Life in Rural France

If the idea of history and food combined has you salivating, then you'll love the Bazas region of France, where the weekly market dates back to the 14th century. My guest, Anne Jordan of Aquitaine Travel Guide, started her business with one goal in mind: to get people out of the cities and into the countryside to experience the food firsthand, where it's grown and cultivated. And that's exactly wh...

Is the Phantom of the Opera just a legend, or is there truth hidden in the shadows of Paris’ opulent opera house? I’m uncovering the secrets of the Palais Garnier—its stunning architecture, fascinating history, and eerie tales that have captivated imaginations for over a century. From its glittering grand staircase to the hidden underground lake, every corner of this Parisian masterpiece has a sto...

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Have you ever googled Nicolas Flamel to see if he was a real person? If you have, you’ll know he was an alchemist who lived in Paris. He wasn’t just a figment of J.K. Rowling’s imagination; he was a real man who had lived in the Middle Ages. Now, for those of you who don’t know, Nicolas Flamel appeared as a character in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” (known...

Paris may be the city of love, but it also has its darker side, where the ghosts of centuries gone by roam freely. So, instead of strolling down the Champs Elysées, we’ll be visiting Box No. 5 in the Opera House and enjoying some murder mystery at the Louvre. And that’s just for starters. As the sun sets and darkness descends, Paris reveals a more spectral side hidden in the shadows of its iconic...

Who doesn't relish a spine-chilling ghost story? France, steeped in history, offers an abundance of eerie haunts and spectral legends. Each contributing its own chilling narratives, from ethereal damsels draped in white to phantom steeds searching for their masters. These spectral tales often echo within the stone walls of centuries-old castles. Would you dare to spend a night in one of these haun...

If you’re looking for a fairytale castle in France, look no further than Chateau de Chenonceau. Stood on an arched bridge across the Cher River, its reflection perfectly captures the magic of the building within. From being the residence of some of France’s most powerful women to playing an active role in the French resistance, its walls have many stories to tell. A visit to the chateau will take...

From an illegal underground party complete with an orchestra and 100 guests in the 19th century to secret meetings of the French Resistance during World War II, the Paris Catacombs have more than their fair share of history surrounding them. The bones of 6-7 million people are stored down in this network of tunnels, but did you know that before the catacombs were used to store bodies, they were mi...

When I first moved to France, my French left a lot to be desired. It is still far from perfect, but I can get by now and have a little book of phrases that help me get out of all situations. So today, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to Virginie, a French teacher who helps expatriates who live in France improve their level of French and integrate successfully so that they feel confident...

Halloween isn’t as big in France as in some countries. I’m yet to have a trick-or-treater at my door. Instead, it's all about All Saints' Day, the day after Halloween, a time of remembrance deeply embedded in French culture. From eerie tales to historical lore, I’ll be revealing why, in France, this time of year is about more than just tricks and treats. But that's not all. We’ll wander through th...

I’m taking you on a virtual tour of Montmartre in Paris, home to the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Couer. As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you can almost hear the voices of the many artists who called this place home. It’s like stepping into the past, and once it draws you in, you don’t want to leave. There are so many things to see and do, some well-known, some not so much. For example,...

You might think it’s a bit early to think about Christmas in September, but it’s not, especially if you’re planning a trip to one of the Christmas markets in France. From the Ferris wheels and vintage carousels to the gorgeous wooden chalets with artisans selling their wares, Christmas markets make us think about ice skating, mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and, of course, the magical...

There are many things I love about living in France, one of which is enjoying the French Apéro. It embodies so much of what the French are famous for, as it perfectly represents the ability to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. The French culture fascinates me. They have an excellent attitude towards life, especially here in rural France.  They work to live rather than live to work. They tak...

Narbonne might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of southern France, but it’s one of the oldest settlements in the region and is packed with fascinating history. If you're into Roman ruins, stunning Gothic architecture, and lively markets, Narbonne is a must for your travel list. Walking through its streets feels like peeling back layers of time. The city is a mix of ancient...

With 1001 to choose from, how do you pick just five? Well, the Dordogne Valley is called the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux” due to five historical chateaux that gained prominence during the Hundred Years War. These castles transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and drama of the medieval era. One chateau was home to Richard the Lionheart for a time, another to  “The Great...

If you've ever wondered where to go for a cocktail in Paris, you'll love my guest today, Forest Collins, a Paris-based Cocktail Expert and the mastermind behind the 52 Martinis app and podcast.  She's known as the "Queen of the Paris cocktail scene" and has been exploring and sharing the city's best spots for over a decade.  In this episode, Forest and I chat about her journey from an Am...

One of the many things I love about living in France is discovering the history and stories of the people who lived here centuries ago. And Sainte Radegonde, born in Thuringia, now part of modern-day Germany, who lived in the 6th century, has a story worth telling.  From being abducted by the Franks at the tender age of eleven and forced into marriage to King Clotaire I to fighting dragons an...

The role of women in French society has undergone significant changes over time. Historically, women’s roles were largely confined to domestic duties and child-rearing, with limited access to education and professional opportunities. The French Revolution ignited a conversation about women’s rights, leading to gradual changes. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, women gained the right to vote, acces...

As someone who loves the history of France, I did wonder if Carcassonne was going to be worth visiting. Would it live up to my expectations, or would I be disappointed? The hype around this city is huge, and I really didn’t want it to let me down. It’s one of those stunning medieval cities that is like stepping into the pages of a history book. You’ll find yourself quickly drawn into its world of...

La Rochelle in the Charente Maritime is steeped in history and sits on the French Atlantic Coast. This picturesque medieval port town offers everything from architecture and culture to gastronomy and beaches. And, of course, there is also a stunning coastline. History oozes from every part of this town, and the three towers are a constant reminder of the fierce battles that have been fought over t...

If you've ever wondered what it is like to live on the French Riviera, then you'll love my interview today with Laura Tobin, an Italian Food Blogger. Where she lives, she has Nice to the East, Antibes to the West, Monaco in the middle and Saint-Tropez just an hour away. Just like me, Laura is a traveller at heart. She has spent four years in the USA (Connecticut and Miami) and five years in the UK...

Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 – a pivotal event that sparked the French Revolution and the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity. This day is marked with grand celebrations, from spectacular fireworks to military parades and lively parties across the nation. Discover its historical roots, the significance of this day in France...

From the lavish Hall of Mirrors to the beautifully landscaped gardens, the Palace of Versailles takes opulence to another level. A masterpiece of French architecture, it was the scene of extravagant parties and absolute terror during the French Revolution.  In this episode, I uncover the stories and secrets behind this majestic palace and explore the historical significance of Versailles and...

French markets are more than just a place to shop they're a way of life in France where everything is fresh, local and delicious. Today I'm uncovering the magic behind these markets with their seasonal fruit and veg, handcrafted cheeses, local wines and vintage finds.  I’ll reveal what makes French markets an irresistible experience with tips on how to navigate like a local and of course, tak...

France is renowned for its cheese, with over a thousand varieties each telling a unique story of tradition, region, and craftsmanship. From the creamy decadence of Brie to the bold and tangy character of Roquefort, French cheeses are an integral part of the country’s rich culinary heritage. The question is, do you know your Camembert from your Comté? Are you a cheese connoisseur or just beginning...

You've probably never heard of it, but Angouleme is the capital of the Charente region in southwest France, and if you're a fan of history, art and architecture then it’s one to put on your French bucket list.  You almost feel like you’re stepping back in time as the architecture is a fusion of Mediaeval and Renaissance, with a bit of Parisian glamour thrown in for good measure. It can trace...