Travellers to France can get a healthy 10% more spending power for their holiday money over last summer, as the currency settled yesterday at 1.2 euros to the pound, making a euro just about 85 pence.
For the last year, the difference between the euro and pound has been lower than ever before and at times close to parity, but rates have now improved just in time for the summer holiday season and it's now possible to buy 500 euros for as little as £419.
I can't help thinking about the excellent lunch I recently enjoyed at Au Relais des Cyclistes, a really French restaurant just off the harbour in Honfleur. The menu du jour was 12.99 euros and I tucked into a smoked fish with salad starter followed by steak and chips with roast vegetables and topped off with a chocolate fondant in creme anglaise. At today's rates that lunch would cost around £11. Who said France isn't excellent value - and when can I go back?