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Local France
10-05-2025
- Business
- Local France
French Word of the Day: Esperluette
Why do I need to know Esperluette? Because it's the French for a very common symbol in language that isn't l'arobase* . What does it mean? Esperluette – roughly pronounced ess-per-loo-ette – is the French word for the ampersand or 'and' symbol. It's also sometimes known as ' et commercial ', because so many businesses have it in their name. It describes the & symbol, which is a typographical combination of the letters E and T. The symbol dates back to Roman times - its first known use is on a papyrus from 45CE. In fact, the French for 'and' is taken from the Latin - et. Sadly, contrary to popular belief, ampersand was not named after the French physicist André-Marie Ampère. It is not 'Ampère's and', no matter how much we may want it to be. Advertisement The origins of the French word are harder to pin down. It could a corruption of the Occitan es per lo et (pronounced ess per loo ett) - which, in French becomes 'C'est pour le « et »' … or, 'it's for the 'and''. Similarly, it could come from Picardy, as a corruption of perluète - when the symbol & was more commonly included in the alphabet, after the letter Z. Interestingly, the symbol has evolved over the centuries. But the first recognisably modern form was developed by Claude Garamond - yes, that Garamond, of font fame - in the 15th century for use in printing presses. Use it like this Le 'et' entre le V et le B est une esperluette - the 'and' between the V and the B is an ampersand * If you've ever given out your email address in French you will know l'arobase (pronounced lar-oh-baz), it's the French for the @ symbol
Local France
09-05-2025
- General
- Local France
French Word of the Day: Cadet
Why do I need to know cadet? Because this word has another usage outside of the military. What does it mean? Cadet - roughly pronounced kah-day - is a word you might be familiar with in English, but it actually comes from France originally. The term in English has a military connotation these days, but in France it still holds another meaning. It is used to refer to the second or youngest son (usually the son, or fils cadet , but occasionally daughter, or fille cadette ). As such, your French friend might introduce their toddler son as their fils cadet , or you might read a headline introducing a celebrity or politician's family with the children outlined in this way. Originally, the word for the younger child was puîné , basically meaning puis né (born after), in contrast to aîné , which comes from the Old French ainz né (which itself evolved from the Latin ante natus ). People still use the term aîné to describe the oldest child, but most people don't use puîné anymore, as it has been replaced by cadet for some time. Advertisement Cadet has an interesting history. It comes from the Occitan term capdet , which likely came from Latin as well ( capitellus , coming from caput , meaning head). It was a diminutive meaning 'little head' and eventually 'the younger' or 'the junior'. As for the connection with the military - in the Middle Ages, the tradition for wealthy, land-owning families was that the first son inherited the property, while the second son joined the military and the third was sent to the clergy. In the 15th century, writers started referring to the Gascon officers in the military of the kings of France, many of whom were second sons. Later on, cadet became the designation for a gentleman serving as a low officer or soldier. Technically, a cadet (or cadette for girls) can be any child after the first, unlike the word Benjamin which is only ever used to refer to the last sibling (a reference to the Bible character of Benjamin, the last child of Jacob). Use it like this Ma fille cadette est plus sage que son âge. - My youngest daughter is wiser than her years. Le prince Harry est le fils cadet du roi Charles III au Royaume-Uni. - Prince Harry is the younger son of King Charles III in the UK.
