An innovative strategy to start losing weight can now be combined with a luxury weekend in Brittany. The non-invasive virtual gastric banding therapy is available during a three-night stay, commencing 30th March 2012, at La Longère, a boutique B&B retreat in a restored 18th century farmhouse with log fires and a jacuzzi. La Longère sits in an acre of tranquil countryside close to the village of Languidic in southern Brittany and handy for exploring sandy beaches, historic towns and the standing stones of Carnac.
If you love to take a sunshine holiday that offers relaxing by the pool or on the beach and a whole lot more besides, then the Gard just might be your perfect destination for the summer. It’s our featured region of France this month and has culture, excitement and activities to keep all ages happy. I first discovered the Gard when driving through France from Toulon to Normandy. It’s officially a part of Languedoc-Roussillon but also lies next to Provence, and I was enchanted by the palm trees and pink-washed buildings so evocative of the Mediterranean.
French Director Michel Hazanavicius is putting French film making back on the map with his beautiful film The Artist sweeping the floor at this year’s award ceremonies including last night's Oscars.
The Alpes-Maritime region in the South of France lies between dramatic Provencal mountains and the azure coastline of the Mediterranean. This is home to the French Riviera, with all its associations of glamour, but there are lots of options for holidays here – and they need not break the bank! Anyone who wants to be at the heart of things in Nice, Cannes or Antibes can rent a self-catering apartment with sea view and balcony for less than you might think.
Read more: Enjoy sun and sea in the Alpes-Maritimes in Provence
We are now in March and the daffodils are already growing in our garden. It is my favourite time of year as there is a promise of spring around the corner!
The lady who delivers our fresh eggs each week tells me she is also busy with the lambing season and the birds are beginning to build their nests in the garden - much to the annoyance of our Jack Russell dog who barks at every bird who flies in and out of the garden. He actually sits under the bushes waiting for them - but of course the birds have the last laugh as they fly up to the safety of the higher branches.
Last Saturday the Telegraph newspaper's magazine published its annual travel issue, with major features by top writers reporting from around the world - and one of them was about a family cycling holiday at our gorgeous Les Bernaches villa on the Ile de Re. Close to La Rochelle, the island has become seriously glamorous in an understated sort of way and is now popular with celebrities like Jonny Depp, Gerard Depardieu and Princess Caroline of Monaco. Charles Aznavour once wrote a song about its forest.
Read more: The Telegraph magazine chooses French Connections