Paris/ Ile de France

There are lots of well-known cheeses from Ile de France. Two of the most widely recognised cheeses from Ile de France are Brie and Brie de Meax. Brie is a round soft cheese with white mould and is often described as having a somewhat fruity taste with a hint of mushrooms.

Welcome to the French capital of equestrian sports. Now is your chance to saddle up and gallop through the forests, hit the trails in a horse-drawn carriage or set your child on a pony. For those who have the riding spirit, and whatever level of expertise, there are several options available that will let you discover the region on horseback.

Paris is an ideal destination for those who want to combine a golfing trip with the attractions of one of the world’s most famous cities. There is a wide range of world class golf courses throughout the region and the sport is enjoying increasing popularity amongst locals and visitors.

There are many reasons for a stroll in Paris Ile de France, from the buildings to the shopping and people. Rambling around just to look at the architecture is worthwhile. A lot of Parisian structures were setting their feet firmly in the new century long before the curtains were drawn on the previous one.

If you prefer to cycle, no problem: hiring a bike is child's play, and for the last few years the capital has been making cycling a priority. Some of Paris Il de France parks allow bikes so that you can enjoy a cycle while still in the city. Outside there are multiple routs that take you through the beautiful countryside.

Paris was first founded around 52BC and has had a very turbulent history throughout the centuries. Paris first started as an island in the river Seine and its structure developed through many rulers, not least Napoleon who struggled to capture the city because of its narrow streets which made life difficult for his troops and horse drawn artillery.

The multitude of artists' studios, or ateliers, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region provide fertile ground for artistic creation. From the bohemian to the internationally renowned, artists take you behind the scenes to reveal the home of their inspiration and imagination.

Although the Paris Opera is the place where Romantic ballets like “La Sylphide” (1832) and “Giselle” (1841) had their world premieres, it isn’t where they survived. When Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes brought “Giselle” to Paris in 1910, the French had to be reminded that this ballet was a chunk of their own cultural history.

A summary of how France has been covered in the national newspaper's weekend Travel sections.

REIMS, France -- After a Paris breakfast of cafe and croissant, how about lunch and a glass of bubbly in France's Champagne region?

Thanks to a new high-speed train line, Reims, the ancient heart of Champagne country, is now just 45 minutes from Paris -- less time than it takes to cross the French capital during rush hour.

Snail’s egg caviar anyone? It may sound like a challenge to the taste buds, but the salty, pink-white delicacy could be gracing hundreds of French tables this Christmas. Caviar and champagne are a byword for the festive season in France, while a dozen "escargots" - or snails - cooked in garlic and parsley butter and served in or out of their grey-brown spiralled shells, are a much-loved staple.

Posh poultry, foie gras, fizz and fine cheese: we take a festive tour of France so you can bring the Continent to your Christmas table. It was reported last week that the price of brussels sprouts has risen by 203% since last Christmas. Almost simultaneously, we learnt that more Britons are moving abroad than at any time in recent history.