salt marshes of Ile de

salt marshes of Ile de Ré, a holiday paradise just off the Atlantic coast near La Rochelle. One of the island’s oldest parishes, Ars-en- Ré is famous for the black and white spire of St Etienne church that served as a landmark for seafarers. The picturesque whitewashed village with its green and blue shutters was once a thriving salt port, but whilst salt is still harvested here, the harbour is now a favourite berth for leisure craft. Stroll the narrow streets lined with colourful hollyhocks and hire a bike to cycle the level trails between ocean and salt marsh. Charroux, Allier Located at the junction of Roman roads crossing the Auvergne, Charroux became an important Medieval village that continued to flourish through the Renaissance, thanks to an advantageous trading charter, regular markets and thriving industries in tanning and wine production. Soak up the atmosphere of the bijou central square, the Cours des Dames, surrounded by a semi-circle of stone houses. Wander the historic streets past bell towers and city gates, half-timbered houses and ancient wells. And enjoy the view from the belvedere over the Peyrou plateau. Popular purchases from the many craft studios and independent boutiques include edible oils and local mustard; scented candles; jewellery; ceramics; and art. Discover the historical background to this thriving community at the village museum. Ars-en-Ré late 18 th century from the local quarry, one of the world’s most significant deposits. Today, there is little demand for this natural colouring so visitors can follow the Ochre Trail through the disused quarry to see where wind and water have sculpted the soft rock into extraordinary shapes. Visit the Ochre Conservatory too for the lowdown on this natural pigment as well as traditional plant dyes. Pérouges, Ain Roussillon Roussillon, Vaucluse Few of France’s Most Beautiful Villages can match Roussillon for its vibrant colour palette. One of the famous perched villages of the Luberon, 50km east of Avignon, this technicolour gem is guaranteed to dazzle in any season with its narrow streets of tightly packed houses in brilliant shades of red and yellow, orange and pink. A natural pigment once used in paints, ochre was extracted in the Charroux © Gillian Thornton Perched on a small hill around 40km northeast of Lyon, this medieval walled town is a time-capsule with cobbled streets, halftimbered houses and window boxes packed with colourful blooms. Stay over in one of the atmospheric hotels or apartments to experience the atmosphere before and after day visitors arrive. Just 80 people live within the ramparts, with a further 1200 beyond the fortifications. As you browse the small boutiques or soak up the atmosphere from a café table, you half expect to see Roussillon people in medieval dress come round the corner. And during the second weekend in June, that is exactly what you will see as Pérouges celebrates its Medieval Festival with knights and camp followers, nobles, peasants and tradesmen, all dressed in period costume. 32 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 33