You know it's going to be a good day when you wake up to a bowl of steaming hot chocolate and fresh croissants. There are some things the French just know how to do right. And what about the easy elegance with which they dress, the carefree appreciation of a Burgundy over lunch, the liberal use of herbs and fresh produce? There's a real joie de vivre there somewhere.

And anyone who's had the good fortune to travel from north to south will know that France is a treasure trove of lavender fields, magnificent châteaux, sumptuous vineyards, glistening coastlines, snow-capped peaks and much more.

And with a reputation for speaking the world's most romantic language, maybe there's something to say about the people too?