Northern star

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

Hop over the Channel for rich history, beautiful architecture and tempting cuisine

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

Marking its 1,000th anniversary this year, the Normandy city takes pride in its medieval roots — come for chateau tours and classic brasseries

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

The home of quiche Lorraine, this north-eastern corner of France has a fascinating history – both foodie and beyond, says Liz Boulton