The mood of this mighty brooding country changes dramatically from place to place, from Paris, to a Barging holiday and to catching the surf in the Southwest. In southwest Provence the world of Peter Mayle still lives on in an agrarian landscape unchanged by the ages, where farmers toil to perfect the ingredients for the traditional menus of local restaurants.

On France’s sunny southern coast in the Cote d’Azur, medieval villages are tiered over the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean sea and small pastel-painted fishing harbours are thronged with Europe’s most fashionable elite – perfect for a chic yet relaxing holiday in France.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Sunworshippers head to the beaches from June to September. The climate is mainly temperate with the south enjoying hot summers and mild winters.