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Explore every episode of the podcast The Good Life France podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for The Good Life France podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–50 of 69

TitlePub. DateDuration
#69 The French Revolution – why, where, what and the really weird bits!26 Oct 202600:27:55

Imagine you're the king of France. You live in one of the most magnificent palaces ever built. You've got thousands of servants and people catering to your every whim, including some whose entire job is to help you get dressed in the morning. You think you’re really special and you think everyone else feels the same. And then, one day - it all falls apart. Those pesky ordinary citizens you’ve ignored all your life except to take from, suddenly decide they’re not putting up with it any more, they want food to be affordable - and they’re mad at you. 

A few years later, you've lost your throne, your crown and even your head.

Yes – we’re talking about the French Revolution!


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#68 Croissants, Cakes & Curious Tales: The Delicious History of French Pâtisserie12 Oct 202600:24:17

There is an important rule every visitor discovers about France. Never say, "I'll just have a look in the pâtisserie."

There is no just looking in a French pâtisserie.

So, fasten your belts messieurs dames, Ladies and gentlemen, lovely listeners because  we’re going on a delectable journey of France to discover French patisserie – the most famous cakes, the most mouthwatering pastries, their histories and their secrets, and the extraordinary stories behind them - from a cake with quite possibly the rudest name in French gastronomy, to cakes that French Kings and Queens ate.


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#67- The French café lifestyle 28 Sep 202600:21:14

Discover the French café lifestyle – how it began, why it’s so important to the French, café etiquette, some of the most historic cafés in Paris and France, some fascinating facts, and why French waiters aren’t rude, you’re just ordering wrong - usually! Grab a coffee, or a pastis if you’re feeling particularly French today – and enjoy a cup of French culture, history and fun!

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#66 - The fascinating history of the National symbols of France24 Feb 202500:25:03

Dive into the rich tapestry of France’s national symbols. From the revolutionary Tricolore to the stirring La Marseillaise, the iconic Marianne, and even the Gallic rooster (which has a curious tale!), this episode is a fun and informative journey through the emblems that define French identity. Perfect for Francophiles and history buffs alike! 

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#65 - A to Z of the Icons of France10 Feb 202500:30:04

A crash course in French culture—with a side of charm, a dash of humour, and a ton of fascinating facts.

Join a delightful, alphabet-inspired tour of everything that makes France iconic. From apéritifs to the Eiffel Tower, baguettes to haute couture, this episode is packed with fun facts, cultural insights and fascinating titbits about French icons, cuisine, and culture, plus plenty of laughs.

Perfect for Francophiles and anyone who dreams of a café by the Seine, nibbling macarons, strolling among the hilltop villages of Provence, slurping French onion soup and a whole host of other French delights! 

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#64 - A literary tour of Paris27 Jan 202500:26:14

In which we delve into the lives of some seriously famous authors who thought "You know what would make me a better writer? Moving to France and especially Paris!"

Paris has been the playground of some of the true literary greats, from Ernest Hemingway to Oscar Wilde. Today, we’ll explore why France had such a magnetic pull for these writers, what they created while they were here, and, of course, the wildly entertaining lives they led. Think Hemingway drunkenly fishing in the river Seine or Oscar Wilde… well, just being Oscar Wilde.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be booking your one-way ticket to Montmartre. Or at least Googling where the nearest French bakery is!

After listening to this podcast, you'll feel one beret away from literary greatness, or at least from a really great Instagram post!

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#63 - Celebration Days of France!13 Jan 202500:29:19

Celebrate the charm and cheer of French holidays and festivals. From the grandeur of Bastille Day fireworks to the sweet romance of Valentine's Day, we're going to dive into what makes France truly unique. 

We’ll talk about the main national holidays, and some of the celebrations that are not so well known outside of France and some celebrations and events that are outright strange! 

So coming up - some fun and fascinating facts, and plenty to enjoy.

