CHANNEL HOP

DESPITE Brexit's best efforts, France continues to be one of our favourite holiday destinations.

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Of the 100 million international visitors to the Gallic nation last year, Brits made up a significant number.

Vicinity is one factor - but the love affair runs much deeper. The landscapes are a big draw – ranging from sparkling, chateaux-lined rivers to mountains draped in a light worshipped by artists. Food also plays a crucial role in bringing visitors back.

Then there’s the desire to sample the joie de vivre for laid-back living.

Here are a few more reasons to knock on our neighbour's doors this summer.

Cultural happenings in French Flanders

While the Louvre in Paris is about to undergo a major renaissance as part of a much-needed revamp, its little sister 300km north in Lens is firing on all cylinders.

The Galerie du Temps at the Louvre-Lens recently underwent a transformation in a bid to shed new light on its permanent collection of works.