For our latest competition we've joined forces with the publishers of 1356, bestseller Bernard Cornwell's latest novel, which tells the amazing story of the Battle of Poitiers. You can win a week for two in La Maison Gabriel, a luxury cottage at La Vieille Cure, a gorgeous French Connections property ID 613 at Couhe near Poitiers.
At La Vieille Cure, owners Angie and Steve Newman offer B&B with the feel of a country house hotel in a restored 17th century vicarage with swimming pool, boules and badminton court in walled gardens. La Maison Gabriel is their recently refurbished two bedroom self-catering gite, with open-plan kitchen, lounge, king bedroom and mezzanine.
To enter the 1356 competition and talk about your favourite Bernard Cornwell novel, go to the Tesco books blog
We have long thought of French as being two distinct languages: the “written” one and the “spoken” one.
For example, Pastis and Paris both end in “-is” but one is pronounced “-isse” and the other “-eee”.
The French love it when we complain about these difficulties because it confirms what they have always thought and that is that everyone who doesn't speak French is somewhat retarded.
“After all,” they say, “even a three year old French child can speak French!”
However this week we discovered how difficult it is for French people who do not speak English at all, to sing in English.
Our redoubtable researchers have been sweating over a hot screen and, as a result, we are now proud to bring you a single, user-friendly guide that combines:
France is blessed with several transport options for those visiting the country - and ferry travel with a car is the most popular. This is hardly surprising as the benefits include unlimited luggage, no airport formalities, value for money and frequent services that offer plenty of choice.
Read more: New! Our complete guide to ferry routes and the best fares
I’ve just got back from a trip to the Doubs in the Franche-Comté, our featured region this month. We – myself and my husband and our daughters aged 3 and 5 - loved every minute of our holiday. This area has so much to offer during the summer and winter and is particularly great for children. I can definitely recommend it!
If you appreciate beautiful countryside, rivers and canals, historic towns and authentic French food and wine, then you’re likely to arrive in Burgundy and breathe a deep sigh of pleasure. Our featured region this month is also a haven for artists, writers and bird watchers – a corner of France where it’s possible to be both relaxed and inspired by the surroundings and way of life.
Burgundy has been described as the heart of France, summing up so much that is appealing about the country to Francophiles. It lies to the south-east of Paris and two of its most famous names are located in the Côte-d'Or department – Dijon, city of gastronomy, and Beaune, home of the fine wine.
Our latest competition has just been launched with FrenchEntree magazine, giving you the chance to win a spring break in The Barn Cottage at Laborie holiday cottages in the famous Dordogne valley.
The lucky winners will be invited to take one week’s stay for two people in The Barn Cottage (travel not included). With dramatic high ceilings, skylights, exposed stone walls and original wooden beams throughout, the cottage is a delightfully spacious, light and airy holiday home.
Have you ever been confronted by a small daughter asking, “ Daddy, please can I have a Bunny ? “
If so, you will have realised that there are multiple answers with multiple outcomes to this question.
For example, if you say “No”, then the delayed reaction syndrome kicks in which results, years later with the question, “Daddy, please Daddy, I NEED a horse!”