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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
La Rentrée est Enfin ... Arrivée
It’s the end of summer and time for the August bank holiday weekend (UK), usually wet and often spent preparing to return to work and school. In France, we call it ‘la rentrée’, and French media…
Fact : Paris Is the Most Romantic City for Valentine's
As some of us put ‘dry January’ behind us, here comes the month of February with its usual mix of longer days, lazy Six Nations rugby afternoons, cold evenings, snowdrops popping up in the garden and of course,…
Wheels and Waves: for those Looking for a Faster Pace
There can be no finer sight for motor-sport enthusiasts than those charismatic vintage beauties gathered together each Autumn at the enigmatic 'Circuit des Ramparts' in the Charente . These angels of Angoulême have…
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…
Places and Towns Loved by Writers, Painters and Artists
For centuries, writers and artists have taken creative inspiration from France . It’s hardly surprising. The landscape, the chateaux , the coastline, the cities, the culture, the history, the boulevards, the cathedrals,…
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…
Architecture: Five Reasons the French do it Better
If you’re looking to buy a property in France, chances are its traditional buildings have played a significant part in seducing you. The French are arguably best known for their haute couture , and this high standard…
Join us in Celebrating Bastille Day on 14th July
Bastille Day or ‘La Fête Nationale’ as it’s known in France, honours La République and the storming of the Bastille on the 14th July 1789. The French national holiday celebrations are…
'Crémaillère', a French Tradition to Celebrate a New Home
We recently congratulated our friends on moving into their new home in France . In the UK, we often send a card or a close friend, maybe a gift. In France, when someone moves home, we send a bottle of champagne and wish…
Jingle all the Way to Nöel
As you head towards the Christmas season , there are many traditions that you will uphold without even thinking twice, such as a customary conifer, delicately wrapped presents and copious amounts of mulled wine. Before you…
La Fete du Citron, One of the Zestiest Events on the Riviera
‘Beneath the zest of oranges and lemons lies one of the World’s Greatest Festivals’. France is known for its wealth of delicious wines, delectable champagnes and fragrant cheeses, but did you know…
Discover what Christmas in France is Really Like ...
The way Christmas is celebrated in France is not too dissimilar to the UK festivities and traditions: decorating the house, presents, and good food are all involved. The religious significance of the occasion…
Strasbourg Christmas Market
The spices and cinnamon may not have appeared in force yet, but wherever you are, Christmas is now an inescapable presence. In the UK, the decorations are already in full-swing in many places, while over in France , people…
Chanel Represents Classic Luxury on a Global Scale
A recent survey revealed that Chanel was China's favourite luxury fashion brand. Not only did the French design label beat many rivals in the fashion stakes, but it was also one of the most popular brands overall, coming…
The Cannes Film Festival and Beyond
The Côte d’Azur resort of Cannes has been synonymous with glamour since the 1950s, when Hollywood celebrities such as Cary Grant, Brigitte Bardot, Kirk Douglas and Sophia Loren began to regularly appear…
Wimbledon VS Roland Garros & London VS Paris
WHEN Rafael Nadal sank to his knees on the Philippe Chatrier court in celebration of his epic and record-equalling sixth Roland Garros title recently, all thoughts quickly turned to this year’s Wimbledon Grand Slam…
Playing Golf in France
From the revered Arnaud Massy, the hapless Jean Van de Velde, to the Ladies European Player and Olympian, Céline Boutier, France has, despite the bemusement of many, contributed much to the history of golf, yet surprisingly…
The Tour De France History
The Tour de France is more than a cycling race; it's a huge phenomenon that has captivated audiences for over a century. From its humble beginnings to its current status as the world's most prestigious cycling event, the…