BBC2's final of MasterChef 2008 (Thursday 28 Feb 2008) takes the finalists to work in some of France's best restaurants. The other challenges for the 3 finalists have included cooking…
A browse through the local travel bookshop in midwinter is always enjoyable, especially when you find something new. Hence Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat: The Secret of Eating…
You may just have missed the annual Lille Wine Fair but Lille's colourful Christmas Market starts in late November and runs through Christmas Eve. This vibrant northern city also features…
Mark Hix in the Independent (28 Oct 07) claims that UK producers are now producing ducks which can rival the French! Years ago, the best ducks always came from France.…
The Independent (25 Aug 07) has a short guide to Toulouse (32 Haut-Garonne) by Simon Calder. By far the largest city in the Midi-Pyrenees it is a mix of ancient…
The SouthWest of France is predominantly associated with duck and goose, but in the Lot Valley above Cahors the town of Cajarc (46 Lot, Occitanie) prides itself as the centre…
One of the joys in France in early summer is the arrival of the Cherry Harvest and whilst Cherries can be found in many parts of France, there are some…
Understanding and appreciating the styles of cuisine in France can enhance the enjoyment of what you are eating (or cooking) – much like wine, where I find a little additional…
Normandy is rightly famous for its cheeses - indeed think of Normandy and I immediately think of apples, cows and lush green fields, thatched cottages and cream - cider and…
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (19 Corrèze, Nouvelle Aquitaine) claims to be at the heart of "Strawberry Country" and hence celebrates its Fete de la Fraise every Spring - this year it takes place…
Rocamadour in the Lot departement holds a Cheese festival in May and produces its own Appellation Controllee goats cheese - Cabecou de Rocamadour
Montélimar (26 Drome, Rhone-Alpes) may be best known for its nougat, but every July it binges on Lavender with its Colours of Lavender Festival "Montélimar Couleur Lavande" - 12 -…
The Telegraph (3 April 07) has an article enticing you to visit Lille (59 Nord, Hauts de France) Lille ticks all the French boxes - arty culture, handsome looks, stylish…
Coulommiers (77 Seine-et-Marne, Ile de France) celebrates its annual Cheese and Wine Festival 11 - 14 April 2025 see https://foire-fromages-et-vins.com/ Coulommiers Cheese Festival logo Coulommiers cheese comes from the area…
Livarot Livarot is a French cheese of the Normandy region, originating in the commune of Livarot (14 Calvados, Normandie), and protected by an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) since 1975. Livarot is a monastic French cheese easily distinguished by its washed…
French charcuterie is one of those words which does not translate readily into English - delicatessen is probably the closest match for the shop, whilst cold meat selection is the menu translation.
The Beef Festival (Carnaval du Boeuf Villé) at Montluçon (03 Allier, ARA) takes place 29 - 30 March 2025 - another example of the way in which the French celebrate…
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