The Good Life France podcast (Janine Marsh)

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	Pub. Date	Title	Duration
	22 Sep 2022	#1 - A podcast about France	00:27:33
An introduction to The Good Life France podcast – everything you want to know about France and more. Meet author Janine Marsh an ex-Londoner who lives in rural northern France, and Olivier Jauffrit from France who lives in London. Entente-cordiale – upside down! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	08 Oct 2022	#2 - How to be a Parisian in less than one hour!	00:33:45
In this episode discover how spiders can bring joy and hope in France! Find out whether it’s really true you shouldn’t turn up on time for dinner at a French person’s house! And learn how to be a Parisian in less than one hour with Olivier Giraud, a Paris legend. He’s a stand-up comedian who has performed his hilarious English speaking show to more than 1 million people – and his advice will have you laughing out loud. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	21 Oct 2022	#3 - How murderous daydreams became a best-selling book series	00:37:17
The Good Life France Podcast Episode 3 with Ian Moore, a British author and comedian who lives in the Loire Valley where he runs a gite and dreams of killing his guests which has inspired a series of fun thrillers! He also has staring contests with goats, makes chutney and keeps hens who don't lay eggs! He talks about his fear of feisty French women over the age of 40, the quirky things about living in France, how being a mod and how wearing a suit in the chicken pen is a way of life! Author Janine Marsh chats about life in France and answers listeners questions - do French people really think it's lucky to tread in dog poo?! Find out in this fun and lively podcast - everything you want to know about France and more! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	05 Nov 2022	#4 - Eat, Cake, Love \| The magic of Paris and baking	00:35:50
Molly Wilkinson left Dallas, Texas, USA to train in Paris as a patisserie chef at the famous Cordon Bleu cookery school. What she didn’t expect was to fall in love with a Frenchman, set up home in Versailles on the outskirts of Paris and become a famous online cake maker teaching cake baking fans how to make the most perfect French gateaux from millefeuilles to merveilleux. Find out how it all came about and be prepared to drool as Molly and host Janine Marsh talk all things cake! And discover whether it’s true that French people eat a baguette every day! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	19 Nov 2022	#5 - Walking the Camino pilgrims route	00:41:21
We chat to artist Perry Taylor who walked 900km of the Camino, from France to Spain, in six weeks. Famous for his humorous drawings of life in France, he put down his paintbrush and pens and walked the equivalent of a marathon every day for weeks on end despite extreme heat and painful blisters. Along the route he made new friends and says he couldn’t help but weep over the stories of some of the people he met walking the pilgrims route. Perry says in the end, and unexpectedly, it was a profound and life-changing journey. He shares his experience and advice for anyone planning to walk the pilgrims route. Plus in our regular Q&A section, a listener asks when does ‘bonjour’ become ‘bonsoir’?! Does everyone in France have a different opinion – it can certainly feel like it! Find out more… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	02 Dec 2022	#6 - A year in the Merde!	00:37:20
Our guest today is British author Stephen Clarke who lives in Paris. He has sold more than a million books world-wide including the hugely popular and hilarious Merde series which began with a Year in the Merde based on Stephen’s own experiences in France and with names changed to "avoid embarrassment, possible legal action, and to prevent the author's legs being broken by someone in a Yves Saint Laurent suit…". He talks about how a job as a translator at a French dictionary company led to becoming a best selling writer. He shares his tips for how to find a good restaurant in Paris, get a Parisian attitude with just one word and how the hero of his Merde books, Paul West, is perpetually 27 years old! We also answer listener's question - do French people hug... find out the surprising truth! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	19 Dec 2022	#7 - Christmas in France	00:33:06
It might not surprise you to know that mostly – Christmas in France is all about food… so buckle up, or maybe unbuckle your belt, for a fun, festive and foodie episode – the A to Z of Christmas in France… Janine Marsh author of three international best-selling books about life in France and Olivier Jauffrit of radio Paris Chanson talk about aperitifs with the neighbours, desserts, jolly farmers riding around country roads in the buckets of tractors on their way home from parties, and the evil assistant to Father Christmas - if you live in Alsace! It’s a fun episode designed to put the merry in your Christmas podcast – so tune in to the A-Z of France at Christmas! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	09 Jan 2023	#8 - How to be French?	00:28:01
