A hearty Bonne Année from the team at France Today – may 2025 make all your French travel dreams come true!
The period from January to March is prime French holiday booking season for spring and summer trips, so you will find no shortage of holiday escape inspiration in this packed issue – our writers bring you top tips on getting the best from familiar favourites as well as some lesser-known gems calling first-time visitors.
Why not enjoy a twist on some notable French destinations? Calais, so often simply a practical point-of-entry for Channel-crossing visitors, is worthy of mini-break in its own right; meanwhile, discover the real rural Brittany up-close-and-personal via a hike along the GR37 (Grande Randonnée 37), which was recently voted France’s favourite hiking route.
Then there’s Cannes, a celebrity and cinema behemoth every May when the famous film festival takes place, but for those who step away from the red carpet this Riviera city offers serious cultural and culinary delights.
Normandy, obviously known for its cider and D-Day beaches, pretty ports and historic sites, has another trump card up her sleeve – an endless array of fabulous gardens both formal and intimate, private and public – join Caroline Mills, your green-fingered guide, for a sumptuous road trip taking in Giverny and so much more.
As for lesser-known treasures, why not plan your own pilgrimage to the stunning hilltop village of Vézalay or raise a flute in Hautvillers, ‘village of 140 signs’ in the heart of Champagne country.
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.