Telegraph
21-04-2025
- Telegraph
Europe's best-kept holiday secrets, according to our experts
When it comes to choosing a holiday destination, it pays to be different. Where's the fun in sharing your summer plans with friends only to find out they, too, will be joining the crowds on the very same stretch of Costa? Admit it, there's little joy in exploring the likes of Dubrovnik or Barcelona shoulder-to-shoulder with your fellow Britons or returning to the same hotel on Turkey's Turquoise coast to spend a week feasting on the same buffet as last year. To help spark some imagination when researching your summer break, we've reached out to The Telegraph's destination expert. As locals in Britain's most popular holiday hotspots, they know where to go when the summer crowds descend and you're in search of an authentic escape that's really worth sharing at the school gate – here they reveal their holiday secrets. Italy Valle Maira, Piedmont Alternative to: Rural Tuscany I first visited the Valle Maira – a long, Alpine valley in Italy's northwest corner – to hike its old Occitan trails, now beautifully linked as a long-distance path (Percorsi Occitani). What I found – beyond some of the best walking in Italy – was a not only a virtually untouched region (we saw no other walkers in 10 days) but an area, even by Italian standards, that was unbelievably rich and varied – sleepy medieval villages, distinguished by beautiful wooden houses; ancient, fresco-covered churches; excellent food and wine; delightful, romantic places to stay; and sublime pastoral scenery (as good as any Tuscany), along with breath-taking high, Alpine landscapes. Add time in nearby Turin, itself unsung, and you have a perfect Italian mix of town and country. It's hard to compare all of Tuscany – few places can match the artistic legacy of its towns and cities – but if you're searching for an alternative to its more popular rural corners, Valle Maira is a hidden gem. Insider tips Be sure to visit Elva for the church of Santa Maria Assunta and its extraordinary frescoed interior. Two of my favourite places to stay, both fine bases, are Locanda del Silenzio (doubles from £115) and Ceaglio (from £84 per person, half board). How to do it Inntravel (0165 361 7001) is almost alone in packaging a trip to the Valle Maira; a seven-day walking-based stay costs from £1,500 per person. Tim Jepson Turkey Palamutbükü Alternative to: Marmaris Just 55 miles west of the busy, full-English-breakfast-orientated resort of Marmaris, the picturesque village of Palamutbükü is my reminder that delightfully low-key breaks are still possible on Turkey's increasingly popular Turquoise Coast. Situated on the south shore of the narrow, limestone finger of the unspoilt Datça Peninsula, with views out to the nearby Greek islands of Symi, Tilos and Rhodes, Palamutbükü is as tranquil as can be. There really is nothing here except the smallest of yacht harbours, a handful of simple but appealing places to eat and a score or so pensions and small hotels. Even in high season, when Marmaris is bursting at the seams, there's plenty of room on the long, multi-coloured shingle and sand beach, which shelves into a remarkably clear blue sea. Insider tip Don't miss the spectacularly situated ruins of ancient Knidos at the tip of the peninsula, just seven miles from Palamutbükü. It's open daily (tickets £4.15). How to do it The beachfront Beyaz Inci, on the eastern fringes of the village, has e18 two- and three-bedrooms. Set in pleasant grounds shaded by pine, citrus and olive trees, it has its own private stretch of beach laid out with loungers and sunshades. Doubles from £149 per night. Return flights from Gatwick to Dalaman with Wizz Air from £59. France Hérault Alternative to: the Côte d'Azur In Hérault, people snigger into their rosé as those on the Riviera fork out €50 for a lounger. The wine is cheaper, the beaches and villages less crowded, and the only place that gets really busy is the Medieval village of Pézenas for the Saturday market, with its teetering trestle tables of fresh shellfish. I first came here with friends shortly after graduating. We cycled around the Étang de Thau, a vast saltwater lagoon separated from the Mediterranean by a narrow spit of land, stopping to slurp oysters at unassuming waterside shacks. Although half a dozen oysters cost just €10 on-site, Le St Barth Tarbouriech supplies several nearby Michelin-starred restaurants. The lagoon view is priceless. Bike has remained my preferred mode of transport, and on my last trip, I cycled the headily-named 80km Œnovélo loop, through vines and along the Canal du Midi. Learn from my mistakes and split it over two days to maximise drinking time. Insider tip