING OUT Delicious food is never many unhurried footsteps away in Lille, whether in the ‘old town’ or its more modern hubs. Lovers of ‘bistronomy’ food (bistro meets gastronomy) will delight in the welcoming SOlange by former Top Chef contestant, Christophe Pirotais, whose pleasingly affordable menu is constructed around the local terroir. Fans of one Michelin-star dining will delight in La Table by the talented Thibaut Gamba. Or give Aromebase (8 rue des fossés) or Mozo (79 rue de la Monnaie) a try.

Lille is a thriving hub for world-renowned designers. Pictured is Tamara Orjola’s furniture and textiles made using pine needles (photo © Tamara Orjola).

WHERE TO STAY The boutique five-star Clarance Hotel in Vieux-Lille occupies an 18th century townhouse and is home to a Michelin star restaurant. From the Clarance Hôtel, it’s also easy to access the old town’s numerous restaurants, bars and shops. It’s just seven minutes’ walk to Notre-Dame de la Treille (Lille’s cathedral). Whatever style of exploration travellers choose, a visit to Lille is bound to leave visitors enriched with rich memories of art, culture, design and history.

Further Information sjmc.gov.au/lille-gateway-western-front/

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Clockwise from above: Baby Buns (photo © Alberto Baracchini); Attitude is everything (photo © Sølve Sundsbø); Totally Crazy (photo © Antoine Poupel).

Ooh LA LA! SEEKING A PARISIAN CABARET TO THRILL YOU FOR AN EVENING, AND STAY WITH YOU FOR LIFE? FASHIONISTAS, ART LOVERS AND BURLESQUE FANS WILL LOVE THE CRAZY HORSE, WHICH PROMISES AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT THAT’S GLAMOROUS, INTIMATE, SASSY AND FUN. BY RUBY BOUKABOU AND ELLA LEGG

reated in 1951 by avant-garde artist Alain Bernardin to offer sensual yet classy shows that interlaced fashion, art, and dance, The Crazy Horse drew a salubrious crowd. Today, while evolved, these characteristics remain. After arriving at an entrance lit by large red lips, visitors descend into a cosy venue dressed in disco balls, mirrors and red velvet. Tables are set with mood lighting and bottles of champagne. Guests sip and relax while a master of ceremonies gets the crowd in the mood. 96

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A dancer pops her head out of the curtain and dramatically announces the show… “The Crazy Horse is totally unique,” says General Manager, Creation & Development, Andrée Deissenberg, who, since 2006, has brought her savoir faire from Cirque du Soleil to create an immersive experience. “What we’re doing is also illusion and magic...the audience, no matter what age, becomes enthralled.”

A FUSION OF FASHION, CHOREOGRAPHY AND VISUAL EFFECTS The current show, ‘Totally Crazy’, is a succession of the cabaret’s iconic sensual and playful acts with new twists, interspersed with variety performers. “The fashionistas go crazy about the precision, the attention to detail, the height of the heel,” says Deissenberg. “We create stunning visual effects, with the dancers’ bodies dressed by lighting.”

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AN INTIMATE EVENING

There are only 230 audience seats at the Crazy Horse. The stage measures a mere two metres high and six metres long. “You can see the colours of the dancers’ eyes. A performer may even interact with you,” she adds.

RIGOUR BEHIND THE SCENES Before becoming a ‘Crazy Girl’ and being christened ‘Etta d’Amour’ on her debut performance, Australian dancer Tenille Ebony had to endure a couple of months’ rigorous training. It was a big change from her earlier ballet, jazz and hip hop days on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. “There’s a whole repertoire and technique, down to the way you hold yourself,” she says. “It was a significant change. Learning to arch my back, for example. It’s important, as we need to look identical onstage to achieve the strong visual effects.” “With two shows a night, three shows on Saturday nights, 24 days a month, I’ve become nocturnal.”

