May 2016 issue of FRANCE Magazine out now!

In the May 2016 issue of FRANCE Magazine, we visit the idyllic island of Île de Ré, uncover wonderful places to stay in Paris and explore the impressive manor houses of Montpellier known as ‘Les Folies’

Island idyll

We venture to the idyllic island of Île de Ré on France’s west coast for a fun-filled family holiday. Highlights include pedalling along country lanes lined with towering hollyhocks, spotting Donkeys in pyjamas – the island’s traditional symbol – in the town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, building sandcastles on the beaches of Le-Bois-Plage-en-Ré and climbing up the Phare des Baleines lighthouse on the most westerly point of Île de Ré.

Where to stay in… Paris

The theme of this month’s accommodation feature is great places to stay in Paris. From stylish boutique rooms with exceptional views and romantic retreats to cosy city centre hideaways, we reveal our pick of some of the best places to stay in the City of Light.

Montpellier’s Folies Show

Discover the elegant mansions dating from the 18th century in and around this forward-thinking Mediterranean city. We visit 5 beautiful homes that were built by the growing ranks of the bourgeoisie who wanted to show off their new-found wealth and status. These fine constructions became known as folies, which in French means both extravagance and madness, and are more practical than the English follies.

Riviera inspiration

In this in-depth feature written by acclaimed author Carol Drinkwater we head down to the Côte d’Azur, whose dazzling colours have long been the magnet for artists, writers and film-makers. Carol explores the many iconic places along this stretch of coastline and how it attracted big names such as Renoir, Matisse and, of course, Picasso, as well as being the inspiration behind her latest release, The Forgotten Summer.

Plus, we drive along the hair-raising mountain roads of the Route des Cols in the Pyrénées, chat to acclaimed British actress Celia Imrie on her love for the south of France and the inspiration behind her new book Nice Work (If You Can Get It).

Buy the May 2016 issue of FRANCE Magazine here!