An insider’s guide to Pays de la Loire in western France, including the main attractions to visit on holiday, the best towns and villages to live in, the vineyards and châteaux to visit, and buying property in Pays de la Loire

A cancer diagnosis in 2014 prompted Trevor Thompson and his wife Kay to leave Milton Keynes for a decommissioned watermill in Sarthe, which they have transformed into a home with two gîtes. Here’s how they did it

Chase away the winter blues by snapping up a property in one of the most vibrant villages or technicolour towns in France

Whether the weather be cold or whether the weather be hot, France’s different climate zones affect the weather you’re like to weather, whether you like it or not, finds Ruth Wood

Looking for a house in France? From Provençal villas to fully furnished farmhouses, here is a selection of beautiful French properties on the market in July you will love.

With its unbeatable wine and cheese and laissez-faire attitude, there’s nowhere better to retire than France. But which cities are best for growing old in? Here’s the top 10

Cycling through the Loire Valley past vineyards and châteaux, dressed in vintage clothes and riding a retro bike… what’s not to love about the Anjou Vélo Vintage?

From recycling schemes to public parks and green spaces, a number of French cities are making an effort to become more environmentally friendly. According to a report these are the 10 greenest cities in France

Explore France’s Loire Valley and its famous châteaux by car with this three-day road trip itinerary from Saumur to Amboise

With a bit of help from Escape to the Château stars Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree, British couple Michael and Jonathan transformed a 16th-century château in the Loire Valley into a luxury hotel and wedding venue

Ideally living in France would mean drinking wine, eating cheese and shopping at the local market but unfortunately most people also need to earn a living to fund their new life in France. So where in France offers the best work-life balance?