FRANCE
Fashion. Passion. RomanceOver centuries, the French has always been the epitome for delicate, sexy sophistication... It is one of the dream places to be for the chic upper crusts, fabricating visionaries like Coco Chanel and Christion Dior, and old-school staples such as Chanel, Hermes and Balmain. With the upcoming grand annual events including Cannes Film Festival and Paris Fashion Week, we will be sharing our top picks for adventurous who are keen to travel out of the city and explore the gorgeous country of France for their medieval chateaus, vineyards, and the spectacular French alps.
Amid magnificently landscaped greenery stands a striking palace designed to project the glorious power of the French monarchy. Under the guidance of architect Louis Le Vau, painter and interior designer Charles Le Brun, and landscape artist André Le Nôtre, Chateau de Versailles (or ‘Palace of Versailles’) has been considered as one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th century French Art. Hundreds of artisans decorated every crevice, molding, ceiling and door of the interior with the absolute most luxurious extravagance, such as the marble, woodcarvings and frescoes. Take a trip some 20 kilometers from Paris and try to imagine how it was like to be Marie Antoinette frolicking through its seemingly endless gardens…
Cote de Nuits Admired around the world for its impeccable taste and effortless beauty, France is blessed with grand boulevards, immaculately manicured roads, charming villages, fairytale castles and thousand-year-old castles, and even older vineyards... Nowhere else in the world is Pinot as legendary as it is in the Côte de Nuits in Burgundy; such purity rivalling those in California, Oregon and New Zealand. Since its first introduction to winemaking in 400 BC, it is known to produce the greatest red wines of Burgundy. On a strip of land of some 20 kilometers in length, the region comprises a wide variety of appellations that are admired across the globe!
Within moments of arriving to Bora Bora, or the “Jewel of the South Seas”, the island will no doubt cast a spell on all of its visitors. Referred to as the ultimate island paradise, be mesmerized by the sight of stunning water gleaming in translucent blue and green, where you can clearly see through to the colorful coral reefs underneath. The fabled blue lagoon is indescribable, and pictures don’t do it justice. See the majestic twin peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, and stay in one of their overwater villas that offer a private, uninterrupted view of the endless horizon… Head over for the utmost relaxing and romantic indulgence.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia. 
For those looking for great snow, breathtaking views and a great nightlife, Val Thorens is a difficult place to beat. It is the world’s largest ski domains in Europe (along with Couchevel and Meribel), with the convenience of having over 179 ski resorts and over 30 airlines to choose from! Imagine waking up one morning from one of your lovely chalet-style accomodations, warming up with a mug of hot chocolate as you look at the beautiful view of snow-covered mountains, before putting on your skiing gear and making your path down the slopes. Don’t know how to? Don’t pass up the opportunity of skiing here and book a lesson with an instructor!
Once, the old city of Ramatuelle on the Côte d’Azure was fortified and placed upon a hill for strategic defense. Now, the same hill serves as an ideal viewpoint for the beautiful view of the ocean for La Réserve. Equipped with seven rooms and 16 suites, the collection gives off a light and airy feel in each space, achieved by it being dressed in whites, wood and taupe. Travellers have the option of touring around the sultry seaside of St. Tropez, or float on the boutique hotel’s very own infinity pool… The vibrant flavors of the region that teases your palate makes for a sublime dining experience!
Led by Chef Gilles Goujon, the picturesque L’Auberge du Vieux Puits have climbed up the ladder of Michelin stars since 1992, finally achieving it’s third star in 2010 for his balance of season, terroir and innovation. Tucked far away from any well-known city deep south in France, the restaurant is located in the small mountain village of Fontjoncause in Languedoc, where travellers will be trekking through winding mountain roads overlooking stunning scenery for a truly memorable gastronomical experience! Be sure to try their famous truffle egg, and experience your taste buds begging to have it again and again…
L'Auberge du Vieux Puits 