DIVERSE OFFSTAGE, IN UNISON ONSTAGE To be cast, girls must be similar in shape and size, and meet strict measurements, primarily for onstage effects and the practicality of costumes. Their backgrounds, origins and dance training are very different, however. “While we are all quite different offstage, when we are onstage, because of our training, body postures and lighting, we are virtually identical.” This is where visual effects come into their own, from the opening act ‘God save our bare skin’ where dancers are lined up as British Royal Guards wearing almost nothing, apart from their hats and marching in unison. Audience members should look out for ‘Lay Laser Lay’, an iconic solo which takes place on a rotating wheel that d’Amour has performed on many occasions. The solo featured in Beyoncé’s film clip Partition, filmed at Crazy Horse Paris. “During the solos you are your own artist with all eyes on you. It’s quite a feeling!”

Further Information Crazy Horse Paris www.lecrazyhorseparis.com/en

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Enjoy traditional mountain style dinner like fondue or raclette prepared and delivered by your chalet host (all photos © François Peyranne).

Club Med

A VILLAGE atmosphere

FOR A HOLIDAY ON THE SUBLIME ALPINE SLOPES, IN A LUXURY CHALET WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE BEST FRENCH MOUNTAIN LIFE HAS TO OFFER, CLUB MED HAS YOU COVERED.

estled in the south east of France, with breathtaking mountain panoramas, pristine forests and world-class ski slopes, the French Alps is the ultimate winter holiday destination. Discover the beautiful Savoie department by checking into one of Club Med’s ‘Exclusive Collection’ private chalets; the Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon in the Haut-Giffre valley; or Le Chalets de Valmorel in the Tarentaise Valley. 98

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Feel instantly at home in your own private welcome lounge with a glass of champagne in hand at 6pm and a dedicated concierge taking care of the details. Relax, knowing all the important details are taken care of: arranging priority bookings for your spa treatment and specialty restaurants. Relax in beautifully designed interiors offering a modern take on mountain style.

GRAND MASSIF SAMOENS MORILLON Wake up on a literal high and gaze over the majestic Giffre valley from a chic designer chalet on the Plateau des Saix. Enjoy a full breakfast with piping hot coffee prepared by your butler each morning, then hit the slopes with 265km of high alpine and pine tree forest terrains suitable for all ages and skill levels. Afterwards, restore and unwind at the spa with a massage or sauna. Return to your chalet to a fireplace that’s lit, a

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Left and main: Recuperate after a long day of skiiing, with time out at the spa with Carita treatments; A stunning location on the Plateau des Saix.

hot drink waiting and mountain-style cuisine (think fondue or raclette) lovingly prepared and brought to your door in time for dinner.

LE CHALET DE VALMOREL Staying in these handsome wooden chalet apartments will make you feel like you’re on the set of a Christmas movie. After a well-deserved sleep in, perhaps you’d like to head out with an expert ESF ski instructor to improve your technique as part of your all-inclusive package. Or, book the kids into Kid’s Club while you enjoy some ‘you’ time at the spa, or with a good book in front of

Below: Enjoy a modern take on classic chalet style throughout the resort.

the fireplace. As the sun sets, sip a champagne and check out the live music before heading out to dinner. There are also a few dozen local restaurants including the traditional La Table de Fifine, La Louisiane (tasty woodfired pizzas) and, for a warm welcome and moreish French cuisine organic produce, try 8M des Monts. Aside from the sublime European powder terrain and beautiful apartment-chalets, Club Med makes snow holidays with the family easy with all the additional services you could ever need. With Club Med’s Easy Arrivals service, everything is ready to go, well before you are; equipment hire fitted and placed in your locker, the kids pre-registered for Kids Clubs and experiences for the family conveniently pre-booked.

Not only are ski and snowboard lessons part of Club Med’s all-inclusive package, but ski lift passes are also pre-arranged and included. So delays in getting to the chairlift are a thing of the past. It’s safe to say you haven’t truly experienced a luxurious and family-friendly snow holiday until you’ve stayed with Club Med.

