The majority of us have by now, visited the continent, and absorbed the numerous cultures associated with our neighbours. France and Spain are possibly amongst the most visited tourist destinations in Europe by British people, although the two countries are quite different in culture and climate. France has a wealth of culture, many chateaux, museums, and the diversity of the land is immense, from great mountainous regions such as the Massive Centrale, the Pyrenees to the south, and The Alps to the east, to the exotic mediterranean coast running from Menton on the Cote d’Azur to Perpignan close to the Spanish border.
The southeast area known as Ardeche and also Provence have their own particular flavours. Mountainous regions with wonderful views, that can be very hot in the summer months, yet icy and sometimes snowy in december and january.
The north of France is completely another climate. The capital, Paris holds it own particular charm and is in fact a very large, busy and sophisticated city. Many Parisians, and Brits take a holiday on the closest coast, which is Normandy and Brittany. The countryside is much less exciting in the north of France and the climate always appears to be much colder than the south. There are however many popular seaside resorts along this north coast, St. Malo, and Deauville are just several. Dozens of excellent restaurants, usually cooking with the local ingredients, mussells, crab, lobster, and the towns have a very relaxed and picturesque feel, a little similar to Cornwall, but of course with a French flavour.
Travelling to Normandy and Brittany from the UK is very convenient, as there are several ships to and from Le Havre, Cherbourg, St. Mal and Dieppe. Prices are in comparison to other routes excellent, as they are usually the same as or less than the boat from Dover to Calais which takes around ninety minutes\an hour and a half. Whereas the Normandy and Brittany boats take four to eight hours and save a great deal of driving. Whilst mentioning ferry crossings, it should also be noted that a ship from Portsmouth travels the length of France and arrives just over the border in Santander. This is an overnight sailing, but can be useful for those who are holidaying in Bordeaux as it will save a long drive and the cost of hotel accommodation.
It is essential to mention the beautiful south west area of France called the Perigord. Over the years a lot of British people have made this there home, as they respect the culture and take pleasure in all that the region has to offer, which also includes beautiful weather. Cepes (wild mushrooms) and Foie Gras are the area’s specialities, and there are a lot of fine restaurants serving a superb selection of the best quality cuisine. Although most of the region is agricultural, there are still numerous wild species that roam and fly across its land, buzzards, hawks, deer, and even wild boar.