Springtime in France is finally here. We can expect to see longer and warmer days, and a lot more traffic on the roads. Train journeys can be very relaxing, but to uncover France’s hidden gems, driving is better. Before you get behind the wheel and hit those nationales, here are some quirks about driving in France that you’ll want to keep in mind.

Moving to a foreign country is an ideal time to pursue an artistic interest or creative hobby. Not only can you reshape your daily routine to find the time, but you’ll also meet a new group of international friends that share the same interest. France is well known for embracing the world of art and culture – from museums and galleries to dance ‘spectacles’.

If you are creative and artistically inclined, we’ve listed a few of the community and ‘hobby’ groups available in the Languedoc area.

The first Renesting in France seminar will take place on the 23rd of this month in Montpellier. We are busy finalizing plans to ensure the day will be packed with useful information and provide answers to all your questions about life in France. The event is a unique opportunity for English-speakers to consult with experts on a wide range of topics related to moving-to or living in the Languedoc.

Meet the presenters that will be talking with delegates during the seminar …

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When thinking of France, food is often one of the first things that pops into the head. After all, cuisine is a French word and so are most culinary terms: au gratin, au jus, bain marie, beurre blanc are all in the English dictionary. The likes of the late Paul Bocuse and other grands chefs are venerated by culinary arts students and foodies around the world. As a young college graduate, just arrived in Paris, my experience of French cuisine was limited to what I thought à la mode meant (hint: it has nothing to do with food). As a westerner, it might be easier to adapt to French food habits, because most of the ingredients are familiar. However, if you scratch the surface, there are obvious differences and some unusual habits that take some getting used to.

Here are my 20 tips on how to frenchify your daily food habits!

If you dream of owning a house in France but have limited money to spend, you might be tempted to tackle a renovation project. Think you’re up for the challenge? Before you jump into ‘fixer-upper’ territory, read on for some essential food for thought (and see our recent Cautionary Tales of Property Renovation blog article too!).

The weather has been big news in France this month. Freezing temperatures, flooding in many regions of the country and a heavy snowfall in Paris for the first time in 30 years. We thought we’d take a look at some weather related French phrases and what they really mean …