In France, Christmas meals lasting anything up to 6 hours are de rigeur. But, with more than 200 wine varieties to choose from – how do you know which are the best wines to drink at Christmas? We asked Laurent Yung of the renowned French wine club, SomMailier for some tips! How the French drink […]
If you have a sweet tooth and a yearning for learning how to make the most amazing French cakes – this pastry class with a master chef in Gers is perfect for you! Close to Auch, the capital of the Gers department, the little village of Vic-Fezenac has a surprise. On the outskirts, in his […]
Winter is a great time to visit Burgundy. Its vineyards are known throughout the world and a little chill in the air adds something to the sublime wines from Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-St-Georges, Vosne-Romanée and Chablis, to name just a few. And, there’s plenty of things to do in winter in Burgundy… Dijon Dijon, the capital of […]
Fancy a trip to France? We’re delighted to partner with DFDS Ferry company to give away two sets of return tickets for use on DFDS Ferry route Dover/Calais (1 hour 30 minutes) or Dover/Dunkirk (2 hours) for a car and up to 9 passengers. DFDS Seaways are the current World’s Leading Ferry Operator & Europe’s […]
There’s nothing quite as festive and fun as an authentic Christmas break in France. Wandering along charming squares and frosty cobbled streets where the breath-taking ancient architecture of historic cities provides the perfect backdrop for the twinkling Christmas lights in December is magical. Check out our ultimate guide to Christmas in France 2019. Warm up […]
Welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2019 issue of the Good Life France Magazine Click here to download your free copy or PDF Discover three cities that are perfect for a wine themed tour, Alsace (especially with a sprinkling of snow), Bordeaux and Burgundy are fabulous whatever the weather! If you’ve never been to Dinan – you’ll […]
We look at some fabulously festive cities to visit in France at Christmas. You’re guaranteed a bit of Christmas magic here! Strasbourg Head for Strasbourg‘s Christmas market. Known locally as the Christkindelsmarik, it’s the oldest in Europe. From the end of November to the end of December it’s full of beautiful lights and decorations. There […]
Burgundy is renowned for its wine – with villages such as Chablis and Nuits-St-Georges known throughout the world. It’s a land where Renaissance chateaux, medieval abbeys and fortified villages pepper the landscape making Burgundy an outstanding tourist destination. Burgundy Tours Burgundy has history at every turn and was once a formidable Kingdom more powerful than […]
Live your very own fairy tale in Dordogne when you stay at the 500 year old Chateau de Sadillac – it’s the perfect place for to celebrate a special occasion. The Chateau, which sleeps 15, is a perfect base to discover the Dordogne from – and a great place for families and friends to get […]
The most sensational, lush, delectable French mulled wine, deep ruby red, spicy and deliciously warming, this recipe outranks all others… This vin chaud recipe takes a somewhat different approach to flavouring the wine compared to other recipes. Instead of simmering the wine with the mulling spices, leave it to steep for three days along with […]
Snails in garlic butter are the ultimate French appetiser and they’re actually quite easy to prepare at home. You can cook and serve them in shells but I like them cooked in a special snail gratin dish. If you don’t have one, use an oven proof dish to suit. Snails are a much loved dish […]
This gooey-centred chocolate pudding is irresistible! It’s not known exactly who invented it or when though french chef Michel Bras claims to be the creator. But, whoever it was, we should all be thankful for this mellow, melt-in-your mouth classic. Here’s how to make chocolate fondant cake at home… Ingredients for 4 2 oz bittersweet […]
I have got to start this review by saying that if you are looking for a book about ‘real’ French life, told from an unusual angle, and which will have you laughing your socks off, then this is the book for you! I also have to add that it was so good that most of […]
The south of France is defined by its colour. Azure blue skies, the deep purple of lavender fields, olive orchards, bright yellow sunflowers and lemons. Ruby red poppy fields, the turquoise Mediterranean and wine dark grapes in the vineyards. Everywhere you go, the colours of Provence and southern France are captured in a keepsake – […]
France is the most visited country in the world with a whopping 90 million people coming to discover its charms in 2018. It’s no wonder l’Hexagone as France is nicknamed by the French (due to its shape) is so popular: with a diverse landscape which includes mountains, glorious countryside, beautiful beaches, vineyards, historic cities and […]
Boulogne-sur-Mer is where you’ll find a beautifully preserved old town and the Basilica Notre Dame which has the longest crypt in France (dating back to Roman times). Cobble stone streets, ancient buildings, a chateau museum, quirky shops and fab restaurants. And, don’t miss the UNESCO listed Belfry where you’ll see cannon balls fired on the […]
Roubaix in northern France, once an industrial powerhouse city has undergone a regeneration and is emerging as a centre of art and culture … A once thriving textile town, Roubaix is a district that’s undergone enormous change as the world of industrial output has shifted. No longer the powerhouse of production that it once was, […]