Further Information Club Med www.clubmed.com.au/

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Above:Inside a tiny house (photo © Sasha Prasastika); right: a tiny home in an organic estate in Saint-Émilion (photo © Sigmund).

Parcel

Let it SLOW

RECHARGE, RECONNECT WITH NATURE, AND LIVE FRENCH ART DE VIVRE IN THIS TINY HOUSE, NESTLED IN A SAINT-ÉMILION VINEYARD IN THE LAND OF GRAND CRUS.

icture this: no neighbours, no Wi-Fi, no TV. Just an elegantly simple cabin (or ‘tiny home’) in the heart of a vineyard in an organic estate in SaintÉmilion, a medieval village that’s a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned wine capital Bordeaux. On these hill slopes, wine is a serious affair. The reds that grow here indeed count amongst France’s most prestigious. In this stunning locale, travellers can press pause on everyday life, recharge and feel right at home.

A CABIN IN A LUSH ORGANIC ESTATE? SAY OUI! This tiny home concept comes to France from a company called Parcel. The eco-friendly cabin 100

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is positioned in a lush organic estate belonging to Veronique and Pascal, members of an eighth generation winegrowing family. Parcel’s tiny house premise is beautifully simple. Its goal? Giving holidaymakers a place to engage with the terroir, experience the beauty of French nature and gastronomy, and remunerate the host winemaker fairly. In fact, winemakers hosting tiny houses on their land receive a commission from Parcel, to reinvest in their land.

fresh, crisp countryside air, be sure to fix yourself a welcome apéritif in true French tradition. A stay in a tiny house is not complete until you’ve visited the farmers’ markets or tasted artisanal produce directly from producers at nearby farms. Follow the wine routes and explore the lush, mineral-green beauty of the surrounding countryside. This Saint-Émilion tiny house is ideal for two.

WINE TASTING AND SLOW LIVING IN BORDEAUX Before you arrive, reserve a bottle of rich, sensuous Bordeaux red and some local goodies, too. Once you’ve taken a moment to inhale the

Further Information Parcel en.parceltinyhouse.com

Looking for a French Retreat? Look no futher! Ever dreamed of staying in an Overwater Bungalow in Bora Bora or sampling the finest cheese and wine in France? How about cruising down the French canals on a luxurious Barge or exploring the melanesian culture on a self drive holiday through New Caledonia? Whatever it may be, we can help you get there! Here at Entire Travel Group we are passionate about Travel, our Destination Specialists regularly travel to these great destinations so we can provide you with the trip you have always dreamed of!

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In the SWIM

NOTHING SAYS LUXURY LIKE A GETAWAY TO AN ICONIC OVERWATER BUNGALOW – JUST ONE OF THE MANY EXCLUSIVE HOLIDAY PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM ENTIRE TRAVEL GROUP.

e may be independent travellers, but there are some things that can’t be googled. Such as how to handpick the finest overwater bungalow experiences. Thankfully, Entire Travel Group, the experts in overwater bungalow experiences, is here to help. If Tahiti’s tempting you, the company’s specialists can guide you to an

overwater bungalow experience that will deliver lifelong memories. Bora Bora, for example, 230km north west of Papeete, is a paradise for romance, offering exclusive overwater bungalow accommodation that promises jaw-dropping scenery on all sides, and fish under your feet. Overwater bungalows represent a slice of paradise, with modern comforts, distinctive style and layerings of luxury.

BUNGALOW STYLE There’s a style of overwater bungalow for everyone. Think glass floor panels to peep at marine life. A glowing cabana. A private sundeck, and a hammock to sway in, over calm azure waters. Overwater bungalows are an ideal antidote to the crowds of conventional resorts. The scenic stretch of thatched-roof floating hideaways fanning out from a secluded island is a world of its own: the ideal place to celebrate events of any size. Or, they are where travellers can marvel at nature’s limitless power. Memories created on an overwater bungalow holiday – from tan lines to breakfast delivered by canoe, to reef sharks at the door – will be forever etched, inspiring plans for a new round of tropical exploration. Overwater bungalow holidays are one of a wide range of specialised holiday packages available from Entire Travel Group.

