With Christmas and 2016 around the corner, we can now definitely indulge in dreaming of sunny escapes to France next summer. There are so many reasons to holiday in France. I love especially the great value and immense variety.

Let’s indulge in visualising ourselves strolling along broad sandy beaches bathed in sunshine, climbing dramatic mountain peaks, gasping at dramatic river gorges, driving through gently rolling emerald countryside with a timeless feel, thrilling to theme parks, delving into pre-history, exploring vibrant towns and cities with an up-to-the-minute cultural buzz.

Then there’s the wine, food, art, music, gardens, chateaux, history, festivals, markets – and all that space in which to  simply relax and do nothing much. Bliss. Just writing about it takes me back to so many stimulating experiences, sights, sounds and smells, not least the fun of speaking French and making feel-good connections.

Everywhere you’ll find world-renowned cuisine at reasonable prices, friendly service, space to breathe and time for the small courtesies of life. Most of France is easily accessible these days, even on a budget, which opens up plenty of choices.

Brittany’s countryside and coast are largely wild and unspoilt and people love local festivals and cultural traditions. The Loire is ideal for lovers of wine, history and romance. Travel from one domaine to the next, taking in fairytale riverside chateaux and gardens.

The banks of the Dordogne river offer peaceful pastoral idyll alongside pre-history. For those who crave the freedom of mountains and nature, the less well-known Cevennes region offers mile after mile of breathtaking pine-clad peaks and the Ardeche is dramatic with rivers and gorges.

Burgundy is wonderful for food and wine. The sun-filled South of France has happening resorts, ancient cities oozing culture, wild horses of the Camargue and countryside heady with heat and the scent of lavender and vines. No wonder Nice, Bandol, Montpellier and Arles are all favourites.

These are just for starters! We’ve designed our website to be the perfect starting point to narrow your selection with easy search options and regional guides along with accommodation listings with loads of lush photos. So go ahead, between all that shopping and preparation, start browsing, dreaming and planning for summer in France!