Business
7 Best hotels to stay in France
Published
2 weeks agoon

7 Top-notch hotels to stay in France
France is one of the most visited spots in the world being a perfect mix of family and couple destinations. . But have you also figured out where to stay in France? We have crafted a list of the 5 best hotels in France that will make you fall in love with the country even more.
1. Château de Bagnols
Set in the heart of Beaujolais vineyards is the fortified castle of Château de Bagnols. Originally a chateau, Château de Bagnols is a classified historical monument that has seen over 8 centuries of history and is now an esteemed country accommodation in France.
The interiors are decorated keeping in mind the era of the chateau and it varies from classic to contemporary. Take a look inside and you will find the rooms furnished with antiques and 16th-century frescoes that teleport you to a whole different era. Taste the traditional French cuisine on offer, enjoy the unparalleled views from the terrace, and go on a bike excursion to the medieval village of Oingt. The hotel also offers horse riding, hot-air balloon trips, and helicopter tours.
Surrounded by French style gardens, moats, tower, and vines, Château de Bagnols is one of the best hotels in France.
Where: Le Bourg, 69620 Bagnols, France
What’s special: Medieval architecture, Vintage decor, Fascinating views, Fine dining restaurant, Spa, Swimming pool
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Aquatic Center Nautile
2. Villa Florentine
Housed in a 17th-century villa which was previously a convent, Villa Florentine is a luxury five-star hotel in Lyon that comes with panoramic views of the city. Placed in the timeless location of Vieux Lyon, Villa Florentine breathes a charming Italian Renaissance architecture that makes it hard to blink.
Savor the taste of delicious French cuisine on the outdoor terrace, go explore the wonderful gems around Vieux Lyon, and rejuvenate yourselves in the wellness centre. The rooms in the hotel are chic with wooden flooring. There is also a heated outdoor pool that comes with excellent views. So you don’t have to worry about taking a plunge even in the winter.
Where: 25 Montée Saint-Barthélémy, 69005 Lyon, France
What’s special: Prime location, Excellent views, Italian architecture, Great food, heated outdoor pool, Wellness center, Conference room
Who’s it for: Couples, Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Lyon Cathedral, Place Bellecour, River Saone
3. Château Eze
Tucked away in the serene location of Eze, inside a 400-year-old Chateau is the lavish boutique hotel of Château Eze. Former residence of a Swedish Prince, Château Eze is now one of the best hotels in France. Uniquely designed like a castle, the hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic landscape in the backdrop makes it an instant sell.
The hotel boasts of 14 suites and rooms each uniquely designed to stand out from the rest. Try out the interesting cocktails and the snacks on the terrace as you admire the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The enchanting location of Cote d’Azur and the sun-kissed horizon adds to the charm of the hotel.
Where: Rue de la Pise, 06360 Eze Village, France
What’s special: Architecture, Hilltop location, Views,
Who’s it for: Families, Couples
Attractions nearby: Parfumerie Fragonard – The Laboratory Plant Eze, Nietzsche’s Footpath
4. Villa Lara Hotel
Located in close distance to the famous museums, offering amazing views of the Bayeux Cathedral is the upscale
4-star accommodation of Villa Lara Hotel. Perched on a cliff in the midst of lemon groves and bright bougainvillea, the hotel is all about elegance. The rooms are traditionally designed in varied colour schemes and carry furnishings from the famous French cabinet maker Moissonnier.
Treat your taste buds to a hearty breakfast that consists of fresh pastries and hot coffee, lose yourselves to the incredible views, and grab a drink at the empire-style bar. Come night & Villa Lara Hotel glows with light. The sight is just incomparable & is a testimony to its beauty.
Where: 6 Place de Québec, 14400 Bayeux, France
What’s special: Elegant architecture, Views, Accessibility to attractions, Breakfast
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Bayeux Cathedral
5. Shangri-La hotel
So you walk along the tree-lined Avenue d’Iéna and you are awestruck by this building. You wonder what it could possibly be within the classic facade. Say hello to the legendary Shangri-La Hotel. Once home to Napolean Bonaparte’s grandnephew Roland Bonaparte, the princely residence is now an exquisite 5-star hotel that you shouldn’t miss out on your trip. Take a step inside and you will understand the significance.
Carrying a European-Asian vibe, everything inside Shangri-La is crafted with the utmost detail to make sure not even a single tourist feels left out. Dine in one of the 2 Michelin-starred restaurants, unwind in the spa, catch a romantic sunrise/sunset from the terrace, and enjoy a pool game in the remarkable billiard room that comes with a fireplace. A stay in Shangri-La is a memory to remember forever!