Further Information Entire Travel Group www.entiretravel.com.au/destinations/tahiti MAGAZINE

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New Caledonia

Seasons in the sun

WHETHER YOU’RE INTO LAZING AROUND IN LAGOONS, FEASTING ON CULTURE AND CUISINE, OR HIKING LUSH LANDSCAPES, NEW CALEDONIA IS SET TO DELIGHT.

rom the west coast’s outback to vast southern deserts, to the tropical mountains of the east, dazzling beaches in the Loyalty Islands and buzzing Nouméa, New Caledonia is a heady mix of inspiring culture and geography. From intrepid travellers, to lovers of a restorative sojourn, New Caledonia is a cherished treasure.

CULTURAL CONNECTION East of Australia is New Caledonia, a cultural melting pot of French, Kanaks, Caledonians and more, where cultural and culinary experiences are readily available. Travellers can immerse themselves in French music at the annual 104

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Francofolies music festival (September), or connect to the Kanak people with a visit to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre in the capital Noumea. Prefer a glimpse into cowboy life? It’s worth heading to the west. Fancy French cuisine one day, freshly caught fish the next, and finally perhaps a traditional bougna? It’s all possible in the diverse regions of New Caledonia – within hours of some of Australia’s major cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. New Caledonia boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Listed lagoon spanning a staggering 15,700 square metres that is a one-of-a-kind destination for snorkelling and deep water adventure. It’s also the ideal place for adrenaline junkies (skydiving, anyone?).

GO BIG, OR GO BUDGET Whether travelling on a beer or champagne budget, New Caledonia caters for all tastes. Keep it simple with a serviced apartment or relax in fivestar luxury at Le Méridien Nouméa Resort & Spa, where there’s absolute beachfront access to Anse

From top: Tjibaou Cultural Centre (photo © Elena Bianco/ Lumix GH5/NCTPS); MV lounge (photo © Mimo/NCTPS); Turtles on Maré Island (photo © Pauline Massé/ NCTPS).

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS There’s never a dull moment on this oneof-a-kind archipelago, which promises festivals, culinary delights, sporting events and more.

AUGUST New Caledonia International Marathon > Sample New Caledonian produce, meet the country’s cattle farmers and watch a rollicking rodeo. Mégarando > A weekend-long trail riding event in the superb Deva Domain offering varied trails for kids, adults, keen amateurs and competitive riders alike.

SEPTEMBER South Pacific Golf Championship > One of 13 tournaments of the PGA Tour, it is played on the Tina Golf Course, Nouméa, and Golf Deva, Bourail. Vata Bay (plus gourmet meals and spa treatments). In New Caledonia, stumbling upon a pristine stretch of white sand is so easy - particularly in the picture-postcard perfect Isle of Pines and Loyalty Islands… turn up, sit back, and embrace the feeling of solitude.

A FAMILY AFFAIR Accommodation choices for families are in abundance, for toddlers through to tweens. There’s Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa, offering two-bedroom suites for all-ages – even crystal-blue waters in which the littlies can safely loll about. Afterwards, relish in a rose-shaped ice cream at Nouméa’s Amorino.

Francofolies > This two-day festival celebrates local and international artists, to be enjoyed under the New Caledonian sun. Blackwoodstock Rock & Arts Festival > Three days of open air concerts at the picturesque Fort Téremba on the west coast? Yes please. Camp on-site or stay in nearby La Foa and Bourail.

