| As a holiday country, France has everything - | | | | Normandy landing beaches of WWII and the |
| broad sandy beaches bathed in sunshine, dramatic | | | | tapestry at Bayeux. |
| mountain peaks and river gorges, gently rolling | | | | Brittany's countryside and coast are largely wild |
| emerald countryside with a timeless feel, vibrant | | | | and unspoilt; the region has a wealth of local |
| towns and cities with an up-to-the-minute cultural | | | | festivals and cultural traditions. For wine lovers and |
| buzz. Everywhere you'll find world-renowned | | | | those who enjoy historic houses and gardens, the |
| cuisine at reasonable prices, friendly service, space | | | | Loire is ideal. Travel from one domaine to the |
| to breathe and time for the small courtesies of | | | | next, taking in fairytale riverside chateaux |
| life. With so much on offer, how to choose your | | | | likeVillandry, with its formal potager combining |
| next French holiday destination? | | | | vegetables with flowers. |
| Most of France is easily accessible these days, | | | | The banks of the Dordogne river offer peaceful |
| even on a budget, which opens up plenty of | | | | pastoral idyll alongside pre-history seen in cave |
| choices. French holiday experts like French | | | | paintings and excellent museums. For those who |
| Connections can be a good starting point to | | | | crave the freedom of mountains and nature, the |
| narrow your selection with regional and travel | | | | less well-known Cevennes region offers mile after |
| guides and accommodation listings. | | | | mile of breathtaking pine-clad peaks. |
| If you want to just nip across the Channel, the | | | | The sun-filled South of France has happening |
| Northern coast of France offers some seaside | | | | resorts, ancient cities oozing culture, wild horses |
| gems like smart Le Touquet, with its golf courses, | | | | of the Camargue and countryside heady with |
| gourmet restaurants and a huge beach for wind | | | | heat and the scent of lavender and vines. No |
| sports. Then there's Honfleur, with picture-book | | | | wonder Nice, Bandol, Montpellier and Arles are all |
| harbour and arty shops. Drive from here along | | | | favourite places. And talking of culture, who could |
| the Cote Fleurie past beamed and thatched | | | | ignore Paris, a world of enchantment on its own |
| houses, contented cows and apple orchards to | | | | and one of the world's most romantic cities? |
| Deauville, favourite resort of elegant Parisians. | | | | So many enticing destinations; better start |
| Beyond lies Caen, a good base to explore the | | | | planning the holiday after next! |