France has today told its citizens not to travel to Catalonia amid fears of a second wave of coronavirus cases in Spain that could start to affect British holidaymakers if it is cut off from the rest of Europe. Norway has also re-imposed quarantine rules for people arriving from Spain while Britons have been warned … Read more
Sailing to Europe? It’s such a breeze now ferries are back in business as the holiday season finally bursts into life Regular sailings to France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain are restarting Bookings are also shooting up for trips to Belfast and Dublin from Welsh ports Numbers will be limited on board to comply with … Read more
No way am I wearing these,’ says my 14-year-old daughter Hannah. She’s referring to a pair of padded undies that were recommended by a friend when she heard we were going on a cycling holiday in France. Admittedly they’re little more than hot-pink nappies, but they should help prevent saddle soreness, so I pack them … Read more
It’s fast, comfortable, and far more eco-friendly than flying or driving from the UK to the Alps. But it’s cancelled. To the massive disappointment of skiers, snowboarders and the ski industry, Eurostar will not be running its iconic ‘Ski Train’ this winter. But Britain’s winter sports enthusiasts aren’t taking the decision lying down and a … Read more
Revealed: The winner of ‘the most beautiful village in France’ competition – and the 13 charming hamlets that were shortlisted The winner has a population of 652 and is known for its white half-timbered 18th-century houses Villages in the shortlist include a famous wine-region hamlet and the former home of an impressionist painter We’ve pictured all … Read more
Summer holidays are back on as the government has released a list of more than 60 quarantine-exempt countries. France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Croatia and Greece are among the popular destinations that Britons can travel to from July 10 without needing to self-isolate on their return. Here we look at the best travel routes and accommodation … Read more
We are now free to enjoy a holiday in France without the prospect of two weeks’ quarantine on our return. But where to go to escape crowded beaches and tourist hot spots? Why not try France’s little-known islands and hideaways, which offer a secluded and relaxing break… Grande-Ile, Normandy A little slice of heaven: Grande-Ile is … Read more
BOOK OF THE WEEK THE WELL-GARDENED MIND by Sue Stuart-Smith (William Collins £20, 352pp) Back in 1915 Alexander Douglas Gillespie, an officer with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, wrote a letter home from the battlefields of Northern France. He told how ‘a big shell suddenly swooped down from nowhere into the trench, killing five and … Read more