WOULD you believe it that one village in Suffolk used to be as big as London, and just as important?
On the east coast of England is a village that years ago used to be one of the country’s biggest trade hubs, but due to coastal erosion has been lost to the sea.
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The village of Dunwich was one a thriving port town – but it was swept into the seaCredit: AlamyIt’s been dubbed the ‘Lost City of England’Credit: Unknown
Dunwich in Suffolk sits 13 miles down the coast from Lowestoft, and in recent history has been called the ‘Lost City of England‘ or even Suffolk’s answer to Atlantis.
During the medieval period, Dunwich had a main port which was a huge hub for international trade in what was the Kingdom of East Anglia.
Dunwich was even the capital of the Kingdom of the East Angles in the Anglo-Saxon period.
At that time, Dunwich was home to around 3,000 people – the same number that were in London.
It would trade goods like wool, grain and fish, but problems began in the 14th century after a number of huge storms.
Significant storms in 1286, 1328 and 1362 caused a huge amount of damage, destroying buildings.
It washed the port and a large amount of the town into the sea, including around 400 houses and eight churches.
Sonar images have even revealed a number of old buildings and streets sitting 30 feet below the sea.
After this, the medieval port was lost and so Dunwich became what it’s known as now, a coastal village.
There’s very little of the original Dunwich left now, but one ruin that’s still on land is the Greyfriars Monastery.
This isn’t the original though as that was also destroyed by a storm in 1286, the ruins visible today are from the “new” friary that was rebuilt in the late 13th century.
These are reportedly haunted with some visitors saying they spotted mysterious lights, and even ghosts at the friary.
If you want to learn more about Dunwich’s rich history, there’s even a museum dedicated to telling the history of the village from Roman times to the present day.
But today, most people visit Dunwich to spend time on its stretching beach which in 2021 was named as one of the UK’s best-kept secrets.
Just down the coast is Dunwich Heath, known for its wildlife like Dartford warblers, woodlarks, adders and antlions.
Greyfriars Monastery ties the village back to its medieval rootsCredit: AlamyYou can find out more about the history of Dunwich at its museumCredit: Alamy
The beach and surrounding countryside are owned by the National Trust, which runs a beachside tearoom called Coastguard Cottages where you can pick up hot and cold drinks, snacks and light meals.
There’s also a children’s play area on the beach, and cafes and pubs in the nearby village.
Favourites on Tripadvisor include The Ship Inn Restaurant, Flora Tea Rooms and The 12 Lost Churches.
For more exploration, further up the coast is the pretty seaside town of Southwold, or travel south to Leiston and Aldeburgh.
Today, the town still celebrates its rich history and has a literary festival each year.
Locals also boast about the town’s fish and chips, with The Suffolk recommended by Michelin.
Along the high street, instead of arcades you will find clothes boutiques, antiques shops and independent book stores.
One stop to head to is O&C Butcher – a 130-year-old clothes store selling top brands including Barbour and Gant. The town is also known for being the home of famous composer, Benjamin Britten.
Today, during the summer months, visitors can head to his home, The Red House. Britten shared the home with Peter Pears and it is nestled in a five acre garden, with a farmhouse, gallery space, shop and cafe. And there is a historic cinema in the town too.
It doesn’t look like your average cinema from the outside, as it features timber framing.
The beach itself boasts both shingle and sand and backs onto the town, making it the ideal spot for adventuring to after exploring the town.
On the beach you will also find The Scallop – a sculpture that is a tribute to Benjamin Britten.
The Timesrecently named the seaside town the best in the UK.
HAILEY Bieber revealed her bare bum in a tiny thong bikini before making out with husband Justin in steamy pictures.
The couple are holidaying on a private island but Hailey, 28, gave fans a glimpse of what they had been up to in a new Instagram post.
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Hailey Bieber revealed her bare bum in a thong bikini while holidaying on a private islandCredit: instagramHailey, 28, showed off her derriere in a series of different bikinisCredit: instagramShe also shared a steamy snog with husband JustinCredit: instagram
Hailey posted a montage of pictures and simply captioned them: “Hell yeah!”
