Culture holidays
We've become used to the reputation of the French as 'Italians in a bad mood'. But on a recent visit, I found a whole new spirit emerging.
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Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Your cruising persona's here — just in case you need it to board
Cruising isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. Whether you're drawn to opulent comforts, thrilling explorations or the quiet joys of solo travel, a small-ship Kimberley luxury expedition with Ponant Explorations is designed with you in mind. With Fly, Stay & Cruise packages — including one night's premium accommodation, return flights, transfers and a 10-night inclusive luxury expedition* — now available for the exhilarating 2026 season, it's the perfect time to discover which cruising persona fits you best. Dive into three distinct travel styles to help chart your ideal course. The luxury seeker More than simply appreciating the finer things, you have a discerning eye for exquisite detail, from premium cuisine and concierge-level service to luxurious amenities and the seamless blend of comfort and design. Aboard a Ponant Explorations yacht-like vessel, these hallmarks of refined travel are not just expected, they're guaranteed. The seamlessly coordinated Fly, Stay & Cruise package ensures you arrive relaxed, refreshed and ready to be immersed in everything the region, and Ponant Explorations, has to offer. Ideal destinations For you, travel goes beyond sightseeing. It's about bespoke personalisation and expertly curated itineraries that unlock rich, immersive encounters. That's what makes a Kimberley experience with Ponant Explorations in 2026 the perfect escape. Picture this: exploring ancient Indigenous rock art sites on an expert-led excursion, witnessing the magnitude of Mitchell Falls, then returning to Champagne and exceptional cuisine served alfresco on the pool deck. As the sun sets over the rugged landscape, you toast the moment with your travel companions, another unforgettable day aboard your luxurious expedition. Set sail Ponant Explorations' Le Jacques-Cartier or Le Soléal are intimate ships that feature elegant suites, a tranquil spa and a panoramic lounge. Onboard, every detail — from refined interiors to French-inspired hospitality — is tailored for indulgence. This is luxury that doesn't shout, but glows quietly and confidently.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
From Canberra to the Cote d'Azur? Wallabies star Valetini eyes French sojourn
'Their [French] rugby is won through the forwards, and there are a lot of big boys as well. But also, big names you can test yourself against – they have a lot of internationals playing in France. And also the fans, the games are pretty much sold out and the fans get into it, which would be different.' Valetini was also inspired by seeing fellow Wallabies breakaway Pete Samu's recent Champions Cup celebrations with Bordeaux, ahead of his return to the Waratahs next season. Valetini has been in touch with Samu to ask him about life in France and has also been using Duolingo to learn basic French. 'Seeing Bordeaux win and seeing the celebrations, it was just very big and I guess something that would be pretty cool to experience,' he said. Valetini is focused on the finals campaign with the Brumbies and expects to make a decision on a sabbatical by the end of the month. If he moves to France next season, Super Rugby will be without some of its marquee names, including Bell, Ikitau and Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio, who is leaving to play in Japan in 2026. Meanwhile, Valetini's Brumbies teammate, Wallabies hooker Billy Pollard has committed to Rugby Australia, signing on until the end of 2027. Pollard is the form Australian hooker in Super Rugby and the 23-year-old said the prospect of playing in a home World Cup and staying at the Brumbies was too good to turn down. 'This is the best place for me to develop at the Brumbies and hopefully with Rugby Australia,' Pollard said. Loading 'It never really enticed me too much to go overseas. There's so many amazing opportunities that are coming up in Australian rugby and it's a really exciting time. So yeah, for me it just felt like it was the right move.' The 23-year-old was born two months after the Wallabies sealed their last series victory over the Lions in 2001, but has been speaking to fellow front-rower James Slipper at the Brumbies about what to expect when the sea of red finally arrives in Australia next month. 'A lot of boys have described it, it's just something that's absolutely huge,' Pollard said. 'Unless you're someone like Slips that's lucky enough to be around it twice, it's a once in a generation type of thing.
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
From Canberra to the Cote d'Azur? Wallabies star Valetini eyes French sojourn
'Their [French] rugby is won through the forwards, and there are a lot of big boys as well. But also, big names you can test yourself against – they have a lot of internationals playing in France. And also the fans, the games are pretty much sold out and the fans get into it, which would be different.' Valetini was also inspired by seeing fellow Wallabies breakaway Pete Samu's recent Champions Cup celebrations with Bordeaux, ahead of his return to the Waratahs next season. Valetini has been in touch with Samu to ask him about life in France and has also been using Duolingo to learn basic French. 'Seeing Bordeaux win and seeing the celebrations, it was just very big and I guess something that would be pretty cool to experience,' he said. Valetini is focused on the finals campaign with the Brumbies and expects to make a decision on a sabbatical by the end of the month. If he moves to France next season, Super Rugby will be without some of its marquee names, including Bell, Ikitau and Wallabies playmaker Noah Lolesio, who is leaving to play in Japan in 2026. Meanwhile, Valetini's Brumbies teammate, Wallabies hooker Billy Pollard has committed to Rugby Australia, signing on until the end of 2027. Pollard is the form Australian hooker in Super Rugby and the 23-year-old said the prospect of playing in a home World Cup and staying at the Brumbies was too good to turn down. 'This is the best place for me to develop at the Brumbies and hopefully with Rugby Australia,' Pollard said. Loading 'It never really enticed me too much to go overseas. There's so many amazing opportunities that are coming up in Australian rugby and it's a really exciting time. So yeah, for me it just felt like it was the right move.' The 23-year-old was born two months after the Wallabies sealed their last series victory over the Lions in 2001, but has been speaking to fellow front-rower James Slipper at the Brumbies about what to expect when the sea of red finally arrives in Australia next month. 'A lot of boys have described it, it's just something that's absolutely huge,' Pollard said. 'Unless you're someone like Slips that's lucky enough to be around it twice, it's a once in a generation type of thing.
