DAILY 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.
IT 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.
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.
ONE 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.
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.
IF 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.
IF you have not previously received the UK’s winter fuel allowance, which can be paid to those living in France, then now is the time to get your claim in.
And if you are making a new application, and the forms are received by September 23, you will get the £200 payment in time for Christmas.
I HAVE reviewed a number of books about moving to France which cover buying a home, installing services and a whole range of other important points.
A selection of the most popular books I’ve taken a look at include:
More France Please, We’re British, by Helena Frith Powell.
Au Revoir Angleterre, by Paul Jenner
Guide to Buying Property in France, by Charles Davey
And I have put together a page featuring a range of books that cover many different subjects connected with France.
TODAY Jean-Marc takes us on a tour of the Loire Valley that is well known for its white wine, but it is also home to a special red, the Chinon.
To listen to the show you can either click on the link below and the file should automatically start playing, or right click and save the file directly to your computer.
AT least once a week there is a story in the newspapers of a couple who have sold up and headed to France to ‘live the dream’.
Often they are quite formulaic articles so it is good to see one that offers some useful advice and information, as well as how to steer clear of problems and pit-falls.