Magazine

I'm a relocation adviser and these are the five mistakes people make when applying for a French visa

Relocation adviser Louis Bouyala, co-founder of EasyStart, provides some useful guidance

My car broke down - and the reality of life in rural France hit me hard

Columnist Samantha David laments a lack of understanding about travel challenges in rural France

Châtelaudren: a fashionable spot with a rich and celebrated history

The picturesque village in northern Brittany was once home to weekly women’s magazine Le Petit Echo de la Mode

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Eating faux-pas: habits to avoid when dining in France

From ignoring fellow guests to taking too much cheese, we take a look at the no-nos when dining in France

See what €50,000, €500,000 and over €1m buys in Yvelines

Versailles is 16km from Paris and has very good but busy roads linking it to the capital

French courtroom experience leaves us wanting more

Fraud victim Nick Inman describes what happens when a case goes to trial

Wife is jealous of my new male French friends

Columnist Cynthia Spillman advises a reader on his spouse's isolation

Why we love France’s long-distance cycle paths

Reader Kate Kirk, 71, moved to France from West Yorkshire in 2008 with her husband Allan

My husband wants ‘French’ cooking

Columnist Cynthia Spillman helps a reader to encourage her spouse to take a more collaborative attitude

French man loses 40kg to run marathon after life-changing decision

Michael Bettocchi was morbidly obese when he signed up for his first run in Metz

Recipe: make French fougasse bread at home

Breton baker Richard Bertinet shares a simple and impressive recipe for making authentic French fougasse bread with a crunchy crust and soft interior

Readers’ feedback on Orange two-step authentication issues

Reader Peter Cracknell recently wrote to The Connexion sharing his frustration with accessing his orange.fr emails while visiting the UK. A wave of readers quickly came to his aid

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Explore three books set in France, including a family saga in Burgundy, a wartime thriller in Paris, and a romantic journey in Hérault. Perfect reads for Francophiles.

Moving to France – what we wish we had known

Readers who have already made the move share their experiences

Amateur astronomers in Antibes discover new comet

The MAPS research programme found comet C/2026 A1 MAPS, gaining international recognition

Reverse culture shock is another challenge of trips away from France

Returning to the UK from living in France can bring some hurdles

Why simple and eco-friendly swimming pools are on trend for 2026

Plus rainwater transfer tips and potager advice

Phrases used by young people in France in 2026

Have you heard any of these idioms?

I moved to France and became an online art teacher with more than 44,000 students

Reader Nicola Blakemore, 72, explains how online courses made web lessons viable

Learning French: the origins and meaning of tuer la poule aux œufs d'or

An Easter-themed phrase to describe someone who is hungry for money

How to describe cheapskates in French

A village meeting feast showcased the radin tendencies of one family

Guns, healthcare, culture: why my children are better off in France

Novelist and former professional skateboarder Scott Bourne, 53, from North Carolina, fell in love with Europe – and Paris in particular

The story behind Les Lacs du Connemara: the surprising French hit

One of the best-known songs in France is rooted in a different country and culture

Films and TV shows to improve your French this spring

From miniseries to stand-up comedy, boost your language skills with our media recommendations

Long-distance runner's inspiring fitness journey in France

Sarah Cameron transformed her life through running in the French countryside, achieving remarkable success in marathons and ultra-marathons while representing Team GB

US-style tipping is destroying France’s famous café culture

Columnist Nabila Ramdani deplores the new aggressive gratuity tendency sweeping the country

How does France’s April Fools’ Day differ from the UK or US?

