Editor's Letter

Above: Eleanor O'Kane

It’s hard to talk about France without mentioning peaceful villages, rustic traditions and wide-open spaces, but this issue seems to celebrate the charms of rural France more than usual! Whether we arrive in France by aeroplane, train or ferry, it’s not long before most of us find ourselves in open countryside and complete tranquillity.

Our feature on Lozère, starting on page 44, shows another side to Languedoc- Roussillon. With the lowest population density in France (14 people per km2: the UK has 244 per km2) and only four sets of traffic lights in the entire department, it’s certainly the place to escape from it all. There are no chain hotels, just lots of family-run businesses as well as outdoor activities galore, so it really is the place to experience unspoilt France.

If you’re intent on embracing rural French living, turn to our feature on keeping chickens, starting on page 40. We’ve got lots of tips and ideas to make sure you’re only one step away from a guranteed supply of freshly laid eggs.

Elsewhere in this issue we have all the usual advice and latest news about France, a roundup of bargain properties for sale and a whole host of inspiring features that will appeal whether you’re after a relaxing weekend break or a new concrete floor!

À bientôt, Eleanor O’Kane – Editor