Popular Places
France offers more than the Louvre and lavender fields. Our guide highlights hidden gems, regions, and destinations that travellers revisit. Whether you seek a lively village or a coastal town with a sea breeze, we share insights beyond standard guidebooks.
Paris in Lights: Christmas Windows and Champs-Élysées Magic
When autumn disappears, Paris starts to shine again. The air becomes colder, cafés smell like roasted chestnuts, and the City of Light turns into a real Christmas dream. Every year, two big moments announce…
Why is November 11 a Bank Holiday in France?
Each year on 11 November, France observes a bank holiday to commemorate the end of World War I, a conflict that reshaped the nation and the world. The significance of this date goes back to November 11, 1918, in a railway…
The Famous Cemetery Parisians Love to Visit
If you are visiting France this fall and coming to Paris, autumn is, without a doubt, the best time to visit the Père Lachaise Cemetery, the most-visited necropolis in the world. The light turns golden, the trees…
Mont-Saint-Michel: France’s Iconic Island of Legends
Few places in France capture the imagination like Mont-Saint-Michel, a medieval abbey perched on a rocky island in the French region of Normandy, surrounded by dramatic tides that transform the landscape twice a day.…
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…
Le Tour de Provence – Discover the True Heart of the South
Provence isn’t just the sunniest region of France ; it’s an experience designed to awaken all your senses. With rolling lavender fields, charming markets and a rhythm of life steeped in authenticity, Provence…
Our Guide to Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire in Charente
Situated in the rolling hills of southwestern France, Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire is a small town that effortlessly blends history, culture and the warm hospitality of the Charente region . Whether you’re planning a visit…
Where is Le Midi? Is it in Provence or Occitanie?
In France, " le Midi " is a term that generally refers to the southern regions of the country , where locals have that beautiful “singing accent” and where the game of pétanque originated. To visualise…
10 Reasons to Buy in Hérault, the Heart of Languedoc
Whether you're dreaming of a quiet life under the Mediterranean sun or looking for a smart holiday home investment, the Hérault department in southern France ticks every box. This lively corner of the Occitanie region…
Lights, Camera, Cannes: A Love Letter to France Through Film
As the Cannes Film Festival once again draws the world’s gaze to the Riviera , it feels like the perfect moment to celebrate the unique bond between France and cinema . Whether you’re strolling through a Provençal…
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…
Province vs Provence, What is the Difference?
When discussing French geography and administrative divisions, it's essential to differentiate between " province " and " Provence ." The term " province " refers to historical regions before the French Revolution, whereas…
Our Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Make Aude your Home
The Aude is a beautiful department of the Occitanie region in southwest France, named after the river running through its heart. It is known for its diverse landscapes, great food, tasty wines, and amazing history. Our family…
D-Day 80th Anniversary and the Battle of Normandy
Normandy will always be remembered for the D-Day Landings and the Battle of Normandy, pivotal events that led to the liberation of France and Europe during World War II. In 2024, we celebrated the 80th Anniversary of this…
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.…
French Property Hunting near Heritage UNESCO Sites
France is home to no less than forty-five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it one of the countries with the most sites in the world! From ancient monuments to breathtaking landscapes, France's World Heritage Sites offer…
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,…
A Journey Through the French GR Hiking Trail Network
For more than seventy years, the white and red painted marks that symbolise the long-distance hiking routes in beautiful France , known as "GR", have been a symbol of unity for all long-distance adventure enthusiasts.…
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…
Fête des Lumières: Lyon’s Greatest Celebration Awaits
The Fête des Lumière s (Festival of Lights) is a magnificent spectacle that transforms the city of Lyon into a mesmerising urban landscape of illumination. Held annually, the festival celebrates the city's history…
Discover the Beauty of the French Alps (enjoy the video)
Tucked away in the heart of Europe, surrounded by the beauty of snow-capped mountains and green valleys, lies the stunning Alpine region. This vast and picturesque area, comprising Savoie , Haute-Savoie , Isère…
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…
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…
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…
Reasons to Visit and Buy Property in Avignon
Avignon, once the Capital of the Christian world, still boasts an impressive architectural heritage that is now part of UNESCO World Heritage. Visitors flock from far and wide to discover the Palace of the Popes, the Pont…
Provençal Living in Vaucluse
Why you should consider buying a property in Vaucluse ? Considered the beating heart of Provence, Vaucluse is a French region known for its world-class heritage sites, beauty, food and culture. Capturing some of the most…
Lyon à la Carte
Lyon has a population of 516,000 residents with an average age of just 37 years. It is the second university town in France counting 140,000 students learning in 37 different Universities and Campuses including 20,000 from…
Bordeaux à la Carte
If rental investment in Bordeaux is so interesting, it is largely thanks to its economic dynamism and diversity. Thanks to the excellent demographic development of the capital city of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region , Bordeaux's…
Follow the Steps of Emily in Paris, the City of Love
Following the release of the much-acclaimed Netflix TV series Emily in Paris , we have witnessed an increase in enquiries from Americans asking about the City of Love (and Light), and where to buy a home here. Valentine’s…
Occitanie is the New Provence
If you are looking for a region brimming with culture, easy to reach, and beautiful beyond measure, Occitanie delivers in spades. Situated in the south of France, " Le Midi ", between the Mediterranean Sea and the…
