Despite the historic antipathy between Britain and France, one in five Britons wish they were born on the other side of the English Channel, according to a poll.

In a survey of 1,010 people, Britons were apparently charmed by the so-called "Thierry Factor" -- the rise of high-profile French celebrities here, such as Arsenal striker Thierry Henry.

Meanwhile, just under a third, 32 percent, of Britons under 50 said they would prefer to live in France, with 23 percent choosing Britain as the ideal home.

Jointly third in Europe were Italy and Spain, both receiving 19 percent of the vote for the best place to live.

More than a third, 37 percent, would like to move to France after they retire, while 30 percent would like to continue living here.

In addition, Britons seem better able to identify French landmarks and icons than their own -- while 93 percent of British people could identify the Eiffel Tower, 83 percent could point out the equivalent in Blackpool, northwest England.

At the same time, while 69 percent of those polled could name Paris's Arc de Triomphe, only 40 percent could identify London's Marble Arch.

Some 40 percent of Britons also thought wine was the best drink to accompany a meal, with just 5 percent choosing a glass of traditional British ale.