The first picture saw the model posing in a green thong bikini with a lilac headscarf around her hair.
Turned to the side, Hailey showed off her peachy derriere as she stood close to the beach.
Another picture in the montage offered an even closer up view of her bum as she posed in a black thong bikini.
With her back to the camera, she glanced over her shoulder with her wet hair hanging around her shoulders.
Husband Justin, 31, clearly couldn’t get enough of his hot wife, and in one black and white snap, the couple were seen kissing.
Justin had his back to the camera and had hold of his wife’s waist, while Hailey cupped his face with one hand, and placed the other around the back of his head.
The singer showed his appreciation for his wife’s pictures by commenting: “Oh my f***in god”.
Hailey was also seen posing with her friend Kendall Jenner – who was celebrating her 30th birthday on the island – and looked stunning in a backless animal print mini dress.
Hailey and Justin have been married since 2018 and share son Jack, one, together.
The stars were in the stands watching the LA Dodgers play the Toronto Blue Jays in Los Angeles.
CanadianJustin proudly rocked aBlue Jaysjersey for his favorite team as he andHailey, watched the game – which was not well received by the die-hardDodgersfans in their home city.
Justin first irked Dodgers fans by loudly booing player Shohei Ohtani after he hit a home run, giving the home team a 2-0 lead.
Soon, Justin started being “heckled by fans,” an onlooker exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
“He was really heavily taunted for wearing a Blue Jays jersey,” the eyewitness said, adding that his vocal disapproval of the home run didn’t help matters.
Hailey was on the island to celebrate her pal Kendall Jenner’s 30th birthdayCredit: instagramThe model looked sensational in her Instagram snaps from the tripCredit: instagram
JoJo posed for another selfie on the beach, and revealed her toned figure in a tiny pink bikini.
JoJo and Chris are in a long distance relationship but have already been discussing marriage plans.
And Chris has revealed the moment they made their romance official, after Celebrity Big Brother viewers suspected they were more than just friends.
He has spoken openly about their connection on the Question The Default podcast with Harry Corin, in which he told “nothing was rushed or forced, it just happened.”
He then confirmed it was when he flew Mexico in May that they made things official.
He surprised her at a festival she was playing at which happened few weeks after CBB – with her family there – and they became an item.
Chris said they “rekindled and met up in Mexico” and said: “I flew out to surprise her, which was nice.
“I spent a few days with her and her family in Orlando as well before flying home and that’s where it all started.”
Later in the chat, he said: “I went to Mexico and met up with her which is where the whole feelings developed and things changed.
“Which was lovely and no secret to anybody.
“But it was genuinely lovely and nothing was rushed or forced it just happened.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Turkish President Recep Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, China in September. Putin has announced Russia tested a nuclear missile and is ready to deploy it. File photo by Russia’s Presidential Office/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 26 (UPI) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country has tested a new, nuclear-capable missile and is preparing to deploy it.
The weapon runs on nuclear power, which makes it capable of flying much further than other missiles, according to the Kremlin, and is able to evade missile detection and defense systems.
“This is a unique product that no one in the world has, Putin, dressed in military fatigues, said during a meeting with military commanders, according to a video posted by the Kremlin. “We need to identify potential uses and begin preparing the infrastructure for deploying this weapon in our armed forces.”
Valery V. Gerasimov, general staff of the Russian armed forces, said the missile had remained in flight for 15 hours and traveled 8,700 miles during testing.
“It is a tiny flying Chernobyl,” Gerasimov said during a briefing, referring to a nuclear power plant in Ukraine that became widely known for a catastrophic explosion in 1986.
The missile, known as the SSC-X-9, has been in development for years, and while Putin’s announcement was not a surprise, nuclear experts say it is a bad turn of events.
“This is a bad development,” said Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear nonproliferation expert at Middlebury College. “It is one more science fiction weapon that is going to be destabilizing and hard to address in arms control.”
Putin’s announcement of the missile revives the back and forth between the United States and Russia over nuclear arms, but the first action since President Donald Trump took office in January.
