DO EUROPE LIKE A LOCAL
From hitting the places free of Insta-hordes, to doing the well-trodden hotspots differently – this is what a Euro vacay should look like in 2019
A chic spin on old haunts: from cool Athens stays to Lisbon’s hip organic wine bars.
FRANCE GOING TO: PARIS
Just steps from the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries and Musée de l’orangerie, the Le Roch Hotel & Spa (lerochhotel.com) is a Parisian first-timer’s paradise. Though it’s hard to justify time not spent shopping or snaffling eclairs, hanging in the hotel is well worth it for the incredible interiors (by designer Sarah Lavoine), Michelin-starred restaurant and dark, moody indoor pool complete with a hammam.
THEN TRY: A ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE SOUTH OF FRANCE THE ITINERARY:
Fly into Nice, then follow the coastal road west, taking a detour inland for a side-trip to the magical commune of St Paul de Vence, then heading up to the hills of the Alpes-maritimes, to the pretty medieval village of Tourrettes-surloup, before popping down to the marina in Antibes to ogle the super-yachts. Take a detour for lunch at the hotel La Colombe d’or (la-colombe-dor.com), a former hangout of Picasso and Matisse – they used to exchange art for rooms and it’s still on display there today.
THE FINISH:
The south of France is synonymous with yachtie types and high rollers, but outposts like Hôtel Les Roches Rouges (designhotels.com/hotel-lesroches-rouges) are drawing a younger, cooler crowd (if you hadn’t noticed from the French bloggers on your feed). The design is a curated mix of mid-century furnishings and contemporary art that feels wholly now, with boujee touches such as boutique spirits and an exclusive collab with Le Labo. But despite that (and the enviable ocean-side position) the vibe is far from pretentious, with sweet touches such as sun hats and beach baskets to use during your stay. Opt for a sea view room – why else are you here?