Defying inauspicious beginnings (this water jousting festival started in 1666), Hérault is still at its most festive during the Joutes de Sète (Aug 21 to 26 2025). How to do it Doubles with breakfast at Château les Carrasses start from £170. Easyjet and British Airways both have direct UK–Montpellier flights. Anna Richards Spain If you've a hankering for Spanish paths less trodden, for fresher air and cleaner beaches, affordable seafood and locals not completely jaded by tourism, consider Galicia. Its capital, Santiago de Compostela, is a quietly impressive city of monumental buildings and arcaded streets, with the spectacular cathedral at its core. As the final point on the Camino de Santiago pilgrims' route, it has a headstart of several centuries when it comes to receiving visitors, the legacy of which is a fine range of hotels and some superb restaurants in every price bracket. Within an easy drive of the capital are colourful fishing villages such as Combarro and O Grove, endless beaches (most famously, perhaps, the pristine strips of the Cíes islands) and the dramatic lighthouse at Fisterra. Insider tip To really get away from it all, take a boat from Sanxenxo to the vehicle-free Illa de Ons and its sandy beaches. How to do it The Parador de Santiago de Compostela (0034 981 582 200; has double rooms from £140, including breakfast. You can fly from London Stansted to Santiago de Compostela with Ryanair ( from £32 return. Sally Davies Greece Sitia, Crete Alternative to: Chania With its picture postcard Venetian architecture and lustrous cobbled streets lined with (often pricey) tavernas and souvenir shops, Crete's erstwhile capital Chania is a magnet for summer tourists. By comparison, my go-to region on Greece's biggest island is so secret that most people don't even realise it has an airport. At the heart of one of Greece's most recently created Unesco Geoparks, the town of Sitia in East Crete has barely changed since I first visited 35 years ago. Descending in a welter of San-Francisco-steep streets from its Venetian kastro high above, Sitia centres on a sleepy harbour bobbing with kingfisher-bright kaiki fishing boats, and surrounded by budget-friendly tavernas. Consider Raki Meze or Inodion, where I've spent many balmy evenings soaking up tumblers of firewater raki with herb-spiked chunks of sausage, garlic-laden fried snails and other bite-sized meze snacks. A short stroll away from the town centre (or a quick pedal with the city's new electric bike sharing scheme) Sitia's blond sand beaches are rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. Insider tip For a livelier vibe, the seaside resort of Palaikastro, with its boho cafes and sandy coves (popular with windsurfers), is a 15-minute drive from Sitia. How to do it Sitia Beach Resort & Spa (0030 28430 28826; has double rooms from £95, including breakfast. You can fly from London Heathrow to Sitia via Athens return with Aegean ( from £225 return. Heidi Fuller-love Croatia Šibenik Alternative to: Dubrovnik, Split and Zadar While the Dalmatian coastal cities of Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar get ghastly crowded with summer tourists, low-key Šibenik provides a welcome refuge of normality. Built into a hillside site overlooking a sheltered channel where the River Krka meets the Adriatic, Šibenik's medieval old town is a maze of cobbled alleys connected by steep stone stairways. Its main attractions are the splendid 15th-century Gothic-Renaissance Unesco-listed Cathedral (I adore the tiny baptistery, with its marble vaulted ceiling carved as fine as lace), and three sturdy hillside fortresses. Of these, St Michael's Fortress makes an absolutely stunning venue for open-air rooftop concerts – recent performers include Morcheeba and Air, and Morrissey will play this summer. Nearby, the cafe in the Medieval Mediterranean Garden, planted with fig trees, roses and aromatic medicinal herbs, is a restful retreat for a drink. Šibenik even has its own cluster of islands served by local ferries – tiny car-free Zlarin and Prvić, with their limpid waters, rocky shores, silvery-green olive groves and old stone cottages, are my favourites. Insider tip Be sure to eat at least once in the candle-lit courtyard at Pelegrini, opposite the Cathedral, in my opinion, the best restaurant in Croatia. How to do it Hotel Life Palace (00385 22 219 004; has double rooms from €90 including breakfast. You can fly from Manchester to Split with Jet2 from £131 return. Jane Foster Portugal Arréabida 'Comporta is no longer the secret it once was,' whispered over chilled vinho verde between the cognoscenti. It has been discovered. Its powder-white beaches are now frequented by day-trippers and guests of