It is the latest in a long series of volleys over nuclear arms between the two countries stretching back decades.
The town has a rich history and is home to a number of charities
Chris Samuel and Liam Ryder Digital Production Editor
05:01, 25 Oct 2025
The historic town of Selby might be the best place in the UK to thrift shop(Image: Heritage Images, Getty Images)
The charming town of Selby in North Yorkshire, known for its historic market and the grand Selby Abbey, has become a haven for charity shops.
With six on the high street alone, locals and visitors have even created a trail to explore them all. Forward thinking businesses and those who live in the town have turned what many other places fear into the saviour of their town centre.
Having a history that dates back to Roman and Viking eras, the small town has a population of around 17,000 who enjoy its rich heritage and culture. There are plenty of scenic routes thatnks to its location on the River Ouse and surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
However, the volunteer-led outlets in the town have been grappling with unsuitable donations, leading to waste and additional costs. To tackle this issue, local charity Up for Yorkshire launched The Shop for the Future project as part of its Zero Shelby initiative, reports the Express.
This project aims to help the shops manage unsuitable donations sustainably, while also celebrating their community contributions and raising awareness about their work. It kicked off with the creation of a Trail Map, laying out the constellation of charity shops across the North Yorkshire town for an easy crawl.
The town’s High Street charity shops include Martin House, which provides free family-led hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. There’s also an RSPCA store, which is a self-funded and separately registered charity to the national RSPCA that supports the York Animal Home and local animals in need.
There’s also The Big Store – the charity shop of The Big Communitea, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the town through drop-ins, therapy, and practical help. Visitors can also find branches of St Leonard’s Hospice, Scope and the British Heart Foundation.
As part of the Zero Shelby initiative, a Sustainable Fashion show is scheduled to take place in Selby Abbey on November 12. Matt Fisher, community development lead for Up for Yorkshire, told BBC News that they view the town’s second-hand shops as a “strong starting point for change and an exciting opportunity to create a sustainable and vibrant high street to be enjoyed by everyone.”
In addition to these, there are various gift shops, homeware stores, vintage and antique outlets available. For bookworms, The Book Circle, an independent bookshop on Finkle Street, is a must-visit.
And if you fancy a bite to eat, local favourite Mister C fish and chips shop is renowned as one of the best in the UK.
Among the other charity shops elsewhere in the town are the well-known branches of Bernardo’s, Cancer Research UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research. But there are also locally-based stores working hard for good causes.
Mama Na Mtoto works to save the lives of mothers and babies in the UK and Kenya, while Selby Hands of Hope provides help to alleviate financial hardship in Selby. Selby Community Furniture Store collects furniture for free and upcycles and refurbishes it before selling it on, and Shelby Scrap CIC provides low-cost source materials for local groups and people.
SPAIN is usually just a short flight from the UK, but there’s one city further afield and is actually closer to Morocco than the Spanish mainland.
The small coastal city has plenty of historical sites, beaches and a mythically-inspired building.
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Ceuta is a small Spanish city that actually borders MoroccoCredit: AlamyIt has its very own House of the Dragons with statues of the creature up on the roofCredit: Getty
The city is called Ceuta, and doesn’t tend attract Brits, instead visitors tend to be Spanish and Moroccan thanks to where it sits in North Africa.
But there’s plenty to see, including one popular attraction called House of the Dragons, akaCasa de los Dragones, which sits on the corner of Kings Square.
Construction on the building started in 1897 and was completed in 1905, it got its name thanks to the four bronze dragon statues on the roof.
The original dragons were removed in 1925 and lost, but four new dragons were later added in 2006, these are made of resin andfiberglass– they weigh less than 200kg each.
There’s a similar building in the town ofValencia,which is called theBuilding of the Dragons.
The Valencia house incorporates dragons too, but more subtly.
Despite its proximity to Morocco, the official currency in Ceuta is theEuro,as it’s a Spanish city.
Visitors can expect to pay about €2.50 to €3 (£2.62) for a local beer and around €15 (£13.08) per person for a “menu del día” – which is a set Spanish menu.
Ceuta has beaches like Playa del Chorrillo, which is close to the Strait of Gibraltar and has pretty scenic views.
The dragons on top of the building were added in 2006 – and are made out of fiberglassCredit: GettyThanks to its location, visitors to Ceuta can easily visit MoroccoCredit: Alamy
The city has cobbled streets, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks likeRoyal Walls of Ceuta, also called Murallas Reales de Ceuta,a historic fort dating back to 962 AD.
Another popular site is the Ceuta Cathedral, a yellow-and-white cathedral overlooking Plaza de África.
As Ceuta is in North Africa, it’s convenient to explore Morocco too.
About an hour away by car is the seaside city of Tangier city is at the very tip of Morocco and on a clear day, you can even see Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Tangier has been a major trade centre for thousands of years thanks to its location and busy port.
Visitors can learn about its interesting history with a guided tour, and wander through Kasbah, the walled part of the city full of tiny streets and alleys.
For Brits, the best way to visit Ceuta is to fly to a Spanish mainland airport like Malaga or Algeciras, then take a car or bus to Algeciras port, and finally a ferry to Ceuta.
The procession attracts thousands of visitors with transport, accommodation and even drinks difficult to come by on the big night.
The event begins with a torch-led procession, before bonfires are held across the town.
Firework displays are also conducted towards the end of the evening.
Ahead of the event on November 5, a multi-agency group has issued a series of advice for the public.
Transport restrictions
Transport restrictions are also being put in place to prevent visitors from attending the event.
In a statement, the group, which includes Sussex Police and the British Transport Police, said: “We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.
The event also marks the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefsCredit: REUTERS
“The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending.
“It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.
“It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.”
Locals have been reacting to the news on Facebook.
One said: “Lewes is in lockdown for the bonfire, so you can’t get there.”
Another posted: “The more you tell someone not to do it the more they do.”
For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.
The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.
There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.
The population of Lewes town is just more than 17,000.
A series of road closures will also be in place from 4.45pm on November 5, with residents advised to get any vehicles to their homes before 4pm to avoid disruption.
From 5pm that day, no trains will stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease.
The sitcom star is thought to split his time between London and a quaint Scottish village, with which he has a ‘very special relationship’
The actor has a real fondness for Scotland(Image: Getty)
A tiny Scottish village captured the heart of Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne. Worlds away from the Essex residence of his character in the beloved television programme, the 46-year-old actor is previously thought to have abandoned city life and relocated to Helmsdale on the eastern coastline of Sutherland.
Hailing originally from Nottingham, the sitcom star, who has also featured in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad’s Army, was believed to divide his time between his working commitments in London and a calmer, more serene lifestyle in the picturesque yet isolated village.
Discussing his passion for the Highlands, Horne previously revealed on That Gaby Roslin podcast that he “would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile.”
During another interview, the actor told the Sunday Post, calling Scotland “the best country in the world. My shoulders drop and I feel free. It is where my heart lies and hopefully one day I will have a place of my own there so I can retreat as and when I need to.”
He added: “I love the peace and tranquillity and the people. The food is wonderful, the weather is nowhere near as bad as everybody says and midges don’t like me, so that’s good.
“Most of my downtime when I’m not working is now spent in Scotland.”
Helmsdale, a picturesque village on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, offers a breathtaking 516-mile journey through the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands, reports the Daily Record.
Chatting with the Sunday Post, he shared: “I have a very special relationship with Helmsdale. It’s partly because of discovering it when I was in the Highlands because of my ancestry through my great-great-grandparents who were from Huntly.”
He further added: “That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more.”
The village’s roots can be traced back to 1814 and are deeply intertwined with the 19th-century herring boom, which brought prosperity to many coastal Scottish communities.
The once bustling harbour still remains in use by local fishermen and is a favourite spot for a scenic walk. Nearby, there’s a small shingle beach offering incredible views across the Moray Firth.
