Short Break in France

Enjoy a relaxing and gastronomic weekend at the Relais de Margaux, near Bordeaux. In the heart of the famous Médoc vineyards, visit this 55-acre property where gastronomy and deluxe accommodation mean it all. “Le Relais de Margaux” maintained splendid guest areas and invites you to discover the atypical restaurant the Brasserie du Lac.

Hotel:

The Relais de Margaux is a beautiful 4* resort, situated on the riverbanks of the Gironde peninsula, on a 55-hectare estate in the heart of Medoc region, neighbor of the famous Chateau de Margaux. You will be satisfied by the two restaurants: The “Ile Vincent” Gastronomic Restaurant situated in the old part of the building and the “Brasserie du Lac” in a very classy style, with its panoramic terrace and a beautiful sight on the Golf and the Gironde.

Your room:

The “Relais de Margaux” offers 100 individual, spacious and quiet rooms, all decorated differently and equipped with air-conditioning, direct telephone, WIFI, mini-bar, satellite television, safe and fully-equipped bathroom.

Leisure on site:

- Tennis court.
- Golf course of 18 holes.
- Spa “Harmonia of margaux”: hammam, balneotherapy, facial and body treatments, massages.
- Solarium.
- Outside swimming pool.
- Billiard.
- Bicycle rental.
- Souvenirs/gift shop.

Things to see and to do in the area:

- The Bordelais vineyard.
- The « Bassin d’Arcachon » with the « Dune du Pyla » (the highest in Europe).
- 1000 kms for bicycle rides.
- Horse riding, sailing, jet ski…
- Bordeaux, Unesco awarded 2007.
- The Citadelle of Blaye.

Location :

Margaux, Gironde, Aquitaine, France.
40mn by car of the Bordeaux-Merignac International Airport, 35mn of Bordeaux.

Price starts at 255 euros including:
- 1 night in a double room for 2 people.
- Breakfast for 2 people.
- Dinner – (starter, main, course) at the restaurant Brasserie du Lac

Book your weekend in Margaux, south west France

Find other gastronomic weekends in France

Fly the L39 Albatros fighter jet in Bordeaux, south west France. This truly amazing experience will get you in the skin of a fighter pilot! A never achieved young boy dream for some, or for those simply looking for thrills and adrenaline, this fighter jet experience is for you. After getting suited up in your G suit, following the technical and security briefing, get in the military jet plane for a 30mn or 60mn jet ride over the beautiful landscape of south west France. This fighter jet will get you up to 6Gs, if you can handle it.

What happens on the day? You are first greeted by the pilots, French airforce officers who will first give you a technical and security briefing. Then you are suited up and you get in the plane. The fighter pilots will brief you on the instruments and radio communications. Then it’s off to lunch! Apparently it is better to have something in the stomach to sustain G Force and the adrenaline. In the afternoon, you will fly. The flight plan depends on weather conditions but usually takes you over the famous Dune of Pyla, the Arcachon Basin and the vineyards of St Emilion.

The fighter jet flight: after take-off, your pilot will check how you feel before starting doing evolutions such as loops, barrels, inverted flying and other funny things. The most important is they will fly according to your G tolerance so that this fighter jet experience is enjoyable. There can be restrictions to flying fighter jets, especially heart and neurological problems. Check with your GP or the fighter pilots before going or booking. You can find additional information on flying the L39 Albatros in France with the pilots themselves who have set up a website. You can also check the fighter jet specialist if you would like to fly other fighter jets in France and in the world.

Pamper yourself during this relaxing weekend in Chamonix. In the middle of the mountains, in front of the sumptuous Mont-Blanc, breathe and escape yourself! At Le Morgane hotel, the meeting with nature will be total. You will find perfect balance between style swinging between modernism and mountain authenticity, between sport and wellbeing in a place where everything was thought to respect the environment…Finish your day tasting a gastronomic dinner at “Le Bistro”, starred Michelin guide restaurant…
 
The weekend includes for 2 people :
1 night in a double room.
Breakfast.
1 Gastronomic dinner per person in the starred Michelin restaurant “Le Bistrot” (starter, plate, desert, excluding beverages).
Access to spa.
 
Hotel in Chamonix:
 
Ideally located in the heart of Chamonix and at the foot step of the Aiguille du midi cable car, Le Morgane combines the elegance of a 4* hotel with the relaxed, sporting mood of Chamonix, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mythical peaks. The spirit is contemporary and authentic, creating natural inorganic mineral surroundings. Indeed, Le Morgane hotel is the first mountain hotel strongly supporting and built with sustainable development and environment care optics. You will be happy to taste French gastronomy in the starred Michelin guide restaurant “Le Bistrot”.
 
