You might think it’s a bit early to think about Christmas in September, but it’s not, especially if you’re planning a trip to one of the Christmas markets in France.

From the Ferris wheels and vintage carousels to the gorgeous wooden chalets with artisans selling their wares, Christmas markets make us think about ice skating, mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and, of course, the magical Christmas trees.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the stories behind three of the best Christmas markets in France that still have that old-world charm of centuries gone by.

• The Magical Alsace Christmas Market in Colmar
• The Fun and the Lights of the Lille Christmas Market
• The History and Legend of the Reims Christmas Market
• 15 Fabulous Christmas Markets in France Not To Miss

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

There are many things I love about living in France, one of which is enjoying the French Apéro.

It embodies so much of what the French are famous for, as it perfectly represents the ability to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

The French culture fascinates me. They have an excellent attitude towards life, especially here in rural France.

They work to live rather than live to work. They take the time to see what’s around them, spend time with their family, and embrace the good things in life.

So let’s dive in and discover all there is to know about that fantastic pastime known as the French Apéro and the history of one of the most famous drinks in France, Pastis.

• Everything You Need To Know About French Apéro Hour
• The History Of One the Most Popular Drinks in France, Pastis

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

Narbonne might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of southern France, but it’s one of the oldest settlements in the region and is packed with fascinating history. If you're into Roman ruins, stunning Gothic architecture, and lively markets, Narbonne is a must for your travel list.

Walking through its streets feels like peeling back layers of time. The city is a mix of ancient and medieval wonders, from the ancient Via Domitia, once a major Roman road, to the towering Narbonne Cathedral that dates back to the 13th century.

However, its role as a key Roman port truly put Narbonne on the map. It’s an unforgettable destination where history, culture, and modern life come together in the heart of the Languedoc region.

• Chateau Londigny Opening Party
• Things to See And Do in Narbonne
• A Potted History of the City of Narbonne
• Visiting the Market in Narbonne
• The Old Donjon in Narbonne

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

With 1001 to choose from, how do you pick just five? Well, the Dordogne Valley is called the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux” due to five historical chateaux that gained prominence during the Hundred Years War.

These castles transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur and drama of the medieval era. One chateau was home to Richard the Lionheart for a time, another to “The Great Bastard of Savoy,” and another to a famous American-born French entertainer. If only the walls of these castles could talk.

It's like stepping into a real-life fairy tale, from the imposing stone towers to the intricate carvings and tapestries. So, I invite you to join me as we take a trip back into French history and five fabulous chateaux from Medieval France.

• Discover five fabulous Dordogne chateaux

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

If you've ever wondered where to go for a cocktail in Paris, you'll love my guest today, Forest Collins, a Paris-based Cocktail Expert and the mastermind behind the 52 Martinis app and podcast.

She's known as the "Queen of the Paris cocktail scene" and has been exploring and sharing the city's best spots for over a decade.

In this episode, Forest and I chat about her journey from an American expat to a renowned cocktail expert in Paris. We'll explore the stories behind some of her favorite bars and the trends shaping the Paris cocktail scene, and we'll get some insider tips on must-visit spots for your next night out.

• Meet Stefan and my hubby working at the chateau at 1: 40
• 21 Paris Apps For Your Next Trip
• Meet Forest Collins on her Website, 52 Martinis
• Follow Forest on Instagram
• The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore
• Shakespeare & Company Bookshop

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

One of the many things I love about living in France is discovering the history and stories of the people who lived here centuries ago.

And Sainte Radegonde, born in Thuringia, now part of modern-day Germany, who lived in the 6th century, has a story worth telling.

From being abducted by the Franks at the tender age of eleven and forced into marriage to King Clotaire I to fighting dragons and becoming a nun, her life was no picnic.

But who was the woman behind the story, and why is she still celebrated today as the ‘Protector of Poitiers’?

You’re about to find out as we walk the streets of Poitiers and discover how this city has survived the wars of religion and so much more to become a famous university town that has well and truly stamped its place on the French map.

For full notes and details on today’s episode, follow the links below:

• Discover the City of Poitiers
• The Life & Legend of Sainte Radegonde

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

The role of women in French society has undergone significant changes over time. Historically, women’s roles were largely confined to domestic duties and child-rearing, with limited access to education and professional opportunities.

The French Revolution ignited a conversation about women’s rights, leading to gradual changes. Over the 19th and 20th centuries, women gained the right to vote, access to higher education, and entry into the workforce.

So, I’m looking at the lives of three extraordinary women in French history and telling their stories. Their tales are fascinating and full of endurance and survival against the odds.

They are role models in a way we don’t have in today’s society. Are their names instantly recognisable? I’ll let you be the judge.

For full notes and details on today’s episode, follow the links below:

• 3 Famous Women In French History

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

As someone who loves the history of France, I did wonder if Carcassonne was going to be worth visiting. Would it live up to my expectations, or would I be disappointed? The hype around this city is huge, and I really didn’t want it to let me down.

It’s one of those stunning medieval cities that is like stepping into the pages of a history book.

You’ll find yourself quickly drawn into its world of intrigue and history. And if you let your imagination take charge, you can almost see the knights of olde standing on the ramparts waiting to do battle.

Well, it certainly wove a spell over me, and today, I'm sharing a little bit of its magic as we take a trip through the 12th-century town on top of the hill.

For full notes and details on today’s episode, follow the links below:

• My Carcassonne Castle Tour (as mentioned)
• The History of Carcassonne Castle
• The Story of Carcassonne Cathedral & Basilica
• Stay in Hotel de la Cité in Carcassonne
• An Itinerary For a Weekend in Carcassonne

I’m Kylie Lang, owner of Life in Rural France, a travel blog dedicated to helping others explore & discover all that France has to offer. On the blog, you’ll discover sections covering:

• City Guides - everything you need to know about visiting cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Rouen, La Rochelle and many more.
• Moving to France - lots of resources to help you plan your move from visas and insurance to sim cards and watching TV.
• French Travel News - discover what’s happening in France, from festivals and events to the latest deals and offers.

If there is anything you’d like to know about living in France, the French culture or the history of this wonderful country, feel free to DM me on Instagram @lifeinruralfrance

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