the hotels that are opening at a fast and furious pace. The original celebrity villa owners – who put Comporta on the map – are being crowded out. So, where to go now? My answer is to the unspoilt, green, rolling hills of Arrábida, just a little further north – an area of natural park, which encompasses the ancient towns of Setúbal and Azeitão. The former is famous for its oysters, the latter for its muscatel wines and its powerful, unguent, eponymous, sheep's cheese. There are walking trails along the cliff tops and golden beaches tucked underneath them, such as Praia dos Galapinhos, fringed by crystal clear waters. In the many bays lie restaurants, like O Farol (Farol), which you can swim into from a boat, or drive down to, dreaming of the coriander-flecked, garlicky clams awaiting you. Bottlenose dolphins are resident in the Sado Estuary, and I have been lucky enough to witness their joyful frolicking. Insider Tip This area was once one of the largest natural banks of oyster production in Europe. Head to the town market, Mercado de Livramento, in Setúbal to taste the goods. At the Exporsado stand, you can taste them on the spot, along with a glass of local sparkling wine, while they are shucking the oysters for you. How to do it Overlooking vineyards, framed by the Arrábida mountains, with a private path down to the sea, (00 351 265 249 650; a still family-owned manor house, offers double rooms from £182 per night, including breakfast. You can fly from London Heathrow to Lisbon with British Airways ( from £193 return.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
3 ways to experience Val d'Aran, Catalonia's adventure playground
In the Val d'Aran — where the Pyrenees meet France in northwest Catalonia — things get pretty wild. Nature runs riot here, with snow-frosted granite mountains rising above fir-cloaked slopes, glacier-carved valleys and piercing blue lakes. The highest peak, 9,875ft Molières, towers above forests where brown bears roam and rivers flow ferociously all the way to the Atlantic. Hike, bike, raft, canyon, ski, snowshoe or stargaze — no matter the time of year, opportunities for adventure are aplenty. Val d'Aran's mountainous interior is also home to some of Spain's most picturesque villages, which provide an insight into the region's rich history and Occitan heritage. You'll hear snippets of the area's own official language, Aranese, as you weave between romanesque churches and flower-draped alleys, stopping to dine at rustic restaurants that highlight seasonal ingredients reflective of the region. From high-altitude adventures to culinary and cultural experiences, here's how best to explore Val d'Aran. In winter, all eyes are on the vast ski resort of Baqueira Beret, which offers over 100 miles of varied pistes for skiers and snowboarders, as well as four miles of permanent cross-country trails. Freeride fans will enjoy the glorious off-piste — reliable powder conditions are made possible thanks to the Atlantic climate bringing regular dumps of snow — while freestylers can tackle boxes, jumps and rails at Era Marmòta SnowPark. And downhill is just the tip of the iceberg for winter exploration. You can also explore the snow-covered wilderness on snowshoes, toboggan or Nordic style by husky-driven sleigh. Summer presents a different picture entirely, as Val d'Aran's meadows fill with wildflowers and bell-swinging cattle. Lace up your hiking boots or jump on a mountain bike and strike out past the lakes, streams and waterfalls of the trail-woven Alt Pirineu Natural Park and Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Bring binoculars for a better chance of glimpsing wildlife including chamois, marmots, roe deer, bearded vultures and — if you're very lucky — elusive brown bears. For added adrenaline, dip a toe into mountaineering by clipping onto the dizzying, half-mile-long Poi de Unha via ferrata near Bagergue, where a series of Tibetan bridges and vertical ladders wind across sheer rock faces. A number of certified local mountain guides offer introductory climbs ideal for families and first-timers. Alternatively, take to the waters of the Garonne River for heart-pumping pursuits, including canyoning, rafting and hydrospeeding (whitewater swimming with a board and flippers), with expert guidance from one-stop shop Altis Sport in Vielha. And by night, embrace the silent magic of these mountains by heading out on a stargazing excursion. Centuries-old traditions and Celtic heritage are deeply ingrained in Pyrenean life and still felt deeply in the 33 towns and villages beading the mountains of Val d'Aran. Perched at 4656ft, Baguergue is one of the most picturesque — an ensemble of cobbled alleys, warm-stone, slate-rooted