Whether you go for the rugged Brittany coast, the rolling hills of Provence, the sun-drenched beaches of the Cote D'Azur or the snow-lined peaks of the Alps, France is an essential destination for any British traveller.

Only a short hop across the Channel, France offers a wide range culture, geography and gastronomic delights that will suit any visitor, particularly those not attracted by long haul travelling times.

France is an expansive European country covering just over 210,000 square miles with a population of around 60 million people.

While much of the population live in attractive cosmopolitan cities, many visitors feel that France's real charm lies in the great tracts of rural countryside where traditional villages and towns remain largely unchanged over the years.

Historically, France possessed a monarchy incorporating the Capetian, Valois and Bourbon dynasties. However, this changed in 1792 when the French Revolution established the country's first republic.

In more recent times, France fought in the front lines against Germany in World War I and World War II and in the last two decades has played a central part in the foundation of an integrated Europe.

Paris, the French capital and home to 11.5 million people, is a wonderful city bristling with fantastic cuisine; fine architecture and paintings and a café culture famous the world over.

The city has over 150 art galleries and museums, the most famous of these being the Musee D'Orsee and the Musee du Louvre - the latter housing Leonardo's celebrated painting the Mona Lisa.

Travel around Paris is made easy by the super-efficient and reasonably priced Metro system, allowing travellers to dot around to any number of landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Champ-Elysees and the 12th century Notre Dame cathedral.

For nightlife, choose from the wonderful array of cafes and restaurants before heading to the Moulin Rouge for some after-dinner entertainment.

The south of France offers some of the great beaches and Mediterranean weather many visitors might long for on a holiday.

Nice and Marseille offer a great city experience with the benefits of a coastal location while those looking to 'get away from it' might head to Napoleon's birthplace, Corsica, which is just a short ferry trip away.

Chamonix, nestled in the French Alps, has great skiing and snowboarding in the winter while the summer months present the opportunity for hiking and mountain biking.

Bordeaux is filled with neoclassical architecture, lively nightlife and picturesque parks - but it is the world-class wines and regional cuisine that is the real highlight. The region produces over 750 million bottles of red wine a year from over 5000 wine producing Chateaux and the city has a plethora of fine restaurants that visitors can enjoy them in.

France is an excellent destination whether visiting for a weekend city break, winter skiing or summer relaxation.

Great food, fantastic wines and legendary hospitality all combine to make sure that your first visit here will not be your last and no doubt the French philosophy of 'Joie de Vivre' might come home with you as well.