Easter in France
During Easter in France, chocolate eggs are just as popular as chocolate fish and bells, as you may have noticed from the irresistible displays in shop windows.
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A taste of France: Corsican delicacies
These local specialities provide a real insight into the place they are produced. Ingredients like chestnuts and citrus fruits crop up time and time again… as do names like fiadone and frappes
It’s One Big Party in France on June 21st! La Fête De La Musique
An opportunity to communicate and share a very special moment through music. Get out and enjoy the experience! Here’s how to find an event near you…
Culinary specialities of Franche-Comté
This mostly rural, relatively little-explored region abutting Switzerland is best known for its cheese and charcuterie yet boasts a unique of variety of wine dating back to the Romans. Florence Derrick investigates…
IN PICTURES: Menton Lemon Festival 2015
Every year, the lovely seaside resort of Menton on the French Riviera goes citrus crazy as it celebrates the Fête du Citron. This year’s event, which had a Chinese theme, has just come to its extravagant conclusion – here are some highlights from the…
French onion soup recipe from the Cévennes
This is what they eat to warm themselves up in the Cévennes mountains in winter … if it works for them, it could help us through our cold winter too. Here is a delicious French bistro staple.
Languedoc Traditions: Jousting in Sète
One Sètois tradition is guaranteed to jolt the Languedoc from the languor of midsummer days. Water jousting was a popular medieval sport in the South of France, first appearing in Sète in 1666, at the inauguration of the Canal Royale.…
Enjoying a French film festival… in your slippers
Even after living in France for years, I am always looking for effortless ways to learn French. I leave the radio on in the background and watch French films so when I heard about an online film festival I gave it a try.
New edition of FrenchEntrée Magazine OUT NOW!
The latest edition of FrenchEntrée Magazine is on sale now! It looks like this: It’s packed with great holiday inspiration for 2015, including: Our pick of great events to add to your diary, including Menton’s magical lemon festival (pictured) Foodie tours…
Memories of a French Christmas
I’m in Paris. It’s evening and the snow is falling. I’m standing before the huge open window in the parlour of the apartment on the Rue des Grands Augustins. I’m gazing at the white lights twinkling on the Eiffel Tower…
Cannes, a Brand Name as Well as a Glamorous City
I arrived in Cannes (pictured above) a few days before the Film Festival started. Every time I visit there seems to be a new adventure awaiting me and I always manage to discover new dimensions to this luxurious city. I…
The timeless beauty of Aix-en-Provence
The approach to the town never fails to stir. As you descend into the gentle valley in which this ancient regional capital lies, you sense that something special awaits, the sentinel presence of Mont St Victoire, which looms up over…
The ABCs of AOC: France’s most prized produce
Plenty of wines and cheeses have the prestigious AOC label of excellence. But, as Norman Miller discovers, there are many more prized products to savour
Book review: City Sketch Paris, Melissa Wood
City Sketch Paris Melissa Wood, Race Point Publishing, £9.99 Paris has long tapped into the artistic side of its captivated visitors, and this sketchbook-cum-guidebook invites you to get your creative juices flowing by sketching your way around the city’s sites. Doodle…
And Now for the Real Saint Valentine…Drumroll…
With a “lover’s garden”, a “wish tree” and “love post office” this village in the Indre region has found its way to our hearts.
What’s on in Burgundy
Our pick of the best events this region has to offer, onion festivals (fête de l’oignon) and Christmas markets (Marché de Noel) included. Find out what’s on in Autun, Auxonne, Beaune, Bèze, Dijon, Nuits-Saints-Georges…
Gardens of Calvados
In keeping with the changing moods and light of Normandy’s skies, the parks and gardens in Calvados offer remarkable variety: historic or modern, botanical or landscaped, bizarre or wild.
Napoleon III Festival
Every year, Vichy dedicates a long weekend at the end of April to recreating the dress and dancing associated with Napoleon III, who transformed his favourite spa town by introducing more parks and a casino – amongst other things.
Cannes Film Festival Lineup Just Announced
The 66th Cannes Film Festival (15-26 May) has just announced the list of films in competition in the different categories. There is always great expectation to read the list as there are usually a few surprises and experts start speculating…
We Have a Little Announcement to Make …
France Media Group has completed the acquisition of FRANCE TODAY magazine. First published in 1985, France Today has consistently provided a regular diet of insider news and inspiring content about France. Under new ownership by France Media Group, France Today…
Tantalizing pair • figs and foie gras
This delectable treat is ideal to go with aperitifs – they really get the tastebuds going. Delicious with a floral, dry white wine, fizz, dessert wine or fortified wine…
Taste of the terroir: Nord-Pas-de-Calais
Situated between the sea and the farmlands of the Avesnois and the Monts des Flandres, Nord-Pas de Calais offers an unexpected cuisine which will delight the palate of the adventurous in quest of lovely culinary surprises.
