Fete la France
by Christopher Sullivan

The language of love
After two days in Paris to find our land legs, we commenced our odyssey. Having spent 18 months learning the lingo at Alliance Francaise Sydney, we were keen to test our skills. First stop was to lob right in the middle of the famous chateau region of the Loire Valley. Staying at La Roseraie just at the end of the driveway of Chateau Chenonceau was ideal, providing easy access for both the day time tour of the Chateau and the night time garden walk replete with dramatic lighting and baroque music piped throughout the extensive garden network. A hot air balloon ride rewarded us with spectacular views of the valley and its charming villages. The Chateaux Chambord and Amboise, both within easy driving distance are absolute musts. And our hosts Sophie and Laurent provided the warmest welcome and most delectable French meals.

Culture and cuisine (and booze, of course!)
The first of our festivals - Fete de la Musique - was experienced in Tours. A national festival, the whole country throbs, swoons, sways and dances to rhythms and tunes from around the globe. If you want to perform, you do it, and everyone is there to listen. What started as a simple festival has grown into one of the most anticipated events on the national calendar, held annually on 21 June.

The Bordeaux Fete le Vin was next in our sights. Held every second year towards the end of June, it is a wine lovers' dream-come-true to sample wines from across the Bordeaux appellation all with the convenience of a single location. So many wines, so little time! Running for 4 days from 26 to 29 June, festival goers sampled wines from such sub-regions as St Emilion, Medoc, Entre-Deux-Mers, St George, Loupiac and Graves. The chance to discuss wine making techniques with the wine makers of these remarkable beverages was a mind-blowing thrill in itself.

But the festival was not just about wine - though it certainly did play a very important part. Also celebrated in true French style were the remarkable foods of the region, not least of which were the amazing goats cheeses, saucissons, breads, and the famous green oysters of nearby Arcachon.

Consequently, it was with much enthusiasm that we spent the next several days in the Perigord Noir - foie gras, truffle and walnut heaven. The food of the Perigord region is unrivalled in all of France. Virtually crowded with markets, you will never want for any fresh produce: poultry, seafood, vegetables, fruit, herbs, breads, cheeses, saucissons, and the list goes on. It is also the home of the greatest collection of cave paintings anywhere in the world; just what you need to maintain your quota of culture between meals.

The magnificent French countryside (and more booze!)
The east of France is home to some of the world's most sublime wines. From the spicy and aromatic shirazes of the Vallee du Rhone in the south, to the creamy chardonnays and elegantly savoury pinot noirs of Burgundy in the north, you will feel you have died and gone to heaven. The countryside, abundant with vines and cornfields around Beaune, gives way to golden wheat fields as far as the eye can see as you approach the idyllic town of Chablis. Natural springs and meandering rivers and brooks provide relief from the otherwise gently undulating and rolling hills of this picturesque region.

Celebrate with patriotic passion
Arriving in Paris for le piece de la resistance - Bastille Day - should be included on the list of "must-do-festivals" on everyone's itinerary. France proudly displays her military might in the much anticipated military parade down the Champs-Elysees. Paris is a-buzz with patriotic passion which buoyantly carries her to the climax of her national celebrations. It seems that all of its population converges on the Champ de Mars for a free twilight concert and fireworks spectacular around the Eiffel Tower.

Retail therapy in the fashion capital
Winding down from the Fete Nationale is tricky when those who have not escaped to the beach for summer sun are hitting the shops for the remarkable twice-yearly sales. From les grands magasins to specialist boutiques, you'd best ensure you have a clear balance on your credit cards. There is nothing like shopping in Paris.

Sometimes you just need to be a tourist
Some of the world's most renowned museums, monuments and galleries are easily accessed thanks to the comprehensive and easily navigated Metro. Purchasing a Paris Museum Pass and a Paris Visite transport card is all you need to move seamlessly from one landmark to the next. The d'Orsay is my pick followed by that extraordinary palace of treasures - the Louvre.

A lifetime in France is not long enough, but if you are limited in time, then scheduling your travels for June/July will ensure you sample some of its greatest treasures alongside "real" French people.