Bonjour to you all…
I’ve just got back from Champagne where the vineyards were quite incredibly beautiful in their autumn finery… I toured the countryside, visited Renoir’s house which has only just been puruchased by the Association Renoir from his granddaughter, I’m thrilled to have been one of the first British journalists to enter the old house where the great painter lived. Of course, I will be creating a photo gallery feature for you!
I’ve popped into several Champagne houses and had to have a little taster, found out about the wines that are produced in the area as well as the Champagne – including a wine that Louis XIV loved and that you can still buy today. I went to the memorial of Charles de Gaulle and his country house and I’ve walked down winding little lanes in medieval towns. Troyes was amazing with its half-timbered houses, secret passage ways and amazing churches including the one where Henry V married Catherine of France in 1420. I checked out hotels and restaurants and local gastronomy with gusto – all for you and I’m so looking forward to tell you all about it.
There’s still time to enter our brilliant contest to win a French Conversation course with Geraldine Lepere of Comme Une Francaise – its a really wonderful prize and so easy to enter – just click here for details and answer one very easy question!
Wishing you all a very bon weekend,
Bisous from France
Janine
Editor
Don’t miss this week’s great features:
The Expat dog lovers who have given new hope to old dogs: Leeanne and Mike Whitley moved to France and thought they would take it easy but their love of dogs has taken their lives in a very different direction. This amazing couple offer shelter and love to elderly dogs and I can truthfully tell you, interviewing them is the only time I have ever cried on the job, the stories they tell are so moving…
How to get French style in Paris: If you’ve ever wondered how Parisian ladies look so elegant and chic – here’s the answer! A free personal shopping experience in Galleries Lafayette. Our reporter and Paris tour expert Lisa tries it out and tries on some wonderful clothes. She admits she was a bit intimidated by the thought of it but she had a brilliant and fun time and we think she’ll be back for more!
Bureaucratic Highway: Dutch author Peter Schoenmaker tells of the trials and tribulations expats can face when registering their car in France, he’s a very funny writer and we think you’ll be smiling at this French farce…
Wines of Corsica: Our wine expert Lyn looks at the wines that are produced on the beautiful French island of Corsica in the Mediterannean…
November events in France: Our pick of the major and most fun events in France in November. Don’t forget there are two public holidays – November 1, La Toussaint, All Saints Day, and November 11, Armistice Day…