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#62 - Crêpes, Kings & Carnivals: France’s fabulous Winter Festivities 16 Dec 202400:20:04

Join Janine and Oli for a deliciously fun dive into France’s winter celebrations! From the regal galette des rois of Epiphany to the crêpe-flipping madness of La Chandeleur, and the glittering parades of Carnival, they unpack the traditions, food, and humour of France’s January-March festivities. 

Expect plenty of laughs, cultural nuggets, and some questionable crêpe-flipping skills.

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#61 - The most fabulous Christmas markets and festivals of France02 Dec 202400:26:08

Let us whisk you away with us to France to find out about the most wonderful Christmas markets from the oldest and the biggest to the most magical. 

Plus discover the most fabulous festive events from the quirkiest, turkey-est Festival held in northern France to Lyon’s Festival of Lights and Nancy’s unique take on a Christmas story. 

Fun facts, fascinating snippets and top tips… 

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#60 - Everything French food at Christmas18 Nov 202400:25:20

A lip-smacking, mouth-watering, tummy-rumbling, finger-lickin’, well-seasoned seasonal episode about the food that the French traditionally eat at Christmas! Fun facts, traditions and scrumptious treats. 

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#59 - Very French Things Part 204 Nov 202400:25:06

Discover the mystery of French time keeping, the ‘national sport’ of striking and more very French things. A laugh out loud episode and a deep dive into the psyche of the French! 

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#58 - A potted history of France 21 Oct 202400:21:37

We explore 2,500 years of French history and the key events that shaped the destiny of France.

We’ll also discover some of the most memorable members of France’s ruling families through the ages from the Gauls and the Romans to the Visigoths, Vandals and Vikings and through to the dynasties of the Franks, the Merovingians, Carolingians and the Bourbons and on through to French Revolution and the Republic of France we have today.

Full of fun and fascinating facts, France’s history is part Game of Thrones and part pot luck! Sit back, click play and be prepared to be wowed by the incredible history of France - and all in less than 30 minutes. 

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#57 - The story of French Haute Cuisine07 Oct 202400:28:00

Discover the story of haute cuisine! It’s not just about fancy food—it’s about artistry, precision, and a true celebration of ingredients and technique and appreciating the finest things in life. It’s a tale that goes back centuries, and the history of haute cuisine includes the French Revolution, obsessive chefs and edible art.

As the great American cook Julia Child once said – in France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport… 

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#56 - Discover the arts in France - Liberté, Fraternité, Egalité, Arty…23 Sep 202400:18:14

In this episode we talk about the Arts of France. And we don’t just mean paintings and sculptures – we mean the official classified arts of France.

You might be surprised to find out that there is an official and surprising classification of the arts that includes some things you might never have imagined (comic books that’s you!) and we’ll share some of the best places to see the arts as we go from a World War II submarine pen in Bordeaux to Claude Monet’s garden in Normandy.

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#55 - Very French Things – Whacky & whimsical ways of life France!09 Sep 202400:15:38

In this episode we explore some of the things that are unique in French culture, charming, funny or perhaps just a little odd. A chicken beauty contest, people making pig noises, dogs in restaurants and dipping bread in coffee, plus more weird and wonderful very French things!  

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#54 - Napoleon Bonaparte – the man, the legend, the weird stuff!12 Aug 202400:20:36

In this episode we explore the life of a truly legendary figure. He died more than 200 years ago but his legacy is as relevant in France today as it was then. He was one of the most powerful men in the world. He was loved by some, hated with a passion by his enemies. He was a complicated man, who from modest beginnings on the island of Corsica rose to the become Emperor of France.

Enter one Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon is one of those characters that even now people have strong feelings about, and France has been indelibly marked by his presence.

Let’s find out more about the legend of Napoleon – what he was really like and some fun facts from his favourite food to the romantic novel he wrote…  

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#53 - Empress of Style: the Life and Legacy of Josephine Bonaparte05 Aug 202400:16:54

Step back in history to look at the life of a women who helped to shape the history of France.

She is remembered for her personal style and influence. She was an icon of fashion, a patron of the arts, and the first Empress of France. She was married to one of the most powerful men in the world. And from humble beginnings on the island of Martinique to her days in the opulent halls of French power, her life was one of resilience – a real rags to riches story.

