"There are lots of things the French do better—art house movies, stripes, wispy fringes—and arguably the countryside is one of them. If your ideal countryside escape includes wafting about a sun-blasted scene with a fresh croissant in one hand and a slab of comté under your arm for later, go to Le Péché Mignon. This adorable Highbury Fields cafe is one blue-shuttered farmhouse away from transporting you to Brittany. Cycling home with a pain au chocolat (straight from the oven) and a hardback-sized croque monsieur in your front basket is strongly encouraged for the full Francophile experience. " - sinead cranna
