CATEGORIES
SEE THE LIGHT
Although born in Nord and educated in Paris, Henri Matisse’s artistic work was influenced most vividly by his time on the Côte d’Azur, as Lara Dunn discovers
PÉZENAS
This medieval Languedoc town with a history of power and privilege charms
Le weekend Short but sweet city breaks
Brigitte Nicolas is in awe of the history and culture Albi has to offer
Music to MY EARS
Keith Mundy visits the merry accordion town of Tulle in Nouvelle-Aquitaine during its annual music festival
FIND YOUR FEET
Where the mountains meet the sea, Helen Parkinson puts her best foot forward to discover the pleasures of Pyréné es-Orientales
PÉTANQUE
Helen Parkinson is bowled over by the worldwide appeal of this quintessentially Provençal pastime
Piece of CAKE
Lucy Parford joins a French country baking class in London led by Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard
3 HIDDEN GARDENS
Get some fresh air and escape the crowds in these horticultural havens
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
Fiona Young-Brown goes on the trail of the legendary Beast of Gévaudan through modern-day Haute-Loire and Lozère
VENDÉE
Enjoy adventures aplenty, both on land and afloat, in the jewel of Pays de la Loire’s crown, says Helen Parkinson
Mother KNOWS BEST
French chef Eugénie Brazier was the first person to earn six Michelin stars in the 1930s and her restaurant in Lyon is still going strong, as Paola Westbeek finds out
TICKLED PINK
On the opposite bank of the Rhône from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Dominic Rippon discovers another shade of rosé
BAYONNE
Alex Green is captivated by the cultural traditions, historic architecture and hidden heritage in Bayonne
JOAN OF ARC
As May 2020 marks the centenary of Jean d’Arc’s canonisation, Helen Parkinson finds out how a peasant girl became a military leader
Go with THE FLOW
Lucy Parford takes time out on a rejuvenating wellness break in the popular resort of Moliets-et-Maa on the south-west coast
COLLIOURE
The coastal town of Collioure in Occitanie has inspired some of the world’s most famous painters to put brush to canvas and it’s easy to see why, as Vicky Leigh discovers
Champion of THE SKIES
Janet Brice reveals how flying ace Roland Garros became the toast of French tennis
ANJOU
Karen Tait enjoys a few days exploring the lesser-known châteaux of the western Loire, with wine-tastings and tapestries along the way
Magic is the MOONLIGHT
A night of summer sorcery in the Sancerrois casts a spell over Deborah Nash
Apple of My Eye
Cider and cycling prove to be the perfect pair for a relaxing Brittany break, discovers Michael Cranmer
WATER: Water Everywhere
Rudolf Abraham finds solace in the tranquil natural haven of northern France’s Audomarois wetlands
Sound of the UNDERGROUND
Paris is renowned for its iconic Métro stations and underground system, a feat of 19th-century engineering, as Sandra Haurant discovers
NEW HEIGHTS
In the foothills of the Alps, Dominic Rippon tastes Savoie’s flagship red grape
SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
Lucy Parford enjoys a stylish seaside break in sunny Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the south-west coast
MORBIHAN
With a spectacular rugged coastline, medieval towns and prehistoric sites, Helen Parkinson finds Morbihan to be a magical destination
LANDES
Hydrotherapy, gourmet treats, lovely lakes and luscious beaches await you in Landes, says Heidi Fuller-love
ILE DE RE
What could be more perfect than a sunny Atlantic island, full of pretty blue-shuttered homes and villages? One peppered with traffic-free, signposted bicycle paths, decides Lara Dunn
Along for The Ride
Take the time to enjoy Alsace’s wine, food and wellness scene on two wheels, as Sophie Gardner-Roberts explores the Route des Vins by e-bike
ABSINTHE
Janet Brice discovers the story of this seductive spirit, known as the green fairy, which broke down barriers in French society and influenced the artists and writers of the day
Twist of FATE
In a little-known part of Pays de la Loire there is a prevalence of mysterious churches with twisted spires. Alison Hughes delves into history to discover the reasons why