Events Listing for Alsace-Lorraine
Join the locals in celebrating the heritage of this region and its regional delicacies at events across Alsace and Lorraine. From January’s Fête de la Montagne to December’s Fête Saint Nicolas, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
What’s on in Corsica
Join the locals in celebrating regional delicacies at foodie fairs, supporting the athletes competing in the island’s sporting events and getting involved with its annual music and religious festivals.
What’s on in Picardy
Cities, towns and villages around the region are attracting visitors throughout the year thanks to their music festivals, flea markets, local fairs and festive offerings.
What’s on in the Midi-Pyrénées
There are all sorts of events being planned throughout the year in the Midi-Pyrénées region. Here’s our pick of the bunch, from springtime carnivals in Albi and Castres to local food festivals and major music concerts.
What’s on in Brittany
Visit the region famous for its traditional dancing and the buttery goodness of its local cuisine and you’ll be spoiled for choice with foodie fairs and festivals keeping old customs alive.
What’s on in Normandy?
Find something to celebrate in Normandy… Explore the region via Rouen, Falaise, Lisieux, Le Havre, Bayeux, Honfleur, Deauville and Trouville-sur-Mer.
Gardens of Boulonnais
Are you a green-fingered fan of French gardens? Head to Pays Boulonnais in the country’s northernmost tip to explore five châteaux and botanical gardens to delight horticultural visitors.
What’s On in Paris
The programme of concerts and shows, sporting and cultural events on offer in Paris ensures visitors come back time and time again. From foodies to film buffs, everyone is catered for.
What’s on in and around Nice
Take your pick of cultural and sporting events held annually on the French Riviera. From Menton’s Lemon Festival in February to Saint-Paul’s Fête des Vendanges in October, there’s plenty to see and do all year round.
Life as a wine and beer producer in France
David Meakin left England for France in 1994. A farming background has helped him make a success of his vineyard, which has produced a number of award winning wines. It might not be the easiest job in the world, but David still finds the opportunity to enjoy himself in rural France.
Classic car business in France
In January 2005, Cara and Greg Samways moved from Lincolnshire to the Limousin in hope of a new life. Here, Cara explains how they came to the decision and have now established a home abroad and a new means of supporting themselves through classic cars…
An Aussie in Limousin
French entrée-Limousin receives around 13,000 unique visitors each month. Predominantly from the UK and France, but we also from all over the English speaking world. So we thought it would be interesting to find out what a young Australian currently travelling through Europe thinks of the Limousin. Sean Whelan is a 19 year old civil engineering student….
The Vineyards of Limousin
Although not immediately recognised as a wine producing region, Limousin has, from ancient times produced its own range of wines. Through periods of adverse weather and prolific diseases the production has fluctuated and at times completely disappeared but today the proud tradition of Limousin wine is alive and well.
Music and Dance Groups
A list of music and dance groups throughout France Association Azoukah Based in Ruffec. This local association organises oriental dancing classes (Ruffec, Sauze V etc), mostly in the evening. They also have a dance company who perform across the region…
Fete de la Musique
In October 1981, Maurice Fleuret became Director of Music and Dance at the ministry of culture. Motivated by his lifelong love of music he was determined to bring more music …
Reading Groups in the Lot and Quercy
We recently caught up with Nicole Killick at Books and Company in Gourdon and she told us about their popular and expanding reading groups and the Christmas social event in the shop which has the added bonus of a 5% discount on any books purchased.
French music icons
Image not found.If you want to know about French music, then make sure you know about these four performers – although only one of them is still alive! Considered France’s biggest icons, they are as totemic today as when they started their careers
Christmas Markets in the Languedoc Roussillon
Christmas in the southern Languedoc Roussillon is full of tradition, magic and fun. This year, big events combined with Christmas Markets have been organised in the major cities of Carcassonne, Narbonne and Perpignan to delight children and adults alike, and smaller markets will be held across the region making it easy to get all your Christmas shopping done!
“Local Christmas Markets”
Les Halles de Narbonne
Wandering round Narbonne’s famous indoor food market, your senses are hit with myriad pleasures: the opulent and heady aromas of freshly ground coffee, the inviting homely waft of croissants straight out of the oven, the buzz of morning banter from the stall holders chatting with the regulars…
“Les Halles de Narbonne”
Journées de l’Olive – Annual Olive Festival in Nimes
Over three days in May Nimes becomes the Mediterranean focal point for olives. In 2004 15,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors made the event the largest olive-centred market in France. This is an event not to be missed by gourmands everywhere!
“Nimes Olive Festival”
Breton Music
The regional music of Brittany is unique and covers all genres from Celtic style with obvious maritime influences…
A French Master ‘Chocolatier’
‘La Chocolaterie’ is a sight to behold, and is the creation of Eric and his wife, Marie. Its incredible window displays draw the customer’s attention into the shop, where they can watch Eric at work, and choose from the vast selection of exquisitely presented chocolates and enticing truffles, which are…
