If you’re looking for the perfect way to relax and unwind, a wood-fired hot tub is just the thing!  Perhaps you have a sunny corner on a patio that’s the ideal spot for a soothing soak, or a site with a spectacular view that you want to make the most of. Maybe you fantasise (and who doesn’t?) about sipping chilled Champagne while lounging in soft, warm bubbles. And if the space you have is big enough, then consider adding an ice bath so you can add the benefits of cold-water immersion to warm water therapy for the full spa experience in your very own back yard. And, why not go the full M ..read more

I imagine, when you hear the words French Riviera, you conjure images of warm sandy beaches and sunworshippers, evening walks through warm surf, beautiful blue skies and glorious sunsets, wine and succulent seafood. Maybe Marseille comes to mind, the largest port in France and a bustling fishing and seafood center. Or Saint-Tropez with hot days under intense blue skies where celebrities, fashionistas and luxury yacht abound. Perhaps Cannes, with its wide pristine beaches, famous promenade la Croisette, exclusive shops and private clubs facing the bay, le Souquet high above the city offering a ..read more

The name Bordeaux conjures up so many different images. Historic port on the river Garonne. Cultural capital of the Aquitaine region. Beautiful buildings and elegant squares. And of course those world-famous AOC wines produced in vineyards all around the city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a happy returner, a guided tour with an expert can give you a real insider view on this UNESCO-listed gem, not just to the well-known sites but also the lesser-known elements that visitors can easily miss. And not just in the city. Book a half- or full-day programme with specialist operator Ophoru ..read more

Learning French can be challenging – for some more than others. Learning online, in a classroom or from a book doesn’t work for everyone – we’re all different and we all learn in different ways. A rediscovered way of learning French in France has had great success with those who want to become confident when speaking French – a ‘natural’ way of learning, the way you learn as a child. Hear, experience, speak and then write. The Experience France (XPF) system is different from most, and though grammar and those pesky conjugations, past, present and future tense combinations are important – they ..read more

  Little sponge madeleines are an absolute classic in France. Perfect for a snack, with tea or coffee and easy to jazz up – dipped in chocolate or salted caramel! No one knows who first invented madeleines but one of the most popular legends is that a baker called Madeleine at the court of King Stanislaw Leszczynsky, exiled King of Poland and Duke of Lorraine – they were living in Nancy at the time – made the cakes for the Duke’s wife. Or maybe they were invented by a cook in the kitchens of Prince Talleyrand. Or perhaps they came to France from Spain where they were given to pilgrims. W ..read more

Close your eyes and think of Paris: the Tour Eiffel standing tall over the whole city, the exuberant façade of La Samaritaine, the iconic metro entrances with their dark green wrought-iron railings and retro lamps. They all date from the Belle Époque, which literally means the beautiful era, a 40-year period of fizzing excitement and innovation which has marked the city ever since. And if you know where to look, you can still discover the Belle Epoque sites of Paris… The Belle Époque When World War One broke out, Parisians knew it was the end of an era. For 40 years, since the end of the Fra ..read more

Welcome to The Good Life France Podcast. In this episode, we’ll be talking about a woman with an enigmatic smile. She has been celebrated in songs, poetry and pop art. She is mysterious and some say she is a siren who casts a spell on those who look at her. She does not move. She does not speak. And yet she is a global icon. Discover the mystery of the Mona Lisa as we explore the creation of the painting, its journey through history, and why it remains one of the most famous paintings in the world. Mona Lisa has had a tumultuous history – she travelled by donkey from Italy to France, has ..read more

The sun comes early to the south of France, ahead of the summer crowds, making this area a favourite destination when you crave blue skies, warm sunshine and a break to blow the winter blues away. Take a look at some of the best places to enjoy spring in the south of France. Where to spend spring in southern France The clink of glasses, the aroma of a fine wine, the faint plink of Champagne bubbles bursting. The smell of fresh baked bread, croissants, real chocolate or French coffee at a terraced café. The sight of cheeses on a stall at the market and the view from a hilltop town in the sun ..read more

Bonjour! Next week we celebrate May Day – one of 4 national holidays this month in France. The shops are full of the scent of lily of the valley plants, as it’s a tradition in France to give them to loved ones on 1st May (you can find out more about why we do this in the podcast link below). My chickens meanwhile, are full of spring fever, clucking coyly at cockerels George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Gregory Peck. I know you think that I am a little cuckoo when it comes to animals, but my friend Annette, who lives a couple of villages away, also keeps chickens and ducks, many more than me, is eve ..read more

If you’re dreaming of moving to France and are looking for experts to answer all your questions, from where to live in France, the perfect locations, how to apply for visas, residency and more – there is help at hand. Fabien Pelissier, a relocation and visa expert at FAB Insurance, has the motto: “Ask me anything.” He runs monthly hour-long free webinars where he shares top tips to help you achieve your dream of moving to France. And he’ll answer all of your questions – there is no wrong question to ask. Whether you’re buying a second home/holiday home, wanting to move permanently and retire ..read more