France
The French dining tradition that we’ve all overindulged in
This sort of dining is an institution on almost all cruise ships, as is the tendency to wildly overindulge.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
Flamboyant new Paris hotel channels Wes Anderson with eye-popping aesthetics
This vivacious hotel is exquisitely crafted and superbly located, making it a fabulous addition to Paris’ high-end hotel scene.
- by Steve McKenna
Ten of the best things to do for free in Paris
You don’t have to empty your wallet to absorb culture or relax in Paris. Some of the city’s most enjoyable experiences won’t cost a cent.
- by Brian Johnston
‘Unprecedented’ change in world’s most powerful passport rankings
For the first time, six countries are tied at the top of the list, while Australia enjoys access to more destinations than ever.
- by Alan Granville and Katherine Scott
The incredible French tidal island worth walking over quicksand for
The bay of Mont Saint-Michel is like a pool where the plug is removed before low tide. To cross it, you must learn to spot and escape from real-life quicksand.
- by Nick Place
The tiny French town that changed the course of history
For one day over 200 years ago, this small town — current population about 8000 — held the course of European history in its palm.
- by Chrissie McClatchie
★★★½
Airline reviews
Airline review: This bargain flight was worth more than I paid
The call centre is useless, but you can’t complain about paying $254 to fly from New York to Paris.
- by Kristie Kellahan
Europe’s most sensational summit is not for the faint-hearted
The Aiguille du Midi cable-car station sits so improbably above Chamonix in the French Alps that it looks like something invented for a sci-fi movie.
- by Brian Johnston
Opinion
Top 10s
Ten things we’ll never understand about France
We’re all seduced by French style and culture, but are things always as they seem? Some aspects of France will always remain a puzzle to the traveller.
- by Brian Johnston
From ‘ew’ to ‘oui’: How this raw dish became Australia’s favourite new treat
This dish may be every restaurant inspector’s worst nightmare, but it won’t stop Australians going nuts for raw beef.
- by Ben Groundwater