Explore the origins of the day and its traditions

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Interview: Stéphane Bern, the face of French heritage with royal connections

Discover the historian's influence on French culture and heritage, his thoughts on the British royal family, and his impact on tourism

Five famous April Fools' pranks played on the French public

French media outlets and transport companies have pulled some classic ‘poissons d’Avril’ - here are five of the best

Learning French: eight Easter-themed expressions

Se taper la cloche and other phrases to use if celebrating Easter in France

Local elections underline deep divisions in France

Columnist Simon Heffer looks for the winners and losers of the March vote

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: an Asian copycat castle

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

Fibre installation in Alsace: delays, errors and billing issues

Connexion reader is still struggling to get high speed internet after 18 months

Feel the rhythm if you want to understand the language

Notes from a lecturer on how noticing the natural beats of verbal expression is essential to getting it right

Three fun fromage phrases for France’s national cheese day

Today (Friday, March 27) is la journée nationale du fromage

My experience with a pellet stove in France: breakdowns, costs and hard work

Reader notes the 'significant drawbacks' of the system

Learning French: when and why do we say vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre?

A handy phrase to say that someone wants the best of both worlds

The origins and meaning of rester bouche bée

Plus, more expressions for extreme surprise

Is email from French electricity supplier Enedis a scam?

Connexion reader receives unsolicited email about their online account

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: get to the church on time

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

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Pellet stoves in France: after-sales support is costly and unclear

Connexion reader reports lack of transparency and the protectionist practices within the sector

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Deciphering language used in French news bulletins

Columnist Nick Inman provides an overview of common media terms

Medals for going to work or raising good children in France

Recipients do not need to be French nationals to qualify

Why France attracts so many campervans and motorhomes

Campervan travel is booming in the country as new British registrations soar

Helmets are not the answer to bad habits on French ski slopes

A reader expresses their thoughts on the debate

Test your knowledge: fun French facts

Explore intriguing French trivia, from the toughest dictation in history to the vibrant culture of Limoges and the unique lifestyle on Ile de Ré

Royal seal of approval for group connecting veterans in France

Reader Claire La Roche, 52, explains how she and her husband Mike, 55, founded the Aquitaine Breakfast Club

Keep off the grass, shut the door... medieval origins and modern-day usage of prière

You may hear this formal word in everyday requests

France’s baby push: Why government efforts to boost births backfire

Columnist Nabila Ramdani argues against state involvement in birth rates and fertility

Saint Patrick's Day: French expressions featuring the colour green

How many green French phrases do you know?

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Happy holidays or harsh realities? The truth about living in rural France

Columnist Samantha David examines the contrast between holiday and day-to-day life

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Lovers of French history will enjoy these historical and romantic works

Pompette and more French words for being tipsy

Discover linguistic nuances and cultural insights into France's respect for alcohol

The growing appeal of France’s green cemeteries

Participating cemeteries follow a strict set of eco-friendly rules

French election terms to know ahead of les municipales

It is useful to understand political vocabulary, even if you cannot vote

Should cats really have the 'right to roam' in France?

More readers write in with their views on feline transgressions

Learning French: what does manger sur le pouce mean and when should it be used?

Use this expression to describe eating something quick and easy while on the move

Saint-Emilion: home to Europe’s largest underground place of worship

Explore the monolithic church of Saint-Emilion, carved from limestone and steeped in history and spirituality

Five exotic crops thriving in France's changing climate

French farmers are adapting by cultivating exotic crops like sugar cane, ginger, and pomegranates, reducing reliance on imports

Orne: the ‘Cotswolds of France’ that remains a hidden gem

Often overlooked by tourists and second-homers, this department in north-west France has so much to offer

La politesse: what habits can make you seem rude to French people?

Sometimes it can be all too easy to commit a cultural faux pas

Votes for foreigners: why is topic so controversial in France?

Two academics talk to The Connexion about the issues at stake and what is done in neighbouring countries

Recipe: chocolate meringue Gâteau Concorde

A foolproof cake recipe from an award–winning American food writer

French recipe: trout gravlax with beetroot

A step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious recipe from the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts

Five French phrases with same English meaning - just swap the animal

Do not try to translate these expressions word-for-word

'We produce edible flowers and organic black garlic in Vendée'

More than 3,000 different varieties of plants grow in Le Jardin de Pauline 85

Dry January vs French January: how France’s wine culture is adapting to drinking less

Vigneron columnist Jonathan Hesford gives his advice on enjoying l'art de vivre without overindulging

Discover the French tradition of Easter roast lamb: gigot d’agneau

We salute slow-cooked roast lamb, and learn about its cultural significance and cooking methods

