Samuels of Cosmos Tours & Cruises says: “Spring is a wonderful time to visit Provence, with warm temperatures and beautiful almond and cherry tree blossom making a spectacular sight.” The operator’s eight-day Discover Provence trip stays in Marseille and Avignon, visiting Chateauneuf-du- Pape, Nimes and Aix-en-Provence. The cider region of Normandy is similarly pretty in pink, with delicate apple blossom making for picture-postcard views without a hefty price tag: Brittany Ferries offers a cottage stay in Lieurey with sailings and a car from £520.
What: Cycling in the Alps Why: Active breaks are best taken in shoulder seasons, when moderate temperatures and fewer tourists offer ideal conditions for hiking and cycling. Eurocamp has added five road cycling parcs to its Active portfolio this year, including Les Fontaines in the French Alps, on the edge of Lake Annecy and at the foot of some challenging cycle routes. National sales manager Michelle Betley- Jones says: “Spring is perfect for pedalling on some of Europe’s most famous cycling routes, after the extreme winter weather but before the crowds descend as alpine passes open to motorists.”
Toulouse Summer Festival
l SUMMER What: Behind the scenes in Bordeaux Why: Summer is not the time to be racing from one place to another, so escorted touring clients should consider a slower- paced itinerary. That’s key to Trafalgar’s new Secrets of France tour around Bordeaux and the Dordogne, part of its Hidden Journeys collection, which has free time in Arcachon – famed for beachfront cafes serving oysters – as well as Rocamadour, Limoges and Paris, so guests can top up guided excursions with time to explore (10 days from £2,104, land- only).
TOP TIP Fred Holidays has
introduced Bordeaux breaks this year, best seen in May and June when
festivals bring the area to life
What: Camping in Picardy Why: Family holidays don’t always mean a package flight and all-inclusive hotel – bundle the kids in the car and cross the Channel for a fun-packed camping trip without worrying about the weather. Brittany Ferries has chalet campsites from Normandy to the Mediterranean, although the sandy beaches of the western
Loire are the most sought-after in summer. Similarly easy to access, La Croix du Vieux Pont is Al Fresco’s best- selling park through agents thanks to its proximity to Calais – just a three-hour drive – and Disneyland Paris. There is regular transport to the theme park, plus a kids’ club, waterpark, lakes for swimming and canoeing, and mini-golf.
What: Music in Toulouse Why: Barely a week goes by without a jazz festival here or sailing regatta there, but don’t just ignore these events – they can bring a destination to life and help you close a sale. Festivals devoted to food, wine, music, drama or sports are found across the country, but one prime example is the Toulouse Summer Festival from July 15-August 8, featuring 50 events bringing
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travelweekly.co.uk — 26 March 2015
PICTURES: ATOUT FRANCE/MICHEL ANGOT, CEDRIC HELSLY; NEWMARKET HOLIDAYS; INSIGHT VACATIONS
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