Short Breaks
Need to get away, for just a few days?
Paris, Bordeaux, Burgundy or Alsace, we have breaks in all corners of France!
We have super shorter walking holidays in Normandy, the Vosges, Paris and Nice for winter or summer. We also have driving tours in Burgundy, Picardy, Charente and Champagne. But if you want a relaxing spa break or a yummy cookery break, you can do those too.
In fact, if you see another holiday that you would like but shorter, we can very probably adapt it for you, so call us and share your idea with us!
Our Short Breaks
Burgundy Wine Trail
Discover the grands crus of Bourgogne
A real treat for wine buffs to visit the famous Burgundy Appellations. There are so many tasting opportunities you must prepare a list of those you wish to try before you set out on this tour.
Oyster & Pearl Islands
Fresh sea breezes, sandy beaches and succulent seafood
Visit Ile d'Aix, no cars here so explore on foot, hire a bike or take the horse-drawn “calèche” and discover the cultivation of Mother of Pearl. At Marennes learn all you need to know about delicious oysters. Un Rochefort seek out the naval history and marvel at the old transporter bridge.
Parisian Light
Capture the beauty of Paris forever
If you only knew the best places in Paris to take great photographs and just how to capture them, wouldn't that be fantastic? You can achieve that on this holiday with the guidance of an acclaimed professional photographer, whose work is shown on this page.
Venture into the Vosges
Pagan walls and castles of Mont St Odile in Alsace
A picturesque hike on the slopes of Mount St Odile passing many old castles and the ancient Neolithic walls as you follow tracks on changing terrain of through woodland and vines.
A Votre Sante
Luxurious 5-star spa hotel in the Smith Haut Lafitte estate
Wine and Spa treatments don’t seem to compliment one another but at the luxurious Les Sources de Caudalie they ingeniously combine the two with Merlot wraps and crushed Cabernet scrubs and in the bar you can sample the very best of French wines by the glass.
Paris en Vélo
The wonders of the City of Light on two wheels and two feet
Shrink Paris by bike and take in the classic sights on a guided cycle tour, explore the ancient Quartier Latin with a guided walk and still have plenty of time to fit in your own agenda.
Charm of Champagne Tour
A weekend of bubbly indulgence
We provide a booklet full of details for Champagne tastings and suggested driving routes, some great places to visit and charming hotels. Stay for one or two nights half board and two nights bed and breakfast at first class hotels.
A Taste of Normandy
Cider, Calvados and gourmet menus to create
Located in the heart of one of the most famous cider areas of the Pays d’Auge the delightful Château les Bruyères, close to the pretty Normandy village of Cambremer, offers a wonderful opportunity to try delicious Normandy dishes conjured from local produce from the land and sea.
Jardins de Picardie
Cathedral city and country gardens to delight
This holiday is pure indulgence for anyone who loves visiting gardens and creating gardens, with three entirely different experiences, each more formal than the one before, in the verdant region of Picardy.
The Opal Coast
The wind in your hair and wonderful views
This is a perfect introduction to experiencing walking in France: a picturesque seaside town, sandy beaches, undulating hills and plains with stupendous views. You don’t even need a car! Travel as a foot passenger from Dover to Calais or Boulogne and let us do the rest.
Inspiring Provence
Discover the inspiring beauty of Vence and its artists
Many artists have adored Vence, St Paul de Vence and Nice. This truly is classic Provence and as you follow in the footsteps of Matisse, Chagall, Renoir and Dufy, you will understand the magic of this special place. “When I realised I would see that light every morning, I could not believe my good fortune”.
Picardy Pastures
Ancient towns and rural idylls
The medieval town of Laon offers panoramic views of the peaceful greenery and woodland that make for pleasant and undemanding walking through gently rolling countryside. The grade is easy, with short distances between hotels.
Mulberry March
Peaceful villages and evocative memorials
A pleasant walk across flat countryside following the route taken by the British 5th Division - through the pretty seaside town of Arromanches famous for the Mulberry harbour used for landing troops and vehicles during the war. We grade this walk as easy.
Seine Valley Secrets
Ancient woodland and ruined abbeys
One or two steep sections to negotiate each day as you rise from the river valley, taking in forest tracks through glorious woodland, towpaths along the slow moving Seine and quiet lanes leading past romantic ruined abbeys. The route is way-marked almost throughout its length.
Paris au Choix
Pick N Mix - three fun ways to experience Paris
Paris is full of so many fun things to do. Tailor yourself three days of Paris-packed experiences so that you will have seen The City of Light as you never could have before!
Venture into the Wintery Vosges
Winter walking along pagan walls and past the castles of Mont St Odile in Alsace
Capture the beauty and serenity of the Vosges in wintertime, as you walk on the picturesque slopes of Mount St Odile, passing many old castles and ancient Neolithic walls as you follow tracks on changing terrain through woodland and vines.
