The problem (and delight) of South West France is that there are so many areas to explore, and often renting a gite can be so delightful that getting out and…
Carnaval time comes to Paris (Porte de Bagnolet) on 3 February 2008 which comprises "a festive costumed parade through Paris with a stately Limousine cow in a splendid red robe…
Public Holiday in France
The weekend of 21-23 December 2013 there is the "Petit Marché du Gros Souper", (Christmas market) in St Remy-de-Provence (13 Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence) where you can find the traditional ingredients for…
Public Holiday in France
Whilst a trip to France still represents good value, the rising cost of fuel and a stronger Euro against the pound are having an impact on the budget for such…
The town of Licques (62 Pas de Calais) about 16 miles south of Calais holds its annual Turkey Festival (Fête de la Dinde) in the run up to Christmas (15-17…
Our Free Prize Draw this year is for a copy of Vicki Archer's My French Life which is a wonderfully evocative celebration of France, especially Provence and Paris. Superbly illustrated…
The third Thursday in November (19 November 2015)is the release date for the new vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau, nowadays the first date on which it can be sold. In earlier…
Finding wines such as Cotes Roannaises AC (Upper Loire), Collioure AC (Roussillon), Madirans from Chateau de Viella, Jurancons from Domaine Cauhapé and Pic St Loup from Chateau de Lastours was…
The annual France Show takes place 18-20 January 2008 at London's Olympia. The France Show 2008 will be the UK’s largest celebration of French property, culture, food and travel. With…
Most French autoroutes between major towns and cities are toll motorways, which whilst often offering fast and uncrowded dual-carriageways, can nevertheless add significantly to the cost of a trip through…
Close to the Belgian border on the way to Luxembourg the town of Charleville-Mézières (08 Ardennes, Champagne-Ardenne) holds a Drum Festival (Tambours de Fête )where the town beats to the…
Between St Emilion (33 Gironde, Nouvelle Aquitaine) and Bergerac (24 Dordogne, Nouvelle Aquitaine) there is a special garden centred on an old 18th century farmhouse – combining both English and…
Agen (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Nouvelle Aquitaine) is home to the famous Agen Prune - the gently baked moist plums which are a key feature of SW France cuisine. The delicacy (although…
The Ministry of Culture sponsors an annual open day on the third weekend of September when over 15,000 monuments and buildings throughout France which are normally closed to the public…
Fougerolles (70 Saone, ARA) on the edge of the Vosges mountains southwest of Alsace holds its annual Foire aux Beignets de Cerises (Cherry Doughnuts)and Kirsch (Cherry eau-de-vie) tastings - annually…
Roscoff (29 Finistere, Brittany) celebrates its famous pink onions with a 2 day festival (Fete de l’Oignon Rose de Roscoff). The local onion was the basis for a major trade…
In addition to strong regional influences which derive in large part from tradition and local availability of fresh produce, there are three main cooking styles you may encounter en France:-…