The land of high fashion, fairytale castles, fine wine and good food...

Whether it's a year in Provence, a weekend in Paris, or a fortnight in the Pyrenees, France is just waiting to be discovered.

France is synonymous with style. From the wide, tree-lined boulevards of its sophisticated and exciting capital city to the breathtaking Loire Valley castles and the glittering Cote d'Azur with its air of faded grandeur and romance, it is not hard to see why France has enchanted generations of visitors.

The largest country in Western Europe and home to 58.3 million people, France stretches from the rolling plains of the north to the jagged ridges of the Pyrenees, and from the wild Brittany coastline to the clear, blue lakes and snowy heights of the Alps. France was the founder of modern Republican government in the 18th century after three centuries of being ruled by a nobility who spent vast amounts of money on sumptuous glittering castles and playboy-like lifestyles. Let France assault your senses - walk the windswept beaches of Normandy and picture the D-Day landings, take in the style and glamour of Paris, admire the icy heights of Mont Blanc, and immerse yourself in the smell of lavender and the spectacular light and colour of Provence.

World famous cuisine...

No trip to France, of course, would be complete without sampling its world-famous cuisine. Eating well is of prime importance to the French and they spend a considerable amount of time thinking about, talking about and consuming food. French gastronomic delights are far too many to mention, but a few not to miss dainties include foie gras, truffles, snails, Roquefort cheese and outstanding patisseries.

France produces some of the best wines in the world. Other lesser-known but highly popular French drinks include Calvados (apple brandy from Normandy) and Pastis - an aniseed flavoured liqueur. And don't worry about piling on the pounds - with the sea or the mountains never more than a train journey away, you'll have no excuse not to ski, swim, or walk yourself back to fitness!