Hérault is in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées, southern France. It takes in the Mediterranean coast, with stunning fishing villages and renowned seaside towns. Capt d’Agde, La Grande-Motte and Palavas-les-Flots are just a few of its well known resorts. The countryside is glorious, covered in vineyards, with the Canal du Midi flowing through the department. And, […]
If you dream of living the good life in France – you’re certainly not alone, it’s a popular dream! Expats in France are numerous and from all around the world. Drawn by the diversity of the landscapes, the food, sunshine, wine – there’s lots to tempt. Those who love snow and mountains head to the […]
Who doesn’t long to live in picture postcard pretty Provence? It’s the dream for so many, surrounded by lavender fields, relaxing in hilltop villages, enjoying the local rosé. We talk to Denis Descampes. Originally from Brittany he fell head over heels for the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and moved there to enjoy the southern French good […]
Tarn-et-Garonne in south west France is one of the smallest departments in France but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to fall in love with. Named for the two mighty rivers which flow through it – the Tarn and the Garonne, it’s an area of outstanding natural beauty, gorges and forests, fields and vineyards pepper […]
Pyrénées-Atlantiques is a department in the southwest corner of France. It takes its name from the Pyrénées mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The region is split between two distinct areas: Pays Basque Country and Béarn. We talk to local property agent Charlie Ellis to get an expert view of property in the region… What areas […]
We talk to British expat Tony Brown who lives in Vernantes, Maine-et-Loire in the Loire Valley where he owns a gite, writes and gardens… Can you tell us a little about you and where you are from? After a working life in the building industry in southern England, I decided that France was less cluttered […]
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 […]
The rural department of Deux-Sèvres, in Poitou-Charentes (part of Nouvelle Aquitaine) has a landscape of charming small villages and towns, waterways and lush green countryside. The name of the department literally means ‘two Sevrès’ as the sources of both the Sèvre Nantaise and Sèvre Niortaise rivers can be found here. The capital of the department, […]
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Sarah Daly hops on an electric bike and works up an appetite for a dining experience with a difference. As a resident of Montreuil-sur-Mer in Pas de Calais, I am a regular visitor to Le Touquet, just 10 miles away on the Opal coast. I love its bustling atmosphere, clean sandy beach, colourful beach huts […]
We talk to chef and author Lisa Baker Morgan who splits her life between Los Angeles and Paris. As a Paris local with a love of food, culture and history, she shares some of her top tips for visitors the the city of light… What draws you to Paris – the things that make you […]
Visitors to the French Riviera between Nice and the Italian border can experience many heavenly hikes. Signposted walks take you alongside the glorious blue Mediterranean sea, past some of the richest real estate in the world and through gorgeous villages. Australian Susan McDonald has enjoyed many walks in the South of France and shares some […]
Some quotes from France are beyond famous. King Louis XIV saying “I am the state” or Napoleon’s “An army travels on its stomach” are known around the world. And, if you love quotes, you’ll enjoy these fun France sayings from around the world… “How can you govern a country that has 246 varieties of cheese?”—Charles […]
Located between the bustling city of Nice and the uber-opulence of Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a little corner of paradise. Pretty as a picture, in this ancient village visitors can experience history, culture and the glorious Mediterranean. Susan Macdonald from Australia says it’s the perfect place for a holiday when you’re travelling solo. Vive Villefranche Fashion […]
The prime summer vacation months in France are July and August, when school is out and the weather is beautiful. Which raises a question: when should a French person go on vacation? The french even have nicknames for those who take a holiday in the summer! Traditionally, most people went in August, when factories closed […]
As a poultry keeper, I’m always amazed by the antics of my birds. I have ducks, chickens and geese – they’re pets, not for the pot, despite the urging of my French neighbours. I love them all but it’s the chickens who for me are the most fascinating. Ducks fight it out to establish a […]
At No. 18, Rue de Paridis, close to the Gare de L’Est is a house of horrors that’s popular with Parisians and visitors alike. Le Manoir de Paris is a theatrical show that’s very unusual. If you want a very different sort of Paris experience from the classic Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre type […]