Christie’s International Real Estate Turks & Caicos today announces a sales partnership with Kempinski Grace Bay, a breathtaking new luxury residence and resort on the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. This strategic alliance positions Christie’s as the premier brokerage for the sales of Kempinski Grace Bay’s exquisite beachfront residences, offering discerning investors an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of paradise on one of the last remaining pristine stretches of the world-famous Grace Bay Beach.

£300 saving on Sandals Holidays in the Caribbean

Give in to the allure of the Caribbean, a destination that always sets the scene for an unforgettable escape. Spend your holiday unwinding in all-inclusive bliss at any of Sandals’ 17 resorts found on 8 of the Caribbean’s most captivating islands. Recline under swaying palm trees, cool off in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, savour mangoes that taste like sunshine and enjoy endless laughter with loved ones.

With a sale now on, save up to £300 off your booking when you use the promo code HOLIDAY and book by 4th June ’25 

Notes:

• Save £300 on bookings travelling up to 30 Nov ‘25​
• Save £200 on bookings travelling between 01 – 31 Dec ‘25 & 01 Apr – 30 Jun ‘26​
• Save £100 on bookings travelling between 01 Jan – 31 Mar ‘26 & 01 Jul ‘26 – 31 Dec ‘27

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Book any featured cruises by 25th June and you will also receive a FREE Drinks Package worth £24.99 per person, per night
(or £35 per person, per night on five-night cruises).

Our expertly planned 2025 cruises take you to the lavender fields in the south of France, Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast and Croatia’s coastlines, while our fly cruises offer time to explore in the Greek Islands, with overnight stays in hidden Meditrranean gems.

Our Grand Voyages offer extended explorations of the Greek Islands, Amalfi and the Dalmatian Coast, sailing from the UK or on a fly cruise from London Stansted or Manchester. Closer to home, cruise through Norway’s majestic fjords, go in search of the Northern Lights, or witness Iceland’s geysers, waterfalls and wildlife. For a dose of winter sun, head to the Canary Islands for warm days and vibrant culture, all possible aboard our fleet of three smaller ships.

CHECK AVAILABILITY for 2025 cruises

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Capital of the historic province of Poitou and now part of France’s Nouvelle Aquitaine region, Poitiers is a compact, walkable city that combines heritage treasures with one of Europe’s top theme parks.

These are the top 5 things you must do the first time you visit Poitiers.

Enjoy Poitier’s beautiful buildings

Soak up the architectural heritage of a town built from mellow limestone and dubbed the ‘City of 100 spires’ for its many churches.  Notre-Dame-la-Grande stands at the city’s highest point in the heart of the old town and is renowned for its carved façade and painted interior.  Although closed until 2027 for major restoration, the sculpted figures are still easily visible and you can take a video tour inside this iconic building in the special exhibition at the Tourist Office opposite.

Download the free Visit Poitiers app on your smartphone to explore the town at your own pace with GPS.  The imposing cathedral is another must-see, commissioned under Plantagenet king Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine who married inside the previous church to stand on this spot.  Then take a short walk to the octagonal Baptistery – one of the oldest surviving in the western world – to see biblical scenes played out in reds and ochre around the walls.

Admire work by women artists

Between the cathedral and the Baptistery, the Sainte-Croix Museum is home to a fascinating mix of archaeological finds, Roman artefacts, medieval history, and fine art. I particularly enjoyed the collection of works by women artists, which includes sculptures by Camille Claudel, model and lover of Auguste Rodin. 

Little remains today above ground of Roman Limonum, despite the presence of an amphitheatre that seated more than 30,000 citizens of the Empire.  But here in the basement gallery, Roman foundations exist alongside rare artefacts such as gladiator helmets and an exquisite marble statue of Athena.

Indulge yourself in the retail area

Despite the ancient stones, Poitiers has a youthful vibe, with half its 90,000 residents aged under 30 and one-third of the total being students.   The extensive pedestrianised area makes this a relaxing place to shop, eat and sleep. Fashionistas will find both French high street brands and specialist boutiques, but heritage is never far away.  International fashion retailer Zara in the Cordeliers shopping mall arranges its clothing rails beneath the arches of a former chapel!

Even if the sun is shining, don’t miss La Maison des Parapluies on Grand’Rue where five generations of Francois Frères have produced handmade umbrellas in a wide variety of patterns and styles, one of just five companies still producing craft umbrellas in France.

Eat like a local

Amongst the emblematic dishes coming from the historic province of Poitou is the Farci Poitevin, a predominantly vegetarian paté of vegetables, herbs and small pieces of meat.  Originally designed to use up leftovers, it now makes a delicious starter, and every deli has its own recipe! 

Look out for Tourteau Fromagé cheesecake with a domed black crust and traditional Poitiers shortbread, the Broyé de Poitou.  I found both at the Jérémie Chosson’s tempting cheese shop on Rue du Marché Notre-Dame, a short walk from the Romanesque church and covered market.   

If you have a sweet tooth, don’t even try to resist traditional macarons from the nearby town of Montmorillon on sale in Rannou-Metivier.  Forget multi-coloured circles in assorted flavours.  These are heaped-up little mounds of brown loveliness, crispy outside, gooey inside and utterly scrumptious!

Meat eaters are spoilt for choice too.  Book a table at Chez Cocotte for steaks from a choice of prestigious regional breeds.  If you like added atmosphere with your food, try Les Archives, a gastronomic restaurant in a 19th century Jesuit chapel next to the 4* Hôtel Mercure Poitiers Centre.  I also enjoyed Les Bons Enfants for cosy, casual eating in a traditional atmosphere.

Fancy an al fresco drink or snack?   Head down to the banks of the Clain to Ilot Tison for assorted food trucks and the Guingette Pictave where you can enjoy a tasty snack at a trestle table or just an al fresco drink.   There’s even an annual food truck festival in May each year!    

Have fun with the family in Poitiers

Gen up on medieval heroine Eleanor of Aquitaine with an escape game in English, with Escape League on Place Alphone-Lepetit closed to the former palace of the Counts of Poitou and Dukes of Aquitaine.  Bur leave time to head inside the medieval palace for a ‘wow’ moment in the vast royal hall where Eleanor of Aquitaine once held court and Joan of Arc was questioned. 

But the big family attraction in Poitiers is Futuroscope, one of France’s most popular theme parks, just ten minutes away by bus, train or car from the city centre. 

Expect more than 40 attractions including 4D experiences, simulators, rollercoasters and live shows, as well as themed hotels.  New last year, Aquascope water park has already scooped a clutch of international awards for its water slides, light effects, aquatic cinema and relaxation pools. 

Fact File

FLY: Gillian flew to Poitiers from London-Stansted with www.ryanair.com

STAY: Hotel Europe Poitiers,  a tranquil hotel with a spacious garden in the city centre. CHECK AVAILABILITY

More information:

• www.visitpoitiers.fr 
• www.nouvelle-aquitaine-tourisme.com 
• www.futuroscope.com 
• www.lesarchives.fr
• www.parapluie-artisanal.com

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