Ever wondered what makes the French so… well French?! Janine Marsh, resident of northern France, author of three books about life in France for a frequently baffled expat and the editor of magazine and website The Good Life France chats to Olivier Jauffrit, a Frenchman who lives in London about how to be French. Is it dunking your croissants in a cup of hot chocolate, the weird and many rules of etiquette around cheese, and how you say oh la la? Touching on some of the quirk aspects of Frenchness, this is a laugh out loud episode and a whole lot of fun. And in the Q&A section we answer a question from a resident of Pennsylvania, USA "Do French men still wear the beret?" Find out more in this fun episode... Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	23 Jan 2023	#9 - The fairy tale Chateau de Gudanes	00:37:28
What if you were to browse the internet and see a photo of a neglected castle in the south of France, a ruin for sure but with a faded grandeur that pulls at your heart strings… Would you be tempted to give up your dream of a little house in the country and throw everything you have into restoring the castle to its former glory? Live without electricity. Chop wood to keep the fire going so you don’t freeze in winter as the snow falls all around and the bitter wind blows down from the Pyrenees Mountains. Give up your comfy life and a good job in Perth, Australia. Learn how to speak French and take on the mother of all restorations? That’s what Karina Waters and her family did when they bought the Chateau de Gudanes – a real life sleeping beauty that’s now been brought back to life. This is an extraordinary story, one that has captured the imagination of millions around the world Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	06 Feb 2023	#10 - How to speak French!	00:22:16
Learn the three most important words in the French language in this fun episode - no test at the end we promise! Tu and vous - you and you - what's that all about? We'll explain what it means if a French person asks to "tu" with you! Plus - has one of us set a world record for the amount of times we said bonjour in one day?! And we also talk about the most popular attraction in France - the Eiffel Tower and reveal some of her secrets... Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	20 Feb 2023	#11 - Fascinating history of French food	00:26:02
In this episode we'll be talking about a topic that's on everyone's lips in France - great classic French food! And especially food that has a fascinating history, cheese that has a 6000 year old past, stew that helped save a town from a siege by their dastardly enemy hundreds of years ago, mouth-watering cakes that were made by accident but passed into legend. Some dishes are just a bit more special because of their heritage, it makes them taste even more delicious. Plus we'll share some of the places where we've eaten these dishes so that you can enjoy them at their best too. And if you're feeling peckish at the end of the podcast, there are hundreds of great recipes on the website! And in the Q&A section a listener asks "Do the French really take a two hour lunch break?" Find out as Janine Marsh, author and editor of The Good Life France Magazine, and Olivier Jauffrit of radio ParisChanson.fr titillate your tastebuds with talk of all things tasty and tempting in this flavoursome French food episode! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	06 Mar 2023	#12 - Top places to visit in France – plus top tips, secret places & more	00:27:15
Discover the most popular places to visit in France, their histories and legends, but also the secret places close by so you get to travel to ‘real’ France. In Paris you must of course visit the Eiffel Tower, but how about a tiny chapel that was built before the great cathedral of Notre Dame with the most beautiful stained glass windows, you’ll feel as if you’re in a jewel box standing in this place. And of course the Mont-Saint-Michel is a wonder of the world, but nearby you can get amazing views of it and explore the area by a little train that runs around the bay. Versailles, the Loire Valley, Disney Paris and the lavender fields of Provence all feature. Loads of fun and fabulous tips, plus learn how France is the most popular tourist destination in the world – and beyond (according to one of us at least!)… Plus a reader asks “I’m going to Paris in May, it’s my first time and I want to see as much of Paris as I can, but I also want to do one day trip to see something different. Where should I go?” We give the perfect answer! Have a listen to find out… Don’t go to France without listening to this episode! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	20 Mar 2023	#13 - Welcome to cheese land	00:28:12
For the French, cheese is a symbol of Frenchness. They’ve been eating great cheeses for a long time here, some of the most famous were being made thousands of years ago. In this episode we consider some of the most famous cheeses as well as some of the stinkiest, weirdest and frankly gross cheeses that France produces. One of them is officially the smelliest cheese in the world, one has creatures living inside (which apparently adds flavour), one was loved by a King so much it contributed to him losing his head – yes that’s you Louis XVI. It’s not just a slice of cheese, when it’s French, it’s also a slice of history and we explore some of the fantastic legends, stories and fun facts in this fun and fascinating homage to French fromage. And in the Q&A section we answer a question from a lady in Melbourne who says she read that France has banned UFOs! Is it true – or not? Find out more in this fun episode... Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	03 Apr 2023	#14 - Fabulous and frankly quirky French festivals	00:26:31
