THE JOURNAL
Saint Martin de Re, Île de Ré. Photograph by Mr Alexander Demyanenko/Shutterstock
Mr Franck Durand’s holiday recommendations.
Mr Franck Durand is the Parisian art director responsible for the recent relaunch Holiday magazine, a cult arts publication that rode the crest of the boom of advertising and design in the 1950s and 1960s, but which went out of print in the 1970s. Relaunched by Mr Durand in 2014, the magazine is based in Paris, published in English, and sweeps the world for the best places to travel, recently printing issues focusing on Scotland, South Korea, and California. Not just that: thanks to Mr Durand, it’s also a fashion brand comprising of T-shirts and sweaters sold under the name Holiday Boileau. And now MR PORTER has created a capsule collection of artistic casual wear with the brand, as part of our Vive La France campaign.
As you might expect from Mr Durand, when it comes to holidaying – especially in France – nobody is better poised to impart some discerning advice. So, naturally, we asked him for some. Read on for Mr Durand’s top five recommendations of where to go, where to stay, and what to do in France.
La Colomde d’Or, Saint-Paul de Vence. Photograph courtesy of La Colomde d’Or
Saint-Paul de Vence
“Saint-Paul de Vence is a town located in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Typically French, it has welcomed many artists and actors, such as Picasso, Jane Fonda and Alain Delon… Its old-fashioned imperfections make Saint-Paul de Vence chic and charming.”
Where to stay: La Colombe d’Or.
What to do: Visit the Maeght Foundation of modern art, and see the ceramics of Vallauris.
Le Madrid, Guethary. Photograph courtesy of Le Madrid
Guéthary
“Guéthary is a village in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Bound to the surfing spirit, it is the perfect place to have a drink with friends, or maybe even to find a little romance.”
Where to stay: “Le Madrid.”
**What to do: **“Head to the surfer beach Cenitz, and the seaside restaurant Kostaldea.”
Port of Saint Martin de Re, Île de Ré. Photograph by Mr Alexander Demyanenko/Shutterstock
Ile de Ré
“L’île de Ré is an island located in the Bay of Biscay. Its many fishing villages make it an unbeatable place for seafood near the Atlantic Ocean.”
Where to stay: “With friends in the village of Les Portes-en-Ré.”
What to do: “Walk along the Gros Jonc beach, and spend some time at the markets.”
Hotel de la Plage, La dune du Pilat. Photograph courtesy of Hotel de la Plage
La dune du Pilat
“La dune du Pilat is located on the edge of the Landes forest, and is the tallest sand dune in Europe. You can enjoy a boat tour with friends and explore Arcachon bay.”
Where to stay: “Hôtel de la Plage, Arcachon.”
What to do: “Have lunch at Chez Hortense at Lège-Cap-Ferret.”
Holiday Café. Photograph courtesy of Holiday
Boileau
“The Village Boileau is a neighbourhood in the 16th arrondissement in Paris, a discrete location that brings together chic and classy workers’ villas with gardens and paved streets.”
**Where to stay: **“Villa Emile-Meyer.”
What to do: “Have lunch at Holiday Café, and pay a visit to the family-owned eponymous delicatessen Monsieur Nadaud.”
