Art & Culture | A French Collection

Married Across the Color Line – A Postwar True Story

Married Across the Color Line - A Postwar True Story

I love it when readers reach out to me about their passion of France and how they are connected to, live in or have experienced l'Hexagone (the popular nickname for mainland France because of the shape of its six sided mainland borders).

Just recently a member of our community, and author, Daniel Freeman, reached out to me about his family history and his book that shares that history. His story and the context of writing the book is extraordinary. At the age of fifty-two and on the passing of his father, Daniel found hundreds of pages of letters between his father, his French mother, US and French governments and lawyers, and family members that crossed continents and borders. Then at the age of sixty-five Daniel learnt he was a dual French and US Citizen, and then at age seventy-two he received his French passport. Daniel was seventy-six, when he published his historical family journey. Incredibly this project took thirteen years with Daniel's French sisters providing the translations for the letters and official documents written in French. Wow, what an amazing back story to Married Across the Color Line!

The Movie Lover’s Guide to Paris

The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris

Just recently I went to the book launch of The Movie Lover's Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou. It was an evening of virtual immersion along the streets and in cinemas of Paris through films set in Paris, together with author book signings. As a fan of French films, I was delighted to receive a signed copy. I've found some new classic films reviewed in the guide that I simply must watch, and a couple of fabulous 'follow in the footsteps' style self-guided walks that I can't wait to do when next in Paris.

Over breakfast the next day I showed my girlfriend the guide. It's a book "for movie buffs and Paris lovers alike, The Movie Lover’s Guide to Paris is the ultimate companion for experiencing the City of Light through the lens of cinema. With over a century of cinematic history, Paris has been a muse for filmmakers, inspiring countless poignant moments on screen. With this book you can step into the frame and experience Paris like you’re a part of the action.

The Lost Children by Susan McDonald – Author Interview

The Lost Children by Susan McDonald - Book Review

It's with such delight today we share our book review and author interview of the recently released novel The Lost Children, by none other than one of our loveliest long-standing blog readers and guest contributors, Susan McDonald. Susan loves France, and in particular the France Riviera, and has spent much time in Villefranche-sur-Mer. In fact she's previously written an article for us on this gorgeous town, often called the Jewel of the French Riviera - Villefranche-Sur-Mer on the French Riviera. Susan has also written an article on the best Walks in the French Riviera which highlights top spots to go, places to stay and how to explore hidden wonders whilst walking the French Riviera.

So bringing her knowledge of the region, love of history and English teaching and writing skills together, Susan has written a wonderful book that enticed me from the very beginning. With characters that feel real, places and events that you can easily imagine and a dramatic storyline that is evocative, I think you'll also love The Lost Children.

Breton Boules

The game of Breton boules is an ancient ball game that's played in the western part of France, Brittany. Breton boules is very similar to classic boules or pétanque, but it's rules are slightly different. Breton boules is played in our village almost every day on the single terrain behind the Tabac (bar) and at the boulodrome (multi-terrain competition field) when there's inter-village competitions. Competitions are fun to participate in with most of the village turning out to play or watch and with visitors from nearby villages bolstering numbers, the stalls selling frites (hot chips) and saucisses (sausages) get busy and are great spots for some lively conversations.

An easy game to play at home (maybe minus a terrain) and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in French life when in France. Just ask if you can join in, and unless it’s an inter-commune competition, you’ll be welcomed to participate. If you’re having trouble sourcing a boules game for yourself, then take a look at this game available on Amazon.

The Anglo-French Exchange: Book Review

Learning French, and looking for a different style of book to fast track your language skills? The Anglo-French Exchange by Dr Allswell E. Eno is a fabulous book that's certainly unique and I love it.

The Anglo-French Exchange

Dr Allswell Eno brings his passion about the power of words and their role in shaping society into every page of this learning resource. The doctor's fascination with language and its nuances led him to write this impressive textbook, which explores the enduring relationship between French and English. His love of the French language began at school and has continued into his professional life. He trained in medicine at St Thomas' Hospital Medical School, now part of King's College, London. After practising hospital medicine to registrar level in a range of specialists, Dr Allswell Eno switched to general practice training.

Breton Traditions

Breton traditions and culture is rich particularly in the areas of cuisine, dance, music and costumes. Brittany was christened Breiz Izel (Little Britain) by the Welsh and Cornish migrants who fled here in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. They imposed their customs, language and religion on the local Gauls.

Brittany is a region in the northwest of France, with a strong Celtic influence and we love embracing the history and Breton traditions of the region we call 'home'. Breton culture and tradition is strongly preserved and actively enjoyed by young and old. Here's an overview of some of the best-known Breton traditions.

In the footsteps of Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School painters

In the footsteps of Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School painters in Pont-Aven

Pont-Aven is known the world over thanks to the Pont-Aven School and the genius painter Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin. It's long been a dream of mine to visit the town and walk in the footsteps of the painters and discover more about their art and where they created it.

The rustic charm of the river Aven running through the town, secret bridges, ancient watermills, stone houses along the estuary and boats bobbing on their moorings, is what I'd conjured up in my mind from paintings and photos. But, I was not prepared for just how delightful Pont-Aven would be. It is simply darling! The town is also included in the prestigious group of 'Petites Cités de Caractère' or Small Towns of Character in Brittany.

Following in the footsteps of Gauguin, the Pont-Aven School painters and the Nabis artists was an amazing experience and I want to share it with you too. Here's how to walk in the footsteps of Gauguin and the Pont-Aven School painters in the darling town of Pont-Aven in Brittany.

French Street Signs – Famous people and Places

Have you noticed on any of your trips to Paris or around France, (or even just on photos) that many of the streets are named the same? It can be a bit confusing when searching in your GPS, and the same street name comes up in many different towns. That might be because the street is named after a person of interest or it simply describes a location or significant building that is on the street. Our early experiences of finding towns and streets that have the same names is something we still laugh at. You'll find more in our post Our Story #4 - Aussies in France.

French Street Signs - Famous people and Places

Examples are rue de la Mairie, translated as the Town Hall Street, or rue d'Église, which simply means the Church Street. These street names describe the main point of interest along the street. Interestingly, rue d'Église is the most popular name for a road in France.

Iconic French men and women are honoured with streets and squares all over France, but not everyone knows about some of the lesser known people, places and events which appear on plaques throughout the country. The French town planners do though and they love their politicians, presidents, philosophers and writers. Wars even made household names out of prominent soldiers!