’twixt land and sea

From food markets to monasteries, this area brims with special sights

Most people move to France with the intention of integrating, but how easy is it to be accepted into the heart of the local community? Gillian Harvey talks to three couples who’ve done just that

After 25 years of dreaming of finding a place in France, Christina and David Laycock finally found their ‘little corner of French paradise’ in the Dordogne

Carolyn Reynier explores Vétheuil in the north and St-Rémyde-Provence in the south of France, both with artistic links

The timeless appeal of France’s bastides means they remain a popular choice with househunters – as Saskia Vlaskamp says, who doesn’t want a croissant with a view?

In the Charente-Maritime, Marans and the Marais Poitevin wetlands combine the best of history, nature and living, says Laurent Blanchard