There’s something about Provence. Those who visit, long to return, charmed by its beauty, wowed by its markets, awed by the sight of fields of lavender, poppies, sunflowers… and much much more. We asked long term expat in Provence, as well as renowned tour guide, Emily Durand of Your Private Provence to share her top […]
The vast and varied region of Pays de la Loire (Atlantic Loire Valley) is a fabulous holiday destination when you have the kids in tow, from its crazy cultural attractions to endless cycling and watersports. It’s home to zoos, interactive museums, giant mechanical creatures to ride, a world-famous race track and France’s second most-visited amusement […]
It’s truly horrible when you’ve planned your perfect trip to France, everything is packed, you’re so ready to go… and then you’re told right at the last minute that your flight has been cancelled. Apart from the big let-down, you may lose your money. However, there are ways you can achieve flight cancellation compensation. Here […]
This fabulous ladies-only tour takes in the most magnificent gardens in France, from Claude Monet’s glorious masterpiece in Giverny to Great Dixter in Kent and many more besides. On this once in a life time tour, you’ll be pampered along your journey with exquisite accommodation and wonderful food and wines. You’ll get access to the […]
Toulouse is a colourful city – a place of rose coloured brick buildings under a deep blue sky. It’s always been colourful. In fact, it’s where the dye which coloured the cloth worn by the Kings of France was created. And, to this day, a few artisans have carried on the legacy of those early […]
We’re thrilled to have teamed up with Lagrange Holidays to offer a week for up to 4 people in one of Lagrange’s fabulous holiday residences in France including Brittany, La Rochelle, Loire Valley, Cote d’Azur, the alps, Biarritz and in all of the most beautiful areas of the country. And, if you’re the lucky winner […]
Picture-perfect lavender fields, quaint and pretty street markets. Exquisite little cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by, chilled wine and magnificent architecture. Provence is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Blessed with a wonderfully sunny disposition, it’s also one of the best places to take a holiday… Unique […]
Bong. Bong. Bong. From a tranquil sleep I’m slowly returning to the present moment. The warm glow of the morning sun fills the room. I recognize the sound of the church bells calling me to another day of leisurely indulgence. Easing myself out of my cozy nest is easy, knowing what awaits. I slip into […]
If you are looking for an independent, authentic and immersive travel experience in France, France Just For You can craft your personalized self-drive itinerary. Emilie and Laura who run the company, will arrange all accommodation, car rental and driving routes so you can focus on enjoying the best of France at your own pace. They […]
The last few years have seen unprecedented numbers of buyers seeking homes in France and particularly homes that can be run as a gite business. It seems that TV shows like Place in the Sun and Escape to the Chateau have fuelled the desires of many Brits to give up the rat race and escape […]
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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 […]
“When I move to France I only want to have French friends”. This was a line in an email I received from a couple of Brits. They wanted advice on where to move to in France and this was one of their criteria. They also wanted to be near a town that has a market, […]