Further Information New Caledonia Tourism www.newcaledonia.travel/au/ MAGAZINE

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Hotel Lutetia

News

New take on old-world Paris

Passport

Is there a more delightful place for travellers and locals to have an intimate tête-à-tête and a refreshing champagne than at Bar Joséphine? In the heart of the elegant SaintGermain area is where diners and drinkers can gaze skyward and

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marvel at the lovingly restored fresco by Adrien Karbowsky, savour Benjamin Brial’s elegant, flavourful dishes, and cocktails that pay tribute to entertainer Joséphine Baker. Bar Joséphine cocktails are the artistry of masterful mixologist Nicola Battafarano. Finish the week with live jazz. There’s no better way to be immersed in the spirit and history of Saint-Germain-des-Prés than at Hotel Lutetia. www.hotellutetia. com/bar-josephine

Christian Louboutin Bateaux Mouches A celebration of Paris Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville and Place Vendôme, a chimera with lush lips and long legs fleeing through the streets of Paris on Christian Louboutin’s red scooter, a crazed streetlamp in hot pursuit… these are a taste of the emblematic moments and monuments celebrated on Christian Louboutin’s signature tote, CABARAPARIS. The essence of Paris is captured in accomplished brushstrokes on all five printed neoprene panels, featuring playful scenes of Paris by day and Paris by night in this fine collaboration with talented illustrator Hélène Tran. Two styles are available, each embellished with strass crystals. asia.christianlouboutin.com/au_en

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Go with the flow The panache of Paris, seen from a new perspective is ever possible, over a lunch or dinner cruise on the Seine with the Compagnie des Bateaux Mouches. With departures every 30 minutes and insightful audio tours, the secrets of The Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower and beyond are within easy reach. See Paris come alive at night as you dine on exceptional dishes, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Those who prefer to pair their boat cruise with a bus trip and a dash of cabaret may wish to choose a Crazy Horse dinner cruise. From Tuesday to Sunday, diners can experience local cuisine at Le Club, seconds from the Eiffel Tower. www. bateaux-mouches.fr/en

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Caen Say cheese in Caen The charming city of Caen, just two hours north-west of Paris, is where medieval history is never in short supply – Mémorial de Caen, Caen Castle and the 11th century Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, anyone? There are lively café terraces aplenty and of course cheese! A trip to Caen is incomplete

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without pulling up a chair inside a cheese bar. Over melt-in-yourmouth Camembert, Pont-l’Evêque, or Livarot, visitors will love lively chats with fellow foodies and savour a glass of local wine. Planning a November trip? That’s when the annual Novembre Gourmand festival dominates the city. Promising to tantalise the tastebuds of travellers from across France and around the globe, this delectable event is when Caen celebrates its culinary excellence with food tastings, inspiring workshops and exhibitions. www.caenlamer-tourisme.fr/

Le Bristol Paris A sweet treat that’s heaven sent Lovers of fine chocolate are sure to be captivated by the latest creation from Le Bristol Paris: a cocoa pod sculpture crafted from grand cru cocoa sourced from tropical Belize. Responsible for the fine artistry

behind this limited edition chocolate masterpiece is Le Bristol Paris pastry chef Julien Álvarez. This moreish 600g limited edition holds chocolate roasted Provence almonds coated in chocolate, delicately lifted with fleur de sel. It was made from 75 per cent Tulakalum cocoa, grown on protected Central American mountain slopes and nurtured in heat and tropical rain. There is little doubt that 75 per cent Tulakalum pure Belize cocoa tastes like heaven. www.oetkercollection.com/hotels/ le-bristol-paris/ Shopping in downtown Caen (photo © Caen Office de Tourisme et des Congrès).

Clos Lucé Cultural tribute to da Vinci Visitors eager to explore the multifaceted story of Leonardo da Vinci can now attend an immersive ‘virtual gallery’ of da Vinci’s work at a new cultural facility at Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, Loire Valley. Da Vinci’s onetime residence, Château du Clos Lucé (photo © Léonard de Serres). 108

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The stories behind the painter, architect and engineer’s paintings and drawings are featured on interactive tables, through models and 3D animation, inside a 500 square metre interactive cultural centre and museum. The Château du Clos Lucé is proud to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death with this new cultural facility. www.vinci-closluce. com

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Somme residents held various walks and other events in early 2020, including the Solidarun and Anzac Run in Vignacourt, to fundraise for Australian bushfire relief (photo © Ben McLennan).

