Harbours & Vineyards of France

Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.

Situated in the Bordeaux wine region, Pauillac is well regarded as a key wine-producing area of France. The combination of renowned vineyards, beautiful landscapes and rich wine culture make it a special place to visit. The town itself is full of character with local cafes and restaurants offering regional dishes such as Canelé, a delicious cake with a rich, custardy filling, enrobed in a caramelised exterior; or meat dishes accompanied by bordelaise sauce, paired perfectly with a Médoc wine. Pauillac's other notable highlights are related to the chateaux and wine estates, among which are the acclaimed estates of Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Chateau Latour.

The Brittany town of Lorient is a fusion of heritage and landscapes. Its houses, beaches and quays point to the conquest of India and the East Indies, deep-sea fishing, WWII, and the restored pride of the Celtic nations. A former German U-Boat base, Lorient played a considerable role in the Second World War and was a primary target for Allied bombing raids. Today's rebuilt city is awash with post-1950s architecture and several museums and galleries to explore. Close to Lorient harbour, the Cité de la Voile (City of Sailing) is a modern interactive exhibition with giant audiovisual presentations highlighting the city's importance in shipbuilding, fishing and ocean racing. With its proud Celtic connections, a glorious mix of kilts, Breton bagpipes, Irish fiddles and Galician pipes come together at the annual Festival Interceltique.