Author Profile - Beth Haslam
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 , and how to find the right artisans and build a team for the long term. "Do you enjoy property restoration work? Many people who buy…
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 fantastic 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-listed walled fortress city of Carcassonne in the heart of the Cathar Country in Occitanie . You may have heard Rick Stein talking about it on one of his TV series along…
Bartering Bric-a-Brac at Brocantes in SW France
This month's article is light and funny, and possibly useful for those not trained in the art of dealing with those passionate 'brocantiers' and 'amateurs antiquaires' or to find a present for a friend who's moving into…
Where Time Stands Still ...
This month the latest piece from Beth is about one of those special places often hidden away, where time stands still, inviting it's visitors to humbly explore and reflect for a moment... "According to legend, it began life…
Poisson d’Avril and Fishy Jokes
Here is the latest piece from Beth in Occitanie , all about April fools and its origins, and food, naturellement... just in time for Easter. "Did you fall for an April Fool’s Day prank this year? It’s that month…
Spring Pests and Pets in France
Here are the latest of Beth's adventures and friendly advice from rural southwest France . In springtime, when nature is blossoming and animals are free to roam again, she explains how pet owners need to be aware of local…
Castles and Cliffhangers
Here are the latest instalments of Beth's adventures "live" from southwest France, this time heading for a historic château explore somewhere in the Tarn-et-Garonne department in the Occitanie region. We regularly…
What is a Réveillon or La Saint-Sylvestre in France?
Here is the latest news from Beth, from her dream country house in rural France after discovering the exhausting expérience of "Les Fêtes de Fin d'Année". I wonder if Beth knows how early some of…
November Is Always Très Busy
Here are 'les dernieres aventures de Beth' in her dream country estate in rural southwest France . This month she discovers how November is traditionally a eventful month, with two bank holidays , 1st and 11th, every year.…
Confusing French Phrases, Words and Expressions
Here are the latest musings from Beth in her dream country house , somewhere in rural southwest France, where plenty of mushrooms have been spotted this season. This month, she discovers some strange, often confusing…
Discovering Marmande’s Tomatoes and Cafés
Here are the latest adventures from Beth and friends, still finding amazing places in the heart of southwest France. This month, and her sister Di, discover the market town of Marmande, as they’ve heard they are some…
A Hidden Treasure in Occitanie
Here’s the latest discoveries and adventures from Beth and friends finding beautiful villages and new amazing places right in the heart of southwest France, this week they discover the popular market town of Saint…
The Best Croissants and Chocolatines in Occitanie
French people tend not to snack much between meals, instead conserving their appetite for 'les repas', but ocassionally it's easy to get tempted by an invitingly fresh pain aux raisins, or a shiny croissant, almost straight…
The Life of an Award-Winning Artisan Boulanger
Fresh bread is an essential ingredient to everyday life, and delivering consistent, delicious baguettes is an art most people undervalue. Here’s the latest instalment and early morning adventures from Beth, discovering…
Spring, Plants and Cadeaux
Are you still missing France and the warm sunshine while waiting to hear about travelling there this summer? The good news is we have a new lovely read from Beth in southwest France , just in time for the weekend,…
Easter Magic in SW France
Missing France, the warm sunshine, early strawberries and blue skies? Here are some Easter and chocolate goodies from the lovely Beth and friends in southwest France . For Christian folks, Easter, which signifies a period…
Springtime Packs a Punch
Missing France , the warm sunshine and spring flowers, it’s not long to go ... Here’s a slice of French printemps, straight from the heart of Occitanie , from the lovely Beth and her many friends and animals.…
Is La Fête de Saint-Valentin a French Celebration?
We’re all familiar with the traditional French welcome... A subtle peck on each cheek, sometimes more, or perhaps an air-brushed equivalent. It’s a complex interaction. It led me to wonder how the French react…
Fine Bubbles and Champignons for a French Reveillon
I hope you managed to enjoy a happy Christmas and New Year. Ours was as quiet as we expected, brightened up no end by virtual visits from family and friends. A Festive Invitation After finishing our Christmas dinde plus…
Joyeux Noel from their Estate
A big thank you to Patrick at my-french-house.com blog for inviting me to share snippets about our lives here in southwest France . For this issue, I guess I’d better introduce myself...my name is Beth Haslam. A few…