Issue No. 18

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Photo: J'adore la France
La Belle Vie Joanna Leggett, director of marketing and public relations at Leggett Immobillier explains the best ways to integrate into French life, beginning with the importance of learning the language and adapting to the culture Every now and again, as I travel through France, I have to stop and pinch myself. I am actually living my dream! All the magical places I'd read about for so many years are passing by my window. France seduces your senses: The warmth of the sun on your back; smells of fresh bread and coffee from the local boulangerie; the scent of flowers – you only have to sniff lavender oil to recall the fields that turn the south of France purple. The countryside is peaceful, from the verdant landscape, where luscious vines spill over their supports, to the coastal resorts and pretty fishing villages. And the French certainly know how to eat well: oysters and fresh fish from the coast; truffles from the Dordogne; salt-marsh lamb, tender Limousin beef, and of course, the cheeses. Am I waxing lyrical? Mais oui, bien sûr. Living in France means much more than indulging your olfactory senses. It's not an extended summer holiday, and it will take some time to adapt to your new life. There will be ups and downs – but, to my mind, it cannot be bettered. So how should we adapt to life in France? In my opinion, the two basics are language and culture. LANGUAGE First, you must try to learn French. Communication really is key. In the UK we wouldn't expect to switch languages to converse with a new neighbour. The French are extremely courteous and polite. You need to be able to converse so that you can be courteous in return. At first you may find your language skills limited to the needs for materials for the travaux (renovations) on your house, and the weather; however, it won't be long before you want to discuss the matters of the day and to make friends.
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Bonjour! Welcome to the Spring issu
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contents Features 8 Provence - ten
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Expats 76 La Belle Vie Joanna Legge
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It’s impossible to spend just one
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In 1309, Pope Clement V, former Arc
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To meet Plus Beaux Villages classif
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4 Cassis - The fishing village “C
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Photo: Julie Whitmarsh
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Nostradamus described Menerbes as b
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9 Vaison-la-Romaine - Authentic Hig
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Your Private Provence runs tours in
Page 25 and 26: e charm and culture in e Lille is k
Page 27 and 28: Getting Around and about Walking: O
Page 29: Above left: Grand Place, Lille; abo
Page 33 and 34: Montreuil-sur-Mer The little town i
Page 35 and 36: Photo © Michael Bennett Programme
Page 37 and 38: There’s nothing quite like the po
Page 39 and 40: You can't go to Reims and not try C
Page 41 and 42: Moët et Chandon cellar entrance! T
Page 45 and 46: Aveyron A taste of yesterday, a hin
Page 47 and 48: 3 star taste of the Aubrac plateaux
Page 49 and 50: Far right, Aubrac; mid top; the mar
Page 51 and 52: The service station is also dedicat
Page 53 and 54: Roquefort cheese, can only be calle
Page 55 and 56: in Sarlat You just can’t help but
Page 57 and 58: One of the best times to see Sarlat
Page 60 and 61: Postcard from Paris in the spring A
Page 62: Paris is ever changing. There are t
Page 65 and 66: culture & gastronomy Gers - Gascony
Page 67 and 68: ordeaux in october christmas in als
Page 69 and 70: Chateauneuf in Burgundy on a rainy
Page 71 and 72: Now some of you will have heard of
Page 73: Endless off piste delights await th
Page 78 and 79: Language classes, French radio and
Page 81: Introducing OFX Where the world’s
Page 85 and 86: Planning ahead is always a good ide
Page 87 and 88: Financiers Financiers are an excell
Page 89: When the urge to get into the kitch
Page 94: My Good Life in France Sometimes I
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Issue No. 18

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