This week, Country Life June 22, is our stunning France issue, where we celebrate everything we love about our neighbour across the Channel. This week we visit a stunning Chateau in the Vendée, and find out the best times to visit each of our favourite areas in France. Plus much more.

** Jaguar’s all-wheel-drive F-type is not only stylish, but also perfect for fishing, reveals Charles Rangeley-Wilson

** Whimsical creativity has created charming results at the Château du Rivau in Chinon, France, finds Jacky Hobbs

** The Rennaissance delights of Château de Terre-Neuve in the Vendée actually date from the 19th century, as John Goodall explains

** Joe Gibbs travels to North Ronaldsay to find out about the efforts to save the seaweed-eating sheep of Orkney

** Arabella Youens presents the essential French events for your diary as well as beautiful houses to buy in France

* *British lavender: Forget Provence, British growers are enjoying a purple patch, too. Jane Wheatley reports

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