Wartime barracks inspire themed B&B in Normandy

Guests can book the air force structures for a fully immersive 1940s experience

The electorate is to blame for France's political mess

Connexion reader argues that criticism of President Macron is unfair

Envoyer quelqu'un sur les roses and more French flower expressions

Romance or a secret? Learn five French expressions related to flowers

Magazine

I'm a relocation adviser and these are the five mistakes people make when applying for a French visa

My car broke down - and the reality of life in rural France hit me hard

Châtelaudren: a fashionable spot with a rich and celebrated history

Eating faux-pas: habits to avoid when dining in France

Trending

New outbreak of electric ants in the south of France sparks concern

France announces ban on gas boilers in new homes and expanded electric car leasing

American hiker in French Alps hospitalised after snake bite

French fuel price update: little to no decline

EasyJet condemns ‘unacceptable’ EES border queues as hundreds miss flight to UK

French residency card delays and online malfunctions flagged by watchdog

Houses sell for average of €550/m²: discover France's cheapest village

See what €50,000, €500,000 and over €1m buys in Yvelines

French courtroom experience leaves us wanting more

Wife is jealous of my new male French friends

Why we love France’s long-distance cycle paths

My husband wants ‘French’ cooking

French man loses 40kg to run marathon after life-changing decision

Recipe: make French fougasse bread at home

Readers’ feedback on Orange two-step authentication issues

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Moving to France – what we wish we had known

‘We have 100-plus rooms to restore in our French chateau’

European TV is a necessary cultural corrective

Dog waste DNA helps to catch errant pet owners

Amateur astronomers in Antibes discover new comet

Books to help you practise your French skills

France moves to limit screens for children – but are schools going the other way?

Five things they don't tell you about… grandparents in France

EU’s 90/180 days rule: Readers challenge common views on France visits

‘Dare to try’: a creative’s tips for monetising your talents in France

Reverse culture shock is another challenge of trips away from France

Why simple and eco-friendly swimming pools are on trend for 2026

Phrases used by young people in France in 2026

I moved to France and became an online art teacher with more than 44,000 students

Learning French: the origins and meaning of tuer la poule aux œufs d'or

How to describe cheapskates in French

Guns, healthcare, culture: why my children are better off in France

The story behind Les Lacs du Connemara: the surprising French hit

Films and TV shows to improve your French this spring

Long-distance runner's inspiring fitness journey in France

US-style tipping is destroying France’s famous café culture

How does France’s April Fools’ Day differ from the UK or US?

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Interview: Stéphane Bern, the face of French heritage with royal connections

Five famous April Fools' pranks played on the French public

Learning French: eight Easter-themed expressions

Local elections underline deep divisions in France

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: an Asian copycat castle

Fibre installation in Alsace: delays, errors and billing issues

Feel the rhythm if you want to understand the language

Three fun fromage phrases for France’s national cheese day

My experience with a pellet stove in France: breakdowns, costs and hard work

Learning French: when and why do we say vouloir le beurre et l’argent du beurre?

The origins and meaning of rester bouche bée

Is email from French electricity supplier Enedis a scam?

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: get to the church on time

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Pellet stoves in France: after-sales support is costly and unclear

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Deciphering language used in French news bulletins

Medals for going to work or raising good children in France

Why France attracts so many campervans and motorhomes

Helmets are not the answer to bad habits on French ski slopes

Test your knowledge: fun French facts

Royal seal of approval for group connecting veterans in France

Keep off the grass, shut the door... medieval origins and modern-day usage of prière

France’s baby push: Why government efforts to boost births backfire

Saint Patrick's Day: French expressions featuring the colour green

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Happy holidays or harsh realities? The truth about living in rural France

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Pompette and more French words for being tipsy

The growing appeal of France’s green cemeteries

French election terms to know ahead of les municipales

Should cats really have the 'right to roam' in France?

Learning French: what does manger sur le pouce mean and when should it be used?

Saint-Emilion: home to Europe’s largest underground place of worship

Five exotic crops thriving in France's changing climate