#35 - Reasons to love France

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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Podcast 35: Reasons to love France
 

Janine: A great big bonjour and a very warm welcome to The Good Life France podcast. I’m Janine Marsh your host, I’m a Brit, born and bred in London (as you may be able to tell from my cockney accent!), but I now live in the middle of nowhere, rural northern France in the lovely department of Pas-de-Calais with my four dogs, 7 cats, 28 chickens.  I’m the editor of The Good Life France Magazine and website, I write books about France, and I travel all over France year-round and when I’m home, I love chatting to you on this podcast with my podcast partner Olivier Jauffrit.

Olivier: Bonjour, salut, coucou, hello – many ways to greet you in French and yes indeed – a great big welcome to the podcast.  I’m Oli and I live in Lyon, the opposite end of France to Janine, the warm bit of France! At least usually, last week we had quite a bit of wet weather when you visited Janine!

Janine: Oli I think it might be my fault! Seriously – in the last two weeks I’ve been to Menton on the French Riviera, the Gulf of St Tropez, Lyon, the mountains of Haute-Loire and Paris – and it rained everywhere I went, not all the time though – I did get some sun! I phoned my husband Mark when I was away and he said “oh at last it’s stopped raining here in the north” – the day I got back it rained again! 

Olivier: Well you know we had a very dry year last year so it’s not a bad thing to have some rain now and again, but not too much please Janine! Where are you going next so I know to take an umbrella if I’m going! 

Janine: Next month I’m going to Cahors in the south of France, in the Lot Valley, I’ll be staying at a gorgeous 16th century mill called the Moulin sur Cele, which has been converted into a stunning guest house by a lovey Irish couple, and I’ll be visiting pretty villages, checking out the vineyards and exploring the glorious countryside…. And I’ll also visit Picardy to discover the newly opened International City of the French Language museum which pays homage to the French language which of course all good Frenchies know is the most beautiful language in the world! 

Oli: Hmm, if it does rain, we’ll have to consider you may be a rain queen! Right enough of the rain – let’s get going on today’s podcast. Janine what is our topic for this episode? 

Janine: Well today, I thought it would be great to talk about reasons to love France! As we’re always saying here on this podcast, 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! 

Olivier: That’s a great topic. And close to my heart as I have just returned to live in France after 20 years of living in London and I’m learning all over again what there is to love. From the sparkling lights of Paris to the sun-kissed shores of the Riviera, the charming vineyards of Bordeaux and beyond, and yes I agree, it’s about much more than places – so join us as we explore the allure of French culture, history, and lifestyle – let’s go!
France captures your heart, and we can’t deny that for many it starts with Paris, famous for its romance, art, and fashion. Stroll along the Seine, admire the artistry of the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower for breath-taking views and you’ll fall for Paris’s charms. Venturing south, the French Riviera beckons with its glamorous coastline, the azure waters of Nice, the cinematic allure of Cannes. 

Janine: And In Provence, the blooming lavender fields in summer make you giddy at the sigh of such beauty and the pickled in the past picture-perfect villages make you sigh. While In the Loire Valley, fairy-tale castles tell tales of France's royal past in a lush landscape. France's monuments, like the Pantheon in Paris, and the ancient Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard, are not just architectural wonders, they're storytellers of the nation's layered history, from ancient times to the present day.

Oli: The historic cities of Avignon and Carcassonne are steeped in history, with Avignon's Palais des Papes and Carcassonne's fortified city walls inviting us to step back in time and experience medieval France in all its glory. Brittany, Normandy, Alsace, Limousin, Dordogne, the mountains, the beaches, the cities and villages, France is such a diverse country, there is so much to explore.

Janine: I always think how strange it is that you could fit France into Texas and still have some room left over and yet it’s like several different countries in one. Last week I was in Paris – it was Thursday, and the sun was shining (yes I do bring sunshine too sometimes) and it was warm, everyone walking around with coats off and sitting outside cafes watching the world go by. On Friday I went south to a town called Yssingeaux in Haute-Loire, and it took just about 3 hours by train and car from Paris. I was there to go to school – the world’s biggest pastry school. But it was like a different country in its geography. And it snowed while I was there. I stayed in a castle built on top of a volcano, joined classes where the patisserie chefs of the future were being put through their paces, and ate my own weight in cake! I’ll tell you more about my visits in a future issue of The Good Life France Magazine which is free and you can find it at www.thegoodlifefrance.com. 

Oli: It’s true, you can hop on a train in France, and within an hour or two find yourself in what feels like a different country from the place you just left. And that’s one very good reason to love France – the sheer diversity of the landscape is incredible. 