The village is also home to the Emigrants statue. A poignant reminder of the town’s darker past, the landmark pays tribute to those who were forced to leave their homes and travel far and wide to start a new life.
Today’s visitors can drop by The Timespan Heritage Centre, a popular community hub that houses not only a local history museum but also a contemporary art programme, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery and a cafe.
Helmsdale could also be the ideal location for those partial to a drink or two. The charming village is conveniently located near the Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.
Mathew also previously named Glasgow as his ‘favourite city’ and has a special fondness for the city of Edinburgh, where he first made his comedy debut at the Fringe Festival in 2000.
In fact, Alness stop on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route – a popular 516-mile scenic road trip in the Scottish Highlands.
Around Alness you get great views as it’s close to the Cnoc Fyrish hill, and the Cromarty Firth which is home to seals and bottlenose dolphins.
One of the best views is up near the Fyrish Monument, a stone ruin high up on the hillside that overlooks the Cromarty Firth.
For anyone driving through on the NC500, or visiting, make sure to make Dalmore Distillery one of your stops.
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It’s one of Scotland’s most famous whisky producers and Dalmore Distillery has been making single malt Scotch whisky since 1839.
The site has said it will re-open to visitors in 2026 with a “new experience” for whisky enthusiasts.
Dalmore Distillery has been making single malt Scotch whisky since 1839Credit: UnknownDalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant has won an Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor for 2025Credit: Supplied
Very near the distillery is Dalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant, the town’s locally run farm where you can pop in for a bite to eat.
The farm shop won a Travellers‘ Choice Award in 2025 for its consistently high reviews, particularly for its cakes.
But they also serve up breakfast from eggs benedict and the ‘breakfast stack’ to lunch, like steak flatbread to scampi and chips.
For anyone wanting to hunker town in Alness, the two hotels on the high street are the Commercial Hotel with rooms from £80 per night.
Or at the other end of the high street is the larger Station Hotel with big rooms around £110 per night, and there’s a pub underneath.
One of the best spots for views is at the Fyrish MonumentCredit: Alamy
Nearer to Ardross Castle is the Kildermorie Estate, a traditional Scottish Highland Estate open throughout the year.
It’s around 19,000 acres with plenty to do for those looking for activities from fishing in the lochs to bird watching and hiking up the Carn Chuinneagh mountain.
There’s accommodation on the estate too from cottages that sleep two to the lodge that can host up to 20 guests.
As for Ardross Castle, it’s sadly not open to visitors.
But if you’re up for a hike, some fans of the show have said you can get views of the front of the castle across the valley at Wester Lealty.
Others say you can hike along the coastal path where you can spot the castle in the distance.
Here are 7 castles you can stay in to feel like you’re on The Traitors…
Leasowe Castle Leasowe Castle is nestled along the Wirral seaside and is a 15 minute drive from Liverpool city centre. The castle has basic twin, double and master bedrooms with four-poster beds. It also has suites in the castle including one in the tower and one in the turret. Historically, Leasowe dates back to the 16th century, and has a unique octagonal tower.
Tulloch Castle Hotel
Tulloch Castle is a 12th-century-castle set against the landscape of the Highlands of Scotland, and is a five-minute drive away from Dingwall. The hotel is dog friendly, and nature fans can explore the North Coast 500 route too. The castle retains many of its period features, including the 250-year old panelled entrance hall, and restored original fireplaces and ceilings.
Castle Bromwich Hall
Castle Bromwich Hall really gives off Traitors vibes thanks to its gothic appearance. The mansion on the outskirts of Birmingham is a Grade I listed building and has retained many original features from the 1700s, including the huge entrance hall and grand staircase. The bedrooms are kitted out with traditional looking furniture, from four poster beds to chandeliers and claw foot bath tubs. You can even stay in their ‘Bridal Suite’ which was used in by Queen Elizabeth I.
Cave Castle Hotel
Cave Castle Hotel has over 350 years of history with original turrets and stone features. The huge castle in Hull has 71 rooms, some with four-poster beds and modern features in the newer wings. Cave Castle also has offers like Galentines, which for a girls night away includes Prosecco on arrival and treatments at the spa. The hotel has got ratings of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor with guests “impressed” by the “spectacular” building and “picturesque” grounds.
