France

Here are our top places to visit with recommendations for Paris.

Hotels

Hotel California

The California Hotel is four stars and it is located at five minutes of the Champs-Elysées street. There is a fantastic bar and a wonderful restaurant but more than anything it's the wonderful service here which has guests returning year after year.

La Maison de Champs Élysées (hotel)

So we all know that Paris is synonymous with Style. It's one of the undisputed centres of the fasion industry, and has a fine art pedigree that can be challenged by very few other cities, with its old world European grandeur, matched only by its stylish urban modernity. The La Maison de Champs Élysées is, as the name suggests, positioned right off the most famous boulevard in the city, not to mention the world. It's part of Paris's 'Golden Triangle' and as such, it fits into the strict and very beautiful 19th century architectural rules set down by Napoleon. Yet, once you step inside, modern Paris hits you right between the eyes. After all, it was recently remodelled by none other than the darling of the Fasion world Martin Margiela (his first interior project). It is playful, whimsical, quirky and sophisticated - deconstructing standard proportions with beautiful lashings of monochrome and design features throughout the property. With just 57 intimate rooms and attentive, polished service it is a fitting tribute to what was once the home of the Duchess of Rivoli

Restaurants

The Pur' - Jean-François Rouqette

The Pur’ – Jean-François Rouqette is a 1 Michelin star restaurant in Paris. Various menus are possible with fish or meat. It is located ten minutes from the Champs-Elysées and, if you stay at my recommended hotel, ten minutes by bicycle. Why not try rent a Velib (free city bike) on the way there to beat the traffic and look like a local!

Attractions

Château de Versailles (Versailles Castle)

It’s the second most visited attraction in France. Located several kilometres from the city centre and accessible by RER train, it was the home of the French King. It's gardens are a must see, but it is the Hall of Mirrors which is my favourite. It was to here that the insurgents marched from the centre of Paris to demand the head of Marie-Antoinette; bring your own cake!

La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower)

It’s the third most visited attraction in France. It’s a instantly recognisable symbol of France throughout the world. From there you can enjoy “le champ de Mars” garden and if you ascend to the top you can have a fabulous view of Paris - try to get there early to beat the lines!

Le Musée de Picasso (Picasso Museum)

The Picasso Museum was closed for over eight years for significant renovations. It reopened in 2016 and the result of the renovations, despite the politics involved in such a project, have produced phenomenal results. You will walk amongst many of Picasso's most famous signature pieces and periods. Very highly recommended! I suggest advance purchase of tickets because demand is very high.

Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur et des Ordres de la Chevalerie (The Museum of the Legion of Honor and the Orders of Chivalry)

In front of the Orsay Museum, just behind the RER Station, you can go to the "Musée de la Légion d'Honneur et des Ordres de la Chevalerie". There you'll find a huge collection of medals from many differents countries and a permanent exibition about the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits (also accessible to foreigners). You should check if one of your ancestors were suitably honoured on the register of the museum.   The museum is free off charge.  This is a wonderful, little-visited museum and is a must for anyone interested in WW1 or WW2 history.

Hotels

Hôtel d'Europe

What could be a better way to recuperate after a long biking tour than relax in a 5 star hotel in the centre of Avignon? The Europe Hotel offers comfort, relaxation and pleasure located just inside the city walls on the banks of the river Rhône.

Wine Cellar Chez Marie

Marie’s Place is my favourite Avignon Wine Bar where the lovers of wines can share an amazing moment in an atmosphere of Parisian Cabaret.  On a summers day there os nothing better than a chilled Tavel rose - you'll ride through Tavel on your first day of your bike tour.  Try a cheese like a St Marcellin or a Alpine Reblochon for something a little different.

Restaurants

Restaurant les 5 sens

This is simply the most prestigious restaurant in Avignon, overseen by Chef Thierry Baucher and his wife Christelle, and has been awarded a "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" - one of France's top restaurant accolades.   Located in the City Center, The 5 Senses Restaurant offers delicious tasty menus with a Southern Provençale inspiration. It will be an unforgettable gastronomic moment to enjoy before or after your Fresh Eire Adventures trip.

Attractions

Palais des Papes

The Popes Palace in Avignon is the largest Middle Aged Gothic construction in the world.  This was used as the principal papal residence during the fourteenth century and is the cooperative work of some of the most brilliant arhchitects of the day; Jean de Louvres, Raymond Guitbaud, Pierre Obreri and Pierre Poisson.

Island de la Barthelasse

The Barthelasse Island, a sand spit on the Rhone, is a perfect place to have a short stroll away from the frenetic energy of the city centre yet is only a 3 minute walk across the bridge from Place Crillon.  The island is one of the largest European fluvial islands and the largest in France. It will afford you an amazing panoramic view of the Avignon Bridge, the Doms Roc and the Popes Palace.