Janine: But let’s now talk about a topic that is close to my heart – the gastronomic delights of France! Each of the diverse regions have their own specialties, from the creamy cheeses of Normandy to the rich and tasty stews of Burgundy. The pink praline of Lyon, the carbonnade flammande of the north, bean-filled cassoulet, and wine flavoured boeuf bourguignon. 

And who could forget the pastries? Croissants, éclairs, and macarons are just the beginning of France's sweet indulgences. And believe me I really indulged when I went to that pastry school last week! Gateaux, cakes that look like jewels and taste like heaven made by master craftsmen.

Oli: And what about cheese? Camembert, Brie, Comté, Epoisses, Munster, Tomme – even Vieux Boulogne, officially the smelliest cheese in the world. Estimates of how many different French cheeses there are range from 250 -1000 plus. You could eat three different cheeses a day and still not try them all in a year!  

Janine: Yes food is a very, very good reason to love France – whichever part of the country you’re in. In Lyon, you can savour the essence of French cuisine in its traditional bouchons, restaurants that serve classic local dishes, while Bordeaux offers a divine blend of gastronomic markets and world-class vineyards. But these towns are not just places to eat,  they are destinations where food tells the story of history, tradition, and community.

But now let’s talk about some less tangible things to love… like the language. I mentioned earlier that I’m going to Picardy to visit the new French language centre right. And despite being incredibly challenging for a non-native, once you begin to get a handle on it, it’s a beautiful language to speak and to hear spoken. Let’s face it, even if you can’t understand a word, it’s still beautiful. And I love that there  are curious and entertaining accents, region to region to keep you on your toes. Like in my region, the local people speak a sort of patois call ch’ti, and there’s a great film about this area and the people called Bienvenue chez les ch’tis – Welcome to the Sticks sort of! And they speak with a very strong accent so for instance instead of ca va, which means how are you, they say “sha va”… I actually have a ch’ti dictionary because the words are so different from true French but I don’t think I’ll ever master ch’ti and I find that blowing raspberries, shrugging my shoulders, rolling my eyes and going pffff very loudly seems to work whoever I’m talking to in France! And now Oli, you know one of my favourite French sayings – could you please say it properly so that everyone can appreciate the beauty of the language.

Oli: Croquer la vie à pleines dents 

Janine: It literally means bite into life with all your teeth but really it means “To embrace life to the fullest.” And for me it kind of shows how lovely the language is. 

Oli: Ok let’s talk Pétanque – another reason to love France! Drive through any small town in Southern France in the late afternoon and you are likely to see a group of older men playing “pétanque” also known as “les boules.” In our busy, digitally-driven world, it is a delight to see this traditional pastime survive.

Janine: We play it in the north too! Though maybe not so much sun! How about  Metro-boulot-dodo – work-life-balance – key to the good life in France. Most French people work 35 hours a week and have at least 5 weeks of paid vacation. This allows us to have a lot of free time to enjoy life as much as possible.

Oli: or wonderful street markets… From the famed flea markets of Paris to the colourful Provencal markets, France's street markets are a treasure trove of local culture, offering everything from antiques to artisanal products, and the freshest produce.  French markets are famous all over the world and you cannot beat them for stocking up on your weekly groceries and local produce. It is a Sunday morning ritual for many French people and the meeting of friends is as much a part of it as the errands.

Janine: I went to Les Halles Paul Bocuse market in Lyon while I was there, wow Oli you are lucky to have that place so close by, it’s absolutely stunning. Not cheap I have to say but this is not your average market – I’ve never seen so many MOF – Meilleurs ouvriers de France in one place – that means best craftsmen of their class and it refers to producers and artisans of the food world and beyond. 
Understanding France means delving into its way of life – the leisurely café culture, the importance of family and tradition, and the indefinable 'joie de vivre' that defines the French spirit. Here, life is an art form, and everyone is an artist – art de vivre is a way of life.  Art de vivre is the art of living; a bit like what we call ‘the good life’ in English, by which we mean a life that is joyful, spent surrounded by things that give us comfort and pleasure. But art de vivre is more than that; it is about striving to find happiness in the small moments. It’s about appreciating and finding pleasure in the ordinary parts of everyday life, always discovering something to smile about. In fact, I think we’ll do an art de vivre podcast episode quite soon! 

I love that in France two hour lunch breaks being normal! Though I do find that young people who work are starting to phase this out, such a shame… 

Oli: Yes you’re right eating meals together with family and friends is taken very seriously in France. Dinners can last hours. Enjoy multiple courses and pauses during your meal while talking and being social with your family and/or friends. 

Janine: According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) the French spend the most time eating and drinking with an average of 2h13m per meal!