Walworth Castle Walworth Castle, in the Tees Valley countryside, dates back to 1189, and is set in 18 acres of lawns and woodlands. It’s a good choice for anyone who has an interest in the paranormal as the castle its said to be haunted, with murder mystery evenings too. They offer four poster tower suites with double Jacuzzi baths as well as an also an award winning restaurant and farmers bar.
Lumley Castle Hotel
Surrounded by parklands and overlooking the River Wear is the Lumley Castle Hotel in County Durham. Lumley Castle Hotel was built in 1388 and converted into a hotel in 1976. The most impressive room is the King James Suite which has a 20ft high four-poster bed, its own reception room and Jacuzzi bath.
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa
The four star castle hotel is found within the Clwydian Range in North Wales and has been dubbed “romantic” by guests. Ruthin Castle has rooms from standard to deluxe suites as well as on-site spa with mud room, woodland hot tubs and massages, body scrubs and facials. Guests on Tripadvisor were particularly impressed with the gardens and the “peacocks on the grounds”. They also have garden games like croquet and giant chess.
MANY A-list models stunned while strutting down the runway donning lingerie at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
The night was filled with beauty and sexy outfits for the brand’s annual runway show on Wednesday night in New York City.
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Gigi Hadid turned heads in tiny pink lingerie during the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday nightCredit: GettyPlus-size model Ashely Graham also walked the runway donning a sexy black numberCredit: AFPBella Hadid stunned in a white and silver tasseled outfit with giant white angel wingsCredit: GettyEmily Ratajkowski drew attention at her incredible figure in a pink two-piece and massive pink prop on her backCredit: AP
It began with jaw-dropping looks from models wearing an array of sultry lingerie, including pregnant Jasmine Tookes, who stepped out first in a barely-there gold beaded number.
She paused at the end of the runway as she cradled her baby bump and was met with cheers from the crowd.
Others like Behati Prinsloo and Alessandra Ambrosio matched her all-gold look in string two-piece ensembles, the former with a massive train, while Alessandra rocked giant wings.
Soon after, several musical acts took the stage.
Madison Beer started the lineup, performing her hit track Bittersweet while wearing nothing but a white angel corset.
She blended in perfectly with the ladies, as most wore variations of white and pink outfits.
Gigi Hadid turned heads in a skimpy pink lingerie set with an enormous pink, feathery coat draped over her arms.
Shortly after, the stage transformed into the brand’s signature pink-and-white polka-dot colors for its PINK loungewear collection.
The singing group TWICE then entered the runway, making history as the first K-pop girl group to perform at the exclusive event.
The foursome sported varying form-fitting ensembles, with knee-high furry boots.
Alessandra Ambrosio made her return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stage wearing a black ensembleCredit: GettyPregnant model Jasmine Tookes started out the night showing off her growing baby bump in a barely-there outfitCredit: GettyAngel Reese had jaws dropping at her incredible looks in a pink lingerie setCredit: AP
They sang their songs, This Is For and Strategy while the models walked past them in more comfortable attire.
This included newcomers Lila Moss and Barbie Ferreira, who stunned in a gray lounge set and a jean jacket, respectively.
At the end of the PINK showcase, the ladies posed for a group shot in the middle of the stage with TWICE, which was shown on a giant screen.
The evening continued with more seductive attire, as Colombian singer Karol G performed in a body-hugging, see-through white number.
The models kept the red theme going, with Bella Hadid flaunting her incredible figure in a jaw-dropping lingerie set.
Others wore various red lingerie, some paired with props such as capes, wings, and devil horns.
Karol G also got in on the fun, catwalking across the stage to show off her skintight bodysuit with matching wings.
