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Author Patricia Sands – A Favourite France Author

Cover artwork of book Drawing Lessons by author Patricia Sands

Patricia Sands is a favourite France author who brings the magic of France alive on every page of her books, and also in real life on her South of France Memories Tours. I know, that if you don't already love Patricia's novels or haven't yet toured with my lovely dynamo of a friend, you're going to love getting to know her in this meet-the-author post.

Author Patricia Sands - A Favourite France Author

Patricia lives two hours north of Toronto, but her heart's other home is the South of France where she spends part of each year on the Côte d'Azur. Patricia’s work has been described as “Celebrating the rewarding friendships and bonds women share, [with] stories that examine the challenges life often throws in our paths. Location features prominently in all of her novels. Her philosophy is that it's never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a possibilitarian! As the saying goes, just do it!” – Amazon bio

Found in good bookstores, on Amazon and other online book outlets are Patricia's books: The Bridge Club, Love in Provence Series, Drawing Lessons, Les Villa des Violettes Series and The Secrets We Hide. Now let's meet the gorgeous Patricia Sands…

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo is considered to be one of the greatest French writers of all time. He was born Victor-Marie Hugo in Besançon in February 1802 and is most famous for his novel Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Victor Hugo Avenue in Paris is a lasting memorial to the French writer and looks amazing with its symmetrical tree lines when viewed from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. (Photo above)

Victor Hugo was vocal in his political views, publicly and passionately supporting Republicanism and actively critical of Absolutism. Gaining national hero status because of his literary works and outspoken criticism of Louis Napoleon, when he died in 1885, he was given a national funeral, his body then lay in state at the Arc de Triomphe and he was later interred in the Panthéon.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.

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Librairie Jousseaume – Ancient Bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris

Librairie Jousseaume the ancient bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris

Librairie Jousseaume is an ancient bookstore in what is considered one of Paris' loveliest covered passageways, Galerie Vivienne. Galerie Vivienne was inaugurated in 1826 and with its neoclassical decor, mosaic floor and cupola it quickly became Paris' loveliest covered passageway. Located in the central 2nd arrondissement, the gallery is 176 metres long and just 3 metres wide and has been listed as a historical monument since 7 July 1974.

Librairie Jousseaume, Galerie Vivienne, Paris 1905

When the passageway first opened, the bookstore (librairie) was one of the original tenants. The name of the initial store was Librairie Petit-Siroux and you can still see this original name above the store's window. Librairie Jousseaume is in fact made up of two shops which face each other at the point where the covered passage changes direction.

An Insider’s Guide to Provence by Keith Van Sickle

Market place with cafes in Arles, Provence

'An Insider's Guide to Provence' by Keith Van Sickle

The opening quote in Keith Van Sickle's latest book, 'An Insider's Guide to Provence' is the perfect quote describing the beautiful area of Provence ...

"When the Good Lord begins to doubt the world, he remembers that he created Provence" - Frédéric Mistral

Author Keith knows Provence well and his latest, and third book, is a guide sharing everything he's learnt over more than a decade of living part-time in, and exploring Provence, with his trusty co-adventurer and wife, Val. Acknowledging that the region is vast and covering it in one book would be impractical, Keith instead focuses on St Rémy de Provence and the places they know best.

My French Platter Replenished: Book Review

A Journey to a Dream Life in France

Today I have a treat for you with a book extract from author Annemarie Rawson from her new book 'My French Platter Replenished'. This delightful memoir from Annemarie Rawson is the second book in her 'My French Platter' series. Annemarie's first book 'My French Platter' tells the story of how she, and her husband Steve, leave their life in New Zealand to manage a 15th century farmhouse in France. Little do they know that they will end up living in filth, rely on dilapidated equipment and deal with a belligerent boss. During this period they lived near Brens.

Annemarie's second book (cover pictured above) 'My French Platter Replenished' takes the reader on a further journey of their life in France whilst working in Lisle-sur-Tarn at Domaine de Mènerque and later at Combe de Merigot, near Gaillac. We get to meet more friends, experience their woes and joys and also to try out the recipes that Annemarie shares. I love the recipes that are a bonus find at the end of both books. I'm sure you'll love trying them out for yourself.

Escape to the Chateau – ‘A Year at the Chateau’ Book Review

Escape to the Château - 'A Year At The Château' Book Review

Have you dreamt of living in a French château, even for just a little while? Well, if so, I'd say you've probably heard of Dick and Angel Strawbridge and watched their television series Escape to the Château. Maybe you've even watched their spinoff Escape to the Château - DIY show?

Did you know they've written a book, A Year At The Château, about the first year of living in their new family home, Château-de-la-Motte Husson, in Pays de la Loire? I've read the book, learnt a lot about owning a château and enjoyed hearing about their story from two different view points. That's right, both Dick and Angel share the writing and it makes for an enjoyable read.

The Most Beautiful Villages of France Official Guide

Baux-de-Provence in The Most Beautiful Villages of France

Baux-de-Provence a village in The Most Beautiful Villages of France guide

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association

When you think of France do you think of medieval villages perched on top of rocky peaks, cobblestone lanes, pastel shutters, steep narrow streets, small chapels, half timbered houses, pretty flower boxes and walled gardens? Well, you are not alone.

This is the image of France many of us have in our minds and what takes travellers back time and time again. There are just so many beautiful villages to explore and admire in France, it could literally take a lifetime. Thankfully you don't have to travel the breadth and depth of the country to find the most beautiful ones for yourself. This has already been done by the Association of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and gorgeously presented in their guide - The Most Beautiful Villages of France.

My Four Seasons in France – Book Review

'My Four Seasons in France - A Year of the Good Life' is the second book by Janine Marsh, editor of The Good Life France who writes about buying a dilapidated old house in northern France on a whim, almost by accident, and has ever since been making her tiny village in 'middle-of-nowhere-France' her home.

My Four Seasons in France

A Year of the Good Life starts with Janine and husband Mark in France on a wine buying trip with her father, when suddenly looking at homes for sale seemed a good idea, and then, buying the home her father declared as 'not fit to live in' even seemed like a good idea, so they did!

Author Patricia Sands – A Favourite France Author

Author Patricia Sands - A Favourite France Author

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Victor Hugo – One of the Greatest French Writers

Librairie Jousseaume – Ancient Bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris

Librairie Jousseaume the ancient bookstore at Galerie Vivienne, Paris

An Insider’s Guide to Provence by Keith Van Sickle

'An Insider's Guide to Provence' by Keith Van Sickle

My French Platter Replenished: Book Review

A Journey to a Dream Life in France

Escape to the Chateau – ‘A Year at the Chateau’ Book Review

Escape to the Château - 'A Year At The Château' Book Review

The Most Beautiful Villages of France Official Guide

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association

My Four Seasons in France – Book Review

My Four Seasons in France

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