Immerse yourself in insider stories & interviews – pick up valuable tips & advice on mastering the French language and living the French dream wherever you live…
Tell your story: A French village memoir writing workshop experience
Tell Your Story: Most of the tales told by the local seniors were not written down. It was storytelling in the true oral tradition of the “conteurs” (storytellers), an activity still happening today in France.
Female Agents Behind Enemy Lines—Diana Rowden: Part 5
Diana Hope Rowden had a privileged background. Born in London in 1915 she spent her early years at Cap Ferrat and the Italian Riviera where her mother rented a villa and yacht. Coincidentally, the yacht was named the Fearless One, it was a name that would later describe Diana perfectly. After boarding school in England, she returned to France with her mother, embarking on a career in journalism at the Sorbonne.
A Fleur by any Other Name
The importance of your name in France: Why its wise to keep all the documents that confirm our identity in see-thru plastic pocket folders in files that we carry with us to any and all official meetings
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?
Female Agents Behind Enemy Lines—Nancy Wake: Part 4
Nancy Wake was the most decorated servicewoman of World War II, and one of the most wanted agents in France. Awarded the France Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, Officer of the French Foreign Legion d’Honneur and awarded the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association Badge in Gold.
How to Kiss a French Person
'les bises' is a French custom that mystifies foreigners. This is where French people kiss each other on the cheek. When do you do it? How do you do it? How many times? AND why?
Female Agents Behind Enemy Lines: Christine Granville — Part 3
Female Agents Behind Enemy Lines: Our focus is on a woman who had a hatred of the Nazis and yet thrived on the adventure of war.
Becoming French: Fingerprints, Tears and Reflections
Becoming French: When I received notification to attend the Nice Prefecture in May 2023, I thought this would be one of the last steps before my Titre de Sejour (“residence permit”) was approved...
