A true marine paradise off La Rochelle, Île de Ré is one of the most beautiful summer holiday destinations in France, to visit with the family. We alternate between relaxing days on the beach, bike rides and water sports, all in an intimate and good-natured atmosphere, as if we had always been coming here.
In the morning, the children set sail while the kids explore the island's markets, loading their basket with fresh fish and sun-drenched vegetables. In the afternoon, we set off to explore the island by bike, pedaling along the coast, through the vineyards or the salt marshes, to the Phare des Baleines, in Saint-Clément. We climb its hundreds of steps to admire the breathtaking view of the sea. Going down, we visit its museum, which traces the history of the Navy and teaches us the basics of navigation. Inland, we linger in the villages and the natural reserve of Lilleau des Niges, on which the sunset leaves bronze reflections.
Paris rarely appears at the top of the list of summer holiday destinations in France... Yet there are so many beautiful things to discover there, when the capital is deserted by the crowds that usually inhabit it. Capital of culture, gastronomy and the French art of living, it is home to many activities. In summer, we prefer to put down our suitcases in the countryside at the gates of the City of Light, for a peaceful holiday, shared between historical visits and outdoor activities.
Around Paris, the countryside breathes the sweetness of life. Our country houses in Île de France have everything you need for peaceful family holidays. Sometimes, we take the car to go to Paris and tour the monuments and cultural highlights of the City of Light.
You can also opt for a visit to the gardens of the Château de Versailles or the pretty villages of Provins or Moret-sur-Loing. You can also take the route of the Châteaux de la Loire: Chambord, Chenonceaux and other jewels of French historical heritage... When the mood is idleness and tranquility, we stay in the garden of our luxury house, resting by the pool, while the children play hide and seek between the trees.
In August, the effervescent capital regains some of its calm and serenity. It is therefore the ideal time to visit it and discover it in a new light. Each district brings lots of surprises and magic, like an endless playground, which unfolds for your eyes only.
The mornings are dedicated to visiting the capital's prestigious museums, alternating between history at the Carnavalet Museum, art at the Louvre Museum and science at the Natural History Museum. Lovers of contemporary art, don't miss the temporary exhibitions at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. At noon, when the sun is at its zenith, we take refuge in a park for a picnic while listening to the lapping of the fountains, before returning to stroll through the streets. Every turn, every corner reveals a new treasure: a designer boutique, an art gallery or a pastry shop with delicious specialties... Before returning to our luxury apartment in Paris, we stop for a drink on the roof-top of the Galeries Lafayette, from where we have a panoramic view of the rooftops of the capital, or board a barge for a dinner along the water.