IT has never been easier to get to Limousin region of France.

The region has a host of attractions and festivals which will appeal to British holidaymakers. Forming part of the South-West of France, Limousin is very rural and has the least amount of people of all the 27 regions of France bar Corsica.

Flybe and Ryanair fly to the region from Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds and Bristol ensuring that even more people can experience the everything the region to offer.

In August the Richard the Lionheart festival will make every Englishman feel proud.

Taking place every two years, the Richard the Lionheart Festival is an interactive way to find out more about Britain and France’s common history.

The festival features a trail open to horse-riders, cyclists and hikers and leads to Châlus, the famous King’s final resting place. With many participants dressed in period costume and medieval banquets organised along the way, this fun festival culminates with a grand show in French, English and Occitan. More at www.rando-festival-richard.fr.

And for those holidaymakers fancying a romantic holiday away Villa 13 is the new chic address when staying in Limoges.

The property has four different apartments, all of which are beautifully appointed and feature the latest mod-cons. Villa 13 is ideally situated in the centre of Limoges only minutes away from the city’s key attractions including the Cathedral, Fine Arts Museum and the local porcelain factories where savvy travellers can do a spot of shopping before heading home.

Apartments are available from120 euros per night. More at www.villa13.fr.

And for a countryside retreatle Manoir de Laumeuil is an elegant new retreat ideal for those who enjoy the finer things in life, located in the Dordogne Valley next to Brive.

Take your pick between the property’s five suites and enjoy the Manoir’s amenities which include a spa and a seawater swimming pool. The property is also ideally situated to visit some of France’s most villages including Collonges la Rouge. Suites sleeping two are available from 120 euros per night. More at www.lemanoirfr.com And a visit to France would not be complete without treating one's tastebuds. Set in the beautiful three lakes area, Utopaille is a new dining establishment combining great organic food and a 500 metre square garden which provides most of the restaurant’s vegetables. With an emphasis on heirloom vegetables and aromatic herbs, the garden is also open to the public who can pick up some organic gardening tips after their meal, for more information visit www.utopaille.fr.