Issue 204 (December/January 2024)

Hearty season’s greetings from the whole team at France Today. There may be a chill in the air but France continues to provide heart-warming inspiration for Francophiles planning their next holiday escape.

If you need a fix soon, this time of year offers particularly rich pickings with light and music festivals, snow sports holidays, untold shopping opportunities and, of course, wonderful Christmas markets – read our guide now!

If you love exploring historic France, there is much to enjoy in our back-in-time exploration of the Pas-de-Calais; while for a city break off-the-beaten-track, why not head to compact Bourges in the Cher department? Its abundant architectural marvels are easily explored on foot. And if you are heading to Paris over the winter, why not head to the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis? It is one of the most fascinating and history-loaded edifices in the whole of France.

Two new writers join our roster this issue, with Nigel Bruce following in the footsteps of Stevenson in the glorious Cévennes and Chris Allsop taking it slow on a leisurely river cruise in Mayenne. Two further watery escapades may tempt you – a revitalising thalassotherapy spa break in Royan; and a trip to some of France’s most attractive fishing villages. All of these destinations are perfect for a French break once temperatures begin to rise come late spring.

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.