Author Profile - Beth Haslam
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…
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 the Occitanie region , 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…
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…
Sunflowers Fields Forever
In her latest article, Beth shares insight 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 exploring 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 in…
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 regarding insuring pets for owners living in France . As a rule, all cats and dogs require to be IDed and vaccinated. While it is possible to purchase pet insurance, this is…
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…
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) time of the year in all corners of France. We often talk about nature…
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 heart of rural France . This month she explores the local wildlife, and more specifically watches the many different birds at this active time of the year, and learning some of…
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 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 glorious…
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 made by the 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…
Christmas Carols French Style
This month Beth shares a strange post Christmas holiday story and unusual tradition to kick start la nouvelle année on a high note. "Christmas carol singing in January? Unusual timing. Then again, all sorts of strange…
Learning French Language, the Linguistic Dilemma
This month Beth shares her experience of learning and improving her spoken French, but despite all the best intentions and tools available, this is usually not as easy as it should be... It's never too late to learn a language…
How to Find a Local Artisan to Renovate your French House
This month Beth shares great advice and top tips about renovating a property in France , in particular how find the right artisans and build a team, for the long term. "Do you enjoy property restoration work? Many people…
Autumn is Mushroom Time
One of our favourite French words is 'champignons' (we also like ' pamplemousse '), and autumn is one of our favourite times of the year. We envy the lucky ones who enjoy those long walks chatting while hunting for the perfect…
A Chateau with Many Secrets
This month, the latest piece from Beth is about one of those very old and special historic places that defy time, like so many others in this amazing area in southwest France . It's not until you are there in person, soaking…
It's Vacances Time in France, but Where do the Locals Go?
This month's article is about holidaying in France, when you already live in France ! Where to go this year? What do the French do especially with a very hot summer? They take a long break, often discovering a new corner…
Magical Carcassonne in Cathar Country
This month's article is all about the famous UNESCO listing walled fortress city of Carcassonne in heart of Cathar Country in Occitanie. You may have heard Rick Stein talking about it on one of his TV series along the canal…
