Magazine

Meet an award-winning organic goat cheese maker in Burgundy

Visit La Ferme de Claire near Auxerre, where the award-winning organic producer Claire Genet also makes yoghurt, desserts and ice cream

Mangetout for November: chickens, eggs, sauces and winter cocktails

Discover French food facts on chicken and eggs in France, plus the origins of Bullshot and Bloody Mary cocktails and classic French sauces

Silhouetted football supporters cheer with raised arms beneath stadium lights overlooking the pitch.

French football may have finally won me over

Columnist and soccer-phobe Sarah Henshaw finds live Ligue 1 games can be compelling

learning french

The origins and meaning of the French expression boulot peinard

Find out why it is linked to civil servants and long holidays in France

Celeriac: how to choose, store and cook céleri-rave

A guide to buying French celeriac in season, avoiding market vocabulary mistakes and cooking céleri-rave in remoulade, purée or roasts

Santa’s saucisson: French advent calendars become tasty

Discover the wide range of foodie advent calendars for Christmas 2026, plus a stylish cake slice and French panettone

Veterinary care in France: what pet owners can expect

A British vet explains how veterinary clinics in France work, from continuity of care and emergency services to advanced pet health tests

Black vulture reintroduction project hopes to establish Aude colony

An LPO project uses rescued black vultures in an aviary to attract wild birds and encourage a new breeding colony

Hidden art works found at abbey by chance

Colourful Odilon Redon illustrations have been uncovered behind paintings at Fontfroide Abbey near Narbonne

Normandy firm invents solar glass to withstand hailstones

3mm thick solar glass that withstands 5cm hailstones will help protect photovoltaic panels as severe storms increase

Trees in new La Rochelle park aim to put maritime history in the spotlight

A new coastal park will link trees to sailors and maritime figures while boosting biodiversity, with completion due in 2027

English-French crossword (intermediate): November 7, 2026

All answers are in French. Bonne chance!

French caviar producers call for clearer origin labels as Chinese imports grow

Producers in Aquitaine want clearer labelling and traceability as cheaper Chinese imports gain market share in France

Breton village bakery reopens after nine months without local bread

A young couple have reopened the only bakery in Saint-Donan, Côtes-d'Armor

La veille: watch out for this word in French

A versatile word with several meanings

Recipe: Breaded Camembert, red grapes, oak leaf lettuce and walnuts

A simple, super autumnal salad recipe for four, served with a honey-Dijon mustard dressing

Why Dieppe’s beach huts are an icon of France’s seaside heritage

These increasingly treasured seaside structures have become places where families can spend the day eating, playing or sharing an apéritif

French film choice: pioneering 1978 zombie horror The Grapes of Death

Gore film is set among Cévennes vineyards poisoned by pesticides

16th-Century Alsace house saved from demolition and rebuilt near Strasbourg

A 1554 timber-framed house has been dismantled and moved to a heritage park near Strasbourg after a crowdfunding rescue

How gardeners can deal with hot weather misery

Gardener Sarah Beattie recovers from this year’s heatwaves and gets ready for the next ones

Canned,Baby,Carrots,In,Just,Opened,Tin,Can.,Non-perishable,Food

French food metaphors every learner should know

From avoir la pêche to les carottes sont cuites, French is full of food metaphors

All are welcome at Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts

We talk charity fundraising, buffet lunches and recruiting coordinators with President Sue Lambert

Time to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau!

The annual gala in Beaujeu (Rhône) pays tribute to the renowned young wine with spectacular events

Things to do in Normandy, Paris, Rennes and Nîmes this month

Discover November events in France, from Normandy scallop festivals and Paris Photo to jazz in Rennes and Roman art at Nîmes' Musée de la Romanité

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 31, 2026

All answers are in French. Bonne chance!

November reading recommendations: books about France in English

Explore the French Riviera, village life and gardening in the south of France, and women’s fashion during the Revolution

Five ways to say you have a cold in French

Choper la crève and more sneezing sayings

Family members gather around a restaurant table for lunch with food and drinks.

Understanding when tu vs vous can cause offence in France

Plus, a handy diagram to help work out when certain ‘rules’ apply

What are the origins and meaning of the phrase dès potron-minet?

You might hear this French saying first thing in the morning

Riquewihr: a medieval fairytale village

Enjoy the cobbled lanes, Dolder Tower, Riesling vineyards, wine tastings and a famed Christmas market

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: the Golden Beach

In which of France's 13 regions was this photo taken?

