France + All Things French
Ever wondered what living in France is like as an expat or part-time expat?
Well, I got the chance to share my thoughts on this and what’s happening over here in France at the moment during a series of interviews on ABC 1233 Newcastle radio with their delightful host, Paul Bevan.
Janine Marsh’s book ‘My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream’ is a true account of one woman finding her place as “a successful expat in France”.
Janine introduces us to her story in the early pages by setting out the three distinct categories that she feels expats fall into. There are “the Retirees, the Escapees and the Lifestyle Changees”. Of this last group many are just a little bit mad, often leaving a comfortable life at home surrounded by jobs, family and friends to start up new lives often with no jobs, no family and possibly only the hint of a new career. Janine puts herself firmly in this last group and openly admits that she may be a bit mad also.
Do you run out of toilet paper at your home? We do. That is, we do at home in Australia but not at home in France. In fact, in France we have way too much loo paper. Why this anomaly you are wondering?
Well, it all started nine years ago. Yep, that’s right we have had too much loo paper for nine years in France.
Have you heard of the French term ‘petite city of character’ or ‘small town of character’ – Petite Cité de Caractère? Some rural and urban towns with a strong history and heritage in Brittany, France are part of the Petite Cité de Caractère de Bretagne Association (Small Towns of Character Association).
Do you love French small towns that overflow with colourful flower boxes, narrow cobblestone streets and quaint half-timbered homes? Well, you are not alone. France welcomed over 89 million visitors in 2017 and many of these tourists head into the countryside to experience the history, architecture and cuisine of the numerous smaller towns and villages.
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A wonderful guest post by creator, writer and certified Style Coach, Janelle Gould from the popular blog Distant Francophile. Janelle personifies elegance and style and shares her tips with us today…
Hello busy francophiles! My name is Janelle. I believe that women everywhere can bring French style and inspiration into their life, no matter where they happen to live in the world. And I’m very pleased to meet you all.
The francophile bit was a given. Readers of A French Collection are clearly discerning lovers of all things related to France.
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A French Weekend – Bastille Day and the FIFA World CupWhat a very French weekend it has been with Bastille Day (le Fete nationale) celebrations followed by the winning of the FIFA World Cup by Les Bleus (The Blues). I can’t imagine a bigger weekend of French celebrations can you?
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A French collection has been chosen by Feedspot as one of the top 100 French blogs and websites for Francophiles in the world and we are so excited to share this news with you.
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Guest post by my friend Keith Van Sickle, part-time Frenchman and author of One Sip At A Time, a guide to learning to live in Provence…
My wife and I spend several months each year in Provence and it’s allowed us to learn the language and appreciate French culture. We knew before we moved there that food and wine are a big part of French life but we didn’t realise quite how big until our neighbour Fabienne gave us a “taste” of real French life…
It was Fabienne’s birthday and she was kind enough to invite us to her party. She and her husband Pierre had set up tables in their garden, with coloured tablecloths and umbrellas to keep the sun off our heads. I hoped my French would be good enough to get by.
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