Departures: Flak over France

I AM still getting flak from readers on my list of the best and worst in France (20 June). Lilian Eckersley, of Fairlight, East Sussex, says I 'cannot be serious' (I am, I am) when I claim that travelling on cross- Channel ferries is better now than 10 years ago, and that hotel chains in France are better than the Logis et Auberges.

She asks: 'Will Frank Barrett be recommending package tours to Benidorm next?' Bad news for Mrs Eckersley (who is in grave danger of being added to the blacklist exchanged between us travel editors): I recommended package tours to Benidorm two years ago.