Issue 208 (August/September 2025)

Salut, mes amis, and welcome to Francophile heaven – the issue of France Today that you are most likely to be reading on a beach or by the pool at your dreamy summer rental!

Speaking with readers, the most obvious allure of France is her beauty – a picturesque, perched Provençal village, a tranquil azure cove on the Riviera, the eye-popping grandeur of a Loire château or the rolling landscapes as you wend your way around the country roads of Dordogne.

A very close second is the country’s food and drink – all deeply rooted in the concept of terroir, with passionate local producers happy to share their regional goodies with a smile.

So this issue, we offer some holiday inspiration that combines both these elements during a single trip – be that a genteel cycling tour of Normandy featuring Calvados and cider tasting stop-offs; a Great Destination guide to touring and tasting the bubbly delights of the Champagne region; or a gastronomic trip to one of France’s eclectic and welcoming food festivals. Markets, too, feature among the most beloved of French attractions – it’s always a great idea to time your visit to places such as Périgueux, Versailles or the villages of Limousin to immerse yourself in le marché’s sensory splendour – and to bring back some tasty treats to enjoy at home.

Elsewhere this issue, there is much for culture vultures to enjoy – browse our extensive What’s On pages to pencil in an event during the coming months, or head to our Museums Guide, which showcases unmissable musées around France. Meanwhile, those of a poetic bent with a fondness for strolling around Paris can follow in the footsteps of the original flâneur, Baudelaire.

When in France this summer, don’t forget to keep an eye out for faded painted signs on the sides of buildings – send your photos to [email protected]; the best ones will be printed.

All this plus your favourite regulars: language learning pages, best reader letters and photos (please keep sending your super snaps and try to add a few lines describing the trips you enjoyed), crossword, superb recipes, What’s on Guide, restaurant reviews and much more.