Here are our Top Hotel & Restaurant Recommendations in Bordeaux, as prepared by intern Mathieu.

Hotels

Hôtel de Sèze

The Hôtel de Sèze is a delightful, welcoming 4-star 18th century hotel. The hotel is located in the city center near the Place de la Comédie. They offer elegant rooms to create intimate, cosy and chic ambience. You will have the opportunity to take advantage of the spa and their restaurant.

Mama Shelter

Next to Saint-André Cathedral, Mama Shelter is a modern and trendy 2-star hotel. The interior is young even pop. You will enjoy the restaurant and the bar in the same place, with a varied menu and a beautiful wine selection.

La Boutique

La Boutique Hotel is a 4-star establishment near the “Grand theatre” of Bordeaux, Place de la Comédie. Rooms are modern and cosy; you can select rooms with Jacuzzi to enjoy a relaxing night. This hotel is also prestigious because of its wine bar which allows you to discover some wonderful bottles of wine with sommelier’s advice.

Hotel de France

Ideally located in Grands Hommes neighbourhood near the church Notre Dame, the 2-star Hotel de France is an affordable option which ticks all the boxes.

Hotel Gambetta

As the Hotel de France, the 2-star Hotel Gambetta, is also close to the church Notre Dame. However, you will find contemporary rooms in the Gambetta hotel. Affordable, this place is ideally situated to visit all cultural monuments of the city.

Here’s a the review from TripAdvisor of the Gambetta Hotel by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:

"This is a wonderful tourist hotel ideally located close to all the main attractions in the city centre near some fantastic public spaces and buzzing bars, cafes and restaurants. While it is by no means a luxurious proposition, it is clean and well-run and represents very good value for quite an expensive town. Unpretentious and basic. Bed was comfortable and room was larger than expected but it overlooked a derelict building to the rear which attracted a lot of pigeons so I couldn't keep my windows open...no big deal. Bathroom was basic but clean and toiletries reflect the budget price point. I didn't take breakfast so I can't comment on this. Wi-Fi was good enough. Staff were very helpful especially upon departure; they advised me to take the regular bus (1.50 euro and not the 8 euro Airport shuttle bus) from Place Gambetta instead of a taxi (45 euro). The bus runs four times an hour from 5.30am and is very prompt with a journey time of less than 40 minutes. One of the night receptionists, a young enough guy in his 20s, recommended that I visit a local wine bar, L' Autre Petit Bois; this was an unmissable experience (which I would have missed had I not asked for a recommendation!).  I was very pleased with this hotel, a fine stay."

Restaurants

Le Pressoir d’Argent

Le Pressoir d’Argent will be delighted to welcome you to their Michelin 1-star gastronomic restaurant in the Place de la Comédie. Infamous Chef Gordon Ramsay uses mainly regional products. His creative food will surprise and astound you.

L’autre Petit Bois

L’autre Petit bois is a renowned wine bar is located in the Parliament Square. Bordeaux is very well known for it's powerful and amazing wine culture. Decorated with a Baroque style on two floors with doors which open out onto the Square. On a sunny day you can enjoy your wine on the pavement seating area and watch the world go by.

Attractions

The wine city (La Cité du vin)

With its amazing structure near the Garonne, La Cité du Vin museum will astound you with the history of Bordeaux wine. As everybody knows, this city is the wine capital of the world, so it makes for an interesting visit. No doubt, professionals, amateurs and even tee-totalers, will enjoy such a visit.

Water mirror (Le miroir d’eau)

The water mirror is located between  Louis XVIII and Quai de la Douane, in Place de la Bourse. It’s a new attraction for citizens and tourists. The pool combines artificial misting and miror effects. Opened in 2006, many people gather here, from children to parents, to enjoy cool water mists in summer but you'd need to be courageous during the rest of the year.

   

 The Cliffs of Kerroc'h

The magnificence and the height of the Kerroch’ Cliffs will astound you! Formed after many years of wave crashing upon the coast, the Kerroch’ Cliffs will allow you to have an amazing view of the ocean and you will feel Poseidon’s Power.

Creperie Le Chant du Rozell

What could be a better than tasty Crepes (either salty or sweet) to recover from your experience? The Rozell Song’s Creperie its waiting for you! Accompanied with a local delicious bottle of Cider, this lunch will be an amazing authentic Breton mating.  You should try the Crêpe Complète; eggs, ham, cheese and provençale herbs.