An Aube chateau renovation for all seasons

Discover the restoration of Château de Pouy-sur-Vannes, as designer Juan Pablo Molyneux blends historic architecture, art and gardens.

Crane migration that marks the changing seasons in France

Thousands pass over France each spring and autumn

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 24, 2026

All answers are in French. Bonne chance!

Bee yoga: Inside an unusual wellness experience in south-west France

'It’s about creating a connection with bees and learning to communicate with them'

Waiter serving a covered dish to a seated woman at a restaurant with large windows and city views.

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

A French person explains how his family uses tu and vous

Etiquette varies whether speaking to loved ones, colleagues, teachers or strangers

Recipe: Multicoloured autumn brassica purées

A delicious side dish from the latest culinary volume from the esteemed Ferrandi Paris cookery school

World War One exhibition reveals how pets provided comfort in the French trenches

Photographs, diaries and stories illustrate how dogs and cats supported soldiers in the Great War

What does caisse mean and when should you use it?

Learn the meanings in French, from a supermarket till and receipt to a crate, bank fund and pension scheme

France’s 100-year sealed science letters

Letters held at the Académie des Sciences contain inventions, theories and historic discoveries

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 17, 2026

All answers are in French. Bonne chance!

Five ‘notorious green alien’ invasive plants you can find within France

Learn about five invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed, ragweed and pokeweed, and how they threaten native ecosystems

Modern treasure hunts draw enormous crowds

Games have become very popular after the 'Golden Owl' was found in 2024

Rustic cottage in a grassy meadow with birds flying overhead at dusk

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: Cathar reconstruction

In which of France's 13 regions was this photo taken?

DPE ratings: why home energy tests may miss summer heat risks

We take a look at the difference between bouilloires and passoires thermiques, and how calculation methods for assessments can fail roasting citizens. The ratings are not adequate, say some

What does c'est fort de café mean and when should it be used?

A coffee-based phrase for exaggerated situations

‘Haute couture’ cabinetmaker is inspired by refined English styles

Clément Goudet, trained by the Compagnons du Devoir, explains how English design influences bespoke chalets, homes and furniture in France

Test your knowledge: fun French facts

Try our fun quiz featuring a notorious criminal and the Sorbonne

Why you should wait to be seated and served in France

Commit this faux pas in France at your peril

The US authors finding literary success in France

French publisher champions writers tackling difficult themes

Say non to margarine – why buttery croissants are best

Discover why butter croissants are prized in France, how to tell them from margarine versions, and the baker behind the country’s best croissant

Association France-Grande-Bretagne: how Britons in France can meet local people

Founded in 1916, its local groups, events and membership provide great options for Britons in France seeking connections

How does climate change affect French wines?

Heatwaves, drought, hail and wildfire smoke are reshaping wine in 2026, affecting grape quality, harvest dates, yields and flavour

Artisan cheese of the month: Bleu de Gex, plus dried girolles

Discover the mild AOP blue cheese from the Jura, plus how to prepare dried mushrooms for autumn dishes

Hand holding an open compass on a beach with surf in the background.

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: 250 water lilies

In which of France's 13 regions was this photo taken?

Recipe: Pigeon breast and schnitzel with chanterelles

A delicious dish from the latest culinary volume from the esteemed Ferrandi Paris cookery school

French interiors tips for the modern bohemian

Discover bohemian modern interior design ideas, from mixing colours and patterns to styling houseplants, planters and painted furniture at home

Pick-your-own fruit and vegetables near Paris

Visit La Cueillette de Nolongues near Coulommiers for pick-your-own fruit and vegetables from May to October, including pumpkins and apples

Clever shop-name puns and wordplay to spot in France

From a Montauban tearoom to Burgundy sweets, learn why the French love a jeu de mots

What is Toussaint day, when is it and why does France celebrate?

The Toussaint bank holiday falls on a Sunday this year

My frustrating battle to claim a French pension

French pension application leaves British retiree drowning in paperwork

A tasty history of ravioles du Dauphiné plus an easy courgette gratin recipe

Discover these delicious pasta parcels and try a simple recipe using chilled supermarket packs

When and why do we say ne pas être fute-fute?

A handy phrase to use when describing someone who is not very intelligent

Spotting moths in France, in all their superb variety

Learn how to identify moths, from antennae and wing positions to the giant peacock moth, and why these night pollinators matter in nature

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 10, 2026

All answers are in French. Bonne chance!

Pornic in Brittany prepares to set limits on second-home usage

Plans to require new homes in designated areas to be main residences, using powers under the 2024 Le Meur law

How many of these lycée protest placards can you translate?

