Letter from France: May 2013

Whether you’re a novice or seasoned traveller, France will steal your heart. Each month, Frederic – our French correspondent – gives us the low-down on what to see and do across the channel

The English seaside

Photographer Peter Williams celebrates the peculiar eccentricities and quintessential charms – from helter-skelters to lighthouses, pirates, palmists and Punch and Judy – of this cherished and rapidly changing English landscape

Consumer Focus

From the website:

“Consumer Focus is the statutory organisation campaigning for a fair deal for consumers in England, Wales, Scotland, and, for postal services, Northern Ireland.

Advice for individuals on energy and post is given by Consumer Direct (08454 04 05 06).”

National treasure

The pearl trade employed most Bahrainis and although its economic importance has long since waned, pearls still play an important part in Bahrain today. CD Traveller gives you the lowdown on the Kingdom’s national icon

A Vulcan Welcomes You to Gloucester Cathedral

For 2 months, Gloucester cathedral will host the largest exhibition of UK sculpture outside London. There will be 75 different pieces on display in the cathedral and its grounds. So big is the venture that when I was there a few weeks ago, they were erecting scaffolding and preparing for it. It was going to take a whole week to just get the exhibits into position. Called Crucible, the event opens on September 1st and runs until October 30th so there is plenty of time to get down to Gloucester to see it. And it won’t be going to any other towns or cities. Miss this opportunity and you don’t get another.

Are we loyal to our travel companies?

A better question could be whether we should be loyal to travel companies. After all, in the immortal words of Monty Python, what have they ever done for us?

Cooking up memories of Marrakesh

Catherine Henderson learns how to make some Morrocan morsels in North Africa’s souk city