Oli: WE haven’t mentioned wine yet so – wine! Red, white, rosé and even yellow wine from the Jura region. There is a wine to suit all. There are so many hidden gems of vineyards, small family enterprises producing fabulous wines for all seasons. Degustation – a tasting - is a must.

Janine: And what about Crêpes: thin, sweet and crispy or savoury galettes from Brittany, what’s not to love?

Oli: I have to say, coming back to France, I love how French book shops are still going strong. Nothing wrong with buying books online but there’s something reassuring about seeing books on shelves. And dear listeners, did you know that Janine has written three books? You’ll find them online at Amazon but also in book shops in the high street. They’re called My Good Life in France, then My Four Seasons in France, and Toujours la France – about her life in France with her many animals and funny neighbours. And her latest book is How to be French. And this is how someone described her writing “effervescent, like a glass of champagne”…

Janine: Well it’s a good job this is a podcast cos I’m blushing Oli, thank you for that shameless plug. I love bookshops too! And Champagne! Now – there’s another reason to love France! 

Oli: Baguettes. Come on. A top 10 maybe?  Tucked under your arm, sticking out of a basket, nibbling the end, smothered with butter – a taste of France. 

Janine: Absolutely - bread is a cultural experience in France. And we’ve done a whole podcast episode on bread where we explain why! Let’s be honest. Is there any bread, anywhere in the world that can beat an artisanal baguette? I suggest not.

How about The French passion for heritage and deep-rooted support for the arts. For me, that is one of the major reasons that I love France. That everywhere you go, everyone has such passion for heritage, for traditions… History and Patrimoine, the ancient abounds here in France and each village and town has its own history written all over it. Observe and you will see all manner of quirky and interesting details that point to the local history. More and more, I love and praise the efforts of ordinary French people to save the beautiful architecture and historical buildings. Gardens too, from the elegance of a Chateau’s formal garden to villages recognised for their floral displays.

Oli: There is another thing I have rediscovered in France that I had forgotten. I found it a little difficult at first, but I’m learning to love it. Shops that close at lunch time and on Sundays, and are not open all night long…

Janine: ooh yes and Supermarkets which have an aisle dedicated to local produce to support local farmers and artisans. And supermarkets sell what some people call “ugly food, you know, when you get a cucumber that’s not perfect straight, or a weird shaped carrot with legs, or tomatoes that look like they have squashed noses, and some supermarkets don’t sell them as they’re not aesthetically pleasing and apparently we consumers don’t want such ugly fruit and veg… well in France ugly fruit is just as much loved as pretty fruit and veg and the supermarkets sell it and don’t remove it from the displays! 

Oli: The sound of the cicadas. The eee eee eee sound of the cicadas immediately reminds me of sunny summer days in Provence with friends when we play Petanque (French bocci), enjoy a Pastis (anise liquor) and grill under the warm dry sun of the South. 

Janine: I love cake. Have we said that already?! It doesn’t matter, I’ll say it again if we have! 

Oli:  Architecture: Baroque, Hausmannian, Le Corbusier, Auguste Perrett, French Renaissance, Gothic, Romanesque, Gallo-Roman, Beaux Arts, Belle Epoque and more…

Janine: Café culture and people watching, it’s a way of life in France

Oli: Chateaux… There is so much history in France and so many beautiful castles. “Les Chateaux de la Loire” are incredible to visit to better understand how the kings and nobles used to live only a few hundred years ago. In the small area of Beaujolais, just 104km long there are more than 300 castles, Dordogne is nicknamed the land of 1000 castles. 

Janine: Shutters. It’s a way of life to have shutters over the windows, keeping it cosy inside in winter, cool in summer. And I didn’t love it at first that windows open inwards, but I’ve got used to it and now I do love it because I can clean my windows easily even at the top of the house and I wonder why we don’t all have windows that open inwards! 

Oli:  L’heure du goûter. French people don’t really snack that much except at the socially acceptable late afternoon hour when it’s de rigeur to pop to a boulangerie for a sweet treat. And then we really love it!

Janine: Festivals. The French need no excuse for a good knees up from world famous carnivals to village parties. 

Oli: And Estivals! Outdoor summer wine festivals in Southern France where you enjoy delicious local wine almost for free (usually about 2 euros a glass or 10 euros for a bottle). Food trucks with traditional dishes or fresh seafood such as oysters and mussels along with live music while watching the sunset. Each town or village has its own wine fest, all on a different evening of the week, so that you could enjoy one every day for the entire summer. La belle vie! Yes the Good life! 

Janine: Medieval cobblestone villages - Strolling through them reminds you how old the world is and how beautiful and peaceful life can be. At least nowadays… 700 years ago probably not as peaceful!

Oli: Aperitifs. This tradition is really nice, and really social way to wind down the day – in a café or at home with friends. A glass of wine or pastis or Lillet, a liqueur, and some nibbles and good conversation…ahhhh – is it that time yet?! 

