If you’ve read our feature on France in the May 2022 edition of Getaway, you may take the hint and take a stab at “l’Hexagone” for a taste of northern hemisphere summer.
It’s now easier to travel to France than it’s been since early-2020; Air France is offering discounted rates on flights from South Africa to France (and beyond), and vaccinated travellers are no longer required to take a PCR or antigen test to enter. Since 14 March, the “pass sanitaire” is no longer required for access to certain leisure activities.
With temperatures plummeting here in the south, midyear is an ideal time to visit France. And as much as all the food, culture and scenic wonder is waiting for you, it’s particularly alluring for sports fans right now – or for a sporting holiday. Looking ahead, France beckons as the scene of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics.
But, over the next few months, enthusiasts can look forward to the Tour de France (1 to 24 July), the French Grand Prix (22 to 24 July) and the French Open (Roland Garros, 16 May to 5 June).
In Brittany’s medieval capital, Nantes, the BMX World Championships are happening from 26 to 31 July. And, on the other side of the country, the MTB World Championships are being held in Les Gets, an exquisite village in the French Alps, from 24 to 28 August.
While you can read about a few of France’s wonders in our May edition (on sale now), you may be wondering where to stay when you get there. South Africans inevitably feel the pinch in European destinations, but affordable digs are within reach. Here’s a short list of options to whet your appetite – now go and pack your bags…
IN PARIS
Hôtel Gavarni
Away from the bustle, this understated eco-friendly hotel (it uses renewable energy, serves a fully organic breakfast and pays staff to use public transport to get to work) has 25 bedrooms; those on upper floors have views over the rooftops towards the nearby Eiffel Tower.
From R1 145 (agoda.com)
gavarni.com
La Belle Ville
A bit out of the way, in 19th Arrondissement, this slick, neatly designed hotel offers one of the best-value stays in Paris.
From R1 143 (edreams.fr)
labellevilleparis.com
Hotel Molitor Paris-MGallery
Within walking distance of Roland Garros, Parc des Princes and Stade Jean-Bouin, this fancy-pants place has a pair of enormous pools (one indoor, one out) and is filled with art.
From R4 958
+33 1 56 07 08 50
IN BRITTANY
Oceania Hotel de France Nantes
In the heart of Nantes, this incarnation of the Breton-based hotel chain known for its slick contemporary interiors, has super-friendly staff, and is a two-minute walk from the inner city. There are other Oceania properties around Brittany (and France), including Hotel Escale Oceania Vannes (with rooms from €59).
From €80
La Chouettes Cabanes
In Pommérieux’s woods, these three treehouse cabins and one Gypsy roulotte caravan afford idyllic rural bliss; breakfasts (and dinners by request) are delivered and then drawn up with a pulley.
€105 roulotte or €130 (cabin) for two people; €25 per extra person
La Belle Folie
Near Brittany’s Quiberon peninsula and the Carnac megaliths, these crazy abodes include a caravan balancing on a faux menhir, glass-wood cabins with hot tubs, quirky tents, and a star-shaped wooden hut called Cactus. Apart from the wacky digs, there are permaculture workshops and you can help out in the sustainable garden. A real back-to-nature opportunity with a twist.
From €120
IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
Hotel de France
Motor-racing fans attending nearby Le Mans (on 11 to 12 June) will love the fact that Jacky Ickx, Bruce McLaren, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti and Stirling Moss have slept at this hotel in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir.
From €85 double
City Kamp
With the Loire (and three more rivers) nearby, Angers is a great city for outdoorsy types; this campsite is near Lac de Maine, close to the city centre. No tent? There are two-bedroom cabins – plus a pool, pizzeria and watersports on the lake. You can hire bikes and follow the cycle paths into the city and along the rivers.
From €69 for up to 6
campingangers.com
IN THE DORDOGNE
L’Esplanade
In Domme, this family hotel has definitive Dordogne valley views and a well-preserved sense of history.
From R1 592 (expedia.com)
Le Pont de L’Ouysse
Near Rocamadour, this is an enchanting fifth-generation family-run country hotel at the foot of the Château de Belcastel.
From R2 119 double
IN PROVENCE & THE CÔTE D’AZUR
Maison Huit Arles
An exquisite four-room B&B in a 17th-century mansion in Arles; the art-collecting owner has dedicated each room to an extraordinary female figure from history. She also has a handful of self-catering units (from €60 per night).
From €85 double, including breakfast (2-night minimum)
Hôtel le Colombier
In Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, this modest hotel has pretty gardens, a pool, and stunning views from its terraces.
From €92.20 double
Hôtel Windsor
In Nice, close to the sea and the Promenade des Anglais, this family-owned boutique establishment has a jungly tropical garden while rooms feature frescoes by local painter Antoine Baudouin and details that pay homage to the likes of Jean Cocteau and Coco Chanel. The narrow roads and market of the old town are a 15-minute walk away.
From €150 double
Note that unvaccinated travellers must present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old or a negative antigen test less than 48 hours old prior to their departure for France. Some ticketed events may have restrictions in place. South Africans do require visas for entry to France and the EU. For more information on travel requirements during the pandemic, visit this website.