Somme Tourisme Soar high in an Amiens Autumn Autumn in Amiens, anyone? Inspired travellers may wish to consider these top six fun ideas from Somme Tourisme: 1) Climb the towers of Amiens Cathedral, a Gothic architectural icon. 2) Wander through the Hortillonnages, 300 hectares of floating gardens on the city’s edge. 3) Be immersed in the world of Jules Verne by visiting his home of 18 years. 4) Relax with a drink in picturesque Quai Belu or Place du Don, in the Saint-Leu district. 5) Head underground, with a tour of Naours’ 30 metre-deep tunnels. 6) Experience the festive atmosphere of Amiens’ traditional autumn réderie (flea market), the secondbiggest of its kind in France. Australia has held a special place in the Somme’s heart ever since World War One, when the

young nation fought alongside France on the Western Front. Last year’s bushfires prompted one of many events held year-round in honour of Australia. Full details and exclusive travel offers can be found online at Somme Tourisme www.visit-somme.com

Studio Harcourt

Vittoria coffee cups

In support of koalas

High fashion cups on everyone’s lips

A stunning portrait image of ‘Hanya’ the koala from Beauval Zoo is helping Parisian art photography studio, Studio Harcourt raise valuable funds for Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo and its koala population. Monies raised from the sale of each beautiful Hanya photo will be donated to Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo, via the Beauval Nature Association. Available in the series are 500 numbered portraits, on sale for €350 (inc VAT) via Studio Harcourt’s website. www.studio-harcourt.com/ charity?lang=en

Vittoria Coffee has partnered with some of Australia’s finest fashion designers – Dion Lee, Nobody Denim and Venroy – to produce The Vittoria Fashion Series of limited edition ceramic cups ($49.95). Available as sets of reusable espresso, cappuccino and latte cups, these stylish cups featured at the Australian Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in 2019. Cup and saucer sets (for cappuccino and espresso) are also available. Get your limited edition ceramic cup from the Vittoria Fashion Series. www.vittoriacoffee.com/shop/

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WARATAH WONDERLAND BY HOUSE OF HERAS

ding alian nan).

DESIGNER RUGS - THE HOME OF LUXURY RUGS VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS TO EXPERIENCE OUR COLLECTION OF READY-MADE AND CUSTOM DESIGNER RUGS SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | BRISBANE | AUCKLAND 1300 802 561 | designerrugs.com.au/france

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Loire Valley event

La vie de château

WHAT: A SEMINAR FOR TRAVEL AGENTS SHOWCASING THE PRODUCT OFFERINGS OF RAIL EUROPE, AIRLINE ETIHAD AND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LOIRE VALLEY REGION AND ITS BREATHTAKING CHATEAUX. COMPLETING THE EVENING WAS A SCREENING OF THE FILM C’EST LA VIE.

Above left: Benoit Stecken, Agnes Berthet, Joel Crotté, Christophe Mouton, Florent Dubreil and Marie-Estelle Beaudoin. Above right: Richard Leonard.

Delicious canelés were a hit among guests.

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Alan Glover.

Where: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Who: More than 150 travel agents and VIP guests including His Excellency Mr Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France, and Loire Valley Tourism director, Marie-Estelle Beaudoin. Highlights: Guests feasted on fine French fare, regional wines and champagne during a screening of Loire Valley highlights, including Château de Chaumont, Château Chenonceau and Château Royal d’Amboise. Situated within the UNESCO heritage-listed Loire Valley, these sights are just two hours by train from Paris. The event also highlighted Château du Clos Lucé, once home to Leonardo da Vinci. Guests were also treated to an exclusive screening of French comedy C’est la vie.