Legend has it that when she was ten years old, she was told by a fortune teller that she would be unhappily married, widowed, and then become Queen of France. “More than a queen,” she was told, precisely, “but only for a short time.”

Discover the life and legacy of Josephine Bonaparte. 

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#52 - All about Victor Hugo, including the odd stuff!29 Jul 202400:17:16

We look at the life of one of France’s most famous writers – Victor Hugo. He was a genius writer, a most unusual man who lived an extraordinary life. 

His writing lives on, his books are still best sellers, his writing has inspired films, musicals and plays, one of his books saved the great Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame from being left to rot, and one of his hardly known characters inspired one of the most famous 20th century comic book legends. 

Victor Hugo was a fascinating character with a lasting legacy – and he had some outright odd habits which we’ll find out about! 

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#51 - How the French Riviera became popular!22 Jul 202400:15:48

Today we’re setting sail for the French Riviera as English speakers call it, the Cote d’Azur as French speakers call it, the azure blue coast. It’s a stretch of Mediterranean coastline that is as rich in history as it is in sun-drenched luxury.

We'll explore how it came to be so famous - from Victorian Lords, Ladies and a Queen who loved it and were sort of early influencers, to American celebrities who shaped its fame. We’ll uncover some of the best spots to visit, and share some fun facts along the way.

So grab your sunglasses and join us as we delve into the allure of the Côte d'Azur.

 

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#50 - French Etiquette15 Jul 202400:18:33

Find out all about French etiquette! The social rules that France has are fascinating. We’re going to look at the history of French etiquette, and some of the most common, unspoken rules that can enhance your experience if you’re visiting France - from dining at a chic Parisian café to greeting a local in Provence.

Dive into the world of French etiquette, covering everything from table manners to tipping and some rather unusual rules in France! Whether you're a tourist planning your first visit to France or just curious about French culture, knowing a few key etiquette rules can go a long way.

We explore the history of etiquette, how not to make a faux pas in a restaurant and the basics that will get you by in any situation! 

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#49 - Edith Piaf, the sound of France08 Jul 202400:14:30

In this episode we talk about the most famous French female singer of all time. A woman whose voice inspires more than 50 years after her death. It is of course Edith Piaf, who remains in the hearts of the people of France and continues to sell huge amounts of recordings worldwide.

It is a rags to riches tale, born in the street, working the streets and finally becoming the darling of France, a legendary performer, rich beyond her wildest dreams with Marlene Dietrich as a bridesmaid at her wedding. 

Edith Piaf’s life burned bright, but short, it’s claimed her last words were “every bloody thing you do in this life, you have to pay for…” We explore her incredible life, her music and her legacy. 

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#48 - La Bise, the French kiss of friendship01 Jul 202400:15:55

Today we explore la bise! That’s French for the kiss, but not just any old kiss, this is the kiss of friendship that I am referring to, the tradition the French have of kissing on the cheek when they meet friends and family. 

One of the etiquette rules that confuses just about everyone new to France is kissing! Do you or don’t you kiss someone when you meet them? How many times do you kiss them? We’ll take a closer look at a French custom that's both a greeting and a symbol of social etiquette, the history of la bise, the world’s first and so far only kissing festival in the south of France, top tips for how to get la bise right and why it doesn’t matter if you don’t! 

Plus we’ll save you from yourself if you’re a hugger – never hug in France, only la bise, and everyone will live happily ever after! 

Pucker up and dive into the fascinating world of the friendly French peck!

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#47 - How to sound French24 Jun 202400:20:17

In this episode we talk you through an A to Z of French words and phrases - some are quirky, some are beautiful and some are historic.

These are phrases that pepper the everyday language and will help you sound French, especially as Oli, the French half of the podcast team will say them in French properly!

The French love their own language and these roll-off-your-tongue French words and phrases showcase the beauty and sometimes the quirkiness of the French language from "attendre 107 ans" which literally means wait 107 years but to the French means "this is taking forever" - and we'll explain why (Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame take a bow), to Zizanie!

