Editor's Blog

Back from Marseille

It's hard to believe that it's now May and we're already putting the finishing touches to our June issue - this year seems to be going very fast!

But it's just as well as June is a wonderful time to explore France and I'm really excited by all the great stories going into the next issue. I'm also really happy to have finally made my first trip to France this year. It was a whirlwind tour that provided me with the very best of France in April. I went from skiing in Morzine for the very last days of this year's ski season, and on to Marseille for this year's ABTOF (Association of British Tour Operators to France) conference. It was a fantastic trip (as ever!) and I particularly enjoyed visiting Marseille for the first time. Our hotel was situated next to the Vieux Port and the view was reminiscent of the front cover of the first FRANCE Magazine I edited (Feb 2007). It's a sensational sight of all the wonderful yachts and old buildings and, being lucky with the weather, it felt like the height of summer. As well as representing the magazine on a panel session on stage 'How to make the most of the media', it was great to meet so many of the tour operators who create your holidays. There are some really exciting trips going out to France this year, which made me even happier to play a part in inspiring you to go.

As well as Marseille, we took a trip down the coast to Cassis where I had a wonderful dinner on the quayside. The tiny, colourful fishing boats bobbed alongside me as I tucked into a wonderful dish of fresh sea bream accompanied by some delicious local wine. Cassis is a gorgeous little spot, so the Archant Life France team and I returned on Monday (before flying home) to take a boat trip along the Calanques and see the fascinating rocky inlets along the coast. I was also lucky enough to visit Arles, another wonderful spot about an hour from Marseille. The Roman amphitheatre is an amazing sight and I really enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets around it before a delicious dinner at the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Cilantro, where we had a delicious meal prepared by chef Jérôme Laurent. 

Back to work now, but not long the next trip - can't wait!

A bientôt,

Carolyn