Life in Rural France – Details, episodes & analysis

Narbonne might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of southern France, but it’s one of the oldest settlements in the region and is packed with fascinating history. If you're into Roman ruins, stunning Gothic architecture, and lively markets, Narbonne is a must for your travel list.

Walking through its streets feels like peeling back layers of time. The city is a mix of ancient and medieval wonders, from the ancient Via Domitia, once a major Roman road, to the towering Narbonne Cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.

However, its role as a key Roman port truly put Narbonne on the map. It’s an unforgettable destination where history, culture, and modern life come together in the heart of the Languedoc region.

• Chateau Londigny Opening Party
• Things to See And Do in Narbonne
• A Potted History of the City of Narbonne
• Visiting the Market in Narbonne
• The Old Donjon in Narbonne

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

With 1001 to choose from, how do you pick just five? Well, the Dordogne Valley is called the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux” due to five historical chateaux that gained prominence during the Hundred Years War.

These castles transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and drama of the medieval era. One chateau was home to Richard the Lionheart for a time, another to  “The Great Bastard of Savoy,” and another to a famous American-born French entertainer. If only the walls of these castles could talk. 

It's like stepping into a real-life fairy tale, from the imposing stone towers to the intricate carvings and tapestries. So, I invite you to join me as we take a trip back into French history and five fabulous chateaux from Medieval France.

• Discover five fabulous Dordogne chateaux

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

French markets are more than just a place to shop they're a way of life in France where everything is fresh, local and delicious. Today I'm uncovering the magic behind these markets with their seasonal fruit and veg, handcrafted cheeses, local wines and vintage finds. 

I’ll reveal what makes French markets an irresistible experience with tips on how to navigate like a local and of course, take you behind the scenes of the fabulous night markets held in the summer months. A trip to the Marché is a great way to immerse yourself in the wonderful French culture. 

For full notes and details on today’s episode follow the links below:

• A Trip To The French Market
• A Visit To The Night Market In France
• The Best Markets in Bordeaux

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

France is renowned for its cheese, with over a thousand varieties each telling a unique story of tradition, region, and craftsmanship. From the creamy decadence of Brie to the bold and tangy character of Roquefort, French cheeses are an integral part of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

The question is, do you know your Camembert from your Comté? Are you a cheese connoisseur or just beginning your fromage adventure? Either way, grab a glass of your favourite tipple and savour the flavours and stories behind some of the most famous French cheeses, discover the cheese regions of France and learn about the 8 categories of French cheese.

For full notes and details on today’s episode follow the links below:

• The Best French Cheese Quiz - Test Your Cheese IQ

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

You've probably never heard of it, but Angouleme is the capital of the Charente region in southwest France, and if you're a fan of history, art and architecture then it’s one to put on your French bucket list. 

You almost feel like you’re stepping back in time as the architecture is a fusion of Mediaeval and Renaissance, with a bit of Parisian glamour thrown in for good measure.

It can trace its history all the way back to the Iron Age but it was Isabella of Angouleme who really put the town on the French map.

So join me as we take a step back in time and discover this hidden gem in the depths of rural France.

For full notes and details on today’s episode follow the links below:

• The Notorious Isabella of Angouleme
• Things To Do In The Town Of Angouleme
• The Comic Strip Festival In Angouleme
• The Best Restaurant In Angouleme

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

There’s nothing quite like the pop of a champagne cork to set the tone for a celebration, is there? From the royal courts of France to the toasts of today’s weddings and grand openings, it is synonymous with the rich and famous. 

But what makes Champagne, well, Champagne? How did a little bit of accidental chemistry create the world’s premier sparkling wine?

Let’s dive in and reveal the fascinating facts about France’s prized bubbly. And later in the show, I'll be joined by the Queen of Bubbles herself Cynthia Coutu, Founder of Delectabulles.

For full notes and details on today’s episode follow the links below:

• 5 Famous Champagne Brands And The Stories Behind Them
• 17 Champagne Facts And The History of Bubbly in France
• Top Tips For Visiting The Champagne Region In France, 2024
• Champagne Tasting for Beginners: A Guide to Enjoying Bubbly Like a Pro

Meet Cynthia Coutu

• The Delectabulles Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

We all know that the French are famous for their food, but which are the best food festivals in France? There are lots of great food festivals in France. From truffles, onions and chillies to lemons, strawberries and cherries, the French celebrate them all. And why not? 

Attending one of these food festivals is hands down the best way to experience the food culture, meet the local artisans, and immerse yourself in the history of France. Nearly every fête has a legend or story behind it, so I hope you’re ready.

For full notes and details on today's episode follow the links below:

• 17 Food Festivals in France to Discover
• The Menton Lemon Festival
• The Strawberry Festival
• The Truffle Festival

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

How did Paris become the city of love? It’s known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world, but what is the true story behind it, and why is Paris the city of love?

The French Romanticism art movement flourished here, the Bohemian writers of Montmartre wrote about tortured lovers, and there is even a Wall of Love, but is there more to it than that?

You bet there is. There’s a whole history behind how Paris got the reputation for being the city of love, and it has nothing to do with movies, books or art.

For full notes and details on today's episode follow the links below:

• The Story Behind Paris Being The City Of Love
• The Love Story Of Heloise And Abelard

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

Looking for some more unusual places to add to your Paris bucket list that aren’t the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or Louvre?

Living in France, only a two-hour train ride from Paris, I’m there quite often and, each time I go, I discover a new hidden gem.

From bookshops in 12th-century alleyways to teashops with views of the Seine River, there is so much to enjoy in Paris.

However, if you only have a limited time you’ll want to create an itinerary that’s a mix of tourist attractions and secret spots only the locals know. That way you cover all bases.

So in this episode, I'm helping you tick some things off your bucket list in Paris.

For full notes and details on today's episode follow the links below:

• The Tour of the Latin Quarter in Paris
• 20 Places for your Paris Bucket List in 2024

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance 

Ever wondered how you can be a dedicated Francophile whilst living on the other side of the world in Australia, meet my second guest, Loulabelle of Loulabelle’s FrancoFiles

She’s a rather special guest because she’s the host of another podcast with a show all about France. We’re doing a swap and guesting on each other’s podcast so we can both share our stories.

Loulabelle is an Aussie who loves all things French and is living in my old stomping ground of Melbourne - yes I lived in Australia for ten years before moving to France, so I loved chatting all things France, and Australia, and hearing Loulabelle share her knowledge of places I haven’t been to, as well as some I have. She’s entertaining and has so many fab stories to share with you all.

To find out more about Loulabelle and to listen to her podcast use the links below:

• Podcast Website
• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance