River Ill News Today

Soak in a Nordic hot tub with vineyard views in Champagne, live like a king in Versailles or take over a 14th-century hunting lodge in Brittany

With its exceptional variety of bucolic landscapes, la belle France promises endless family escapades – by the sea or sand dunes, overlooking horse-ploughed vines or atop a mountain, clifftop or tree. Natural green space for children of all ages to let off steam is in abundance pretty much all over the hexagon, and as French hoteliers refine their services and facilities to make stays more eco-conscious, there’s never been a greener and more exhilarating choice of places to stay en...

Malta’s first art biennale, Copenhagen’s repurposed Carlsberg district, the first Arctic Circle capital of culture … this year promises a feast of cultural activity

In Strasbourg, France, throughout the holiday season, Santa-capped teddy bears festoon a restaurant’s facade. Stuffed polar bears adorn another.

In Strasbourg, France, throughout the holiday season, Santa-capped teddy bears festoon a restaurant’s facade. Stuffed polar bears adorn another.

It’s that time of year when holiday markets pop up across Europe. Relying on trains and a “Christmas bus,” we explore eight towns and cities in France and Switzerland, sipping mulled wine along the way.

From Munich and Strasbourg to Toronto and New York, these cities shine when the temperature drops. Here’s how to plan the perfect escape

Step onto a train at London St Pancras and later that day you could be sipping trappist beers in Belgium, wandering the grounds of a fairytale schloss, or cycling through the Loire Valley. All of these experiences are within reach without the hassles of air travel: a journey unfettered by long passport control queues, turbulence or baggage woes.

Blending German and French characteristics, the Alsatian capital's culture, architecture and cuisine are quite unique.

The Eurostar, via connections, opens up tens of cities, quaint villages and scenic tracts of countryside – the options are endless