This French Life

  • Spleen et Idéal

    FROM Les fleurs du Mal, by Charles Baudelaire.
    Lorsque, par un décret des puissances suprêmes,
    Le Poète apparaît en ce monde ennuyé,
    Sa mère épouvantée et pleine de blasphèmes
    Crispe ses poings vers Dieu, qui la prend en pitié:

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  • The time and days

    HERE are some quick pointers on asking and understanding the time, as well as the days of the week and months of the year.

    Very handy for working out when the markets are open!

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  • How French banks work

    Frenchlife_square0608_5_30GETTING your finances into shape after moving to France can be a difficult task as the banking system may be different to the one you are used to.

    You may have questions about opening a bank account, setting up insurance for your home or maybe you are looking for somewhere to put your savings.

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  • The life of Victor Hugo

    ONE of France’s most famous authors Victor Hugo was born in the French Comte region on February 26, 1802.

    His major works include the novels The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables, but he also wrote many poems.

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  • Chatting with Michael Wright

    Michael_wright0502_1DAILY Telegraph columnist Michael Wright left behind his career as a theatre critic in London to head to the Limousin, deep in the heart of France.

    In this podcast Michael tells us about the pleasures of life in France, why he left the media world behind and gives us a sneaky peek into the book he has written that is due out next year.

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  • A taste of Trappist cheese

    Nun2209IT was the first mild day of spring after the long cold spell, when we drove round the lane, up to the Trappist community of nuns, Notre Dame de Bonne Espérance (Our Lady of Good Hope), writes Gemma Driver.

    The sun was shining, the sky bright blue, and the impressive buildings of the Abbey shone white.

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  • Reading a wine label

    IF you have ever stood in front of a row of wine bottles and wondered how to read the different labels, then today’s podcast is for you.

    Listen to Jean-Marc’s hints and tips on what to look out for and please feel free to leave any comments at the end of this article.

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  • Language tips for the table

    Champ_glass2009ONE of the best ways to get a taste of real French life is to spend an evening in a small restaurant.

    You can’t beat trying out something new and different alongside a glass or two of wine, but some people may feel a little uncomfortable about visiting a place.

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  • When a wine reaches maturity

    A QUESTION many people wonder is just when a wine is ready to drink, well Jean-Marc offers some advice.

    And remember if you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments section at the end of the article.

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  • The Lay My Hat site

    Layhat2208IF can sometimes be a little daunting setting up a holiday home in France especially if you have only a little experience.

    Questions about ways to promote your home, regulations that have to be met and what style of bedding to use are just some of the things that are likely to be going around your head.

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