La Rochelle

Why this is the best time to visit Île de Ré, where Parisians go on holiday

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Standing atop the observation tower of Hotel Le Lanternon, I watched as the weathered, pale stone buildings of the capital of Îl de Ré turned the shade of ripe peach flesh. Before me, Saint-Martin-de-Ré unfolded in a star shape against the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond, the two-mile bridge connecting Îl de Ré to La Rochelle felt … Read more

Manu Tuilagi has made the right choice: Bayonne is the best place in the world to watch rugby

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Bayonne is a city full of fanatics, bursting with pride for their club – Getty Images/Anthony Dibon The appeal of French rugby clichés is enormous, but it is not what it once was. In the age of ultra-professionalism, the tales of biting and gouging have thankfully disappeared, the days of pre-match wine for the players … Read more