Magazine

Tipping in France: Are card machine tip requests going too far?

Payment terminals increasingly ask if customers want to pay an extra amount

Hungry, peckish, stuffed: 11 French phrases to do with food and eating

These phrases help to talk about one of the most important subjects in France - food

Eat like a local: welsh from Nord and Pas-de-Calais

Explore the unique French twist on Welsh rarebit, a beloved dish with delicious local variations

magazine

See inside rare Le Corbusier villa for sale in the Var

Villa l’Artaude blends modernist architecture with Mediterranean charm

Le Rozier: a village with dramatic scenery along the Gorges du Tarn

Explore the pretty village in the Lozère department, popular with lovers of hiking and outdoor activities

The chaos on France's ski slopes is so sad, says retired instructor

Reader says she refused to teach children not wearing safety gear

Can you guess the meaning of grincheux?

Read about a real-life example illustrating when to use this fun French adjective

Where to find good Indian food and curry ingredients in rural France

Connexion readers share their tips on finding spices that hit the spot

See what €50,000, €200,000 and over €500,000 buys in Seine-Maritime

Towns and villages have distinct Norman French architecture

Ski helmets should be compulsory in France

Two readers share their views on risk and danger on the slopes

When and why do we say c’est la goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase?

An expression to indicate that something has tipped you over the edge

Exploring France by canal boat: routes, prices and beginner advice

Slower pace lets holidaymakers enjoy the scenery

Paris group promises help to ‘live your best life’

WICE is a vibrant English-speaking community offering classes, workshops, and social events to help expats integrate and thrive

We went to a French curry house but it didn't hit the spot

Columnist Samantha David laments the lack of decent meals in the style of the subcontinent

British women tackle challenges of renovations in France with podcast

Series explores bureaucracy, construction rules, planning permissions, diagnostics and everyday hurdles

More French podcasts to test your language skills

Podcasts are one of the best free tools for consistently developing your listening comprehension

Rugby vocabulary to know if watching the Six Nations in France

From un tampon to une cathédrale, understand the meaning of key French rugby terms

My tips for bird nesting season in south-west France

Some species begin building nests as early as February, including collared doves, mistle thrushes and song thrushes

A French film to watch: Auction by Pascal Bonitzer

Auction house drama explores the discovery of a lost Egon Schiele painting and its impact on those who would profit from its sale

Learning French: what does faire grise mine mean and when should it be used?

A phrase to use when someone is down in the dumps

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Explore three engaging books, offering unique perspectives on French culture, romance, and the art of living well

Explore unique French homes that blend history and modern design

A new interiors book explores homes that defy convention and embrace uniqueness, styled with imagination and authenticity

What I miss about France after moving back to UK

Columnist Gillian Harvey, who returned to the UK in 2024, explains what she misses – and what she has gained in the process

Why making friends in France can take time – and how to succeed

Columnist Cynthia Spillman offers advice on forming lasting relationships

France must do more to protect citizens detained in Iran, says former hostage

French-Irish citizen Bernard Phelan tells Théophile Larcher how 221 days in an Iranian prison have changed him irrevocably

Auvergne region is neglected by government

Government agencies and the SNCF shun the area 'time and time again', says reader

À cloche-pied and six more French expressions featuring body parts

French phrases are full of unexpected words such as foot, head, nose and elbow

Discover La Routo, the historic 500km hiking trail from France to Italy

The hiking path from the Camargue to the Italian Alps, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, is perfect for serious hikers and history enthusiasts

France’s 1970s roller disco craze is back – and we tried it

Columnist Sarah Henshaw feels a yearning for a certain kind of retro fun

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Exotic ‘lipsticked’ song bird spreads across south-west France

Sightings and hearings of the Rossignol du Japon have caused a Facebook sensation, especially in and around the Pyrenees

Bavarde, commérages: how to describe having a chat or gossip in French

One phrase has its origins in the 16th century and could easily be mistranslated

Trump’s rhetoric feeds France’s long tradition of national decline

Columnist Nabila Ramdani offers a view on the American president's impact on French culture

Aude Biannic: trailblazing French cyclist and mother in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes

She made history as the first French cyclist to compete as a mother

French recipe: duck Parmentier

Chef Matthew Ryle's mouth-watering French classic elevates shepherd’s pie with confit duck legs, perfect for warming up in cold weather

Discover the French names for common stationery and musical items

An embarrassing guitar shop incident leads to a tough language lesson

American diner and British café offer a taste of home in France

From big cities to tiny villages eateries are challenging preconceived ideas of Anglo-American cuisine

February events in France: Art, agriculture, and festivals

Discover the reopening of Bonnat-Helleu Museum, Paris International Agricultural Show, Menton's Citrus Festival, and Matisse exhibition in Bordeaux

Why we bought horses after moving to France – and what it taught us

When reader Sam Barcham, 48, moved from England to the south of France, she never anticipated that riding lessons would lead to buying three horses of her own

Is President Macron the problem with France?

Readers write in with their perspectives on the president

Films and shows to watch in February to improve your French

From understanding l’accent du midi to scenarios that have divided critics

When and why do we say tenir la dragée haute?

A handy phrase for when someone is standing their ground

Why France’s small rural communes still matter

Columnist Nick Inman makes the case against 'Doge-style cost-cutters'

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: a Cornish connection

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

My French cleaner is too familiar with me

Columnist Cynthia Spillman advises a reader on setting boundaries

Tati, toutou, toc-toc: French and its love of doubled-up words

We look at common phrases and words using repetition and Connexion readers share their examples

Recipe: Poulet Basquaise

London-based chef, Alex Jackson, shares a simple, tasty stew of chicken, ham, peppers and tomatoes flavoured with piment d’espelette

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Macron, Trump and Davos: how Franco-American relations hit a new low

Renowned political commentator Simon Heffer examines the French president's dilemma

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: Beware the gentleman thief...

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

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: What a wonderful eyeful

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

Exploring Pont-Croix: officially named as France’s best tourism village

A Breton gem boasting strong cultural heritage, charming architecture and vibrant local life

Which person's image must be displayed in French mairies?

The French flag, the motto “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité” as well as a bust of Marianne are often seen

What does à la Saint-Glinglin mean and when should it be used?

This phrase is useful for people who tend to procrastinate or make empty promises

My health journey: I had emergency op for appendix tumour in France

Vivion Gibbs, 73, who moved to Brittany from the UK in 2011, describes how lower back pain quickly escalated into something far more serious

Readers share experiences adding their carte Vitale to the new app

Readers write of their experiences – good and bad

How to become just as chic as your French friends

Columnist Cynthia Spillman helps a reader to find sartorial inspiration

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Reading recommendations: books about France in English

A frank Parisian memoir, a humorous language-hacks how-to guide, and a Champagne-themed historical novel

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Dangerous liaisons: how to avoid misunderstandings in French speech

Know when to 'drop a vowel' or add an apostrophe to streamline your speech and improve pronunciation

See what €100,000, €500,000 and over €1m buys in Paris

The property market in the capital differs markedly from that of other French cities

French recipe: pork chop with braised butter beans

London-based chef Matthew Ryle shares a quick and easy winter recipe, ready in just 30 minutes

Sleep in a 100-year-old railway carriage at a former Brittany station

Refurbished railway compartment can sleep up to 11 people at a time

How joining a choir in rural France helped me build a new life after retirement

Connexion reader Abigail Gammie explains how singing offered a fun way to make friends – and learn the language

Discover the charm of Dordogne: a haven for expats and tourists

Explore Périgord's picturesque villages, historic chateaux, and vibrant international community

Why I love where I live... in Bordeaux

Briton Tim Pike, 55, loves the dynamic city in south-west France, setting up a history blog, a band – and even a one-man show

Black history in Paris: the story behind Maison Noire Américaine

An American non-profit is illuminating the legacy and vibrant presence of African-Americans and the African diaspora in France

Eat and cook like a Dordogne local: pommes de terre sarladaises

A classic dish, with traditional ingredients like duck fat, parsley, and garlic

'I moved to the French countryside and became manager of a dog kennel to save my soul'

Connexion reader Anita Rhoden shares her experiences after leaving a high-pressure banking job in the UK

Should we join in with our French neighbours' social activities?