Your room in Le Morgane hotel:
 
Le Morgane hotel boasts 56 rooms and suites with balcony and terrace. You will sleep in a double bed room with private toilets, bathroom and balcony. The sober and contemporary decoration has been thought with ecotourism optic, using natural and authentic materials. All rooms have free wifi access.
 
Leisure on site:
 
Spa: heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam.
Body treatments and massages.
Bar with view on the Mont Blanc mountain.
1 star Michelin Restaurant “Le Bistrot”.
 
Dates
 
Le Morgane Hotel is available all year round.
 
Location :
 
Chamonix, Haute-Savoie, Rhône-Alpes, France.
 
Price : about 286 Euros

Book your weekend in Chamonix

Relax in a charming 4* hotel in the heart of Paris and discover or rediscover the numerous treasures of the Capital.
 
Your hotel :
 
The 4* Tourville Hotel is located in an historical and residential district on the Left Bank, in the heart of Paris. Close to the hotel, there are many cultural and tourist places such as the Eiffel Tower, the Orsay Museum, the Invalides, the Rodin Museum…
You will be greeted with champagne by a dedicated team in a charming and refined atmosphere.
 
Your room :
 
All rooms, decorated in pastel colours pink, yellow sand or clear orange, are equipped with satellite TV with international channels, air conditioning, marble bathrooms with a bathtub, telephone, double-glazing, hair dryer, Internet access (wireless connexion).
 
Your room is a superior double room, with a large bed. It is cosy with all modern equipment.
 
Leisure on site :
 
Salon bar: the atmosphere is nice and quiet just like a family home. The lounge is cosy with velvet-covered sofas. The bar is located in the back of the lounge for a nice drink.
 
Things to do and to see in the area :
 
The hotel is in the heart of the 7th district, on the left bank. It is at 15mn from the Orsay Museum and the Invalides, at 10mn from the Rodin Museum, the Eiffel Tower and popular Rue Cler…
 
Direct access by tube for Concorde, Madeleine, Opéra, Department stores, Grands boulevards, Bastille
 
The reception will be pleased to advise you on sightseeing and restaurants.
 
Dates :
 
The hotel is open all year round.
 
Location :
 
Paris, 7th district, France
 
Price :
 
241 Euros including VAT. Based on season A*. Approx. £160
 
The price includes :
2 champagne glasses
1 night in superior double room (excl. local tax)
2 breakfasts served in your room or in the breakfast room.

Book your weekend in Paris

www.short-break-in-france.co.uk is your guide to weekends and short breaks in France

Learn how to best marry food and wine for the perfect meal. With the guidance of a professional, and during a gastronomic dinner specially made for the course, learn the techniques of tastes and how to best ally wines with your meals. You will also benefit from the expert knowledge of the sommelier on the techniques to taste wine.

Course of the wine tasting and gastronomy experience in Marseille :

Acquire and « master » the specific vocabulary of wine tasting.
Develop your senses to improve and enhance your wine tasting abilities: sight, smell, taste and learn how to determine their role in the tasting process.
Taste 4 different wines during the course of dinner. Understand how tastes marry and react together to deliver a feast in taste.
This is an enjoyable gastronomic dinner.

Participants :
This wine tasting experience takes place in small groups.

Dates :
This wine tasting experience is available all year around weekdays.

Location :
Marseille, France.

Price :
95 euros (all tax incl.)
The price included for 1 person: A wine tasting and gastronomic dinner.

Book this wine tasting experience in Marseille

Learn to cook in Strasbourg, with one of the best chef, two Michelin starred Emile Jung. In his kitchen, learn to prepare dishes, benefit from the chef’s tricks and knowledge to prepare a complete meal. Then at the end of the class, simply enjoy the lunch you have just prepared.
 
Course of the experience – cooking class in Strasbourg:
 
Greeting by the Chef.
The chef, with you, will prepare a seasonal dish, with seasonal ingredients.
Cooking class with the Chef
Tasting your meal during the lunch
 
The cookery class starts at 8h30am and ends at 12h00 with the lunch, when every participants gather around the table to enjoy the meal.

Participants :
This cooking class takes place in small groups of maximum 20 people

Dates :
This cooking class is available all year around, each last Friday of the month.

Location :
Strasbourg, Alsace, France.

Price :
175 € incl.VAT.

Book your cooking lesson in Strasbourg

Spend an exceptional evening at the Lido, one the most famous revue, right on the Champs-Elysées. One of the most prestigious cabarets in the world, the Lido opens its doors for an incredible evening of fine food, dancing show and exceptional atmosphere. Enjoy the show with excellent seats as well as the food prepared by famous chef Philippe Lacroix.

This “Soirée Plaisir” package gives you access to exquisite food and a fantastic show.

Enjoy a breathtaking show with 70 artists, 600 costumes and 23 sets!

