Everyman's France

Here Feifer and Chapman provide a wonderful sampler of the delights and surprises that the country offers. Feifer highlights the main places and areas that bear witness to the fascinating development of French history; from the neolithic observatory of Carnac, through the great Gothic cathedrals and Renaissance chateaux, up to the modern solar furnace at Odeillo. Folkloric France is represented by descriptions of nine charming festivals from as far apart as Honfleur and the Carmargue; in Artisanal France, she includes especially interesting examples of the dozens of crafts that can be found throughout the country; and she chooses four cities - Paris, Bordeaux, Rouen and Dijon - to represent the contrasting urban styles within France. There are also chapters on the arts, food and wine, natural wonders, outdoor activities and the daily life of France. Chapman's splendid photographs complement Feifer's informative, direct style...