Those who have discovered the old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer will be aware how very pretty this part of the port town is and at Christmas time it’s even more magical. Enter the old town through the immense stone gates cut into the high walls and discover a real winter wonderland. This is one of my […]
For those who take their Christmas shopping seriously, it would be hard to find a better place in Europe than Lille. Not only are there almost 4000 shops in this city in northern France but there is also a super festive Christmas market and cultural attractions galore… Festive fun at Lille’s Christmas market Based in […]
Bonjour Hope you had a great week. I have to tell you, it’s beginning to feel a bit like Christmas in some parts of France though not where I live. Here there are unspoken rules. 7 days before Christmas for decorations, not before! In Paris though, where I’ve been this week – the lights are […]
Chartres is famous for its Gothic cathedral, a majestic masterpiece which totally surpasses expectations in real life. But there’s more to do and see in this ancient town. The best way to visit the ancient streets of Chartres is on foot. A good place to start is the tourist office which is in a Renaissance […]
The city of Chartres is in the department of Eure-et-Loir, region Centre-Val de Loire, in south west France. It’s famous all over the world for its UNESCO world heritage listed cathedral. No wonder, it is an extraordinary and wondrous gothic masterpiece, a major pilgrimage site to this day. It is the reason why most people […]
The oldest and one of the largest Christmas markets in France, Strasbourg is home to the “Christkindelsmärik” a spectacular Christmas market. With the highest Christmas tree in Europe, several Christmas markets and the most illuminated city in Europe in December – no wonder it’s called “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas”. It began in 1570 in front […]
Reims Christmas market is one of the best in France and attracts a lot of visitors. There’s a reason for that, not only is it truly festive and incredibly pretty, it’s also fun. And, let’s not forget the Champagne connection! What’s on at Reims Christmas Market 2018 Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Reims Christmas […]
Bonjour Hope you had a great week. This morning I was up way before the sun rose. I couldn’t sleep, I have no idea why, I’m off to Paris next week so perhaps it’s excitement! I made a cup of tea and headed out the garden to my little office in the pigsty to do […]
We look at some fabulously festive places to visit in France for Christmas 2018. Alsace Head for Strasbourg‘s Christmas market, known locally as the Christkindelsmarik, the oldest in Europe. From 23 November to 30 December, beautiful lights and decorations in the most festive Christmas market with the tallest decorated Christmas tree in Europe. Take a […]
Hundreds of wonderful festivals take place in France for Christmas – from quirky and authentic events like the Licques Turkey Parade to the huge Festival of Lights in Lyon attended by huge crowds. Going to a Christmas market is one of the great festivities of the season – so, where ever you are in France […]
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most famous characters in French literature. But how did he get the unusual name of Quasimodo? For centuries, French law strictly limited the names that families could give their babies. They had to come from an approved list made up mostly of Catholic saints. The laws […]
We talk to Suzanne Sutton who left the UK for Languedoc Roussillon, southern France. She’s an agent for the award-winning Leggett Immobillier French Estate Agents and says this sunny area is great for expats to live. Where do you live in France? I live in a little village of around 90 residents, called Granès, in […]
Mike Collins from the UK went to France as a young man to study languages. He got a job with a large company and in his job he travelled a lot around France. He loved discovering new places and new tastes and developed a penchant for snails, the very French foodie favourite. On a whim, […]
Sometimes I get France. And sometimes I don’t. Take the law for instance. In my local café in which the locals gather to gossip, a recent topic of debate was about the misfortunes of a baker who owns a boulangerie near Troyes in the Champagne region. He decided to open his boulangerie 7 days a […]
I first visited the Aude department in 2006 and found a rural area rich in history with great food, fabulous markets and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. My hosts brought me to the river at Rennes Les Bains where hot water from deep under the ground pours out through a pipe in the wall. In the […]
We talk to American expat and tour guide Sue Aran who tells how her heart was won by a house in Gascony despite many trials and tribulations… My husband and I first travelled from Seattle, Washington to Gascony in May 2006 with a couple of friends, looking for a house to purchase together. All of […]
With its medieval towns and villages, wild impressive coastline and abundant forests, picturesque Brittany offers its visitors so much more than just homemade cider and galettes dripping in ham and cheese. Whole days can be devoted to meandering the narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares lined with crooked half-timbered houses. But, as night falls be […]
Saint Omer cathedral in northern France has grace and beauty. It doesn’t have the conventional architectural detail of sculpture encrusted entrance doors. But, it does contain priceless art works so typical of the great cathedrals of France. Here those artworks hang in dark, dusty corners without pomp and formality. Saint Omer cathedral has it’s own […]
