It is a nice budget hotel in a prestigious neighborhood in the center of Paris, between Bd Haussmann (the Printemps etc) the Madeleine and the Opera. It's a 2-star hotel so don't expect anything extra, but our room was comfortable and spacious, and it actually had a quite charming character with the exposed timber beams. Staff, same as the hotel, were nice in general but nothing to rave about. The reason to choose this place is for its location and the good price.

5, rue de Castellane 75008 Paris
paris-hotel-royalopera.com/

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A contemporary and trendy designer hotel in a youthful and busy area, the Marais district. Close to all the action of the area, but luckily it is in a quiet little street. Tasteful design, ambient colours and comfy beds. On the downside, the room wasn't that big. But that's pretty much how it is in the historic parts of the city. It was a great base to explore Paris, very convenient with many of the sights - Notre Dame, Pompidou Centre, Ile Saint Louis, the Bastille etc - are within easy walking distance. But the charming district, with its cute streets and cafés, is the real attraction.

hoteldeneuveparis.com/

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Luxury and class in every detail - Hotel Belfast stands out not in its size but charm and elegance. It's a 3-star hotel, but deserves more as far as quality and service are concerned. And what about the location? It's right at the Arc de Triomphe, only a few meters. Best of all, there is a view on it and there is also a little balcony.

The room we had was comfortable and elegant. Only the upper rooms have a balcony, and it is worth that little extra. There is lift, so that shouldn't be a problem. It was great to have a coffee in the morning out on the balcony and a late night drink. It's a busy area, but traffic noise didn't bother us at night.

The receptionists were attentive and friendly, they gave valuable advice. We had a great time and we were happy with everything. Even the rate was very reasonable, you get value for your money.

Website: www.hotelbelfastparis.com/

10 avenue Carnot Paris 75017

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While the Right Bank of Paris has a certain character, across the Seine there are also some very lively and interesting districts - it's good to see a bit of every face of the city. Montparnasse is a great location as we found out, a very vibrant place with mostly a local middle-age and middle-class crowd. Lot of fancy cafés and bars, cabarets and excellent restaurants. We stayed at Hotel Edouard VI, right in the center, and it was an elegant, quiet little boutique hotel at a very good price.

Hotel Edouard VI
61 Boulevard du Montparnasse 75006 Paris
hoteledouard6.com/

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The Trocadero is a great location, being equally close to the Eifffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees and some other sights, and it's an elegant and lively location. Hotel Etoile Trocadero is a lovely 3-star boutique in the district, at a great price. The hotel is classic and our room was comfortable and charming. The staff we met were friendly and knowledgeable. Good value!

Hotel Etoile Trocadero
21, rue Saint-Didier 75016 Paris
www.paris-hotel-trocadero.com/

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Ok, so I know it's hardly original but this place holds a very special place in my heart. Having accepted that, although having been with my partner for a long time, we weren't destined to be married as it didn't seem to be something he wanted, I was absolutely stunned when he went down on one knee whilst visiting the Eiffel Tower and proposed to me. I actually thought he'd dropped something when he bent down and started to look around to see what it was he'd lost. We returned to the City of love and lights for our first anniversary but circumstances haven't allowed for a return visit since. But I live in hope. If you have the chance, just go!

Address of the Eiffel Tower:
5 avenue Anatole France
Quai Branly 75007 Paris
France
Tel: 33 01 44 11 23 23

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The great thing about the Republique area is that prices tend to be cheaper than in the touristy districts - hotels, restaurants, bars etc - while it's still a very central location. And it's a trendy quarter, very lively, popular with locals. The Meslay Hotel is a romantic cutie in the district, it's affordable and stylish. We loved it!

paris-hotel-meslay.com/

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Snow and cold have taken over Europe over the past few weeks and despite not facing the minus double digits like the rest of France, Corsica is now covered with snow and cold enough for it to stick. On the Plateau d'Ese, near the village of Bastelica, one can spend a great time skiing and snowboarding. Altitude tops 2400m, there are only 4 ski lifts but it's a great place to escape for the week-end with a small restaurant and equipment rental also available. For those of you lucky enough to visit Corsica in winter (best seasonal food, fabulous hikes, hunting, friendly locals...), it is a nice and fun day out. For the locals, it's heaven to be able to escape to the slopes at the week-end. For cross-country ski, one can also try "plateau du coscione" and "col de Vergio". It is quite rare that Corsica do not get snow on a year. Best chances are in February and March

For more info: www.corsicaexperience.com/experiences/sports/

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Hotel Ares Eiffel is located in a quiet little street just 5 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. The 4 star boutique hotel is absolutely amazing, it really is a luxury place; the furnitures are made by an Italian designer, there are Versace tilings in the bathroom, the TV's are the best I've ever seen in a hotel, there is free wi-fi in every room and free internet in the lobby. We stayed in a double room on the 3rd floor which was top notch, beautifully decorated, clean, bright and big enough, the bathroom was spotlessly clean and lovely as well. The staff are friendly and helpful, the neighborhood is loaded with some of the finest restaurants, bars, bistros, bakeries and antique shops. Public transportation is absolutely great, there are 3 metro lines within 5 minutes which makes getting around easy and convenient. Hotel Ares Eiffel is not a budget accommodation, a night starts from around 250 Euro, but if one can afford it I am totally convinced that the person won't be sorry about the extra money spent.

www.ares-paris-hotel.com/
7 RUE DU GÉNÉRAL DE LARMINAT
75015 PARIS
+33 1 47 34 74 04

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The ‘brocantes market’ in beautiful Aix en Provence is held on a wide boulevard shaded with trees and surrounded by fragrant flower displays.