Pancarte slogans often feature rhymes, puns and play-on-words

'We sold up and moved to France as a family of three generations'

British family moved to France before Brexit, pooling funds to buy and renovate a Vienne estate into year-round gîtes and homes for three generations

UK artist puts mythical beasts into Mougins

Beth Carter displays 30 mythical bronze sculptures, plus drawings, at the Alpes-Maritimes village's Centre d’Art until November 1

Pink October: boating association sets sail with breast cancer patients

Patients and carers will sail on traditional boats from Six-Fours-les-Plages, Var, during France’s Pink October awareness month

How to get better at understanding French one-to-one

It can be intimidating at first but there are ways to make it easier

Fort Boyard to open to public for first time

Atlantic Coast fort will open in 2028 after restoration funded by donations and the French Heritage Lotto

Magazine

Meet an award-winning organic goat cheese maker in Burgundy

Mangetout for November: chickens, eggs, sauces and winter cocktails

French football may have finally won me over

The origins and meaning of the French expression boulot peinard

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French property market: five things to watch for in 2027

New electric heating DPE rules start in January 2027

‘I challenged my incorrect French pension taxes – here’s how I did it’

Why some Americans in France return to the US

France protests: turnout falls as unions call new strike

More stores in France open on Sundays following protest disruption

How to find medical help out-of-hours in France

Celeriac: how to choose, store and cook céleri-rave

Santa’s saucisson: French advent calendars become tasty

Veterinary care in France: what pet owners can expect

Black vulture reintroduction project hopes to establish Aude colony

Hidden art works found at abbey by chance

Normandy firm invents solar glass to withstand hailstones

Trees in new La Rochelle park aim to put maritime history in the spotlight

English-French crossword (intermediate): November 7, 2026

French caviar producers call for clearer origin labels as Chinese imports grow

Breton village bakery reopens after nine months without local bread

France’s boiled bread festival: see the ancient rye tradition in the Alps

Corsica schools introduce anti-mafia lessons for teenagers

Guinguettes: Why open-air dining venues are booming

La veille: watch out for this word in French

Music choice: Niagara's album Encore un dernier baiser

Why French beef can seem tougher than British steak

November gardening tips, from bird feeders to bird protection

Five French films and series to watch this November

Test your knowledge: fun French facts

Recipe: Breaded Camembert, red grapes, oak leaf lettuce and walnuts

Why Dieppe’s beach huts are an icon of France’s seaside heritage

French film choice: pioneering 1978 zombie horror The Grapes of Death

16th-Century Alsace house saved from demolition and rebuilt near Strasbourg

How gardeners can deal with hot weather misery

French food metaphors every learner should know

All are welcome at Open Gardens/Jardins Ouverts

Time to celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau!

Things to do in Normandy, Paris, Rennes and Nîmes this month

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 31, 2026

November reading recommendations: books about France in English

Five ways to say you have a cold in French

Understanding when tu vs vous can cause offence in France

What are the origins and meaning of the phrase dès potron-minet?

Riquewihr: a medieval fairytale village

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: the Golden Beach

An Aube chateau renovation for all seasons

Crane migration that marks the changing seasons in France

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 24, 2026

Bee yoga: Inside an unusual wellness experience in south-west France

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

A French person explains how his family uses tu and vous

Recipe: Multicoloured autumn brassica purées

World War One exhibition reveals how pets provided comfort in the French trenches

What does caisse mean and when should you use it?

France’s 100-year sealed science letters

English-French crossword (intermediate): October 17, 2026

Five ‘notorious green alien’ invasive plants you can find within France

Modern treasure hunts draw enormous crowds

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: Cathar reconstruction

DPE ratings: why home energy tests may miss summer heat risks

What does c'est fort de café mean and when should it be used?

‘Haute couture’ cabinetmaker is inspired by refined English styles

Test your knowledge: fun French facts

Why you should wait to be seated and served in France

The US authors finding literary success in France

Say non to margarine – why buttery croissants are best

Association France-Grande-Bretagne: how Britons in France can meet local people

How does climate change affect French wines?

Artisan cheese of the month: Bleu de Gex, plus dried girolles

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: 250 water lilies

Recipe: Pigeon breast and schnitzel with chanterelles

French interiors tips for the modern bohemian

Pick-your-own fruit and vegetables near Paris

Clever shop-name puns and wordplay to spot in France

What is Toussaint day, when is it and why does France celebrate?