THE reasons behind a move to France can be many and varied, but often the chance to take things at a slower pace is a real draw.
Whether it is spending more time with the family, working on a new home-based project or just the chance to watch the sun rise over the hillside, people are sure to have a variety of reasons.
THE Expatica France website is long-established and provides advice on both living and working in the country, with executives employed by multi-nationals a key audience.
Of course much of this information is also useful for those looking to live permanently in France, with helpful advice on the administrative side of things often a click away.
AT this time of year people living in France roughly from the south west corner to the north east will spot a real wonder of nature.
The migratory route of the crane (la grue) from Spain to northern Europe sees the birds cross over France, and the massive flocks high in the sky are a real sight to see.
FOR those who were not able to listen to my chat with Julie Maddocks here is a recording of the interview, which lasts nine minutes. Just click the blue play button:
If you live in Kent, or are able to access the county’s BBC radio website, then you can listen to me chatting tomorrow afternoon (February 21) from 1.45pm about France. Just tell me to shut up if I start rabbiting on!
FRANCE is a hugely popular country to visit but in many areas there can be an oversupply of gîte accommodation.
This coupled with a relatively short summer season can make it difficult for many rental property owners to sustain a viable business, writes Ross Husband of Rent a place in France.
IF you have bought a property in France through an estate agent, how much can you ask of them post-sale?
Having never bought a place myself, this question was running around my mind after receiving a couple of emails.
The Saône et Loire department of Burgundy consists of six district areas the Autunois Morvan, Bresse Bourguignonne, Chalonnais, Charolais Brionnais, Le Creusot Montceau and Mâconnais Clunisois.
Each of these areas has their own particular attractions, so wherever you visit in the department there is something for everyone.
Southern Burgundy was identified as a prime habitable area 400,000 years ago when cave dwelling animals that were prey to our prehistoric ancestors inhabited the area that was to become the Saône et Loire.
The European continent was being roamed by major Celtic tribes 
and some decided to settle in the area; the Eduens in the Morvan and the Ambarres in the Bresse. The ancient city of Bibracte, which sits atop Mont Beuvray, was the birthplace of Vercingétorix who united the Gaul tribes in the battle against Caesar’s legions.
Following his victory over the Gauls at Alésia, Caesar showed lenience toward the Eduens with his construction of Augustodunum, the present day Autun, which was labelled ‘sister city and replica of Rome’ and was destined to become one of the principal capitals of the Gallo-Roman provinces of Gaul.
MOTORSPORT journalist Joe Saward normally spends his time covering Grand Prix races around the world.
But when as a junior reporter he looked to tell the story of three racing drivers from the 20s and 30s who went on to help the Resistance in France, he had little idea of the challenges ahead.
ALTHOUGH Johnny Halliday may have fled to Switzerland to dodge the French tax authorities, it is not an option open to many.
So issues concerning tax are likely to be high up on many people’s agendas when they are thinking about a move to France.
The Nièvre, by the sheer fact that it is the department with the largest proportion of the Morvan, is less populated than the other departments in Burgundy.
Morvan is a Celtic word and it means Black Mountain. But don’t be put off, because it is the sparsely inhabitated plateau of granite and woodland which appear from hills and farmland that give it such an appeal.
The highest point in the Morvan, for you cannot talk about the Nièvre without mentioning the Morvan, is Haut-Folin; standing at 901 metres (2,928 ft.) on the slopes of Mont-Beuvray.