Williams Nicola - Discover France

This Is France

Snooty, sexy, superior, chic, infuriating, arrogant, officious, inspired, France never fails to stir up passionate opinion. Even if youve never set foot on French soil, its a place that already seems immediately familiar: every time youve gazed at an Impressionist painting, watched a new-wave film or sipped on a glass of sparkling Champagne, youve been letting a little bit of Gallic flair seep into your soul.

From world-class wines to rich culture and even richer food, France is all about enjoying the finer things in life. This is, after all, the country that invented the very idea of joie de vivre. Whether its soaking up the atmosphere of a Breton street market, indulging in some aprs ski on the slopes around Chamonix, or savouring a long, lazy lunch under Provenal skies, one things for sure: the French certainly know how to live life to the full.

This is also a place with more history and heritage per square inch than practically anywhere else in Europe. With a turbulent past spanning Roman rule to Revolution, France is awash with historical sights: prehistoric monuments, crumbling castles, grand chteaux, medieval churches and hilltop villages, each with its own fascinating tale to tell.

And though France is certainly a nation in touch with its history, it is far from stuck in the past. For centuries, the French have been breaking rules and setting trends for the rest of the world to follow, and its a habit thats hard to break. From cutting-edge fashion to ground-breaking architecture, France remains one of the worlds great cultural icons. Its at the same time seductive and aloof, old fashioned and forward looking, enthralling and exasperating in equal measures, but always characterised by a certain je ne sais quoi .

Gardens, Chteau de Versailles ()
PHOTOGRAPHER: DENNIS JOHNSON

Frances Top Experiences

Parisian Bistros

The latest buzzword in the capital is no-bistro (new bistro), a small, casual address serving outstanding cuisine under the tutelage of a talented (and often name) chef. Take Christian Constants Les Cocottes ( ), hidden on an unknown street in the middle-of-nowhere 15e. Tables are jammed as tight as ever, dishes of the day are still chalked on the blackboard and cuisine is just as simple except for one new ingredient a creative twist.

Le Comptoir du Relais ()
HELEN CATHCART/ALAMY