London - Absolutely Fabulous, the film based on the beloved British comedy, airs in South Africa on September 23, and with it, fans across the country get ready to pop open the bottles of Bolly in celebration.
The movie sees the ditsy fashionistas escape from London to the South of France, leaving a trail of chaos behind them. As expected, though, only the best is good enough for Patsy and Eddie, and their adventures see them passing through some of the most glamourous and popular holiday destinations in the region.
For those fans of the movie who are inspired by their travels, Cheapflights.co.za has rounded the best travel tips for following in their footsteps.
1. Holland Park
Eddie’s place of residency in the film, Holland Park, is a peaceful place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of central London. One of London’s greenest and most desirable postcodes, it is must visit for history buffs and fans of traditional English, elegant gardens. Top tip: escape the noise of the busy streets and take some time to reflect in a tiny pocket of Japan called Kyoto Garden, found in Holland Park.
2. Soho
Known as the entertainment district and the new home of London Fashion Week, Soho see Patsy and Eddie shopping and drinking to their hearts’ content. From all the major high-street fashion brands in the world-renowned Carnaby Street, to the sights and sounds of nearby China Town, Soho is a melting pot of cultures and people. Top tip: stroll around Old Compton, Broadwick and Wardour Streets, stopping off in an endless choice of coffee, restaurants and cocktail bars.
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3. Villefranche-sur-mer
Patsy and Eddie find themselves in a car chase down one of the many cobbled streets in Villefranche-sur-mer. Known as the most charming fishing villages on the French Riviera, this seaside resort town is also home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world and is surrounded by buildings dating back from the 12th and 13th century. Plage de la Darse is one of the smaller pebble beaches in this region that caters for the adventurous type – offering snorkelling, kayaking and diving. Top tip: wear cobble-friendly shoes as cobblestones don’t cater for footwear that is thinly-soled, despite anything Patsy and Eddie may say.
4. Saint Tropez
Only Patsy and Eddie would hide out from police on a luxurious yacht in the middle of St Tropez. Formerly known as a fishing village, this region has grown into a millionaire’s paradise, surrounded by glamourous yacht parties and drinks on tap. Top tip: according to French law, it is required that all persons have their personal ID on them at all times.
5. St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
About half an hours’ drive from Nice is the millionaires’ playground of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where the outrageous Ab Fab pair are seen swanning about a luxury hotel. The hotel is the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat which boasts a spa, pools, a villa and 17 acres of immaculate gardens. Top tip: If the prices of an overnight stay are too eye-watering, book in a visit at the day spa, which allows access to the spa garden with sea-view terraces.
6. Cannes
After flying a budget airline and being forced to shack up in Cannes, the girls find themselves on the coastline famously known for its annual film festival. The luxury Hotel Martinez was featured in the film, and is a meeting place for Hollywood A-listers during the festival. Top tip: the streets tier back from the sea according to shopping price range, so streets closest to the sea are the most expensive and have the highest-end shopping.
Adapted from a press release for IOL
* To follow in the footsteps of the Ab Fab pair, visit www.cheapflights.co.za to book a flight to London or France.