French Life

Embrace France's joie de vivre with real-life tales and bright ideas ranging from the quirky to the inspirational.

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American playground is tourist hotspot

Known world-wide for its 7km Promenade des Anglais, Nice also has strong links with the US – dating from the 1780s when future president Thomas Jefferson paid many visits while ambassador here and advised Americans to “spend a few days here”.

Published: 21 June 2017

Author: Lama Hodeib

Tiny library is a big success

This crowded room is perfect for Jean-Jacques Megel-Nuber who had been searching for a new adventure after a life working in the theatre and events – so he set up a tiny mobile library and bookshop and takes it round festivals.

Published: 21 June 2017

Author: Connexion journalist

Trending Now: Retro Holidays

The wi-fi and phone reception is not always great - but Jane Hanks discovers that's what some people want these days

Published: 21 June 2017

Author: Jane Hanks

The simple road sign that means so much to 5,000 communes in France

Why having a Villes et Villages Fleuris de France label is so important to so many towns and villages

Published: 24 May 2017

Author: Jane Hanks

Meet the world's fastest woman in a wingsuit

Introducing Ellen Brennan, a New York Yankee in the French court of extreme sports

Published: 24 May 2017

Author: Samantha David

1,000 drummers wanted to rock the Pyrenees

Drummers, plus singers and guitarists, of all abilities are invited to join in the epic playalong

Published: 5 May 2017

Moving to France: the Smith family tells their story

Alan (58) and Anna Smith (44) decided to leave their home in Oundle, near Peterborough, and move to France in December 2016. Along with their two daughters Jessica (13) and Lucy (10), they were determined to fulfil their dream of owning some land and enjoying a more relaxed way of life.

Published: 19 April 2017