Janine: Church bells. You hear them everywhere from Notre Dame in Paris to the smallest village. There’s something very special about the sound, it anchors you to the past.

Oli: Trains. The fast TGV service means you can board in Paris and alight in Bordeaux 2 hours later. You can travel all over France by train.

Janine: Politesse (politeness): saying bonjour when you walk into a shop, shaking hands with everyone in the local bar. The week I bought my house in France we went to the local bar, I pushed open the door and could hear the buzz of conversation and laughter, but as I stepped in, it went dead quiet, and scared the bejeezus out of me, like the wild west, but then suddenly a man stepped forward and said, you must be the new people, the British in the village, welcome and one by one everyone came over and shook my hand, and I knew I was in a place I could call home. 

Oli: Brocantes, vide greniers, marchés aux puces: flea markets are a national obsession and a cultural connection for visitors.

Janine: Long relaxed summer meals in the garden as the sun goes down – or seated around long tables beside a large open fire at lunchtime in the winter. Cafés. This French institution is still alive and well throughout France. Each one is similar yet each one is different- from the view to the regulars to the people watching, nothing compares to the experience of whiling away some time in a French cafe.

Oli: The 2CV. We have to include this iconic beauty. It’s a symbol of French chic and freedom, style in city and country and so much fun to ride around the French countryside on a hot summer’s day with the top down.

Janine: Oh I love that sound, you can always tell a 2CV by the noise it makes! 

And finally how about French philosophy: Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup. It means eat well, laugh often, love abundantly… I think we all agree with that then!

Oli: And there you have it, reasons to love France. I think really we've only just scratched the surface of what makes this country so irresistible. Each corner of France has its own unique charm, waiting to be discovered. So pack your bags, bring your appetite for adventure and for great French food and wine, and come and fall in love with France, one exquisite experience at a time.  If you’ve enjoyed our adventure, don't forget to subscribe for more travel tales and tips at www.thegoodlifefrance.com. But, now it’s time for a listener’s question.

Oli: In every episode of this podcast, we answer one of your questions – and we don’t mind what you ask us! Let’s find out what today’s question is. 

Janine: Today’s question is from Deborah Robinson of Newcastle New South Wales Australia, and she says “I have a question for you. I have heard a few people say that you cannot have a barbecue in Paris! As I live in Australia I find this really bizarre. Is this true? And if so why are barbecues not allowed?”

Oli: Oh that’s an interesting question Deborah, and yes I can understand how as an Aussie you might find that a tough one – you are the Kings of the barbecue…

Janine: Yes, a toughie for an Aussie. My sister lived in Sydney for a while, and I stayed with her there and also went to Melbourne and we had a lot of barbecues. So Oli – true or false? Are barbecues banned in Paris?

Oli: But first, do you wonder what the French grill at barbecues or as we call it “grillades”? Merguez (lamb sausages), Chipolatas (pork sausages with herbs)… And Camembert (oh yes, cheese is always involved, and yes we grill it). Plus veggies like pepper and onions. We rarely grill burgers, and never hot dogs.

Janine: Yes but can you barbecue cheese in Paris?! 

Oli: Well Deborah – yes you can, and no you can’t. It depends. 

Janine: That’s such a French answer! 

Oli: Well, public barbecues are forbidden in the parks and gardens in central Paris, in fact you can end up with a hefty fine. But in the greater area of Paris there are some parks where it is allowed though never in a forest.  And you can have a barbecue at home – mostly. Some apartment blocks forbid you having a barbecue on the balcony. So it really depends on where you live – but no, def not in public spaces in inner Paris. 

Janine: So there you have it Deborah and barbecue fans, no barbecues in public spaces including the banks of the river Seine in Paris, perhaps at home on the balcony – or perhaps not! 

Oli: Thanks so much for that question, Deborah. If you also have a question for us – feel free to send it to janine@thegoodlifefrance.com or via our podcast newsletter. And, if there’s a topic you want to know more about – let us know! 

Thank you so much, a massive merci beaucoup, to everyone for listening to our podcast from 148 countries all around the world! And huge thank you for sharing the podcast with your friends and family, we’re truly grateful when you do that. 

You’ve been listening to Janine Marsh and me Olivier Jauffrit. 

Janine: And you can find me  and heaps of information about France – where to visit, culture, history, recipes – everything France - at thegoodlifefrance.com where you can subscribe to the podcast, my weekly newsletter about France and our totally brilliant, totally free magazine which you can read at magazine.thegoodlifefrance.com 

But for now, it’s au revoir from me.

Olivier: And goodbye from me.

Janine: Speak to you soon!