Bella also rocked a fiery red number on stageCredit: AFPMusical performer Madison Beer blended in with the models with her stunning white corset ensembleCredit: GettyK-Pop girl group TWICE also rocked the room and wearing fluffy pink bootsCredit: Getty
The mood then brightened with more pastel-colored pieces, including a breathtaking vision of Emily Ratajkowski.
The supermodel wore a pink bra and underwear set, strapped heels wrapped up to her knees, and a huge, sparkly pink prop on her back.
The lights dimmed again to display the all-black lingerie pieces, including plus-size model Ashley Graham flaunting her curves in a glittery two-piece.
She paired the look with massive black angel wings and strappy heels.
Gigi later reappeared, wearing a form-fitting white corset and matching skirt, while holding large white angel wings.
Her sister, Bella, also reemerged donning a sexy tasseled white lingerie set with fluffy white wings strapped to her back.
The show ended with a medley performance by Missy Elliott, which included her popular tracks Get Ur Freak On, Work It, and Lose Control.
Missy made a grand entrance on a platform that came down from the ceiling before she appeared in an all-black sparkly outfit.
The models returned to the stage altogether when Missy’s performance concluded for an encore, as pink confetti covered the room.
Irina Shayk also looked breathtaking in a sexy look while walking the runwayCredit: AFPMissy Elliott closed out the night with a medley performance of her hit songsCredit: GettyThe ladies gathered altogether for an encore while pink confetti filled the roomCredit: Reuters
Ros Wynne-Jones visits a French retreat once revered by royalty and now loved by Hollywood legends. In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth
Ros Wynne-Jones writes the Real Britain column every Friday in the Daily Mirror campaigning against government cuts and standing up for ordinary people.
Ros Wynne Jones visited Cotignac
Every place has a story, but Cotignac, a village hidden deep in the Provencal countryside in the South of France, is a place with more stories than most. From kings battling infertility to religious apparitions and Hollywood stars, from French crooners to Pink Floyd, this softly painted village at the foot of a huge limestone cliff, has seen it all.
In 1660, King Louis XIV and his mum Anne of Austria made a pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Grâces church here, to thank the Virgin Mary for Louis’ miraculous birth. As the only place in the world where all three members of the Holy Family have appeared in visions, Cotignac is a major site for Catholic pilgrimage – with around 150,000 pilgrims a year.
But for decades, the village has also been a magnet for Hollywood royalty and musical legends. George and Amal Clooney, live close by – near enough for George to have a preferred baker in the village from which he collects his breakfast bread and croissants, according to one resident.
And another villager, Brad Pitt, is allegedly in dispute with ex-wife Angelina Jolie over their neighbouring vineyard.
Joe Dassin, one of the most famous French singer-songwriters, recorded nearby at Studio Miraval – before building his house in the village a few years later and dying at 41 of a heart attack. Which is where our hotel, Lou Calen, enters the story. When Chateau Miraval opened a studio that rose to fame after recording Pink Floyd’s The Wall, a nearby 16-room hotel-restaurant found itself ideally located to wine, dine and accommodate recording artists from all over the world.
Opening it in 1971, Huguette Caren named the hotel, Lou Calen – meaning the Oil Lamp – and her cooking and hospitality soon attracted names from Dassin to Brigitte Bardot, Pink Floyd, The Cure and even Yvonne De Gaulle, wife of Charles.
In 2001, the hotel closed, abandoned with its ghosts for two decades, until a Canadian entrepreneur decided to resurrect it. Graham Porter had spent summers in Cotignac as a student living with a Danish family who spent their holidays here.
He bought a home in the village in the early 2000s, but time spent there during the Covid pandemic convinced him to buy the hotel – and share his passion for pastis and petanque with guests from all over the world.
Porter saw the opportunity to rebuild not just a hotel but a luxe fairytale – a place of quiet eco-luxury where the routes between rooms are overrun with wildflowers, and no view or bedroom is the same. The sound of petanque boules echoes across the hillside, and guests are greeted with a cloudy glass of pastis on arrival.
This may be a wellness destination for well-heeled travellers, but it is far from pious – the hotel even has its own microbrewery with a wide range of beers from cold IPAs to dark porters named after La Tuf – the high cliffs that surround the village.