houses and window boxes that are a riot of crimson geraniums in summer. Together with nearby villages of Garòs and Arties, Baguergue has been named by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain as one of the country's most stunning spots. In addition to admiring the surroundings, visitors to Baguergue can sample traditional Aranese cheese made using cow's milk from the Lleida Pyrenees at artisanal dairy Hormatges Tarrau. Alternatively, book onto a guided tour to journey through the valley's history, from the Bronze Age to the present day. Or take to your wheels (on a bike or e-bike or in a car) to glimpse wonders like the Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa Maria d'Arties, with its five-storey belfry and beautifully preserved frescoes. The urban centre of Val d'Aran's capital, Vielha, sees historic buildings flank the River Nere, surrounded by peaks over 6,500ft-high. Visitors can explore civil buildings such as the fortified Tower of General Martinhon, which is also now home to the Museum of Val d'Aran. With its plentiful local produce and rich culinary traditions, Val d'Aran is a central part of one of Spain's most exciting food scenes — with Catalonia having become Europe's first World Region of Gastronomy in 2025. Here, menus sing boldly of the seasons, be it game and forest-foraged mushrooms, wild boar pâté, river trout or standout dishes like òlha aranesa, a slow-cooked soup made with vegetables, sausage, beans, and pasta, that's perfect after a day in the mountains. Crisp, naturally fermented cider and locally harvested caviar are other must-trys. For a fun and relaxed bite to eat, pintxos (bite-sized tapas on a cocktail stick) are the way to go. Tuesday in Vielha is pintxo-pote night, with many bars in town offering a pintxo and pote (drink) for small change. Pair them with craft beers and good vibes at refu Birreria microbrewery in Vielha, or head to Tauèrna deth Gascon for signature onion soup and rustic dining within thick stone walls. Outside of the city centre, take a 10-minute drive east to the pretty mountain town of Arties for seasonal small plates like venison carpaccio with truffle oil at Tauèrna Urtau. And over in the riverside village of Bossòst, modern-rustic El Portalet serves dishes including flame-grilled aubergine ravioli with porcini mushrooms, black garlic, salt-cured egg yolk and confit baby goat with passion and finesse. This paid content article was created for Val d'Aran as part of a joint initiative with the Catalan Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
12-03-2025
- National Geographic
3 ways to experience Val d'Aran, Catalonia's adventure playground
In the Val d'Aran — where the Pyrenees meet France in northwest Catalonia — things get pretty wild. Nature runs riot here, with snow-frosted granite mountains rising above fir-cloaked slopes, glacier-carved valleys and piercing blue lakes. The highest peak, 9,875ft Molières, towers above forests where brown bears roam and rivers flow ferociously all the way to the Atlantic. Hike, bike, raft, canyon, ski, snowshoe or stargaze — no matter the time of year, opportunities for adventure are aplenty. Val d'Aran's mountainous interior is also home to some of Spain's most picturesque villages, which provide an insight into the region's rich history and Occitan heritage. You'll hear snippets of the area's own official language, Aranese, as you weave between romanesque churches and flower-draped alleys, stopping to dine at rustic restaurants that highlight seasonal ingredients reflective of the region. From high-altitude adventures to culinary and cultural experiences, here's how best to explore Val d'Aran. 1. Amp up the adrenaline In winter, all eyes are on the vast ski resort of Baqueira Beret, which offers over 100 miles of varied pistes for skiers and snowboarders, as well as four miles of permanent cross-country trails. Freeride fans will enjoy the glorious off-piste — reliable powder conditions are made possible thanks to the Atlantic climate bringing regular dumps of snow — while freestylers can tackle boxes, jumps and rails at Era Marmòta SnowPark. And downhill is just the tip of the iceberg for winter exploration. You can also explore the snow-covered wilderness on snowshoes, toboggan or Nordic style by husky-driven sleigh. In the winter, the Baqueria Beret ski resort offers a variety of snow sports, including skiing, tobogganing and husky sledding. Summer presents a different picture entirely, as Val d'Aran's meadows fill with wildflowers and bell-swinging cattle. Lace up your hiking boots or jump on a mountain bike and strike out past the lakes, streams and waterfalls of the trail-woven Alt Pirineu Natural Park and Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park. Bring binoculars for a better chance of glimpsing wildlife including chamois, marmots, roe deer, bearded vultures and — if you're very lucky — elusive brown bears. For added adrenaline, dip a toe into mountaineering by clipping onto the dizzying, half-mile-long Poi de Unha via ferrata near Bagergue, where a series of Tibetan bridges and vertical ladders wind across sheer rock faces. A number of certified local mountain guides offer introductory climbs ideal for families and first-timers. Alternatively, take to the waters of the Garonne River for heart-pumping pursuits, including canyoning, rafting and hydrospeeding (whitewater swimming with a board and flippers), with expert guidance from one-stop shop Altis Sport in Vielha. And by night, embrace the silent magic of these mountains by heading out on a stargazing excursion. The Alt Pirineu Natural Park and Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici National Park are threaded with hiking routes, many of which pass glacial lakes and waterfalls. Photograph by Ondacaracola Photography, Getty Images 2. Explore beautiful villages and mountain heritage Centuries-old traditions and Celtic heritage are deeply ingrained in Pyrenean life and still felt deeply in the 33 towns and villages beading the mountains of Val d'Aran. Perched at 4656ft, Baguergue is one of the most picturesque — an ensemble of cobbled alleys, warm-stone, slate-rooted houses and window boxes that are a riot of crimson geraniums in summer. Together with nearby villages of Garòs and Arties, Baguergue has been named by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain as one of the country's most stunning spots. In addition to admiring the surroundings, visitors to Baguergue can sample traditional Aranese cheese made using cow's milk from the Lleida Pyrenees at artisanal dairy Hormatges Tarrau. Alternatively, book onto a guided tour to journey through the valley's history, from the Bronze Age to the present day. Or take to your wheels (on a bike or e-bike or in a car) to glimpse wonders like the Romanesque-Gothic church of Santa Maria d'Arties, with its five-storey belfry and beautifully preserved frescoes. The urban centre of Val d'Aran's capital, Vielha, sees historic buildings flank the River Nere, surrounded by peaks over 6,500ft-high. Visitors can explore civil buildings such as the fortified Tower of General Martinhon, which is also now home to the Museum of Val d'Aran. Head to the region's picturesque capital city, Vielha, to learn about Catalan history and culture at the Museum of Val d'Aran. Photographs by Val d'Aran 3. Enjoy award-winning regional cuisine With its plentiful local produce and rich culinary traditions, Val d'Aran is a central part of one of Spain's most exciting food scenes — with Catalonia having become Europe's first World Region of Gastronomy in 2025. Here, menus sing boldly of the seasons, be it game and forest-foraged mushrooms, wild boar pâté, river trout or standout dishes like òlha aranesa, a slow-cooked soup made with vegetables, sausage, beans, and pasta, that's perfect after a day in the mountains. Crisp, naturally fermented cider and locally harvested caviar are other must-trys. For a fun and relaxed bite to eat, pintxos (bite-sized tapas on a cocktail stick) are the way to go. Tuesday in Vielha is pintxo-pote night, with many bars in town offering a pintxo and pote (drink) for small change. Pair them with craft beers and good vibes at refu Birreria microbrewery in Vielha, or head to Tauèrna deth Gascon for signature onion soup and rustic dining within thick stone walls. Outside of the city centre, take a 10-minute drive east to the pretty mountain town of Arties for seasonal small plates like venison carpaccio with truffle oil at Tauèrna Urtau. And over in the riverside village of Bossòst, modern-rustic El Portalet serves dishes including flame-grilled aubergine ravioli with porcini mushrooms, black garlic, salt-cured egg yolk and confit baby goat with passion and finesse. Plan your trip Direct flights are available from London airports to Toulouse-Blagnac. Alternatively, flights are available from many major UK hubs to Barcelona Airport, where travellers can change for a direct bus service to Vielha from the city centre. For a no-fly option, visitors can take the Eurostar to Paris and then a high-speed train to Luchon or Montrejeau in France, from which there are regular bus services to Vielha. To explore further, it can be best to hire your own wheels (car or bike). For more information, go to This paid content article was created for Val d'Aran as part of a joint initiative with the Catalan Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