Course of the experience: dinner at Lido Paris (from 7pm to 11pm)

- Arrival at Lido for your dinner
- You will be seated at table
- Start dinner with a music ensemble
- The lights dim at 9pm for the show
- Show ends at 11pm

Date :
Dinner at Lido is available all year round.

Price: Around 140 Euros/person
The price includes:
- Fine food menu prepared by chef Philippe Lacroix including starters,
- main course,
- dessert,
- ½ bottle of Champagne Brut Lido Premier Cru or ½ bottle of wine

Book your night and dinner at the Lido

Enjoy a cruise combining the pleasure of dining on the water and the live music performed by very talented artists. Discover the magic and the romanticism of the city of lights, Paris, on a cruise boat by night. Have dinner on an elegant lovely boat which guarantees a moment of real pleasure and entertainment. Float on the Seine and be prepared to have a very unique experience.
From the feet of the Eiffel Tower to the Library and back to admire the French statue of liberty, this dinner cruise on the Seine River will allow you to admire the most famous landmarks of Paris, whilst enjoying a delicious dinner prepared on the boat by the talented chef.

Discover Paris differently, during this dinner cruise.

Course of the experience: dinner cruise on the river Seine in Paris (2h30).

- Arrival at the dock. Priority check in.
- You will be seated at the bow of the boat in a VIP area where you can enjoy all the romanticism that offers Paris by night.
- The boat starts to cruise as you start your meal
- Enjoy the view of the greatest city of lights.
- You will back at the dock after a 2h30 dinner cruise
- Your menu includes appetizers, starters, main course and dessert. Fine food from fresh ingredients, prepared on site by the chef. The menu also includes mineral water, wine and coffee.
- Live music entertainment.

Dates:
This lunch cruise on the Seine in Paris is available all year round

Price: 165 Euros/person
Price includes:
- Priority check in
- Seat at the bow of the boat in a VIP area
- Art of Table
- Dinner cruise on the Seine River in Paris (2h 30)
- Choice of appetizer
- Carte menu including starters, main course and desserts
- A plate of fresh selected cheese
- Wines: Mâcon Solutré, Saint-Estèphe
- Mineral water and coffe
- Choice of Digestive
- Dancing session

Validity:
This lunch cruise on the Seine in Paris is valid 12 months from the date of purchase

Book your dinner cruise

Master the secrets of ice driving. Learn driving techniques on the mythical circuit of “Trophée Andros”, in Serre Chevalier in the French Alps. In a friendly atmosphere, learn to be confident faced to slippery situations and feel the adrenalin.

Course of the experience: ice driving experience ( 4h30)
You will be greeted by a team of passionate and professional instructors
1st briefing : such as hands position on the wheel, foot mobility , mass transfers, turns, braking techniques, security advice…
Practice on the track cut by a second briefing to improve on driving techniques. On the track, you are two participants per car and drive one after the other next to an instructor who will provide all advices for you to push your limits and get a maximum of sensations.
 
The circuit: The famous circuit of “Trophée Andros” is 800 metres long, from 6 to 10 metres wide and 25 to 60 metres thick, with speed curves and straight lines for great sensations.

Participants :
There are two participants per car next to a professional instructor.

Conditions and restrictions:
You must hold a valid driving license.

Dates :
This ice driving experience takes places during winter period, from mid-December to mid-March.

Location :
Serre Chevalier, French Alps, France

Price: About 380 euros per person for half a day.

Book your ice driving experience

www.short-break-in-france.co.uk is your guide to finding your experience in France

Enjoy a wine tasting experience in Lille old city in the fine décor of a 4 star hotel. Initiate yourself or become an expert in the pleasure of wine. In a convivial mood, learn all about wine with an expert sommelier or oenologist.

Course of the experience : wine tasting in Lille (2H30)

- You will arrive on site and will be welcomed by a wine expert, sommelier or oenologist. The session includes both theory and tasting.
- About six wines are tasted per session. Wines are chosen for their uniqueness depending on the session you attend.
- You will be given helpful tools : you will receive a pack with detailed notes of the session as well as a tasting book, the list of the wines tasted, INAO glasses to get the right tools to taste.

Various wine sessions during the year are proposed : Learn to taste / Selecting your wine for your meals / Bordeaux wines / Bourgogne wines / Champagnes / New World wines / Rhone Valley wines.

Participants :

This wine tasting experience in Lille is done in group up to 25 people.

Conditions and restrictions :

For beginners, advanced or experts: sessions are adapted to your level.
Being over 18 years old.

Dates :

This wine tasting experience in Lille is available all year long, half day one Saturday a month.
First dates : November 2009.

Location :

Lille, North of France.

Price :

About 60 euros

The price includes for 1 person :
- A 2h30 wine tasting session in Lille.

Book your wine tasting experience in Lille