Magazine

No crisps, no party games: the unwritten rules of French children’s birthdays

Columnist Samantha David describes the ups and downs of a French birthday party for children

French villages become living Advent calendars with different doors opening each day to give out treats

Local residents each choose a date in December, decorate their door or window and then on the day, open up and hand out hot drinks and edible treats to everyone outside

The origins and meaning of tirer les marrons du feu

As Christmas approaches, we look at a phrase to describe someone who takes advantage of a situation

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Saint-Aubin-des-Châteaux: rural French village with historical and natural charm

Step back in time to explore Neolithic, Roman, and Templar traces... but you will not find any châteaux

Recipe: Corsican fiadone cheesecake

This easy-to-make cake is a traditional crowd-pleasing dessert

More amusing place names in France: from Anus and Chitry to Misery

Readers add to the collection

Vive le roi! All France needs for Christmas is its monarchy back

Columnist Simon Heffer examines the future of republicanism

Owners of French mill seek help tracing history

'We are looking for old photographs from before it closed,' say couple who restored the building

Watch out for unregulated therapists in France

Reader who is an American clinical psychologist says those working without legal recognition can be dangerous

Recipe: Flemish beef and beer stew

This hearty dish featuring French pain d’épice (spice bread) and gnocchi is sure to warm you up during the cold winter months

Stendhal syndrome: has art ever driven you to distraction?

Discover the condition where art induces intense emotions and even physical reactions

This charming Breton village is known for its thrilling rallycross events

The historic sites of Lohéac (Ille-et-Vilaine) blend culture and motorsport

French bank made me wish I had put savings under the mattress

Current account charges meant reader was losing money despite interest

When and why do we say c’est Noël avant l'heure?

A joyous phrase to use in the countdown to Christmas

Veggie burgers and plant-based sausages: French farmers and consumers react to name ruling delay

The EU failed to reach final agreement to draft rules governing plant-based naming

Becoming a cashless society would not solve France's problems

Economic historian Patrice Baubeau says the trend is accelerating

See what €50,000, €150,000 and over €1m buys in Haute-Savoie

The mountainous department has international borders with Switzerland and Italy

Is it ever right to blend red and white wine?

Readers contribute to French wine snobbery debate

Join the club: International Players, English language theatre group

The Yvelines group is perfect for expat theatre enthusiasts

La Baule is a classic French case study in the evolution of the grand resort

The coastal town renowned for its Belle Epoque villas, Art Deco elegance, and modernist designs, attracts tourists and remote workers alike

Do you know this term - and cliché - for a French brother-in-law?

Some French words do not have an obvious equivalent in English

Hydroelectric conversions boost demand for historic French watermills

Laws on restoring rivers mean many are now threatened with removal

Why I love where I live in... Chamonix

Sophie Nolan, 34, from Wales, moved to Chamonix in 2023 and helps travellers explore the region on multi-day hiking tours

Interiors: Jacques Grange's thoroughly modern classicism

In his new book, Pierre Passebon reveals thirty of master designer Jacques Grange's latest projects across Europe and the United States, showcasing his wide-ranging inspirations and his natural elegance

How to identify lounging lizards in France

Learn about the habitats and behaviours of diverse lizard species, from the common wall lizard to the elusive Western three-toed skink

Why French women are suddenly the internet’s sleep gurus

We look at the trend — and whether French bedtime habits really outshine Britain’s.

MaPrimeRénov and local grants: how to get financial help for home renovations in France

Applications for the scheme reopened in October

Meet the traditional choucroute makers of Alsace

Choucrouterie Angsthelm & Fils craft organic and sustainable choucroute using homegrown cabbages

What does à tes souhaits mean and when should it be used?

This polite phrase can change depending on the number of times a person consecutively sneezes

Christmas gift ideas for French wine lovers

Our top picks for oenophiles, from decanters to Champagne

Five iconic French dishes from different regions

Explore the rich culinary heritage of France with these traditional dishes, from cassoulet in Occitanie to cari poule in La Réunion, showcasing the country's geographic and cultural diversity

Discover artisan Auvergne blue cheese plus Christmas jam

Put this on your seasonal cheese platter

When and why do we say ne pas avoir la lumière à tous les étages?

We look at a light-related expression

Fire-hit bakery finds lifeline through unique partnership with butcher

Local residents rally to help two well-known traders

See inside our french gîte - it is 'a little corner of paradise'

Les Citronniers in the Aude department of France has been fully booked since its renovation

My experience on Brittany Ferries' new boat was lacklustre

A reader writes of his experiences with the company

Cela ne vaut pas un coup de cidre is a topical expression in France

A useful saying for the festive season when hot cider is served in markets

Kouign-amann: a classic Breton pastry recipe

James Campbell reinvents classic pâtisserie creations with a contemporary Japanese twist, all made achievable to the home cook

The origins and long history of France’s unique wildlife officers

Connexion talks to Julien Nicolas, who fulfils a role created by Charlemagne in the year 803, tackling wildlife posing a danger to the public

One of the most notorious meals in the history of French gastronomy

How hard times inspired an outrageous festive feast in 1870

I became a professional upholsterer after moving to France

Jo MacDonald, 59, describes how she monetised her hobby in Gers

Guess the French region with the help of this clue: Presidential proximity

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

How to survive driving while senior and nervous on French roads

Columnist Cynthia Spillman provides some useful advice on getting behind the wheel

How we set up a seniors' club in the south-west of France

Richard and Patricia Romain, both 76, moved from Kent, UK, in 2013 and now live near Carcassonne in Aude

France leads efforts to save critically endangered European mink from extinction

A reintroduction plan is in place to save the species, which is more threatened than the Giant Panda

Politics needs courtesy, not petty point-scoring

Columnist Nick Inman argues for a return to more sober political discourse

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

Back to the future in France with hip auberges de jeunesse

‘Posh’ hostels are springing up to cater for today’s tourists

All wrapped up for Christmas: how to protect your plants in France this winter

Discover effective methods to shield your garden plants from winter frost and cold, ensuring their survival and health through the chilly months

Guess the French phrase behind this photo clue...

Can you work out which idiomatic expression is depicted below?

5 French films and TV series to watch in December

From comforting comedies to powerful documentaries, there is something for everyone this winter

Preparing your French garden for the festive season and the year ahead

Christmas veg harvest, sustainable Christmas tree options and great deals on outdoor furniture for next summer

Open Gardens: celebrating success in 2025 and welcoming new volunteers for 2026

Discover the gardens charity's triumphs this past year and learn how you can offer support by joining the community

France is short-sighted rejecting citizenship requests

Reader says that recent developments 'feel like a camouflaged form of racism'

French gardens to delight visitors in the bright, cold days of winter

Where to see frosty topiary, magical light shows and festive castles this December

Handy vocabulary for Christmas markets in France

A French-learner’s guide to navigating des marchés de noël

French sailing ship will take goods across the Atlantic and other eco-updates

The Néoliner Origin, the world's longest sailing cargo ship, reduces emissions by 80% on transatlantic routes, promoting eco-friendly maritime transport