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All Saint’s Day, November 1st, a public holiday in France, is the eve of All Soul’s Day, a time when our dead are remembered. In the past, a wake was held all night, prayers were said and chestnuts were roasted in the fire then eaten, the belief being that for each one a soul was saved from purgatory...
Grahame Martin, Wine Writer, explains...
"Put simply, Vins de Pays wines are a step up from Vin de Table, and a step down from Vin Délimité de Qualite Supérieure, which, in turn is just..."
Lot resident Tim Atkins shares some of his research and experiences of trying to decide the best and cheapest way to heat his French home. With tax credits of 50% now being offered on wood burning stoves, together with reduced TVA rates of 5.5% instead of the normal 19.6%, they could be an attractive option…
You love bringing your dog to France but as soon at he or she sees the car they start to fret and the journey becomes fraught with problems. What can you do? Vet Arielle Griffiths gives some advice...
What do you need to do to integrate and enjoy your new Gallic life? Maggi de Rozario, a Brit who has lived in France since 2002, and who has become so at home here that she has been invited by her local mayor to join in planning her village's future, gives
some advice
August is when apples and pears start to ripen. Here's how to know if they're ready to eat. Plus what cuttings can be taken now and other seasonal tasks
[IMAGE-MISSING]If you own a property in the Lot or Correze then we may be able to help you. Our aim is to give our customers help and peace of mind with all their property care needs. House cleaning, garden care and landscaping, swimming pool maintenance, holiday changeovers, and key holding are just some of our services...
Perfect for smallholders? We had been thinking about moving to France to farm for some years but like many people...
There was a time when the French property market for overseas buyers mainly meant second homes. Then a few brave...
When it comes to choosing which part of France to buy an investment property there is no great mystery. You...
The same basic principles apply to buy to let in France as they do in other countries such as the...
Are your pumpkin plants covered in tiny black bugs? Find out who the culprit is...
The Entente Cordiale association, based in Dun-le-Palestel is open to all nationalities, its aim to help people of all nationalities integrate into French society by organising activities,projects and social outings.
Interview with Books and Company, Gourdon. Books and Company is an English bookshop in the charming town of Gourdon in...
S’asseoir, to sit down, is not one of the easiest verbs to learn, as it is irregular and reflexive too....
How does it feel to move to France when you're a child? To leave behind all that is familiar for a country you may know little about, and where you don't speak the language?
Plus! What to do - and not do - to help your child adjust
Is the Tarn the hidden treasure of the south-west France? Phil Frogham, from agency Abitasud in Realmont, explores why the department might appeal to house-hunters. Discover the many advantages of owning a property in the Tarn.
Pigs are without doubt one of my favourite animals to keep – time and time again they have proven themselves...
I started keeping cows for their milk, and what I could do with the milk – but now they are...
Although smallholding does not imply any requirement to keep livestock most smallholders do keep some and most smallholders do begin...
Rabbits are prolific breeders, making them a relatively simple animal to keep and breed from. Here's how to get started...
Lot resident and regular Forum contributor Papibryn shares some of the results of his research into alternative energy solutions for homes in south west France. In this article he outlines the options for solar heating.
Why is it that a day spent in the garden is so satisfying? When I came in I was dirty, tired, bloody but unbowed – and now, after a shower and with a glass of the red stuff - Cahors bien sûr – by my side I feel the glow of a job well done.
From Gaul to the modern day, here's how the French language developed. And why is it that there are so many French words in English...
The leaseback system in France is increasingly popular with British buyers. Here businesswoman Lyndsey Gresham describes why she bought a leaseback flat and what the process involves
There's no need to waste your grass cuttings - here's how to use them in your garden. Also, natural control for slugs and snails and advice on the care of bulbs during dry summers
When you think of Normandy, think Crêpes, Galettes and Cider. Here are some top tips for making your crêpes with a Norman twist…
Buying or borrowing a horse or pony can be very rewarding and great fun. No matter what level you’re at or what sport you enjoy, you should find a huge choice in Normandy if you know where to start looking. Too much temptation...
The competition circuit in France can be very different to what you are used to in the UK, but can be just as much fun and is a great way of improving your French. Here are some pointers to get you started...Unlike the UK and US, there are no league tables in France. In fact, giving official information on the reputation...
This forgotten corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon is well worth exploring for its combination of beautiful countryside, picturesque winemaking villages and value for money property.
British-born Liz Turner has lived in France for the past 27 years - since she met her husband on the first stop of a trip around the world! She now lives in Paris, and takes an amusing interest in the two cultures
In French, adjectives (describing words) have to agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. In other words,...
Suivre is an irregular verb that is not too difficult to learn. It means to follow, but also to go...
Not sure what's available in France? Take a look at our guide to the places to find DIY materials, furniture and accessories
One of the many varieties of fish readily available in Brittany is the whiting or merlan...
Our A-Z French vocabulary list is here to help with the many different words and phrases you may come across...
So what are the local specialities of Normandy? And what’s actually in them? We demystify those untranslatable dishes and change your menu nightmare in to menu heaven!
| Teurgoule | |
| A la Normande / Vallée d’Auge | |
| Omelette – à la Mère Poulard | |
| Joue de Bœuf | |
| Andouille de Vire | |
| Agneau de pré-salé | |
| Tripes à la mode de Caen |
The French verb boire is an irregular verb that is a little tricky to learn. It usually means to drink, but...
The French verb envoyer means ‘to send’. It is important to remember that the ‘y’ changes to ‘i’ in all persons...
The historic city of Carcassonne and its surrounding area continues to draw property investors, keen to explore the options in this increasingly popular tourist destination, where the property market is seeing an upsurge thanks to improved transport links and its combination of Mediterranean climate and unspoilt landscape. "Carcassonne Property"
Louise Sayers, from Med & Mountain Properties explains why the charming town of Ceret remains a property hotspot in the Pyrenees Orientales, and gives an indication of the current property trends there.
"Buying Property in Ceret"
Almost two years ago, Julie Thirkettle, her daughter Joanna and baby grand-son, Alfie, moved to France in search of a new life. Since then they have started up a hugely successful B&B, Alfie is confidently bi-lingual and Julie and Joanna have made lots of friends. So why are they now returning to their native Yorkshire? Julie explains...
Ah, La Belle Normandie, a haven for foodies! But before enjoying that welcomed taste of Paradise, some questions may need to be answered.
How on earth can one get one’s head around the vocabulary? What does it all mean? Sinéad Allart of the Wilde Kitchen helps you find out ...Whether you're shopping in France or ordering online from a French store, you'll probably notice that EU and French clothing and shoe sizes are different from those used in the US and UK. The following charts are a handy reference point for comparing clothes sizes. However, it's also important to note that French sizes don't always correspond exactly...
In French, when ‘en‘ is used as a pronoun it means ‘some’ or ‘of it’ and can therefore replace a...
Homeschooling isn’t that widespread in France, but it is an option that you might want to consider. Stephanie Dagg, who has...
Get organised with our check-list of things to do...