Best of Both Worlds Culture and Relaxation in France
If you have a few days to spare and fancy a short holiday with a difference why not try popping over to Paris for some culture and shopping and then hopping on the high speed train to Marseille to spend a few days in the rural luxury of the Auberge du Chateau de Berne?
Nothing could be easier than boarding the train at London St Pancras and finding oneself in less than 3 hours arriving in Paris at the Gare du Nord.
The four star Hotel Montalembert is conveniently located on the Left Bank, within easy reach of the Musee D’Orsay and the Boulevard St Germain. This highly acclaimed hotel is situated in an original Art Deco building and retains some of the original features, including the original lift. It has 56 bedrooms, all individually decorated either in a rich Louis Philippe style or in a more contemporary fashion. All bedrooms have modern bathrooms, air-conditioning, television, telephone, mini bar and safe.
After a few days in Paris taking in an exhibition or two, doing a spot of shopping and having some truly delicious meals, it is time to board the high-speed TGV train down to Marseille. The journey takes approximately 3hours and soon you are picking up your hire car at Marseille station and setting off into the Provenҫal countryside.
The Auberge du Chateau de Berne is the perfect place to unwind – indeed you need hardly stray from the estate, as there is so much to enjoy here, from the wine cellar and museum to the heated outdoor pool and modern gym with sauna and massage rooms. The hotel itself only has 19 rooms, which are individually decorated using local materials. All rooms have balconies or sun terraces and comfortable living areas in the room.Gastronomy plays a significant role at this hotel and the estate cultivates its own organic vegetables and works with other similar high-quality suppliers to create the very best of Provencal cuisine.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy from cycling and tennis to boules and long leisurely walks. This is the perfect place to unwind after a busy city break.
3 nights at the Hotel Montalembert, followed by 3 nights at the Auberge du Chateau de Berne costs from £1285 per person, including Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gard du Nord, 1st class TGV from Paris to Marseille, 3 days’ group A car hire, return flight from Marseille with British Airways and accommodation with breakfast.