At the heart of it all remains food as good as that which once attracted the famous recording artists.
Hidden in the olive and lavender-scented grounds is the Secret Garden, an extraordinary restaurant by forward-looking chef Benoit Witz – one of the first in the world to have earned a coveted Green Michelin Star. The Michelin Guide notes the dishes created by Witz – who once trained with top chef Alain Ducasse – are “100 per cent authentic”.
In Witz’s kitchen, not one single stalk or flower is wasted, and seasonal ingredients are king. This, after all, is Provence Vert – Green Provence. The rosé wine comes from the neat rows of vines on the neighbouring hillsides, from vineyards with names like Carpe Diem, and the grapes of Miraval now harvested in the disputed Pitt-Jolie vineyard. Only seconds away, the House of Mirabeau offers wine and gin tasting.
Cheeses come from a tiny footprint of local farms and vegetables from the hotel’s own market garden where edible flowers and goats somehow co-exist.
All can be explored on foot or via electric bikes available at Lou Calen.
Places with so much history need a historian, and ours comes in the form of an American guide John Peck, who leads us up the hot, winding routes into La Tuf to tell us the stories of the place.
The cliff is inset with a giant wooden olive press once used by the entire village to make oil, and inlaid with paths that lead past former troglodyte dwellings, where villagers once hid from the invading Saracens.
We see where local craftsman Jean de la Baume once saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and where Saint Joseph is said to have appeared to Gaspard Ricard, a thirsty shepherd tending his sheep on Mount Bessillon.
At the village’s ancient, magical spring, pointed out to Gaspard by Saint Joseph, John shakes out his “pocket museum” onto a stone wall. It is an extraordinary collection of findings that tell Cotignac’s history better than any guidebook.
There is a Napolean-era greatcoat button, flattened and heavily worn Roman coins, a gladiator’s strigil – or arm-scraper that once removed oil, and even a coin bearing a swastika – a reminder that during World War II Lou Calen was an orphanage for children who had lost their parents in the Nazi occupation.
As we walk past the well-stocked modern art gallery, Centre d’Art la Falaise, a Frenchman from central casting or perhaps the Napoleonic-era, cycles past in a beret.
The next day we tour the wild-flower filled gardens with a local herbalist, Vera Schutz, who tells us the names of the different plants and their ancient uses.
We get a tour of the Jardin Secret kitchen gardens in the quiet of Sunday morning, and even meet Monsieur Witz, who is teaching his friend’s children how to shell broad beans. In our room, a portrait of singer Joe Dassin looks down on us from between windows that perfectly frame views of the village, terracotta roofs dotted between the green.
A line from one of his songs – “elle m’a dit d’allez siffler la haut sur la colline” or “she told me to go whistle up there on the hill” – is inscribed on the wall. There are no screens or televisions at Lou Calen, so we play Dassin’s love songs, “Les Champs-Elysees” and “Et Si Tu N’Existais Pas”, through the wireless speaker.
France’s Mediterranean beaches are just an hour away, but who needs them? Instead of TVs and iPads, guests are instead encouraged to mingle on long tables, play petanque, enjoy the local jazz “manouche”, swim in the bright blue of either the family or adult swimming pools, or to rest and recuperate at a peaceful spa in the round turret of the old pigeon loft.
The food is just as good at the bistro where smiling staff battle smoking barbeques in the afternoon heat to deliver tasty seared swordfish and grilled lamb.
All that is missing is Hugette Caren herself, the founder and spirit who once drew the recording artists from the surrounding countryside with her cooking, the way the magical spring drew visitors to Cotignac. She still lives in the village and is known to visit the bars and restaurants. When you visit you might see her there, like an apparition – pastis in hand.
In 2025 Lou Calen, the oil lamp that Hugette lit back in 1971, is still shining brightly.
GET THERE
Fly from airports across the UK to Nice or Marseille; rail to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon.
BOOK IT
Rooms at the Lou Calen hotel in Cotignac, Provence, South of France, start at around £175 a night.
