The Good Life France podcast

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

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

Yes – we’re talking about the French Revolution!

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

There is no just looking in a French pâtisserie.

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

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

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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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