France is more than just Paris, the Chateaux of the Loire and the Riviera ... although these regions should be visited on a first visit, preferably out of season. The real France is to be found off the beaten track, inland from the glitzy coast, among the hills and valleys of the South West: a great stretch of varied landscape running from the Dordogne down through the Lot and Tarn valleys to the Pyrenees. Here are the unspoilt villages, the two-hour lunch breaks, the copious meals of duck, foie gras, cassoulet and wild boar stew washed down with incomparable wines and armagnacs.
For visitors from overseas I recommend using a local agent for advice and bookings: try www.francealacarte.com who are based in Toulouse and have served me well in the past with their escorted tours.