The biggest and the best, the strange and the quirky, the festivals where you can eat yourself to a standstill, and the ones where you’ll have so much fun, you’ll want to go back year after year! Marathon races that serve cocktails – or Champagne. A strawberry fete where you’ll get a slice of the biggest strawberry tart in the world. Pig squealing, baptisms of a giant where the baby is nearly 7 feet long, son et lumieres and more. We reveal the real France, authentic and sometimes a little weird but always fascinating… And in the Q&A section we answer a question about the French law that requires men to wear itsy bitsy teeny weeny trunks in public swimming pools. Is it true – or not? Find out more in this fun episode... Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	17 Apr 2023	#15 - The most marvellous monuments of France	00:34:12
Marvellous, magnificent and mesmerising monuments of France! The biggest and the best, the strange and the quirky, their history, legends and fascinating facts from the Eiffel Tower to the most incredible palace in France – built by a postman from pebbles collected on his delivery rounds more than 100 years ago. Notre Dame, Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, Pere Lachaise cemetery and more, come with us on a whistle stop tour of these amazing places. And we answer a listener’s question – want to know where to buy the best baguettes in Paris? – tune in and we’ll tell you! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	02 May 2023	#16 - Weird and wonderful superstitions of France	00:25:24
The French are rather a superstitious bunch – and some of the superstitions are very odd - got 13 for dinner and think the number 13 is unlucky? Then go French, pop an egg on the table, now you have 14 for dinner! Tread in dog poo and think it's ruined your day? Non, non, non - in France it could be lucky, depending on which foot did the deed! Want to make a wish come true? Well that's simple, just find a French sailor, dressed in uniform including the traditional beret with a red bobble on top - and give that bobble a twiddle! What? Yes, these and more strange and fabulous superstitions will be discussed in this very fun podcast episode! Plus a listener asks a question about the seasons in France and we explain how the bonker French Revolutionary calendar could have made things very different with 10 day-long weeks, and 3 week-long months and a unique name for every day of the year! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	15 May 2023	#17 - The A-Z of French Food	00:28:28
In this episode we share the A-Z of French food. France is the nation that invented the restaurant, haute cuisine and Cordon Bleu, the pique-nique, baguettes and crème brulée. The French certainly live to eat, not eat to live. The great American cook Julia Child once said, ‘In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport’. She was not exaggerating. If the French are not talking about food – what they will have for lunch or dinner, prepare for guests or a celebration – they’re shopping for meals, planning to cook or eating. Food is on everyone’s lips! Plus a listener asks a question about castles in France – do you know how many there are? Let’s just say if you visited one a day – it would take you more than 120 years to see them all! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	29 May 2023	#18 - The A-Z of Paris	00:31:44
In this episode we share the A-Z of Paris. From arrondissements, the municipal districts of the city laid out in the shape of a snail, to the second oldest zoological garden in the world, started when the animals of the royal family were abandoned at Versailles during the French Revolution via a hidden message in the ceiling of the Opera Garnier and a centuries old flower market in the shadow of the great Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a little chapel older than Notre Dame that when you visit is like standing in a jewel box. We share our insider guide tips and know-how to reveal the best of Paris whether it’s your first visit or you’ve had the pleasure many times. Plus a listener asks – is it true all Parisians are rude?! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	11 Jun 2023	#19 - Amazing castles of France	00:30:14
Discover some of the most amazing castles of France, the most haunted, tallest and oldest. The castles with amazing histories like Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris, built by a King’s minister and so beautiful it made the King seethe with jealousy and what followed was an epic tragedy and also kickstarted the Palace of Versailles project. The castle that Napoleon loved best, the one where you can stay for the night and a Duke will bring you breakfast in bed! France has more than 40,000 castles and whilst we can’t cover them all in this episode, you will discover some of the most incredible chateaux and their fascinating legends, histories and the people who lived in them… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	26 Jun 2023	#20 - Bastille Day in France – what’s it all about?	00:27:04
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	10 Jul 2023	#21 - Where do the French go on holiday?	00:24:50
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	24 Jul 2023	#22 - The palace of Versailles in a podcast	00:26:39
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	11 Sep 2023	#23 - Autumn in France	00:26:25