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#46 - Accidental food stars of France17 Jun 202400:18:22

In today's episode we talk about some of the most well-known, classic, delicious foods of France that we know were made by accident but became total celebrities in their own right!

Find out how two sisters running a small hotel created Tarte Tatin, and the strange legends of how their accidental apple tart became super famous.

Discover how a British royal prince named a famous French dish created in error right under his nose!

And we reveal how a young chef in awe of his famous chef boss invented "flies in the wind" pastry cases that even English speakers know by their French name vol au vents!

Plus more fun facts, legends and mouth-watering dishes! 

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#45 - Fascinating French history of the Statue of Liberty10 Jun 202400:15:04

In this episode, we explore the origins of an American icon. She is world famous. She’s very tall. And she’s French. She is known as the Statue of Liberty.

The statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark and one of the most recognised symbols of the United States. But did you know that Lady Liberty is an immigrant? It’s true, she’s a French woman by birth who has made New York her home. (No wonder she’s so elegant.)

She almost didn't go to America at all, Gustave Eiffel was involved in her design, and Joseph Pulitzer, of Pulitzer Prize fame, was instrumental in her standing tall, her index dinger is more than 8 feet long... 

Find out the fascinating French history, facts and legends about the Statue of Liberty. 

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#44 - All about Claude Monet03 Jun 202400:24:32

2024 is the 150th anniversary of Impressionism – an art movement which began in France, and one of the key figures of the movement was Claude Monet, one of the most celebrated artists of all time and a household name today. 

So today, we’re going to have a potted history of the artist, talk about his beautiful home and garden in Normandy, and discover what he was like as a person… 

This is a tale of dogged determination and self-belief, of overcoming the odds and challenging conventions. 

We'll share fascinating facts, anedcotes about Monet and how he went from being a teenager called Oscar, selling charcoal caricatures for a few pennies to one of the highest paid artists in his lifetime

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#43 - Speedy history of the Tour de France27 May 202400:11:56

In this petite podcast episode, we’re going to do a potted history of the Tour de France – the world’s most famous bike race and share some of the most fun and incredible facts. It has been called the greatest free show on earth and is watched by 3.5 billion people worldwide during its three weeks on television. 

Le Tour has spawned a thousand myths and legends and inspires passionate devotion and enthusiasm. As powerful a French icon as the Eiffel Tower and fresh morning croissants, this race now belongs as much to the rest of us as it does to its Gallic promoters.

Discover the origins, legends and fascinating facts about the one of the most popular sporting events in the world. 

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#42 - The incredible history of the Louvre Museum13 May 202400:25:38

In this episode we’re going to explore a legendary institution. It’s a world record holder. It’s enormous. It’s world famous. It’s in the heart of Paris. Kings have lived in it. Now it is home to one of the most famous paintings in the world. Ladies and gentlemen, lovely listeners – I give you -  the Louvre Museum.

The Louvre is the world’s most famous and largest fine arts museum. It’s home to the one of the most impressive art collections in all of history. It’s also the most visited museum in the world with up to a stonking 9 to 10 million visitors a year – but it wasn’t always this way. Once it was only for royalty and aristocrats. The history of the Louvre museum is fascinating. 

Plus we’ll share tips for how to visit, where to take a break and reveal the ghosts that are said to roam its corridors! 

Join us as we uncover its history, marvel at its famous residents, and celebrate the art that has captivated millions.

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#41 - The fascinating history of absinthe06 May 202400:09:21

The history of absinthe is a tale of madness, creative genius, smuggling, fairies and bad behaviour in the Belle-Époque, a time of peace and economic prosperity in France when the arts flourished from early 1870 until 1914 and the start of the first world war.

Created as a medicine from wormwood plants by a doctor fleeing the French Revolution, it is a very French drink! 

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#40 - The Mystery of the Mona Lisa29 Apr 202400:25:37

A woman with an enigmatic smile. She has been celebrated in songs, poetry and pop art. She is mysterious, some say she is a siren who casts a spell on those who look at her. She does not move. She does not speak. And yet she is a global icon.