Where: 10 Avenue d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
What’s special: Location, Sunrise/sunset views, Michelin restaurants, Spa, Indoor pool
Who’s it for: Business travellers, Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Eiffel Tower, River Seine, Champs-Elysées, Quai Branly Museum
6. Four Seasons Hotel George V
Sitting inside an original 1982 art deco building, Four Seasons Hotel George V is a luxurious 5-star hotel styled after Louis XVI. Your first interaction with the hotel will be the neatly decorated flowers that immediately lighten up your mood. Proceed a little further and you will spot the exemplary art collection along with the fine dining restaurants that bask in a lovely sunlight on a clear morning.
Go on a gastronomical journey tasting the mouth-watering delicacies from the renowned restaurants in place, explore the whimsical streets of Paris getting close to the world-class monuments, and ogle at the unparalleled views from the terrace. For a delightful stay in the city of lights, Four Season hotel is the place to go.
Where: 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris, France
What’s special: Multi-cuisine restaurants, Location, Decor, Views
Who’s it for: Couples, Families, Business travellers
Attractions nearby: Champs-Élysees, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame Cathedral
7. Hôtel La Pérouse
Placed on top of the Castle Hill overlooking the Bay of Angels is the 4-star luxury boutique accommodation of Hôtel La Pérouse. The location is so wonderfully perfect that you will be willing to stay here regardless of the price. What’s so special about the location? You ask. While Hôtel La Pérouse is so private, it is accessible as well.
The rooms in the hotel are modern with a Mediterranean flair and the marble flooring elevates the overall feel of the place. Take a dip in the private beach of Castel which is very close by, enjoy every bit of the sumptuous provencal cuisine by your balcony, and let your stress out on a healing sauna session. Hôtel La Pérouse is definitely one of the hidden treasures in France.
Where: 11 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France
What’s special: Incredible location, Views, Sauna, Hot Pool, Solarium
Who’s it for: Couples, Families
Attractions nearby: Cours Saleya, Nice Opera house, Castle Hill, Old Town
Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Business
OVER 3m MSMEs TO BENEFIT AS NIGERIA LAUNCHES FG/ALAT SKILLNOVATION
Published
10 hours agoon
September 29, 2023
OVER 3m MSMEs TO BENEFIT AS NIGERIA LAUNCHES FG/ALAT SKILLNOVATION
**No going back on creating inclusive economy, VP Shettima declares*
In a bid to support information technology revolution that would, in turn, extend the reach of economic and social interactions as well as enhance productivity growth in Nigeria, the Federal Government and ALAT have launched Skillnovation Programme.
The initiative will provide over three million Nigerians with essential digital skills required to succeed in the global economy.
Speaking during the launch of the programme at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday, September 29, 2023, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, described the Skillnovation as a “transformative initiative” that “ushers in a new era of digital empowerment for” Nigerians.
He said, “We are compelled to tread this path by the direction in which the world has headed, a world of disruptive technologies redefined by the fourth Industrial Revolution.
“This initiative is a response to the evolution of the modern business environment, an acknowledgment that digital skills have become the cornerstone of economic ease and expansion.”
The Vice President hinted that the gathering is one of the many to come and an occasion to reassure the nation that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to supporting small businesses across Nigeria.
The Skillnovation Programme will establish 15 state-of-the-art ICT centres, strategically placed across Nigeria, to provide individuals and businesses alike with access to cutting-edge digital training, resources, and support.
The first phase of the programme will focus on the states of Katsina, Anambra, Borno, Lagos, Oyo, and Kano, while the second phase will include Delta, Kaduna, Ogun, Bauchi, Kwara, and Ekiti States.
Giving an insight into how the country would benefit from the programme, Vice President said, “Nigeria, with its expanding MSME sector of close to 40 million, has the potential to lead business innovation beyond Africa. The Skillnovation Programme, therefore, aims to unlock this immense potential. The initiative is designed to provide the necessary tools and skills for our MSMEs to thrive and compete on the global stage.
“As you have witnessed, ladies and gentlemen, the Skillnovation Programme is not a mere promise; it is a resounding commitment to the Nigerian people,” the Vice President added. “It’s in pursuit of this administration’s resolve to empower our youth and MSMEs and to create a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria. Today, we are translating that commitment into action, and we intend to be your allies in your race to take over the world through your enhanced skills.”
VP Shetimma also assured that nobody will be left out of the Skillnovation Programme, regardless of age, gender, or disability.
“There will be no disadvantaged demographic in accessing this opportunity. Our youth, women, and persons with disabilities have found friends and allies and will be favored in our proposed single-digit loan schemes for our valued MSMEs, for which talks are already ongoing with the Bank of Industry and other critical stakeholders and partners,” he stated.