Columnist Cynthia Spillman advises a reader on joining in with friends and neighbours

Grieving while in France: personal ways to honour those we have lost

Columnist Cynthia Spillman shares her advice for commemorating loved ones

Helpful vocabulary for making medical appointments

Make sure you are ready to fill any 'créneau' that becomes available

How I acquired a purebred puppy in France

Columnist Sue Adams looks forward to years of companionship with a new Jack Russell terrier

I moved to France for the cake – and then learned to love British baking

Columnist Sarah Henshaw rediscovers the British baking tradition of comfort, jam and just having a go

Magazine

Tipping in France: Are card machine tip requests going too far?

Hungry, peckish, stuffed: 11 French phrases to do with food and eating

Eat like a local: welsh from Nord and Pas-de-Calais

See inside rare Le Corbusier villa for sale in the Var

Trending

British firefighter barred from dream navy job tells of disappointment

French airports request EES rollout suspension this summer

Loire vineyard invites Taylor Swift to visit after documentary cameo

Red river flood alerts remain in western France but levels begin to recede

17 recent and upcoming changes in France you may have missed in February

French farmers give away potatoes due to overproduction

France’s home renovations grants relaunch: key points to know

Le Rozier: a village with dramatic scenery along the Gorges du Tarn

The chaos on France's ski slopes is so sad, says retired instructor

Can you guess the meaning of grincheux?

Where to find good Indian food and curry ingredients in rural France

See what €50,000, €200,000 and over €500,000 buys in Seine-Maritime

Ski helmets should be compulsory in France

When and why do we say c’est la goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase?

Exploring France by canal boat: routes, prices and beginner advice

Paris group promises help to ‘live your best life’

We went to a French curry house but it didn't hit the spot

Why I love where I live... in Nantes

Was it a mistake to move to France?

From civil servant to vacataire, clinical psychologist and super mum

British women tackle challenges of renovations in France with podcast

From Oregon to Brittany: primrose nursery in France celebrates 90th anniversary

From 'romantic Paris' to dating apps: love is changing in France

I had a heart attack in France without realising it

What are the rules about splitting the bill in France?

Costume, music, floats: where to see France’s vibrant carnival parades

More French podcasts to test your language skills

Rugby vocabulary to know if watching the Six Nations in France

My tips for bird nesting season in south-west France

A French film to watch: Auction by Pascal Bonitzer

Learning French: what does faire grise mine mean and when should it be used?

Three reading recommendations: books about France in English

Explore unique French homes that blend history and modern design

What I miss about France after moving back to UK

Why making friends in France can take time – and how to succeed

France must do more to protect citizens detained in Iran, says former hostage

Auvergne region is neglected by government

À cloche-pied and six more French expressions featuring body parts

Discover La Routo, the historic 500km hiking trail from France to Italy

France’s 1970s roller disco craze is back – and we tried it

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Exotic ‘lipsticked’ song bird spreads across south-west France

Bavarde, commérages: how to describe having a chat or gossip in French

Trump’s rhetoric feeds France’s long tradition of national decline

Aude Biannic: trailblazing French cyclist and mother in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes

French recipe: duck Parmentier

Discover the French names for common stationery and musical items

American diner and British café offer a taste of home in France

February events in France: Art, agriculture, and festivals

Why we bought horses after moving to France – and what it taught us

Is President Macron the problem with France?

Films and shows to watch in February to improve your French

When and why do we say tenir la dragée haute?

Why France’s small rural communes still matter

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: a Cornish connection

My French cleaner is too familiar with me

Tati, toutou, toc-toc: French and its love of doubled-up words

Recipe: Poulet Basquaise

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Macron, Trump and Davos: how Franco-American relations hit a new low

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: Beware the gentleman thief...

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: What a wonderful eyeful

Exploring Pont-Croix: officially named as France’s best tourism village

Which person's image must be displayed in French mairies?

What does à la Saint-Glinglin mean and when should it be used?

My health journey: I had emergency op for appendix tumour in France

Readers share experiences adding their carte Vitale to the new app

How to become just as chic as your French friends

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Reading recommendations: books about France in English

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Dangerous liaisons: how to avoid misunderstandings in French speech

See what €100,000, €500,000 and over €1m buys in Paris

French recipe: pork chop with braised butter beans