Discover the fascinating history of the Mona Lisa as we explore the creation of the painting, its journey through history, and why it remains one of the most famous paintings in the world.

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#39 - May Day in France22 Apr 202400:11:15

In this petite podcast episode, we’re going to explore the traditions of May Day in France, the first of May, and specifically the tradition of giving flowers to friends and loved ones which is unique to France.

It’s a tale of history, drama and romance… 

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#38 - The Life & Times of King Louis XIV15 Apr 202400:25:50

Today we’re going to be talking about a man who in his time was one of the most powerful men in the world. He had a huge impact on French history. He had lavish tastes, he was a control freak, he loved the arts and believed himself chosen by God to rule over millions of people. You might have guessed who I’m talking about by now. It is the only and only Louis XIV, the Sun King.

Louis, also known as the "God given one", was arguably one of the greatest Kings of France, certainly one of the most remembered. Inheriting the throne at just four years old, he was a Machiavellian puppet master whose legacy is evident in the France of today, long after its citizens disposed of his heirs. He was a fascinating character who lived an incredible life, one of history’s longest ruling and most iconic monarchs. 

Come with us as we step back in time and dive into the life and times of Louis XIV and share fascinating facts about his daily routine, the rules of living at Versailles, his fashion sense, romantic life and more!

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#37 - French art de vivre08 Apr 202400:10:51

What exactly is French art de vivre? In this petite podcast episode, we explain all, where it comes from, what it is and how to practice art de vivre, a fundamental part of the French psyche and a way to elevate the ordinary things of everyday life to the extraordinary.

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#36 - French wine – history, traditions and etiquette01 Apr 202400:29:18

Today we’re going to be talking about something very French, wine. 

France is of course one of the best wine making countries in the world and beyond, according to one of us on this podcast! Though extra-terrestrials probably won’t be sipping the famous red wine of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence because the town has a law that states that UFOs cannot land there. 

Discover the history, fascinating anecdotes and fun facts about French wine and Champagne.

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#35 - Reasons to love France18 Mar 202400:29:08

France is the world’s most visited country, Paris is the world’s most visited city, and several of its monuments, museums and metropolises are on the world’s top list for visits. 

But it’s not just the places or the buildings of France that tug at our heartstrings – what makes us fall for France goes beyond bricks and mortar and boundary lines. 

There are many reasons that people fall in love with the Hexagon as the French affectionately call France – because it’s sort of Hexagon shaped – so let’s delve into the reasons to love France – we’re all Francophiles here! 

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#34 - Day Trips from Paris by train26 Feb 202400:25:24

We love Paris, but today we’re going to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Join us as we discover historic, delicious, fascinating and enchanting destinations you can reach from Paris by train on a day trip. And we’ve made sure that nowhere takes longer than 2 hours by train. We’ll share what to see and do, the must-sees, the secrets and some top tips and fun facts.

Discover Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Normandy, captivating cities like Bordeaux, Lyon and Strasbourg, magnificent castles including dazzling Chantilly and fabulous Fontainebleau, and many, many more amazing places that are easy to reach from Paris in a day and all by train. Ready to explore? Let’s go!

Plus a listener asks “What is the Frenchest of French food?” We reveal all…

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#33 - The Life and Times of Queen Marie-Antoinette05 Feb 202400:27:32

Queen Marie-Antoinette's life was a blend of luxury, controversy, and tragedy. Her story is a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of royal life and the turbulent times of late 18th century France – no wonder we remain fascinated with her tale.

We talk about some of the most important times in her life, her marriage at just 14  years old, fashion style – and big hair (really big hair, with things hung in it), her spending habits, bathing practices (which were unusually regular in a day and age when the French nobles pretty much just washed the worst bits when they had to, and her husband recorded he took 43 baths in 26 years), her astonishing shoe collection, motherhood and her family including several children she adopted.