Winter is a great time to visit Paris, the crowds are thin (except at Christmas), the cobbled streets on the hill of Montmartre glisten with frost and the city of light is as vibrant and bustling as ever. Any time of the year, this is a city you should wander. But in winter in Paris, […]
Getting established in any new country takes time. Here are some handy hints to help you settle in France… It may seem obvious, but for anyone moving to France, first brush up or learn to speak some French – it will make life easier and, after all, it’s only polite! There’s no getting away from […]
Practical tips on keeping your home in France secure and in good condition when cold weather arrives. These tips will help you get your French property ready for winter. What’s winter like in France? There are many reasons to love winters in France. The crisp blue skies on a clear day, the hearty soups and […]
Journalist Jenny Eagle left London for a new life in Montpellier, Occitanie (formerly Languedoc Roussillon). She fell head over heels for the stunning architecture, the vibrant buzz of the city and beautiful beaches. We talk to Jenny about what it’s like to live in Montpellier… What did you do before you moved to France? I […]
The department of Maine-et-Loire is in the Pays-de-la-Loire region, also known as Anjou, its historic name. Located at the crossroads of Brittany, Centre, Aquitaine and Normandy in western France it’s a land of castles and vineyards, historic towns and pretty hamlets. We talk to local estate agent Darren Briers about why Maine-et-Loire is a great […]
British stand-up comedian, mod, expat, goat whisperer (maybe) – and now Chambre d’hote host – Ian Moore’s unique insights into life in the Loire Valley will make you laugh out loud… Hosts, Goats and Chambres d’Hôtes There’s a point in my first or second book, probably both, where my wife, Natalie, and I sit down […]
France is renowned the world over for its outstanding collection of historic buildings. Châteaux in particular are strategically scattered the length and breadth of the country. And, many are for sale as private homes and hotels. What does Monument Historique mean? Simple barns, Cistercian abbeys, ancient fortresses and fairy tale châteaux all have one thing […]
It’s giveaway time! You could win a colourful Olives Blossom round tablecloth. We’re giving one away thanks to FrenchShopping.co.uk – the French Tablecloth Shop online. Based in the UK, this family run company source all of their tablecloths from makers directly in France. And, theyship worldwide. This bright red Provence style tablecloth measures 180cm in […]
Hope you had a great week. Though I am now in crazy writing mode finishing my next book (hugs, wine and chocolate needed!), I managed to sneak off to the Gers region for a few days last week. Many of us call it Gascony but that name actually hasn’t been used since before the French […]
A summary of French tax rates 2020, based on the budget proposals, though there may be amendments by the end of December. Reduced tax rate for lower income in France for 2020 The main change is a reduction in the income tax rates for calendar year 2020. With the inntroduction of a PAYE (pay as […]
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In August 2014, I gave up my job teaching English in Lyon to house-sit a farm in Vienne and write a novel. I wasn’t particularly looking for the literary good life. I just wanted a break from the city. Six months later I finished it. But the elation was short-lived. I didn’t like it at […]
We chat to Rosy Rabson, a British expat who retired to Burgundy and run a gite from which all proceeds go to charity. Based in the Morvan area, with its regional natural park, a land of ancient castles, picturesque villages, forests and lakes, it is a largely undiscovered by tourists part of France – and […]
Katharine Tasker from London upped sticks in the city and moved to the sticks in rural northern France. With her she brought a sprinkling of urban style to her new build home and thriving new business, a café and shop… Pas de Calais is a region of meadows and forests, the countryside is criss crossed […]
British stand-up comedian, mod, expat, goat whisperer (maybe) – and now Chambre d’hote host – Ian Moore’s unique insights into life in the Loire Valley will make you laugh out loud… Hosts, Goats and Chambres d’Hôtes There’s a point in my first or second book, probably both, where my wife, Natalie, and I sit down […]
Making friends in France isn’t difficult I’ve found. They don’t care if my French is not great or I get my grammar all wrong. They don’t even care that much that I am “Flop chef not Top Chef” and can barely grill a bit of French bread without spoiling it. But there are some things […]
Honfleur is a French fishing village in the department of Calvados, Normandy. It sits on the southern bank of the Seine estuary where the great river flows into the Atlantic Ocean. If you love authentic old French towns, then you will find Honfleur one of the most beautiful there is. What to see in Honfleur […]
The Lot-et-Garonne department is in the southwestern of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region (previously Midi-Pyrénées). It’s has been described as “the France that you always hoped existed but could never quite find”. It’s idyllic; a paradise… Discovering Fongrave I looked over at my friend as she was talking feverishly about the still, quiet beauty of the […]
If you’re looking for a fun way to visit northern France, Les Belles Echappees in Saint Omer fits the bill. Located within the peaceful Ferme de L’Abbaye at Clairmarais, this family run organisation hires out restored classic vintage vehicles. Choose from sparkling VW camper vans to prestigious Citroen 2CV cars and VW convertible Beetles. There’s […]