A magical Christmas at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
The best day trip from Paris you could do this Christmas has to be a visit to the magical Château Vaux-le-Vicomte to see it’s spectacular festive displays.
Getting to know the French Basque Country from Bidart to Biarritz
Beautiful beaches, fantastic shops, delicious food and wine – all this and more from our base at Camping Ilbarritz in the French Basque Country.
A girl’s getaway to the French Basque Country
My first hen do has arrived, and we’re glamping in style in the French Basque Country. From hydrangea forests to beaches and spas, I can’t wait to explore!
Corsica, a guide to the island of beauty
“If you feel like working, sit down, it will soon pass.” Corsica, a laid-back, sleepy island off the west coast of Italy. While for the last two hundred years or so it may well have been French, to me it has always been simply… Corsica… unique,...
The Magic of Paris at Christmas
Christmas markets a plenty, department stores dripping in festive bling and avenues of trees sparkling with fairy lights – these images and more swam in my head as I boarded the Eurostar train at St Pancras Station in London. A little more than two hours later I was in Paris. Why? To photograph the City of Lights at Christmas.
Sweet treats in Corsica
As my spoon broke through the soft sponge, I almost squealed with delight, as a cascade of melted chocolate escaped. It oozed around my plate and started to mingle with the vanilla gelato. I took a taste and, oh my, it was good. So very good that I spent most of the...
Exploring the beaches of the Golfe de Valinco
I love the sea and grew up spending the school summer holidays on the beach with my sister. I’d regularly stay in the water until my lips turned purple with the cold. These days I’m not quite so hardy and have to admit I prefer warmer climes when it comes...
Instagramming Corsica
Having just got back from a fabulous week in Corsica, I’d like to share some highlights from my Instagram feed over the last 8 days. Stayed tuned to find out more. You can folow my adventures on Instragram @TravelWithKat. A tasty lunch of Fromage de...
In pictures, the vibrant Wazemmes market in Lille
Colourful flowers, drapes of exotic material, antiques, bric-a-brac (and a little cheap tat) as well as a covered farmer’s markets can all be found at the vibrant Marché de Wazemmes, in this ethnically mixed quarter of Lille. When I visited on a sunny...
An homage to the cakes of Lille
Having had a wonderful time in Lille last summer I was delighted to be invited back again, this time to celebrate Eurostar’s 2oth birthday. And so, last weekend, I boarded my train at London’s St Pancras Station, enjoyed a light breakfast (and...
Tarte au Maroilles, cheese tart from France
In the restaurants and bakeries of Lille in the north of France, you are bound to come across the traditional Flemish cheese tart, Tarte au Maroilles, typically served with salad and fries and washed down with a local beer. If you’d like to try it yourself...
Exploring Lille by bicycle
When I heard that I would be spending a morning cycling around Lille a question immediately came to mind, namely, is it true that you never forget how to ride a bicycle? I remember well the last time I rode anywhere on a bike, namely from my home down to the seafront....
Roubaix and the art of reinvention
If ever a town has mastered the art of reinvention it has to Roubaix on the outskirts of Lille in northern France. Where else can you dine at a garage or foundry, admire magnificent sculptures and paintings in an art deco swimming pool and sleep in a bubble or an...
Scandola Nature Reserve, Corsica | Tourism versus climate change
Red cliffs tower above us, plunging steeply down into the bluest of seas. Surely, the best way to experience the Scandola Nature Reserve is from the water. The views of the coastline are dramatic, and a boat is the most practical way to visit the lovely hamlet of...
Exploring Corsica by car or even by bicycle!
At the end of June the Tour de France is coming to the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica for the first time. The dramatic mountain scenery, with many a hairpin bend and breathtaking views down to the sea, will make the most magnificent setting for what will be...
A Merula and a wonderful week in Corsica
Last September I spent a superb week on the island of Corsica in the seaside town of Calvi. I’d arranged the trip to coincide with the annual festival Rencontres de Chants Polyphoniques de Calvi. You can read all about the amazing time I had in my post ‘Ancient...
Images of Montmartre
One of my favourite areas of Paris is Montmartre with its colourful artists and buskers, beautiful architecture, cobbled streets and stunning views across the city; I would like to share with you some of my photos from a recent visit. I’d picked a hotel that was...
The Perfect Croissant
Each morning the croissant delights the taste buds of locals and visitors alike throughout the length and breadth of France and although its origins may well be in Austria it is without doubt quintessentially French. Lovingly prepared by hand, with the dough made at...
Photographing nightscapes, light trails and blurring movement
This image was taken in Corsica and the lovely village of Agajola. I’ve visited several times and stayed there for a few days while on assignment for Corsican Places photographing the area. It certainly was a great base from which to explore la Balagne. This...
Ostriconi Beach, La Balagne, Corsica
Ostriconi beach, in the north-west of Corsica, is sublime. The view looking down over the beach from the road above is simply stunning. At the viewpoint from where I took this photograph last June, if you turn a little to your right you will see a river gently winding...
