In the midst of the magnificent Dordogne countryside, the Chateau de Sadillac rises up like a fairy tale castle but unlike in the story books – this castle isn’t just for Kings and Queens and sleeping beauties, it’s the most beautiful holiday home. With a ton of fabulous things to do without stepping out of […]
All about Euro savings accounts: what’s available for both residents and non-residents in France… Let’s start with the basic euro savings account information. If you have a current euro account with a French bank which you use to make all your euro payments, then you can open a euro savings account. It’s a simple application […]
If you want to discover a south of France destination that’s truly authentic, fairy tale pretty and has oodles of charm, then Aveyron is the place to go. Fairy-tale Aveyron Ever since Peter Mayle put Provence on the tourist map, tourists have led a long procession to enjoy its charms. But, there is another south […]
More than 80 million visitors from across the globe flocked to France in the last one year alone. France has continued to be a global tourist hot spot since 2013, with the local authorities hoping to attract as many as 100 million visitors per year by the end of 2020. So what makes France an […]
The devastating fire that occurred at the 12th century built cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-Paris on 15 April 2019 caused immense damage. With more than 12 million visitors each year, the cathedral is the most visited monument in France and Europe, epitomising the soul of the French capital and symbolising the history and culture of France. Thanks […]
The weather is usually fine all over France in May and that means it’s time to get out and about and enjoy one of the many events that take place. Don’t forget there are several national holidays this month, and that means shops may be closed all day or part day. And if you’re planning […]
Camping in France is a great way to enjoy the best of France without having to spend a fortune. You can stay in the most popular areas in the most stunning locations. And, it costs a fraction of what you’d spend to stay in a hotel, especially in the summer months. There’s an enormous choice […]
Montauroux is a small hilltop village in the department of Var, Provence. From its elevated position, surrounded by forests there are fabulous views over the gorgeous countryside. One of 8 traditional Provencal villages in the Fayence area, it is ideally situated between the mountains and the sea (Cannes beaches are only 25km away) and close […]
When you have a property in the Dordogne, the most popular department for British expats in France, and you want to let it out or have help maintaining it, you’ll need a trustworthy, efficient and caring property management company. Voila Villas are a professional team based in Dordogne. After 20 years in the UK property […]
Ophorus offer tours and excursions in France with a difference. They’re not your average tour company. What makes them totally standout is their ability to offer visitors to France a wide range of tours that are authentic, unique and allow you to experience real France with local guides. They operate in all regions, one of […]
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Sur le Pont d’Avignon L’on y danse, l’on y danse Sur le Pont d’Avignon L’on y danse tous en rond Many of us learned that song as kids, about the famous Pont d’Avignon in Provence (real name: Pont Saint-Bénézet). For those of us lucky enough to visit Avignon and see the bridge in all its […]
I love all my animals, five cats, three dogs, four geese, 13 ducks and 25 chickens. They’re part of the family though the birds don’t live in the house with us. At least not permanently. When they’re a bit poorly, I’ll bring them in for some TLC until they’re well enough to go out. Sometimes […]
I live part of the year in Provence and one day I was reading Le Monde and a headline about a “sexy politician” caught my eye. “Well, those are two words you don’t see together very often,” I thought. So I read the article and found out that there had been a poll asking French […]
It was lunchtime in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris, and I was ravenous looking for a place to eat away from the usual tourist traps. I turned down a quiet street and saw the most unassuming bistro. In fact, I wouldn’t usually have considered going in but I decided to take a chance. As soon […]
Catharism has been described as “the most successful heresy in history”. In Languedoc, “Pays Cathare” signs dot the countryside. One cannot drive far in any direction without coming upon the ruins of a Cathar fortress. Who were the Cathars? “Cathar” is allegedly derived from the Greek word, katharos, meaning “pure”. The Cathars were also known […]
The people of Provence have been raising sheep for centuries. You see flocks of them all over the countryside, grazing under the watchful eye of shepherds. But Provencal summers are scorching hot and sheep have heavy wool coats so they’re moved to cooler pastures. The transhumance in Provence The answer to dealing with the heat, […]
There have been many famous families in history. Take the Curies, for example: Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes and her husband, daughter and grandson each won one. Quite the talented family! And then there are the Wright brothers and the Brontë sisters. And let’s not forget those comic masters, the Marx brothers. But imagine […]
“They are NOT babies, they are chickens” remonstrated my French neighbour Jean-Claude. He had come to inspect the eight point of lay hens and two “babies” with which I had returned from the local street market. “I’m going to call that scrawny baby one Eaglet” I said “Non, non, non” came the emphatic response “You […]