What the Press is saying about France – Week 09/04/12 to 15/04/12

This week saw 120 articles about France. Here is a selection of some articles which appeared in National publications from 9th to 15th April.

Take the fast train to Europe – The Times

Avoid the airport crowd and high taxes, and visit some French cities by train. Tom Chesshyre and Annabelle Thorpe have selected some great city breaks. Avignon, a fine pick for a long and sunny weekend break; Beaune, a small town that will be a wine lovers’ dream, full of wine shops with daily tastings of Burgundy’s finest vintages; Strasbourg, the pretty capital of Alsace with medieval buildings, labyrinthine streets and a cathedral from the 11^th century; or finally Angers and its 13^th-century Apocalypse Tapestry.

Summer’s best deals – from £100 a person – The Sunday Times

Peak season prices can be criminal. However, Stephen Bleach has found breaks everyone can afford, even during the school holidays. Choose between a stay in Normandy, in an 18^th-century converted water mill, camping in the Jura or spending your summer in a four-star residence in the Alps.

Seaside specials – Saturday Guardian

Staying in style on the coast does not have to mean an expensive hotel. Nicola Iseard has selected some interesting beaches. In Languedoc, where you can stay in brand new apartments on the waterfront, or in a funky new apartment in the centre of Cannes, 200m from the beach.

It’s French for “Olé” – The Sunday Times

If you wish to experience Mexico, you can travel to Mexico. Or you can go to the French Alps, near the small town of Barcelonnette. Anthony Peregrine has found a colourful festival there, both folkloric and contemporary, featuring Mexican and other Latin-American performers and shows.

This week’s bargain breaks – Saturday Daily Express

There is no need to travel far to find the perfect holiday. Head to the Med and to the paradise island of Corsica, with its glistening coastline, pine-covered mountains and superb vineyards.

La belle France is closer than you think – The Times

Jane Knight takes us to the Pas de Calais region, full of surprises and hidden treasures. Just beyond the town of Calais lie historic villages, beaches and stunning nature reserves. The area is a living museum, where you slip through the centuries in a matter of miles.