Defence of the realm

If the name of this picturesque corner of southwest France conjures up the rustic ‘black wines’ of tradition, then look again: times have been changing, and wine styles with them, in the homeland of Malbec

A slow train journey through southern France shines a light on one of Europe’s early engineering masterpieces, the Canal du Midi, and the historic cities that thrived on its waters

Corfe Castle has towered over a Dorset peninsula for 900 years; its stone walls seeing kings crowned, civil wars fought and saints made

A medieval tower attached to a priory in a sleepy village inspired Paula Dormer to embark on a rewarding new life for herself in the French countryside

Rugged coasts, punchy climbs and four Tour champions with 11 titles between them – Brittany is French cycling’s heartland. Kevin Raymond sets out to discover why...

This week’s dream: the Waldorf Astoria glitters again ...