Latest Articles
Interview: Nicolas Bertoux — Speaking Materially with Sarah Monk
Sculptor Nicolas Bertoux, originally from Paris, now living in Tuscany is being interviewed by Materially Speaking's Sarah Monk #2
Toulouse: Where to find the Best Brunches
Best brunches in Toulouse... Know that you can find a familiar with room for flair & imagination making the brunch chef inside me very happy.
Books, Books, Books: Feeling Overwhelmed
Books: With just 12 months or so until we move to France, I am feeling a little overwhelmed today with how much “stuff” we have accumulated over 36 years together. I have a taste for modern Irish fiction, cookery books, and anything feline-related.
Features
How to experience France beyond the cliché.
Start here with this constantly refreshed selection of featured articles and series; all from our archives of more than 3,000 articles, and all written for Francophiles.
This is where you can immerse yourself in Guides to France, covering an enormous range from champagne, shoes, art, and literature, music, and philosophy, plus a focus on Paris and other amazing locations and so much more…
Dive in by making a selection – Amusez vous
Arts + Culture
Interview: Nicolas Bertoux — Speaking Materially with Sarah Monk
Sculptor Nicolas Bertoux, originally from Paris, now living in Tuscany is being interviewed by Materially Speaking's Sarah Monk #2
Film Review: Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros
If you love food and are interested in a behind-the-scenes look from paddock to fine dining restaurant plate, then this is the film for you.
The Guide to Understanding French Culture: 6 must know quirks
Understanding French Culture: France has a distinctive culture, reflecting its long and proud history— Here are 6 quirks to be aware of.
Escapades
An early Spring Day in the Haut Var, Provence: Tourtour — Part 3/3
Tourtour — one of the prettiest towns I’ve seen. The views are spectacular and it feels like a little hideaway, tucked up in the high hills of the Haut Var, in Provence.
Annecy — Pearl of the French Alps
Annecy: Nestled at the northern tip of Lake Annecy, it is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, crystal-clear waters, and well-preserved medieval architecture.
An early Spring Day in the Haut Var, Provence: Cotignac — Part 2/3
Cotignac, Haut Var: I really liked Cotignac and would almost consider this a nice place to live or spend a few months.
Gastronomie
Toulouse: Where to find the Best Brunches
Best brunches in Toulouse... Know that you can find a familiar with room for flair & imagination making the brunch chef inside me very happy.
Paris’ best baguette: How Sri Lankan baker Tharshan Selvarajah won the top prize
Although he lacked language skills and formal training, Tharshan became determined not only to become a great baker but also to build a reputation for himself and his bread
A (Painless) Beginner’s Guide to Uncorking French Wine: Sparkling Wine Basics — Part 3
How Not to Be Intimidated by French Bubbly: The 3 Most Important Types of French Sparkling Wine. Don't be intimidated anymore! Ordering French sparkling wine can be maddening, and just plain frustrating, but no longer.
Mode + Beauté
The ultimate guide to the best pharmacies in Paris: become an expert!
Read our guide to the best pharmacies in Paris, and how to become an expert French pharmacy shopper
Yves Saint Laurent: 6 extraordinary exhibitions 60 years on
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of his 1st collection, a vast exhibition named 'Yves Saint Laurent aux musée' is being held in 6 Parisian museums
Where do French women buy shoes in Paris? – Insider Guide for shoe addicts – top 13 stores
Discover my top 13 shoe stores in Paris! Stop wondering where French women buy their shoes?
Reportage + Société
Striking: a way of life in France — what should we expect during the Paris Olympics?
In the US, we often hear about strikes in the news. By contrast, in France, strikes can impact day-to-day life.
A French Controversy: Who Will Sing at the Opening of the Paris Olympics
Aya Nakamura has been invited to sing an Édith Piaf song at the Paris Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony. A firestorm immediately erupted! What's your View?
Vide Grenier: Lost and Found
I love a good Vide Grenier. I collect vintage photos. Select a photo and 'Tell me a story' - Now it's your turn!
Vie Française
Books, Books, Books: Feeling Overwhelmed
Books: With just 12 months or so until we move to France, I am feeling a little overwhelmed today with how much “stuff” we have accumulated over 36 years together. I have a taste for modern Irish fiction, cookery books, and anything feline-related.
When is a Walking Stick, not a Walking Stick?
When most people think of a cane or walking stick, they picture someone who is injured or feeble and needs it to walk. Few realise they have a very long history.
Driving Mme Valerie in France
Driving in France: Have you experienced the complex task of asking the French government to let you drive?
