We’re so lucky!

Many readers write about the problems and difficulties of life in France so we are highlighting a pleasant experience.

Published Saturday 01 February 2020 - 10:06 Modified Saturday 01 February 2020 - 10:06

Most weeks we visit our local market and take the opportunity to go for a petit crème.

This week, on leaving, the owner offered us our coffee free as a thank you for being regulars.

Perhaps we are lucky to live in a lovely part of France with very nice French people!

John and Margaret ALLEN, Côtes-d’Armor

Send your letters and comments by email to: news@connexionfrance.com

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

EES starts on Sunday October 12: which French border points will be first?

We look at what is known for airports, Dover and other ports and Eurostar passengers and what the process will involve, including travel questions

French home insurance: average costs are on the rise

Location and weather risks biggest contributor to increase

Learning French: les carottes sont cuites and 10 other food idioms

Salads, carrots, apples, and onions are all used in common phrases. How many do you know?

Map: what are France's groundwater levels at start of autumn 2025 ?

Water-saving measures were in place throughout the summer

France's new foreign income rules are making our lives complicated

Readers outline their struggles in getting French nationality

France's DPE energy rules may leave beautiful older homes worthless

Connexion reader's 500-year old home was rated F

Children of late French movie star Alain Delon feud over ‘moral rights’

Actor Alain-Fabien claims his father lacked mental capacity to make changes to will

Five favourite characters in French literature

Discover the depth and humanity of five iconic male characters in French literature, including Jean Valjean and D’Artagnan

The origins of Art Deco interiors chic

A new book celebrates the 1925 Paris Exposition, a landmark event that shaped twentieth-century design and gave its name to Art Deco

Our French gîte: A fortified house far from the beaten track

Tragic event led to momentous decision for owner Zandra McGillivray

Covid-19 cases rise in France ahead of vaccination campaign launch

‘Frankenstein’ variant causes growing number of hospital admissions, data from France’s public health agency shows

Car hire in France: supermarket rentals, peer-to-peer options, and how to save

Popularity has risen over the past decade with convenient and affordable options

Emmanuel Macron to appoint new French prime minister within 48 hours, announces Elysée

Resigning Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu backs president and says calls to oust Macron or call new elections should be ignored

French La Poste launches a croissant-scented stamp

Limited edition stamp is a celebration of ‘French people’s favourite pastry’

French weekend weather forecast October 11-12: Sunny with highs of 26C in south-west

Dry and calm weather is predicted for most areas

French artisan cheese of the month, plus a regional chocolate speciality

Explore the rich flavours of Le Curé Nantais, a soft cheese from Nantes, and indulge in the sweet Coussin de Lyon

Returning to the UK from France? Start planning early - Partner article

New regime provides clarity and potential gains for returnees

France urges flu vaccination after 17,000 deaths last winter

Last year’s season was particularly severe due to ‘low vaccination coverage’, experts say

Air traffic controller defends colleagues over near-fatal air crash at Nice

He blames airport lighting issues and claims ‘staff are deeply affected’ over the incident

Dordogne runs anti-mosquito operation after chikungunya outbreak

The campaign is ‘preventative’, with affected residents asked to stay indoors and bring in pets and washing

French parliament rejects bid to impeach Emmanuel Macron

Prime minister resigned - but is now trying to seek enough cross-party support to pass a 2026 budget

Strikes in France in October 2025 and how you may be impacted

Relatively little action is planned following major union protests in recent weeks

379 million views and counting for Paris flashmob Bohemian Rhapsody performance

‘We add to the charm of Paris with our performances’, the French creator says

Brittany island’s only ATM shuts, limiting cash access for residents

Thousands of cashpoints have closed in recent years across France

We’re so lucky!

Many readers write about the problems and difficulties of life in France so we are highlighting a pleasant experience.

France's new foreign income rules are making our lives complicated

France's DPE energy rules may leave beautiful older homes worthless

Post-Brexit boat registration in France - reader solutions

EES starts on Sunday October 12: which French border points will be first?

French home insurance: average costs are on the rise

Why French drivers are turning towards long-term car rental

Road accident hotspot in Normandy prompts calls for speed camera action

Am I impacted by EES if catching a connecting flight?

Learning French: les carottes sont cuites and 10 other food idioms

Map: what are France's groundwater levels at start of autumn 2025 ?

France's new foreign income rules are making our lives complicated

France's DPE energy rules may leave beautiful older homes worthless

Children of late French movie star Alain Delon feud over ‘moral rights’

Five favourite characters in French literature

The origins of Art Deco interiors chic

Our French gîte: A fortified house far from the beaten track

Covid-19 cases rise in France ahead of vaccination campaign launch

French homeowners using fuel or wood heating can benefit from purchasing discount

Is biometric information handed over for previous visas used for EES?

How does EES affect me if I need to travel to France urgently?

Car hire in France: supermarket rentals, peer-to-peer options, and how to save

Emmanuel Macron to appoint new French prime minister within 48 hours, announces Elysée

French La Poste launches a croissant-scented stamp

French weekend weather forecast October 11-12: Sunny with highs of 26C in south-west

French artisan cheese of the month, plus a regional chocolate speciality

Meet the wine producers: Ampelidae's accidental bestseller

Should I feel guilty about wanting to move away from France?

Increase in unpaid sick days proposed by French government

Returning to the UK from France? Start planning early - Partner article

France urges flu vaccination after 17,000 deaths last winter

Air traffic controller defends colleagues over near-fatal air crash at Nice

Dordogne runs anti-mosquito operation after chikungunya outbreak

French parliament rejects bid to impeach Emmanuel Macron

Strikes in France in October 2025 and how you may be impacted

379 million views and counting for Paris flashmob Bohemian Rhapsody performance

Brittany island’s only ATM shuts, limiting cash access for residents