8 things we learned about France in FRANCE Magazine’s April 2021 UK issue

From a cider-inspired road trip to Monet’s love for gastronomy – what will you discover about France in our latest issue?

1) Forget the famous Route des Vins in Alsace – the Route du Cidre in Normandy is an apple lover’s paradise

The 40km route can be tackled by car or bike and wends its way through the bucolic Pays d’Auge region.

Taste Normandy’s finest produce on a road trip with Heidi Fuller-love on page 52.

2) France’s young artisans can embark on their very own Tour de France as part of Les Compagnons du Devoir scheme

From young bakers to painter-decorators, a new generation of craftsmen and women will spend between three and ten years honing their skills on apprenticeships across France.

Discover more about this fascinating scheme with Alison Hughes on page 46.

3) As well as being one of the world’s most influential painters, Monet was also a great foodie

The father of Impressionism depicted everything from melons to galettes in his work and developed a taste for fine food after moving to Giverny.

Find out more about Monet’s gourmet tastes with Paola Westbeek on page 64.

4) Mime Marcel Marceau played a role in the French Resistance during World War II

Hailing from a Jewish family, Marcel was sent from Strasbourg to Dordogne as a teenager where he was hidden by his cousin. In return, he helped forge identity papers and helped children escape to Switzerland.

Read all about this colourful character’s fascinating life with Brigitte Nicolas on page 80.

5) There were more than 6.5 million Minitels in houses at the start of the 1990s

At its time a revolutionary machine, the Minitel videotex online service was once a fixture of French households until its decommission in 2012.

Sandra Haurant delves into the history of this French innovation on page 78.

6) Reims is the place for a city break for champagne fans

The gateway to the Champagne region’s prestigious vineyards, Reims is a great base for a holiday and is bursting with culture and gastronomic riches.

Take a break in Reims with Paola Westbeek on page 56.

7) Mimizan-Plage in Landes is nicknamed the Pearl of the Silver Coast

The seaside resort on the south-west coast blossomed during the Belle Epoque and is still a great destination for a family holiday by the sea.

Take a sunny stroll with Catharine Higginson on page 30.

8) You can follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs in France’s very own Jurassic Park

The world’s longest dinosaur track is set to reopen this spring in Plagne and it’s the perfect place to begin a tour of the area’s prehistoric highlights.

Travel back in time with Lebby Eyres on page 18.

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