It is now one hundred years since the start of the the First World War - and Picardie is our region of the month as we enter a summer of ceremony and remembrance. We have chosen this area of Northern France not only for its historical sites and anniversary events but in its own right as a tranquil area of astonishing natural beauty with plenty to do and see for families, couples and solo travellers.
Read more: Visiting Picardie in the Great War centenary year
No wonder France is such a popular family holiday choice. The country is easily accessible by road, rail or air, is affordable - especially for accommodation - and offers a great variety of landscape, history, activities and fun for adults and youngsters alike. Oh, and let’s not forget the child-friendly culture and delicious local food and wine.
The Dordogne, Languedoc-Rousillon and the Mediterranean are all favourite destinations – and for somewhere different, try the Auvergne or Burgundy. Most accessible for family holidays is North West France, especially Normandy and Brittany. You’ll find spacious countryside, Celtic traditions and every kind of seaside from unspoilt rocky coves to buzzing resorts with wide, sandy beaches.
Easter Saturday falls on 19th April this year, so the evenings will be lighter and the flowers blooming for this spring holiday. Easter is a lovely time in France as the days become warm and sunny, especially in southern parts. And we have an almost unprecedented number of special offers for April 2014, including Easter and the two preceding school holiday weeks, so there’s even more reason to plan a trip to France.
It will soon be Easter and I’m sure many of you will be thinking of going away for a well earned break. You may already have booked your holiday but if not, you may be tempted to a holiday in France as it is just the place to be at this time of year.
March in France can be a little variable in climate, depending on the region. In the north it can still be cold, whereas in the south it can be mild so if you are planning a trip over this month you will need to be aware of this and perhaps take a few warmer clothes just in case.
Vineyards producing world-famous Burgundy and Beaujolais wines with iconic names – no less than 49 million bottles a year - tasty regional food from simple to gourmet, miles of greenways and cycling routes and a voyage of discovery around French history. These are the highlights of a holiday in Burgundy and Saône-et-Loire, its most southerly department. Oh, and the cachet of having discovered a little known region of France.
This month I have been mainly painting.
I can assure you that this phase of a renovation project is not to be underestimated. Of course, I’ve painted many a room given my profession, so did not feel daunted by assuring my builder that we’d take care of the decoration.
This was my first mistake.