The locals set out stalls under bright coloured umbrellas and hours can be spent wandering from one to another, enjoying coffee and pastries at the street cafes along the way. There is a wonderful eclectic mix of antiques from extravagant chandeliers and glamorous jewels to dusty books and agricultural ironwork.

The market has a lovely relaxed air; visitors can soak up the atmosphere created by the sunshine and chatter of the locals whilst searching for a little piece of treasure.

Place de Verdun: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

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Affordable and stylish, the 3-star Hotel Massena is in one of the most prestigious districts, near the Opera, Place Vendome, the big department stores and luxury boutiqes. It's a shopper's paradise - even if you only window-shop - but also convenient for sightseeing. The Madeleine is a short stroll, and the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre museum and other sights aren't that far either.

We loved the place, it's a cute gem of a boutique hotel, with a very ambient and trendy atmosphere. Our room was modern and classy, with a big comfy bed and spotlessly clean bathroom.

Considering the location and class the prices seem moderate with Paris standards. We certainly believe it's worth it, Hotel Massena is one of those lovely places that make a visit to Paris even more memorable.

www.paris-hotel-massena.com/
16 rue Tronchet
75008 Paris

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Breezy runs a cosy, relaxed catered chalet close to Chamonix town. Fantastic food and flowing wine. Her intimate knowledge of the valley is invaluable when it comes to making the most out of your precious ski or snowboarding holiday.

www.skibreezy.com
Chalet D Ile 80 Chemin des Barrats, 74400 Chamonix Mont Blanc, France
+44 1629 690 690
Google map: bit.ly/AnmTGL

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Oysters and fruit de mer. Excellent restaurants surrounded by the oyster beds.

Rochefort, Charente-Maritime
Google map: bit.ly/woffRU

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Who needs Bora-Bora when you have Brittany? I'll wager that when you arrive on the Îles de Glénan, an archipelago off the southern coast of Finistère, you'll consider these desert isles as good as any that you might find in more exotic places. If you're not here for the sailing school, there is little to do except bury your feet in the white sand, kayak across a clear lagoon, or watch the black headed gulls, weave and dip, on their flight out to sea.

The Vedettes de l"Odet, based in Bènodet will get you there.
+33 (0) 2 98 57 00 58
www.vedettes-odet.com/
Google map: bit.ly/wtpoEz

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Widely considered the toughest trek in Europe the GR20 follows the spine of the Corsican mountains from the north west to south east of the island. The trek, mountains and views are spectacular. The hut infrastructure is good and the people are very friendly.
Some people go out and do as much as they can of the route in a week. It can be completed in less than 2 weeks but give yourself 1 week more and you can take the 'alpine variations' and a few side trips. Treat yourself to some time in Corsica at the end of trek to enjoy beaches, good food and powerful cheese.

www.le-gr20.com/gb/

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One of the most romantic places in France is the St. Paul de Vence. It is a charming hilltop fortified village in Provence. It has art galleries, boutiques and pavement cafes. Filled with elegant fountains, vine-covered stone walls, breathtaking views of mountains and seas, it is truly one of the most romantic places in France.

www.saint-pauldevence.com/
Google map: bit.ly/A8uChi

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One famous flea market is the Porte de Vanves in Paris. Its is one of the best in France due to its size and variety. On Saturdays and Sundays more than 300 vendors set up shop. It may be messy, but it is more for people who love good bargains.

pucesdevanves.typepad.com/
Avenue Georges Lafenestre, 75014 Paris, France
+33 6 86 89 99 96
Google map: bit.ly/x1To62

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Most people go think that doing the last 200kms to Santiago is what the Camino is about. Don't do this! Start in France (from Paris, Vezelay, Le Puy or Arles) and do part of it this year. You need a guide and a Pilgrim Passport (from the Confraternity of St James), accommodation is cheap and so is travel, but once you’ve started you’ll want to go back and complete the journey and that is when it will begin to change your life!

www.csj.org.uk/

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I think everyone in the world should visit the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, and specifically the volcanic craters in the middle of the island. Most tourism seems to have been attracted to Réunion's more beachy neighbour, Maruitius, so the island is largely unspoiled and, thanks to the fact that the entire island was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site, likely to stay that way. Geologically very young and hosting two volcanoes (one live and one dormant) it's full not only of idyllic beaches but also of fairytale craggy peaks and deep valleys. Piton de la Neige, the dormant volcano, is surrounded by three craters (called cirques) that are all big enough to house several villages and each breath-taking in their own way. The Crique de Cilaos is accessible by bus from the town of St Louis, which climbs over the edge of the crater and down inside. The road includes over 250 hairpin bends, so just making it to the town is life-affirming. Being surrounded by the walls of the crater induces a realisation of the small and transitory nature of human existence that is calming and refreshing. The local residents help this along - what's important here is enjoying nature, whether it's through canyoning through rivers and waterfalls, hiking to high peaks, or just sitting back and taking in the view. We stayed in the family-run 'Claire de Lune' guest house, which has a dormitory for large groups and offers fabulous traditional Creole meals cooked by the owner's mother. I came back refreshed and with a renewed sense of both the awesomeness of the natural world and the important role each of us plays in it.

Catch the bus from the St Louis bus station on the south side of the island, which take about an hour and a half.
Clair de la Lune:
10, rue Winceslas Rivière 97413 Cilaos
+33(0)262 31 88 03

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A beautiful ski chalet in Chatel, France. We spent a week here, self-catered and it was such a comfortable and peaceful place to relax in after a day on the slopes.

www.chaletcannelle.co.uk

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