The French are renowned for their impeccable palates, with emphasis on rich, indulgent foods that once tasted, will leave you longing for more. Meat-eaters will be spoilt with: coq au vin – a dish of rooster or chicken braised in red Burgundy wine, mushrooms, lardons and sweet onions; and steak tartare – comprised of finely chopped raw beef or horsemeat, accompanied by onions, capers, and often a raw egg yolk. Frogs legs or ‘des cuisses de grenouille’ are a national delicacy in France, as are snails (escargots) – typically cooked in parsley butter and garlic, while still in the shell. Seafood-lovers can look forward to traditional dishes such as: Coquilles Saint-Jacques - wine-poached scallops on a bed of pureed mushrooms, served within the shell; and moules marinières – a classic originating in Normandy, consisting of fresh mussels cooked in white wine, butter and whipping cream. Cheese is one of France’s specialities; each region has its own kinds of cheese, amounting to a total of more than 400 distinct varieties that generally belong to either the pressed, soft or blue cheese ‘families’. Brie, Camembert and Roquefort are particular favourites that are lovingly exported across the world. Savoury buckwheat galettes and both sweet and savoury crepes are firm favourites that can be served with all manner of accompaniments. Be sure to leave room for dessert though as France has the most wonderful selection of sweet pastries, cakes, tarts and ice creams. Treats like pain-au-chocolat, chocolate éclairs, macarons (brightly-coloured meringue cookies), madeleines (little sponge cakes), meringues and crème brûlée will do wonders for your taste buds.

France is the undisputed home of wine, with a legacy of viticulture that sets the global standard for excellence and sophistication. Each region across the country boasts its own unique specialities, from the most refined table wines to the pinnacle of opulent, high-end vintages. France's vineyards are the birthplace of iconic grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, now revered and cultivated worldwide. The prestigious wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux are especially coveted by connoisseurs for their complexity and heritage. The Champagne region is synonymous with celebration, producing both exquisite white and delicate rosé sparkling wines, making every toast a luxurious affair. The meticulous art of pairing wine with food, a treasured French tradition, elevates any dining experience, allowing the flavours to harmonize and flourish. Indulging in French wine is not just a tasting, but a journey into the heart of French culture and craftsmanship, where each sip tells a story of passion and terroir.

Indulge in the quintessentially French experience of savouring coffee, a beverage that epitomizes elegance and refinement. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely café au lait or a sophisticated café-calva, French coffee culture is a delightful ritual that sparks desire with every sip. Café-calva, a traditional coffee with a splash of Calvados, a brandy from Normandy, adds a warming and aromatic touch to your coffee experience. For a taste of tradition, try Pastis, the anise-flavoured spirit from the south of France. This brilliantly refreshing aperitif, served with a touch of water, transforms into a cloudy, aromatic drink that is both delightful and iconic, capturing the essence of Provençal sophistication.

From the picture-perfect heights of the snow-capped Alps to the crystal-blue waters lapping the French Riviera, France has truly diverse landscapes made up of attractive coastlines, scenic canyons and gorges, majestic mountain ranges, multiple vineyards, vast valleys and luscious forests. These varied habitats make the perfect home for a wide range of wildlife. Red deer, wild boars, brown bears, foxes, wolves, badgers, lynxes, pine martens, polecats, red squirrels and peregrine falcons are just a few of the animals inhabiting this beautiful country.