Food & Wine
France excels in food and wine. Our section celebrates French flavours, traditions, and terroir, from vineyards to Parisian cafés. Explore regional specialities and the stories behind France's cheeses, wines and dishes, highlighting its gastronomic fame.
Why Raclette Is France’s Winter Comfort Food?
When winter’s crisp air sweeps across beautiful France , there is a tradition that brings warmth to both homes and hearts: “la raclette”. More than a meal, raclette is an Alpine ritual, an indulgent homage…
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…
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…
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:…
A Taste of Rural France: Trish’s Delicious Discovery
Welcome back to our series, " An American in the Pyrénées "! We're excited to have you back with us. This time, Trish invites you to explore one of her favourite aspects of living in beautiful France : the…
The Ultimate French Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide
Bonjour, cheese and wine enthusiasts, and lovers of wonderful France ! Today, we're taking you on a different culinary journey, exploring the harmony of fromages and vins from the same regions and departments . Emily…
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…
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…
Tartiflette Recipe: Food for Keeping Warm in Winter
If you are an expat living in beautiful France , you may have tasted or heard of Tartiflette and other traditional seasonal dishes such as Pot-au-Feu, Bouillabaisse, Cassoulet or Boeuf Bourguignon . And you’ll also…
France, the Country of a Thousand Cheeses
Few countries can compete with France 's sheer diversity and depth of tradition when it comes to cheese, or should we say, “ fromage ”. Often referred to as "the country of a thousand cheeses," France boasts…
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…
Expresso vs Espresso: The French Love for Coffee
Coffee culture in France is a tradition woven into the fabric of most people's social lives and daily routines. From the paved streets of Paris to the quaint villages and offices around the various French regions , the aroma…
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,…
Our Guide to French Terroir: Where Flavour meets Land
Terroir is a crucial concept in French culture, especially in the wine and food industries . The idea of terroir is intricate and multifaceted, varying from region to region . This article aims to cover and hopefully demystify…
2022 It's Champagne Time
It’s been another challenging one but again, this year seems to have flown by quickly, probably due to the fact we’ve been so incredibly busy on all fronts, all year. The very last vine leaf has fallen, pruning’s…
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…
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…
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…
Excellent Food, Fine Wines and City Living in Rhône
For anyone wanting to move and live in France for the food, wine and lifestyle (and who wouldn’t?), the department of Rhône ticks all the boxes. With the vibrant city of Lyon at its heart, a generous sprinkling…
A Foodies Guide to France
French cuisine is renowned worldwide for its enticing, classic dishes and sophisticated Michelin-starred fine dining. Many regions boast an abundance of locally grown, fresh, seasonal produce, including distinctive cheeses…
Our Tips to Avoid Getting in a Knot over French Etiquette
Every country has their own code of what constitutes good manners; what is accepted in one country, even in one region , may not be so in another. Well, it's the same in France. The Basics of French Etiquette…
Add Treats to your Christmas with a 'French Réveillon'
You might be dreaming of living in France during the approaching festive period. Although venturing across the channel for Christmas and end-of-year celebrations this year may not be possible, you could bring Noel…
Yaaay, Beaujolais Nouveau Day Gets Under Way. Santé!
If you ask anyone from outside France to name the first word they associate with the country, some would probably say 'love'. Some might tell you it’s the beautiful landscapes of the various French regions that spring…
Our Guide to Fine French Wine
When you mention France , people automatically start thinking about food, wine, usually red, and Champagne. This is a country with the highest per capita wine consumption rates of any other and landscapes characterised by…
Beaujolais Nouveau Wine: What's the Fuss all About?
Every year, people all over the world look forward to the experience and wait impatiently for the new cuvée to land on the shelves as soon as possible after the third Thursday of November. Beaujolais Nouveau wine…
100th Edition of Michelin Guide Rouge France
The 100th edition of Michelin's Guide Rouge France was recently released and, as usual, there were cheers and tears. New Stars in Paris The Hotel Bristol in Paris and its chef, Eric Fréchon, earned three stars, the…