The Locked Castle

For the longest time, the Locked Castle dominates the coast of Guidel. Surronded by the water, in front of the Atlantic Ocean, the Locked Castle, along with the waves and the beach will offer you a vista you won’t forget in a hurry.  This is a favourite haunt of brave surfers.

Shamrock

At the end of a long day, in Lorient City Center, you will find the most atmospheric Breton Bar and Restaurant, is actually an Irish Bar! Here you will find lot of examples of Breton culture which has much in common with Irish culture. Tonight you can dine on local “moules frites” (mussels with french fries) or any of the other delicious specialties of the house.

Groix Island

At few kilometers form the Kerroch or Guidel’s coast, l’île de Groix is a fantastic and beautiful island!  Easily accesible by a public boat, it’s a perfect day trip. You will find restaurants, beaches, bars as well as spectacular scenery. For some extra miles either before or after your Fresh Eire Adventure the island of Groix offers a superb loop ride (40kms) following the coast.  The Plages des Sables Blancs (White Sand Beach) is worth a visit.

My name is Tony and I am 20 years of age.  This is my first time in Ireland and I am excited to be with Fresh Eire Adventures on an internship programme. I completed an Economics and Social Baccalaureat in Lorient and afterwards I attended an International Business School preparation course in Quimper.  Currently I am in International Business School in La Rochelle, France. I am a student of Business and Marketing.

I grew-up around Kerroch, Guidel, Groix, Ploemeur and Lorient in Brittany. I have visited many places in France and I am delighted to share with you my top tips to have an amazing extension either before or after your Fresh Eire Adventure in Brittany & Normandy.

Le marché des Lices

The market of lices is the second largest food market in the country. Open every Saturday morning from 8am you can spend time perusing the various food stalls meeting many local producers of everything from cheese to fish, meat to vegetables. This may be one of the best ways to start a day in Rennes.

La crêperie Saint-Georges

After a great morning in the market, it will be time to take lunch and you must consider a table at The Saint-Georges Crepery. You will definitely fall in love with this traditional food especially when accompanied by a bottle of local apple cider. This modern space is not only a restaurant but a meeting place for the citizens of Rennes to gather.

Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of La Creperie Saint Georges by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:

“I was a little non-plussed walking around Rennes the other evening looking for something authentic with an original twist. Crepes crepes crepes. As time was pushing on I spotted this place with an interesting menu - its plates were all named after one famous George or another...Reluctantly I took a seat and a menu and hoped for the best. I first of all went to their weine by the glass section - I was very pleasantly surprised to see a St Emiilion (a Saint Georges of course) and quickly ordered that. For my main course I had a buckwheat galette, the Georges Moustaki; a wonder of sliced baby potatoes fried with onion and melted Epoisses (I think?). Truly superb. Service was efficient if somewhat unfriendly. I had to go inside to pay the bill. The street side terrace where I ate was full while the interior was less so. Very reasonable at €19.90 total. Highly recommended”.

L’Abri du Marché

L’Abri du Marché is an authentic restaurant in the city center of Rennes next to Place des Lices to taste delicious Mussels and Galettes.

Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of L’abri du Marché restaurant by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:

“This atmospheric and very authentically styled Breton restaurant serves (like many of the places in the neighbourhood) staples like Galettes and Mussels. I opted for the mussels in a curry sauce (€9.60) with a side salad (€2.50) and a 50cl pichet of house red (Bordeaux; €5.10). Everything was excellent; service was friendly and helpful. For dessert I attempted (somewhat successfully) to have the server ask the kitchen to prepare a banoffee crepe (with banana, caramel sale and vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate)....close but no cigar. Top marks for trying to make a special request not on the menu however! Lots of groups of friends on the other tables...bathrooms were good. Excellent and very enjoyable. Highly recommended".

L’Epi de Blé

Located in front of the train station, L’Epi de Blé, simple but traditional, offers you a typical Breton cuisine with high quality products.

Here’s a review from TripAdvisor of L’Epi de Blé by Padraic, owner of Fresh Eire Adventures:

« While this is not a fancy place it is certainly very good. My potato, onion, emmental and mushroom galette was high quality, delicious and of a reasonable size. I also had a glass of house white (€2.10) and a bottle of mineral water (€3.50). This was a simple and enjoyable lunch. My server was friendly and efficient. And excellent value for money too - €11.50 total! Recommended ».

Le parc du Thabor

The elegant and romantic gardens of Le Parc du Thabor, located in the heart of the city are best explored using a locally hired rental bike.

The park combines many different features such as English park, French garden, a cave, music kiosk and even an aviary. Botanists and keen gardners should definately not miss this attraction as here you will find an exceptional rose garden with 2000 varieties.

Place de la Mairie