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	25 Sep 2023	#24 - How to be French Part II – very French habits	00:21:31
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	09 Oct 2023	#25 - The miraculous Mont-Saint-Michel, a legendary landmark	00:25:13
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	23 Oct 2023	# 26 - Halloween in France	00:22:37
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	06 Nov 2023	#27 - The Eiffel Tower in a podcast	00:26:26
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	20 Nov 2023	#28 - The history of the French baguette	00:24:47
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	04 Dec 2023	#29 - French stereotypes – true or false?	00:24:54
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	18 Dec 2023	#30 - All about France Quiz	00:21:37
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	08 Jan 2024	#31 - Paris Uncovered: secret Paris	00:25:32
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	22 Jan 2024	#32 - Travel Guide to France	00:26:30
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	05 Feb 2024	#33 - The Life and Times of Queen Marie-Antoinette	00:27:32
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	26 Feb 2024	#34 - Day Trips from Paris by train	00:25:24
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	18 Mar 2024	#35 - Reasons to love France	00:29:08
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	01 Apr 2024	#36 - French wine – history, traditions and etiquette	00:29:18
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	08 Apr 2024	#37 - French art de vivre	00:10:51
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	15 Apr 2024	#38 - The Life & Times of King Louis XIV	00:25:50
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	22 Apr 2024	#39 - May Day in France	00:11:15
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	29 Apr 2024	#40 - The Mystery of the Mona Lisa	00:25:37
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	06 May 2024	#41 - The fascinating history of absinthe	00:09:21
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	13 May 2024	#42 - The incredible history of the Louvre Museum	00:25:38
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	27 May 2024	#43 - Speedy history of the Tour de France	00:11:56
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	03 Jun 2024	#44 - All about Claude Monet	00:24:32
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 Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	10 Jun 2024	#45 - Fascinating French history of the Statue of Liberty	00:15:04
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	17 Jun 2024	#46 - Accidental food stars of France	00:18:22
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	24 Jun 2024	#47 - How to sound French	00:20:17
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	01 Jul 2024	#48 - La Bise, the French kiss of friendship	00:15:55
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	08 Jul 2024	#49 - Edith Piaf, the sound of France	00:14:30
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	15 Jul 2024	#50 - French Etiquette	00:18:33
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	22 Jul 2024	#51 - How the French Riviera became popular!	00:15:48
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	29 Jul 2024	#52 - All about Victor Hugo, including the odd stuff!	00:17:16
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	05 Aug 2024	#53 - Empress of Style: the Life and Legacy of Josephine Bonaparte	00:16:54
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	12 Aug 2024	#54 - Napoleon Bonaparte – the man, the legend, the weird stuff!	00:20:36
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	09 Sep 2024	#55 - Very French Things – Whacky & whimsical ways of life France!	00:15:38
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	23 Sep 2024	#56 - Discover the arts in France - Liberté, Fraternité, Egalité, Arty…	00:18:14
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	07 Oct 2024	#57 - The story of French Haute Cuisine	00:28:00
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	21 Oct 2024	#58 - A potted history of France	00:21:37
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	04 Nov 2024	#59 - Very French Things Part 2	00:25:06
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	18 Nov 2024	#60 - Everything French food at Christmas	00:25:20
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	02 Dec 2024	#61 - The most fabulous Christmas markets and festivals of France	00:26:08
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… Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	16 Dec 2024	#62 - Crêpes, Kings & Carnivals: France’s fabulous Winter Festivities	00:20:04
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	13 Jan 2025	#63 - Celebration Days of France!	00:29:19
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. Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	27 Jan 2025	#64 - A literary tour of Paris	00:26:14
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	10 Feb 2025	#65 - A to Z of the Icons of France	00:30:04
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!
	24 Feb 2025	#66 - The fascinating history of the National symbols of France	00:25:03
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! Follow us: On Twitter On Instagram On Facebook On The Good Life France's website Thanks for listening!

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