Author Profile - Beth Haslam
Santons: Provence’s Tiny Treasures
For our December blog, our resident contributor in southwest France , Beth, takes us to the heart of a much‑loved festive tradition with her new article about “Les Santons de Provence.” If you’ve strolled…
Truffles: France’s Underground Prima Donnas
Few foods generate more drama than truffles, those coveted, earthy gems from the terroir that fascinate passionate chefs and empty wallets. But Beth, our Southwest resident based in Occitanie , brings a refreshing…
My Château Fantasy: A €1.8M Tarn Escape
It started as a playful "what if?", the kind of daydream that sneaks in when you stumble upon a property too beautiful to ignore . Don’t get me wrong, we’re very happy in our sanctuary and aren't planning to…
The Joy of Supermarket Shopping in France
If you’ve ever thought of grocery shopping as a chore, endless aisles and the same snacks, then you haven’t experienced a French hypermarché. Food shopping when you’re living in France isn’t…
The Most Beautiful Villages in Southwest France
In this month’s blog, our resident friend in SW France, Beth, highlights some of the most stunning towns and villages in her beautiful region . From medieval hamlets on sunny hillsides to flower-draped squares filled…
Summer Barbecues in France
When I asked Beth about summer barbecue parties in her corner of Occitanie , I wasn't expecting tales of roasted boars on a spit! Everyone's idea of a barbecue is unique, but the essential ingredients always remain the same:…
La Fête de la Musique Means Summer is Here
For this month's article, Beth spills the beans on the popular 'Fête de la Musique', a day dedicated to celebrating music throughout the country, and now, the world. But don't worry, it's not another sneaky French…
Ponts, Viaducts, French Bank Holidays and Cheese
This month, our resident writer, Beth, tells us about May in France, affectionately called "le mois du gruyère" by some, a delightful French expression that captures the essence of the month. Literally, it translates…
Spring Estate Maintenance Routine
When I asked Beth to share her spring maintenance routine on her estate in the heart of the Occitanie region , I hadn't fully grasped the scale of her property! Her domaine spans an impressive 415 acres, featuring a diverse…
Takeaway Heaven in France
The days are slowly getting longer, the sun is warmer, and spring is on the way. Until the weather warms up and permits lighter dishes and al-fresco summer barbecues , there’s nothing like enjoying an evening takeaway…
Healthcare in France: I Love our Pharmacies
Beth, our resident expert and storyteller from the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne , invites us to explore the essential role of pharmacies in everyday French life. With France’s abundance of well-qualified and knowledgeable…
Discover La Galette des Rois: A Royal Treat for January
The Galette des Rois is eaten in France to celebrate Epiphany in early January; it's another tradition to celebrate around Christmas time. However, it is common for the festivities to extend throughout the month. When we…
Christmas Quirks in France
Beth, our resident expert and storyteller from the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne, takes us on a festive journey through some of the delightful Christmas traditions in the heart of southwest France . From unexpected culinary…
The Season of Remembrance and Cheer
We’re a bit late posting this article, intended to be published last week, in November, désolé, it’s been a busy autumn here at my-french-house, particularly with American buyers . In this blog,…
Discovering the Canal Du Midi
This month, Beth invites us on a leisurely stroll along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the heart of southwest France. Join her and her four-legged friends as she explores the enchanting waterways…
Fête Fever in Rural Occitanie
In her latest article, Beth shares a fun-filled real-life experience at a local end-of-summer and post-harvest party in her peaceful corner of the Occitanie region . These traditional village parties are attended by many…
Staying Cool During the Heatwave, called Canicule
Last summer, we published an article with tips and advice on dealing with the hot weather in Southern France. As expats in this region know, heat waves are becoming more frequent due to global warming. To gain real-life…
Sunflowers Fields Forever
In her latest article, Beth shares insights and information about the beautiful sunflower fields in the southwest areas of beautiful France . You might be familiar with the images of sun-drenched, yellow countryside filled…
Coastal Treasures of the Gouf
Welcome back to our guest blog series! In this article, we're excited to follow Beth, Jack, and their furry friends as they embark on an early pre-summer adventure to explore Gouf de Capbreton on the southwest coast of France…
Going Medieval in a Beau Village of Tarn and Garonne
Here is the monthly story from Beth and friends enjoying living and exploring the many beaux villages de la Belle France in the heart of Occitanie. This week, we follow her adventures in the medieval village of Lauzerte…
Enjoying Spring and Outdoor Living in Southwest France
Here is the latest read from Beth, Jack and friends enjoying living and spring in the heart of Occitanie , southwest France. "April Fool’s Day, celebrated on the first day of the month, is brilliant for practical jokers.…
Spring Flowers, Fruit and Fantasy on the Riviera
Beth's article for this month highlights the most popular events and festivals on the French Riviera during the early part of the year. This region is quite different from her estate and animal sanctuary in Occitanie . Interestingly,…
Is French Pet Insurance a Must-Have for Animal Owners?