Sarah Elfsassy and Laura Panaccione.

SAVOUR THE FRENCH WAY Indulge in waterfront luxury and French-inspired cuisine INCLUDES: BREAKFAST & $100 DAILY DINING CREDIT*

Live the French way Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, 12 Darling Drive, Sydney NSW 2000 Book at sofiteldarlingharbour.com.au PARIS – SYDNEY – LONDON – NEW YORK – BEIJING – BALI

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A Night in NICE Côte d’Azur

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WHAT: IN CELEBRATION OF THE NEWS THAT THIS YEAR’S TOUR DE FRANCE WILL DEPART FROM THE CITY OF NICE, ATOUT FRANCE, NICE TOURISM AND BRITISH AIRWAYS HOSTED A SPECIAL VIP DINNER FOR 200 AT THE SOFITEL DARLING HARBOUR SYDNEY.

Clockwise from top: Brent Street dancers; Michael Tomalaris of SBS with champion cyclist Stuart O’Grady; TV presenter Justine Schofield and Patrick Benhamou of Atout France. 114

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Where: Hotel Sofitel Darling Harbour Who: VIP guest Mr Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France to Australia, Stuart O’Grady, stage winner and yellow jersey wearer of le Tour de France, Denis Zanon, director of the city of Nice Tourism. Highlights: A four-course degustation dinner by two-Michelin star chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) recipient Virginie Basselot (from Hotel Negresco in Nice) was prepared for 200 guests, who were taken on a flavour journey of the southern France seaside. Event sponsors included Nice Côte d’Azur Tourism, British Airways, Dior, GH Mumm, Pernod Ricard, Nespresso, Baccarat, Christian Louboutin, Accorhotels, SBS, Skoda and Hotel Sofitel Darling Harbour. Guests were treated to a Nespresso cocktail and G.H.Mumm champagne reception, followed by a delicious dinner including lamb loin grilled over thyme, smoked aubergine caviar and gnocchi.

Clockwise from top left: Mathieu Sampson (Dior) and Myriam Conrié (Sofitel Darling Harbour); chef Virginie Basselot; Denis Zanon (Nice Tourism Office), Richard Wolstenholme (Google) and Nicole Backo (British Airways); Lou Ana Saint Jalme, Lisa Colet and Sophie Almin (Atout France); Adeline Moya, Julie Chan, David Benhamou and Thomas Benhamou. MAGAZINE

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PARIS

With its unique view of the Arc de Triomphe, this is the place to be in Paris. But Hôtel Napoléon is not just a view, it’s a whole philosophy encompassing stylish trips, delightful places and great discoveries. The rich and timeless décor and the comfortable rooms and spacious suites, all just a stone’s throw from the Champs Elysées, are there to welcome couples, families, business travellers and all who love Paris. Because Hôtel Napoléon is quintessential Paris.

BOOK NOW. YOU’LL ALWAYS FIND THE BEST PRICES AT HOTELNAPOLEON.COM 116

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40 av. de Friedland · 75008 Paris · +33(0)1 56 68 43 21

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A fine contribution

WHAT: AN INTIMATE COCKTAIL FUNCTION TO RECOGNISE BUSINESSWOMAN WIVINA CHANELIERE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO FRENCH CULTURE IN AUSTRALIA OVER MORE THAN TWO DECADES.

Michel-Henri Carriol AM, Consul-General of France Anne Boillon, and Franck Rabiot.

