Best Of France know-how and ingenuity

Reading books about a country is one of the best ways to get to know it, either before you visit or while you're here. This is a long-ish list, but a work in progress, with new books being added each week.

France is known for its stunning villages, but its cities are equally gorgeous. These 20 urban venues are either physically beautiful or have a brilliant urban buzz. Some of these cities will be familiar to you, but there's a good chance a lot of them will be new.

France has dozens of beautiful cities, even stunning ones. But even among these, three stand out for their particular character, history, harmoniousness – and the secrets and intrigues that hide behind them.

There's so much to see in France, sometimes it's impossible to know where to start! Some landmarks, indeed icons, are unmissable. At some point, on some trip, you'll have to visit these (and many more!)

If you're a lover of Antiquity and fascinated by Ancient Rome, these ruins are for you. France, or Gaul as it was known, was conquered by the Roman Empire. As they tended to do, the Romans moved right in, started building, and, eventually, left plenty behind.

Feel like avoiding the crowds but don't want to miss some glorious sights? Here's where the French go on holiday, places you may not have had a chance to explore yet.

France is home to dozens of fabulous Christmas markets, but at some point it may become difficult to choose which one to visit. I've singled out 11 of the most unusual for you, fairs that have something special no one else can claim.

France is known for its beautiful villages, its gorgeous rural scenery and its picturesque cobblestoned streets. But there's a story behind the most beautiful villages: just because a village is drop-dead gorgeous doesn't mean it qualifies as one of the most beautiful French villages.

Not all our villages are beautiful. Some are ruins, abandoned for whatever reason in the past. Rather than drive by without even knowing where they are, have a look. It's a bit of a thrill, a slightly haunted feeling that emanates from the history left behind. You can even visit a few!

Say 'flea market' and Paris tends to spring to mind because yes, it does have the enormously delightful Puces de St Ouen, which I adore. But there are others across the country that can give it a run for its money. Picture this: a giant flea market on the lawns of Chambord Castle. Perfect, right?