We’ll also share where to find traces of her legacy in France, from her favourite castles including one with a room for sulking in, to the shops she frequented…

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#32 - Travel Guide to France22 Jan 202400:26:30

When you’ve ticked off those must-see sites on your list – the Palace of Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, a dazzling little island that makes you feel you have stepped back centuries, the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum and the sun-kissed French Riviera, the boulevards of Paris and the majestic castles of the Loire Valley - there are a million more thrilling sites and places to discover – prehistoric caves, troglodyte villages, the steep cobbled streets of Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux, the medieval town of Annecy in Haute-Savoie and Claude Monet’s house and garden in Giverny, Normandy.

So let’s talk about how you’ll get there… 

 

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#31 - Paris Uncovered: secret Paris08 Jan 202400:25:32

In this episode we’re going to be uncovering Paris to explore some of the most amazing hidden gems, the secret places you might miss if you don’t know they are there. 

It's not just the landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum, that make us fall in love with Paris. It’s also the little moments: finding a jazz band playing in a cosy café or in a cobblestone alley, the smell of fresh pastries from a boulangerie – there are more than 1700 in Paris, so you’ve got a lot of choice - or a sunset view from the bridges over the Seine. 

Paris really is a city where every street corner has a story. We go beyond the guidebooks to bring you secret Paris – where every street corner has a story to share.

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#30 - All about France Quiz18 Dec 202300:21:37

How much do you know about France?

In this episode we’re doing a quiz that everyone can join in with! We’ll ask some questions on all sorts of topics – gastronomy, history, culture, language and more, and we’ll give you the answers and if you got the question right, you can award yourself some points! We’ll also share some fascinating and extraordinary facts that bring history alive as we go.

There are a million points up for grabs – who wants to be a millionaire! 

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#29 - French stereotypes – true or false? 04 Dec 202300:24:54

A tour through the charming, amusing, and sometimes misunderstood world of French stereotypes. 

We’re going to take a light-hearted look at some of the common stereotypes about the French - from fashion to rudeness and smoking like chimneys. From the famed French culinary prowess to reputation for romance. A land where people apparently say 'Oh là là' every five minutes and eat frogs’ legs at a drop of a hat (or beret).

Let's separate the fact from the fiction and have some fun along the way… 


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#28 - The history of the French baguette20 Nov 202300:24:47

Bread in France is more than just food; it's a cultural cornerstone. It’s about community, tradition, and the French way of life. 

We'll discuss the role of bread in daily French life and how it reflects the values and rhythms of French society. 

In these crusty chronicles we’ll explore the history of bread and especially the UNESCO-listed French baguette. The French are besotted with baguettes, UNESCO says that eating a baguette is “a sensory experience” (someone at UNESCO really likes baguettes!).

In France bread is art, bakers are artists – and every loaf is a masterpiece…

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#27 - The Eiffel Tower in a podcast06 Nov 202300:26:26

The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a symbol of Paris, but a symbol of France. But this wasn’t supposed to happen. The Tower shouldn’t even be there. 

We have to go back in time to the beginning of her story, she is known as the Iron Lady, la Dame de Fer in French, to find out why this towering icon is even there in the first place! 

And then we'll share some of the incredible facts about this towering icon, how she was almost sent to Montreal in Canada all 2.5 million rivets and 18,000 pieces! How a conman 'sold' her for scrap. And how Gustave Eiffel made an absolutely fortune from her!

Plus a whole heap more! It’s an amazing story… 

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# 26 - Halloween in France23 Oct 202300:22:37

Ghosts, ghoulies and Halloween in France. In this episode we’ll talk about haunted castles – there are loads of them in France. 

Plus ghost stories - including the tale of a wooden leg that walks alone. And French Halloween habits – and yes France does celebrate Halloween but in its own unique way! 

This is a spooky, spine tingling but fun podcast with possibly the worst Halloween jokes ever!

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#25 - The miraculous Mont-Saint-Michel, a legendary landmark09 Oct 202300:25:13

Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy is one of France’s most iconic, legendary, and visited landmarks. 

This little island in one of the officially most beautiful bays in the world is a record breaker, a place conceived with the help of an angel with a pointy finger, a building that seems to defy gravity, and a site so wondrous that it has inspired artists, musicians, and writers for centuries from Monet to Marilyn Monroe. 

