This charming hilltop village is one of the most beautiful in France. Wander its cobbled streets and explore historic sites ...

The most important lesson, though, is that France is best experienced in small towns. Big cities are vivid – full of museums, cathedrals and specialist macaroon outlets – but also stressful.

Mazan in southern France. Picture: Christophe Simon/AFP Clancey also interviewed Diane Jeantet, a foreign correspondent now based in Paris, and they drove along the streets of the village.

France is home to some of the most lively cities, bucolic villages and renowned wine regions ... weather and culinary scenes to create this ranking of the best places to visit in France.