French Living
Living in France is about more than scenery; it’s about finding a rhythm. This section covers daily life, from chats at the boulangerie to going to the mairie. We share stories about the joy of settling in beautiful France.
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…
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:…
What is a Lettre Recommandée LRAR in France?
If you own property, buy a home, or are an expat living in France , you’ll find French bureaucracy relies heavily on official paperwork, including the Lettre Recommandée avec Accusé de Réception…
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…
5 Unexpected Ways Buying a Château Changed My Life
Welcome back to "An American in the Pyrénées", real-life stories from France! Ever wondered what happens when you impulsively buy a French château ? Trish shares five unexpected ways her life transformed,…
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…
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…
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…
Finding my Paradise in the French Countryside
Welcome to our brand-new château series, "An American in the Pyrénées," featuring Trish, a former corporate professional from the United States who discovered her corner of paradise in the French countryside.…
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…
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…
Spring Estate Maintenance Routine
When I asked Beth to share her spring maintenance routine on her estate in the heart of the Occitanie region , I hadn't fully grasped the scale of her property! Her domaine spans an impressive 415 acres, featuring a diverse…
Gold Mine Discovered in Farmer’s Field in France
This case would have suited secret property agent 004 to the ground... Imagine stumbling upon a fortune so vast it could change your life forever! That is precisely what happened to Michel Dupont, a 52-year-old…
Guide to the Carte Vitale Health Insurance Card in France
Moving to France is an exciting adventure, but understanding the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to the important Carte Vitale . This little green card is your key to accessing healthcare…
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…
Healthcare in France: I Love our Pharmacies
Beth, our resident expert and storyteller from the picturesque Tarn-et-Garonne , invites us to explore the essential role of pharmacies in everyday French life. With France’s abundance of well-qualified and knowledgeable…
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…
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…
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…
The Carnet de Santé: Our Guide for Expat Families in France
If you’re an expat family moving to France with young children or planning to have kids there later, you may want to learn about the “ carnet de santé ”, a unique French health record booklet. This…
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…
Staying Cool During the Heatwave, called Canicule
Last summer, we published an article with tips and advice on dealing with the hot weather in Southern France. As expats in this region know, heat waves are becoming more frequent due to global warming. To gain real-life…
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…
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…
Sunflowers Fields Forever
In her latest article, Beth shares insights and information about the beautiful sunflower fields in the southwest areas of beautiful France . You might be familiar with the images of sun-drenched, yellow countryside filled…
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…
La Fête des Voisins is Back!
The 25th season of La Fête des Voisins will start on Friday, May 23, 2025, all over beautiful France . This annual event is the perfect remedy for the current gloom and the simplest solution to rebuild social connections:…
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…
Our Comprehensive Guide to Auto Insurance in France
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to car insurance in France . If you're a car owner driving in France, it's essential to protect your vehicle and liability with the right insurance coverage, which is legally required.…
What Is a Livret de Famille Booklet in France?
The Livret de Famille is an essential document for French citizens and their families living in France ; it is more than just a document. The Livret de Famille , translated as "family booklet”, is a formal record of…
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…