Provence is famous for inspiring painters with its gorgeous light and stunning landscapes from dazzling oceans and luxury marinas to picturesque hilltop villages. If you have the right connections, you can escape the crowds to find secluded hideaways, gain access to exclusive vineyards, and even find quiet delights within the main cities. A new company called idreamProvence will get you all those connections and help you to discover the hidden treasures of this incredible region. Bordering both Italy and the Mediterranean, Provence boasts fabulous weather and enough cultural and heritage site ..read more

Welcome to this petite podcast episode, a bite-sized look at France! In this episode we’ll be talking about absinthe – a very French drink. The history of absinthe is a tale of madness, creative genius, smuggling, fairies, and bad behaviour in la Belle-Époque, a time of peace and economic prosperity in France when the arts flourished, from early 1870 until 1914 and the start of the first world war. We’ll explore how absinthe was invented by a doctor fleeing the French Revolution, became a best-seller, then was banned for 80 years until its re-entry into society! Brit Janine Marsh author of&nb ..read more

France is rightly famous for its gastronomy. In this A to Z of French food, we’ll look at some of the most historic, classic and famous dishes of France from amuse bouche to zut alors! France is the nation that invented the restaurant, haute cuisine and Cordon Bleu, the pique-nique, baguettes and crème brulée. The French certainly live to eat, not eat to live. The great American cook Julia Child once said, ‘In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport’. She was not exaggerating. If the French are not talking about food – what they will have for lunch or dinner, prepare for gu ..read more

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