Where: Sailors Bay, Castlecrag NSW Who: An assortment of 85 esteemed guests including the Mayor of Willoughby Council Gail Giles-Gidney, the Ambassador, the Consul General, Consular Advisers, the Presidents of Associations and Atout France (that’s us!). Celebrating with Table Manners’ founder and director Wivina Chaneliere were family members, friends and colleagues from her successful French homewares distribution business. Highlights: Wivina Chaneliere received an Ordre National du Merite, acknowledging her dedication to supporting and promoting French business, cuisine and cooking culture in Australia. Esteemed guests dined on fine apéritifs from Ganache Patisserie in Castlecrag. Wivina commented: “Gastronomy and arts are entrenched in France’s DNA and culture, and it’s important to continue to promote this message around the world. There are big opportunities for many iconic French homewares brands in Australia.” This year marks 10 years since French gastronomy was added to UNESCO’s list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

From top: Patrick Benhamou from Atout France; Table Manners founder and director Wivina Chaneliere receives her Order of National Merit Medal from His Excellency Mr Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France to Australia; right: Wivina celebrates her accolade with family and friends. MAGAZINE

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Volunteers of the Tour de Cure Charity.

Tour de Cure Snow Ball

WHAT: A FUN AND ENTERTAINING TOUR DE CURE GALA FUNDRAISER, ATTENDED BY 850 GUESTS. OVER $1.7 MILLION WAS RAISED ON THE NIGHT FOR CANCER RESEARCH, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS. IN THE AUDIENCE WERE POPULAR CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS, SYDNEY’S PHILANTHROPIC ELITE AND RESPECTED CORPORATIONS.

Where: The Star, Sydney Who: Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales; the new Ambassador of France to Australia, Mr Christophe Penot; former Consul General of France Mr Nicolas Crozier and Paul Hogan. Sponsors were Atout France, Lexus, ABC Bullion, Qatar, Channel 7, Vittoria Coffee, oOh!media, Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank. Highlights: The Royal Australian Navy Band, Lucy Durack, Athésia, Saturday Night Fever stars Paulini and Natalie Conway who provided the evening’s entertainment. Guests dined on a beautiful French-inspired menu. Clockwise from above: Tour de Cure co-ambassador Mark Beretta from Channel 7; elegant Eiffel Tower decorations at the gala dinner; His Excellency Christophe Penot, Ambassador of France to Australia; Dominique and Andrew Robinson; actor Paul Hogan. MAGAZINE

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Guillaume Brahimi Things I LOVE about france AWARD-WINNING CHEF GUILLAUME BRAHIMI IS A NATIVE OF PARIS BUT HAS CALLED AUSTRALIA HOME SINCE THE EARLY 1990S. WHEN NOT DIRECTLY OVERSEEING THE TEAM AT HIS THREE RESTAURANTS, OR WRITING ABOUT COOKING, HE SPENDS TIME WITH HIS FAMILY AND INDULGES HIS PASSION FOR RUGBY.

Highlights of your past projects with the French Rugby Team?

My uncle and aunt live near the Bassin d’Arcachon, home of the most amazing oysters. Sitting in their beautiful garden, with my cousins, an apero and a huge seafood platter, is my idea of heaven.

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Beaune Market in Burgundy is sensational. There are little wine shops where you can taste pinot noir, chablis and chardonnay; stalls where you can buy a little goat’s cheese.

Every French wine is so different. Some vineyards are on the east side of a hill; some get the sun in the morning or afternoon. That makes for a completely different wine.

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I love the French way of life and its focus on seasonality. Go to any village market or town in France and it’s a celebration of the season. Every weekend, the market changes.

There are too many to mention, but I believe there’s nothing better than to wander a Paris market. Or visit your corner boulangerie – on any street corner in Paris. Get a croissant in the morning and be amazed!

Favourite French wine?

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What is it that makes French cuisine so special?

Favourite foodie destinations in Paris?

Top three places to eat in regional France?

French food trends that Australian diners must try?

The greatest movement in the food world now is local sourcing. Get your produce from within 50, 60, or 100 kilometres from home, and follow the seasons. Support the people around you who are part of your terroir.

Something you’re into right now?

I’m passionate about sustainability and minimising wastage – buying at the right time, or from growers directly. There’s nothing better than buying berries with hands that are red from picking.