Kings, Queens and presidents have walked its streets just as much in awe as any tourist. Its spiritual Gothic beauty has influenced many films including the Lord of the Rings.

This “pyramid of the seas” is a miraculous marvel and one of the wonders of the world.

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#24 - How to be French Part II – very French habits25 Sep 202300:21:31

Sometimes the French can be very different from everyone else!

We look at some of the more unusual and unique habits such as never, ever, ever being wrong. And not only that, we explain the surprisingly and really rather strange way the French deal with it if they are wrong.

Of course, this being France food comes into the story – anyone fancy a plateful of sheep testicles flavoured with lemon and parsley (of course, must have some flavourI). Or how about something sugary? Raw beef flavoured sweets – anyone? Yes. Really. And they aren’t for dogs – they’re for humans, made by monks in Burgundy.

Backed up with anecdotes and true-life stories of life in France to prove that the French really do have some very weird and French habits, this is a laugh out loud episode brought to you by Janine Marsh a British writer who’s lived in France for 20 years and Frenchman Olivier Jauffrit. 

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#23 - Autumn in France11 Sep 202300:26:25

Autumn in France and La Rentrée – a very French thing! It literally means ‘the return’, which sounds quite mysterious, like a thriller film but it’s not at all. We explain all about la rentrée and the best places to visit in France in the fall. 

We share some of the best seasonal festivals – especially foodie festivals - and events, from giant flea markets, arty party nights and wine harvest events in Paris – yes there is a wine producing vineyard right in the centre of Paris to a chocolate fair where they hold a fashion show in which the models wear clothes made from chocolate! 

And we share our favourite places that may be a bit more crowded in the summer months but are ideal in autumn. 

Plus we answer a reader’s question – how many times should you kiss – and what cheek do you start with?! 

Fun, entertaining and authentic – entente cordiale in a podcast! 

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#22 - The palace of Versailles in a podcast24 Jul 202300:26:39

Versailles – the palace, the people, history and legends. The extraordinary story of this mighty castle, built in a swamp on the outskirts of Paris stars a heavyweight cast of royals and played a key role in the destiny of France…

As breath-taking today as it was some 400 years ago when King Louis XIV of France, AKA the Sun King (and not for his sunny nature), turned a humble hunting lodge into one of the wonders of the world. Architecturally glorious, gilded and grand, with gardens to match, the palace is full of secrets and its walls have witnessed events that have determined the course of history. 

We talk about the people who lived here, the history of the palace and the most fascinating facts about Versailles… 

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#21 - Where do the French go on holiday? 10 Jul 202300:24:50

Ever wondered where the French go on holiday, and what their secret favourite places are? Well, no secrets here, we reveal all, as well as some of the quirky habits of the French on holiday and some frankly downright weird aspects of French life! 

France is the most popular tourist destination in the world (and beyond apparently – just listen in to find out!) and it’s easy to see why - more than 40,000 chateaux and fortresses, glorious beaches, snowy mountains, historic cities, picturesque villages, Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, a dazzling little island that makes you feel you have stepped back centuries, the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum and the sun-kissed French Riviera, the boulevards of Paris and the majestic castles of the Loire Valley - there are a million more thrilling sites and places to discover- the sheer diversity of the culture, landscapes and attractions of France is staggering. 

So where do the French go faced with all this choice? Find out more…

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#20 - Bastille Day in France – what’s it all about?26 Jun 202300:27:04

Bastille Day is France’s biggest national holiday. Find out what it’s all about and why French people have no idea what you’re talking about when you call it Bastille Day – they don’t call it that at all!

We explore the history of this famous day and uncover fun facts such as the DNA of a king discovered in a dried pumpkin (yup, really), how Marie-Antoinette loved the tune to the Marseillaise, even though the words called for her demise. And how the wife of a ship’s captain from Maine, USA almost had the royal family as house guests… The history, the legends and the weird and wonderful snippets uncovered…

Plus, the French go wild on 14th July but really this special day starts the night before and involves dancing at Fireman’s balls, Bals des pompiers – yes really! The big day includes parties, parades and fireworks – discover how the spirit of revolution is celebrated in France.

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