The city itself inspires creativity. Home to seven successive popes during the 14th century, it’s impossible to stroll the terracotta ramparts of the walled old city without feeling like you’re travelling back in time, and hidden in the historic courtyards are cafés, bars and boutiques.
Avignon Festival runs from June 29 to July 21, with OFF Avignon, the alternative arts festival, running almost in parallel from July 3 to 21. Vintage Travel (01954 261 431) has villas to rent just outside Avignon starting from £5,100 per week, based on eight people sharing.
4. Study a vast Roman mosaic at Vienne’s Musée Saint-Romain-en-Gal
Unearthed in 1890, this 24m2 mosaic depicting the changing of the seasons and their different agricultural practices (with Dionysus and various big cats thrown in for dramatic effect), was on display at the Louvre. After undergoing a two-year renovation process, for the first time it’s back where it was discovered, at the Musée Saint-Romain-en-Gal, Vienne. The exhibition will run from June 21 2024 until 2027, and the different squares have been mounted on the walls individually, so you can see each minute mosaic piece in detail.
Bed & Bicycle’s (0033 4 65 84 02 73) luxury péniche (barge) accommodation on the Rhône River opened their latest property in Vienne in 2023. Doubles start from £127.
5. Sing sea shanties at Brittany’s Celtic festival
You only have to look at the abundance of black-and-white striped Breton flags decorating buildings here to see this is a region that’s proud to be different. Now in its 53rd year, the Lorient Interceltic Festival is only growing in popularity. For two weeks every August, the port town of Lorient comes alive with Breton dancing, fancy dress, sea shanties and concerts. Little Lorient, usually home to just over 50,000, swells to accommodate over 700,000 visitors.
Tickets to the Grand Celtic Nations Parade (August 15) cost £15 per person. Headwater (01606 218854) has the six-night Coastal Walking in Brittany trip from £1,579 per person, including hotels, luggage transfers and maps, staying in 3 or 4-star hotels.
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6. Surf into the sunset at France’s mini Sahara
Mirage-like, the 100 metre high Dune of Pilat is the largest sand dune in Europe, making a stark contrast with the cerulean sea where it meets the Atlantic. The dune in itself is an attraction that will keep adventurers of all ages busy, but don’t miss the sea and sky-based activities, which include surfing, paddleboarding and paragliding. With a panoramic view over the ocean, the Dune of Pilat also offers one of the best sunset views in the country.
Source link : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/30-classic-french-holidays-2023/
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Publish date : 2024-06-16 13:00:00
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