In recent years the British food industry has caught on to the benefits of locally sourced ingredients in a big way - but some countries have been eating that way as a matter of course for centuries.

Sitting on the terrace of the Dolce Frégate Provence, sipping rosé wine produced from the very vines that populate the foreground of the impressive view out over the Mediterranean, has to be a perfect illustration.

French cuisine has traditionally led the way in the world of gastronomy and while other countries are catching up - and perhaps overtaking- one of the key benefits of travelling to France will always be a satisfied stomach.

Whether it's a light lunch at a roadside café or a five course tasting menu at a smart restaurant, the French take time to enjoy their food, a habit the average Brit could learn from.

In a conference and event setting, this appreciation for sustenance can yield impressive results. In the UK, venues have been quick to offer "brain food": vitamin- and mineral- rich snacks and meals to boost delegates' productivity. They have also realised the benefits of the continuous coffee break, the smoothie option, the luxurious afternoon snack and the convenient midmorning fruit boost. Even the option of switching from buffet service to silver service doesn't bother the staff any longer.

At Dolce Frégate all these benefits are available, as they should be from the only French member of the international Association of Conference Centres. They aren't just restricted to the conference wing either - the sprawling Provençal hotel offers a variety of attractive settings for drinks receptions, barbecues and sit-down meals from the poolside bar to the golf clubhouse and the outdoor terrace with its spectacular views. A smaller private reception can even be arranged in the Espace Zen, a hidden patio with drapes and cushions, shields from the hotel by tall hedges and with views over the golf course out to the sea.

THE LAST WORD IN COMFORT

Inspiration is a key word for the brand, with everything geared towards making delegates as comfortable as possible.

A recent investment in ergonomic chairs and wider tables is one illustration of this attention to detail.

"We have very strict rules for comfort of tables and chairs". Explained Leila, the international sales manager. "It's quite a large table so you have space for all your documents and computer and papers. The conference aspect is really important to Dolce, it's their main focus. At all the other properties it makes up 80% of business, although here it's 50%. Now we've changed the name Dolce Hotels and Resorts -  meet with inspiration. For the meetings we've kept all the Dolce standards. The bookings are handled by the conference centre and you have a full time planning director for you and only you. They then have all the people assisting them, like an AV director."

13 meeting rooms are available, ranging from the three large rooms accommodating 200, 150 and 100 to smaller meeting rooms suitable for groups from six to 54. All benefit from plenty of natural daylight and AV equipment; some have the advantage of views over the golf course.

Leila said that although the smaller rooms can serve as breakout areas, delegates often prefer to use the balconies or garden areas, where chairs and tables are set out for this purpose.

The layout of the conference wing is such that several groups could have their meetings without bumping into each other, Leila said, and soundproofing throughout means confidentiality can be guaranteed.

"We are open to every kind of client," she said. "Business comes from banks, pharmaceutical, automotive... We have a lot of international business from Switzerland, Belgium, the UK and Germany too."

CROSSING THE CHANNEL

The company is aware that the current exchange rate makes travelling to mainland Europe from the UK more expensive than usual and so is aiming to price its services competitively. The Day Delegate Rate is between 72 and 76 euros (which includes room hire, lunch and a continuous coffee break) and various package deals are available throughout the year. Cheap flights to Marseille from most major UK cities with EasyJet and Ryanair can also make this particular part of the south of France more accessible than expected.

The associated facilities and the surrounding area make the hotel popular with companies looking to combine important conferences with incentives or team building activities, or even just a thank you to loyal staff who have helped the business through a rough patch.

Delegates can take advantage of a range of leisure activities available on site. Two golf courses - an 18-hole and a 9-hole - are surrounded by vineyards and olive trees; the elevated tee on the tenth has a quite breathtaking view over the coast (see main picture). The Golf School offers lessons and uses range of software and simulators to improve participants' swing. Three tennis courts and a petanque court are ideal for team building activities and, of course, the infinity- edged pools are always inviting.

Three restaurants provide different styles of dining within the hotel and a buffet is always available at the golf clubhouse - Leila joked that the course layout means most golfers come in "starving!" sea view. Family resort rooms have a kitchenette, living room and terrace and junior and Presidential suites enjoy the best views of the resort.

There is plenty to occupy delegates' time outwith the resort too. The Bandol region is home to some of the oldest vineyards in France - the first vines were planted 2500 years ago - and the red is noted as one of the best from Provence. The area is also known for its olive oil - tastings of both can be arranged locally.

The coast on this part of the Riviera is made from thick chalk cliffs, known as les Calanques, and the series of inlets are very popular with tourists and locals alike. Boat trips are available from the little town of Cassi and are a pleasant way to explore the coastline. Marseille, the second most populated city in France, is less than an hour away.

"It's a really charming place," Leila said. "Industry uses us to motivate employees."