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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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