The Skillnovation Programme is a significant step towards achieving the Federal Government’s vision of a digitally empowered and economically prosperous Nigeria. By providing MSMEs with the essential digital skills and support they need to succeed, the programme will help to create jobs, boost economic growth, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Mr Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, emphasised the significance of partnership, noting that government alone cannot address the challenges confronting Nigerians.
On his part, Managing Director of Wema Bank, Mr Moruf Oseni, commended the passion of the President and Vice President for empowering young Nigerians, even as he announced the establishment of skills training centres across 17 states, beginning with Lagos and Borno.
He said the programme will directly impact 2 million youths and 1 million small businesses across the benefitting States.
The MD expressed optimism that the scheme will be impactful, particularly empowering young Nigerians and preparing them for the challenges of the future.
In his goodwill message, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijjani, said President Tinubu administration’s will leverage the enthusiasm of youths in the technology space to launch Nigeria as a global power in sector.
He called on other private sectors to collaborate more with government to actualize the objectives of job creation.
On his part Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State pledged the state government’s support for the success of the programme.
Also present at the event were the Ministers of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Labour and Employment, Hon. Simon Lalong; Deputy Governors of Borno, Umar Kadafur; Kaduna, Hadiza Balarabe; Anambra, Onyeka Ibezim; Jigawa, Aminu Usman, and Heads of government agencies.
*Stanley Nkwocha*
*Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications*
*(Office of the Vice President)*
*29th September, 2023*
Business
Foundation Provides Financial Support To Outstanding Pupils In Ogun
Published
14 hours agoon
September 29, 2023
Foundation Provides Financial Support To Outstanding Pupils In Ogun
In a bid to compliment government efforts at providing qualitative education to vulnerable children in Ogun schools, Obaruwa Foundation, a non-profit organization on Friday launched fund support for pupils at Ogbogbo Baptist Primary School, Ogbogbo-Ijebu in Ijebu North East local government area of the state.
Speaking through Mr Tunde Oresanya at the presentation of the cash gifts, the founder of the foundation, Omooba Adekunle Ayoola said the fund support has become an annual gesture of the group in reaching out to outstanding pupils who despite the lean purse of their parents came out with flying academic records in their examination.
According to him, the beneficiaries of the latest fund support were drawn from primary one to six, and pupils who came 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each class were rewarded.
Omooba Ayoola, a Poland based security expert whose passion for education support has received various outstanding laurels stressed that he would continue to employ various measures and programmes to improve the lives of the children, including educational sponsorships, educational supports, advocacy and healthcare assistance.
In her remarks, Mrs B.A Kazeem, the Assistant Head Teacher of the school, expressed appreciation towards the annual educational support of the foundation, seeking for more support both from the government and donors alike.
Business
AfricentOCL UK Makes ‘Global Energy Awards 2023’ Finalists List
Published
16 hours agoon
September 29, 2023
AfricentOCL UK Makes ‘Global Energy Awards 2023’ Finalists List
It’s another major milestone for a top firm in the maritime business sector, AfricentOCL UK, as it made the finalists list of the 2023 edition of Platts Global Energy Awards.
In the carefully screened list of 207 credible energy companies, AfricentOCL UK tops five others in the Energy Transition (Mainstream) category. According to S&P Global Platts, the organizers of the awards event, firms are recognized based on their achievements and results, positive impact on customers and the industry.
“The ‘Global Energy Awards’ indicates the direction in which the energy industry is headed. It is about recognizing the energy sector’s exponential growth and rapid progress, thereby acknowledging companies and individuals working on the crucial, innovative, practicable solutions that will solve the energy industry challenges,” the organizers declared.
It is AfricentOCL UK’s second global honour within a space of eleven months. Making the list as one of the finalists in the Global Energy Awards was coming soon after its victory as the 2023 Greater London Enterprise Awards’ ‘Best Maritime Materials and Vessel Chartering Provider’ winner.
Expressing his joy at the fresh honour for his business empire, AfricentOCL UK CEO, Mr. Juwon Lawal Razaq, stated that such an honour coming from an internally recognized outfit like S&P Global Platts is to him a good ego booster, which encourages business outfits to aspire to achieve more exploits. “Making the finalists list, for us, is a great leap to winning. We understand that people are watching us, they know that we have the gifts and skills and we have never been afraid to show them toward making the industry greater. So, it’s a great way to announce our future win, and we will celebrate the honour,” Juwon Lawal affirms.
A special reception to mark Platts Global Energy Awards’ 25th anniversary will be held in New York on December 7, 2023, where winners will be announced.
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