France travel guide
The rebirth of Occitania, an ancient region in the South of France
An ancient region in the South of France has risen from the ashes. Occitania is an area doused in heritage, its name long entwined with the old hamlets, towns and cities that stud its hills, and the intriguing language marking out many of its inhabitants.
The best croissant in Paris: the journey to awarding one patisserie the prestigious title
Flaky, fluffy and golden, the perfect croissant is a thing of beauty, but not all made the cut at the Concours du Meilleur Croissant de Grand Paris 2021. We take a look behind the scenes of a very French competition.
Four extravagant stays in the Loire Valley, France
Revamped palaces and arty treehouses await in France’s bucolic chateau country.
The pastis of Provence: the revival of the aniseed aperitif
In the south of France, in and around the city of Marseille, a new generation of artisanal distillers are breathing fresh life — and flavours — into the region’s beloved aniseed aperitif.
How to experience the best of Paris at home
Whether it’s listening to suburban hip-hop or baking bread under the tutelage of a master baker, there’s a raft of ways to enjoy the French capital without crossing the Channel.
A culinary guide to Alsace, France
Tucked up against the German border, France’s once-contested region has been shaped by centuries of upheaval. Today, chefs and winemakers alike are celebrating a legacy of culinary diversity.
A portrait of pastoral life in France's Central Pyrenees
A week in the Central Pyrenees, tucked in the south west corner of France’s Occitania region, reveals a pastoral life little changed in centuries. Here, among medieval market towns and lush valleys, the past’s thread snakes its way through the present.
Notes from an author: Jini Reddy on hearing nature’s voice in the French Pyrenees
Can slowing down and listening to the natural world allow us to really hear it — ghostly whispers and all?
A taste of France in six drinks
Every part of France boasts its own alcoholic speciality, from the pastis of Provence to Burgundy’s crème de cassis and Normandy's apple brandy, calvados. Here’s our pick of the country’s top tipples.
The ultimate hotel guide to Saint-Tropez
High-end hideaways, chic townhouses and plush hotels hidden in the pines — it’s all here in the Côte d’Azur’s ritziest resort.
How to spend a weekend in Angers in the Loire Valley
Warm days on the edge of France’s Loire Valley are for getting outside — explore the city’s mighty chateau, cycle along the waterfronts and experience live music at its distinctive riverside bars.
Notes from an author: Elaine Sciolino on Paris
Tales abound in the City of Light, though one of its greatest secrets isn't in the metropolis at all. Follow the Seine straight to the source to reveal one of the French capital's forgotten histories.
Vive Lyon: how the grand dame of French cuisine is looking to the future
Lyon has a culinary reputation like no other. But the launch of an ambitious new gastronomic attraction in one of its most famous old buildings is just one of several eye-catching ways in which the city is sprucing up its menu.
Live like a king: what to expect at Versailles' new hotel
At one of the world’s most stately addresses, a new opening will let travellers live like royalty.
Caves, vineyards and clifftop castles: life along France's Dordogne River
As the Dordogne river meanders through wooded valleys from Saint-Émilion to the border with the Lot region, it passes honey-stoned towns, dramatic clifftop castles and a smattering of rock shelters, where paintings by some of the first humans still adorn.
Top seven French destinations to explore on a boating holiday
From strolling around quaint medieval towns and dining on the exquisite local cuisine, to exploring verdant waterside valleys, here are the best places for a boat trip in France.
