Joie de vivre

A snapshot of what’s happening in the world of wine

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

Discover hidden haven, Moliets-et-Maa – the perfect family getaway for all ages

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

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

It’s 20-something degrees and my lungs are burning. “Don’t look up to see how far you’ve still to go; take it one step at a time,” I tell myself, approaching two-thirds of the way up Puy Mary. It’s wh