Culture & Tradition
France’s identity lies in its culture and traditions. This section covers events and unique customs that define the country. From pétanque to ancient rituals, we reveal stories that make France captivating beyond clichés and guidebook descriptions.
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 the season:…
Paris Celebrates 100 Years of Art Deco
If you are in Paris or the region this winter, or planning to come in the next few months, there’s a new exhibition you should not miss. The Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD), situated inside one of the long…
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…
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…
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…
Over 100 Interesting and Unusual French Facts
France is filled with charm and intrigue, from the busy streets of Paris to the scenic Bordeaux vineyards and the bee-filled lavender fields in Provence . In this article, we invite you to explore over 100 fascinating…
Why Rugby and France Are a Perfect Match
Ah, le rugby, where grit meets grace, and passion fills the air! In France, rugby is more than a sport; it’s a way of life, deeply embedded in the culture of its cities, especially in the south and southwest of the…
A to Z: 25 French Words You May Have Never Heard Of
When people think of France , and the French language, words like " bonjour ," " amour ," and " croissant " often come to mind: simple, charming and familiar terms. However, beyond these commonly known words lies a wealth…
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…
Celebrating Saint Nicholas: A Traditional Christmas Treat
In the northeastern regions of France , particularly in Alsace, Lorraine and parts of Franche-Comté, the celebration of Saint Nicholas is deeply cherished by locals. This festive occasion occurs on December…
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,…
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…
How to Play Pétanque: Our Comprehensive Guide
If you love France as we do , chances are you have been introduced to pétanque or witnessed locals playing boules under trees in the square of a beau village or an improvised boulodrome on a summer barbecue…
A Titanic Tour de Force: Reflecting on the Olympics
As the curtain falls on the Paris Olympics, the world is left with indelible memories of a spectacular event that seamlessly blended France's cultural heritage with incredible athletic performances. The opening ceremony…
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…
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…
The Oldest Chateaux in France
France's magnificent castles are a testament to its rich historical past. Among the 40,000 or so châteaux scattered throughout the country, two stand out as the oldest: Château de Langeais and Château de…
The Charming and Lucky French Tradition of Muguet
May 1st is a special bank holiday day in France; it's Labour Day " La Fête du Travail " and the traditional " La Fête du Muguet " or the Lily of the Valley Day. This charming French tradition dates back to the…
Olympics and Paralympic Games Return to Paris
Paris, also known as the City of Lights, marked a historic moment as the Games returned to their birthplace. The city played a pivotal role in reigniting the Olympic flame in 1900, thanks to the visionary leadership of Pierre…
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,…
France's Diverse Landscape of Sporting Excellence
As we gear up for a busy summer sports season, we serve you something different, potentially controversial! This blog post is a comprehensive guide to French sports and can be a valuable resource for sports enthusiasts in…
The Alpine Enigma of the Dahu
With the holiday season approaching, parents and families are on the lookout for new stories to entertain their kids and guests during their travels, stays, or long winter evenings. Once upon a time, there lived a legendary…
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…
The Empire Style: How Napoleon Influenced Architecture and Paris
With the release of the new film about Napoleon Bonaparte, it's an ideal moment to explore his influence on French architecture and the transformation of Paris. I grew up in France , where every child and student learns…
How Purchasing a French Chateau is Investing in a Legacy
France boasts more than 40,000 châteaux and fortresses built between the 9th and 21st centuries. These exceptional residences have stood the test of time as historical landmarks, having witnessed many historic events…
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…
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…
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…
Zoom on the Rugby World Cup
France is fortunate to have hosted several of the world’s most prestigious global events . As the Tour de France ended in style and the country geared up for the Olympic Games 2024 , while supporting Les Bleues at…
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…
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,…
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)…
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…
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…