There seems to be a lack of information about insuring pets for owners living in France . As a rule, all cats and dogs require ID and vaccination. While it is possible to purchase pet insurance, it is less common in…
Ski Holidays and Family Winter Fun in the French Pyrénées
Thank you, Beth, for your New Year wishes and your latest contribution, this time all about ski fun and winter activities in the Pyrénées in this glorious corner of beautiful France . "I hope you’ve…
Exploring Celtic Roots in Brittany and Across France
This month, Beth explores Celtic Heritage and roots in Brittany in France, Britain and across Europe. Beth knows a thing or two about the subject; her most recent book is aptly called, Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates. When we…
Harvest Season Delights: Indulge in Flavours of Occitanie
Here is the latest write-up from Beth in Occitanie , who shares a few heart-warming autumnal dishes and traditions, with a couple of secret tips from her yoga friends, Martine and Arlette. At this time of the year,…
Do Children Celebrate Halloween in France?
This month, Beth shares her scary Halloween stories, but do children really celebrate Halloween in France? Or is it just a great opportunity reserved for Americans , the young at heart, and naughty adults to have a…
Unwind and Indulge by the Ocean in Stunning Capbreton
This month, Beth and her furry friends go on a late holiday and relax by the waves of the ocean in stunning Capbreton, the Jewel of the Landes, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region in southwest France. “ Les grandes vacances…
Harvest, Moissons and Vendanges in Occitanie
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in Occitanie , who will soon be preparing her secateurs for what is one of the most exciting (and tiresome) times of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about…
Following the Camino de Santiago and Compostelle
Here is the latest article from Beth in heart of rural France, suggesting new ideas and iconic walks if you’re travelling in this historically rich area of southwest France . “Some of my favourite dog walks are…
Bird Watching and their Names
Here is the latest contribution from Beth in the heart of rural France . This month, she explores the local wildlife, specifically watching the many different birds at this active time of year and learning some of their…
May the Revolution Be with You
Here is the latest contribution from Beth, a mix of living in France experience and history, all into one. This May, she explores the 'infamous' strikes, the Revolutions and how 'les Français' love the seasonal demonstrations,…
April Antics in the Southwest
Here is the latest piece from Beth in the heart of rural France , dealing with a typical April so far, with a wet and cooler spring this year, and a few ideas of events if you’re travelling or already live in this…
The Love of Irish Tradition, Pubs, Folk Music and Ireland
This new blog post is all about Saint Patrick’s Day in France, and why the French love a pint a Guinness in a traditional pub with good music and company. Being a Patrick myself, I asked our reliable (and neutral)…
Bureaucracy and Prefectures, Merci France Services
We've recently posted about overdue improvements to French government services and online systems, which prompted us to think about those who are not online or live in rural areas of France . Most people will know what a…
Christmas Carols French Style
This month, Beth shares a strange post-Christmas holiday story and an unusual tradition to kick-start la nouvelle année on a high note. "Christmas carol singing in January? Unusual timing. Then again, all sorts of…