In character

Le marché is at the heart of French daily culture. picks out three market towns offering a vibrant lifestyle including Dinan, Louhans and Niort

With its distinctive landscapes – ranging from sandy beaches and islands to the Marais Poitevin wetlands and rolling countryside – the Vendée is hard to beat, writes Karen Tait

From trading routes to a modern-day leisure focus, France’s rivers make the perfect casting-off point for a property search, says Joanna Leggett

After decades of globetrotting, Justin Wescombe finally settled in Saumur in the Loire Valley. He tells Annaliza Davis why

Discover southwest France’s most charming labelled towns and villages – and what they offer, with Saskia Vasklamp

Sarah Daly discovers the cultural, historical, architectural and culinary secrets of this city that lies at the heart of the Loire Valley