French-Inspired Style, Beauty & Living
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to A Slow Drive Along the French Riviera: 10 of the Most Beautiful Coastal Stops. There are faster ways to see the French Riviera, of course. The train traces the coastline in flashes of blue and gold, and helicopters still shuttle guests between glamorous hotels during the summer season. …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to A Long Weekend in Aix-en-Provence: A Provençal Itinerary for the Slow Traveller. There are cities you visit, and cities that visit you. Aix-en-Provence belongs firmly to the second kind. From the moment you step beneath its canopy of ancient plane trees and hear the murmur of fountains drifting …
There are places in France that feel suspended between land and sea, reality and memory. Villa Colette in Cap Ferret is one of them. At the very tip of the oyster-farming peninsula, where pine forests meet shifting tides and the Atlantic softens into the calm waters of Arcachon Bay, life slows almost instinctively. Days revolve …
There are certain places in Provence that seem to exist in their own gentle rhythm, where lavender drifts through the air, fountains quietly murmur beneath cypress trees, and long afternoons dissolve into candlelit evenings. Villa Gallici, tucked away just above the historic heart of Aix-en-Provence, is one of those places. Part grand Italian residence, part …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to the “Habits de Lumière” Epernay : a celebration of champagne and light, by Senior Editor, Hannah Rees. You’ve probably already heard of Reims, the capital of the Champagne region of France, known for its stunning Cathedral where Charlemagne was crowned — as well as, of …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature with Your ultimate guide to a ski holiday at Alpe d’Huez for ski lovers. Nestled in the Oisan’s region of the French Alps, Alpe d’Huez ski resort is an exceptional winter sport experience that is ideal for every type of snow enthusiast and particularly for those …
Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about How France is Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. The 80th anniversary of D-Day next week marks a significant milestone in the remembrance of one of World War II’s most critical events. June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Normandy—the day in …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to 3 adventurous activities to do in France. Whether it’s summer or winter, France always has the best terrain for outdoor activities. Boasting a diverse landscape including tall mountains and rolling hills, it’s an adrenaline enthusiast’s dream location. From skiing ventures in the Alps to rafting …
Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our guide to the ten best things to do in Cahors, France. As an avid traveler, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting numerous stunning destinations across the globe. One place that truly captured my heart is Cahors (so much so that I nearly bought a house there!), a …
It has been a while since our last travel guide (and a while since my last travels!) so I thought it was time to a) travel again, although I’m staying in France this time and b) share one of my trips with you, and what better place to start than with what to do and …
Today I want to share with you a story about Swan Lake and the legend of the flottins and flottines, little creatures who arrived at Evian on the shores of Lake Geneva and saved Christmas one winter night. The story takes place in Evian les Bains, a beautiful alpine town on the shores of Lake …
This post is taken in the same place as my previous post, and specifically in the grounds of the castle of Chantilly. If you remember, I recently spent a day visiting the town of Chantilly, which is about 40 kms north of Paris (half an hour outside Paris by train), and I promised to share …