France + All Things French
Full of history and famous people, France is the subject of many well known quotes and I’ve chosen 12 inspiring quotes that are diverse, some quirky and all highlighting what France means to the author. Do you have a favourite quote about L‘Hexagone?
“I like Frenchmen very much, because even when they insult you they do it so nicely” – Josephine Baker
“Boy, those French. They have a different word for everything” – Steve Martin
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Mother’s Day in France (Fête des Mères) is celebrated on the last Sunday in May, unless it falls on the same day as Whit Sunday/Pentecost. On those years it is celebrated on the first Sunday in June.
On this day gifts are given to mothers, grandmothers and significant women in the family. Typical gifts include flowers, chocolates, bedtime clothing and handmade items by children. Cards are often handmade and given with presents.
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France is full of beautiful small villages and towns with lots of character and this is why many of us love to travel through France, watch TV shows like the Tour de France where we explore the towns that otherwise we might never see, and look at stunning photo books.
In Brittany there is even an official association of beautiful towns, the Association of Petites Cités de Caractère (Small Towns of Character) which takes the promotion of these towns very seriously. The idea of the Association took hold in 1975, which was actually the Year of Architecture – how fitting!
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Traveling to France with our young children has given them the opportunity to experience a different culture, cuisine and meet people who have shaped the way they see the world.
I share this short story about John Baptist (the neighbour of our French friend Helen) and his enduring love for his departed parents written by Emily (when 13 years old) for a school English assignment on returning from France.
The respect and unswerving determination of John Baptist to remember his parents had a strong impact on us all and I think you’ll agree that Emily has captured this beautifully…
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France is famous for its beautiful towns and villages often with cobbled streets, overflowing flower boxes, medieval buildings and quaint stores.
Touring through beautiful towns and villages is part of the appeal of visiting France but when planning a trip, how do you decide which towns to visit? Often it comes down to recommendations by others or personal research.
When on our house buying trip in 2009 we inspected a house in the village of Pontrieux, and ever since this town has been a favourite of mine. Here’s more on why we love this town and what you might like to see when visiting Pontrieux – Best Things To Do In Pontrieux and Pont-Croix, France
5 Top French Bloggers Tell Why They Love FranceWhy do you love France? Maybe it’s the romantic appeal of beautiful towns and villages, the proud French people and their traditions, mouth-watering food, historical buildings and gardens, priceless art or diverse landscapes? Or maybe its simply the appeal of sunshine, long lunches and a carefree life.
Everyone’s love affair with France starts differently and to showcase that I asked my five favourite French bloggers/writers to share with us what they love most about France and how they share their passion with others. You’ll see they share their love of France through publishing magazines, writing books, leading tour groups, running gîtes and online shops. Each story is different and engaging.
You will be fascinated at how their love affair of France has changed their work and personal lives. So let’s meet them and read what each has to say …
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With Mother’s Day just around the corner here in Australia and celebrated a bit later in France it is time to find that perfect gift and spoil your special mum.
This post has been updated as some products are no longer available.
Whether your mum is a Francophile, has travelled to France or dreams of a trip to the City of Romance, you will love the wonderful collection of French inspired gifts we have put together.
“One family, three children, five bags and the promise of adventure living in the French Alps”
Australian Catherine Berry dreamt of experiencing life like a local in France with her husband and three children which, after much planning, she did for four years and has now written about in her delightful book, ‘But you are in France Madame’.
With suitcases packed this family of five jumped on a flight to Paris that would change the course of their lives forever.
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