Make sure you pay a visit to France's numerous artisans and craftspeople. At the market or in their workshops, they pass down traditions to ensure that ancient skills survive today.
You can watch them weaving wicker, sculpting wood, tanning hides, making soap or stitching by hand with golden thread.
Take home a hamper from the Alps, 'santons' (charms) from Provence, wooden toys from the Vosges and espadrilles from the Basque Country – all products made exclusively in France.