The Beautiful forest of the Ardennes is a nature lover’s dream, teeming with wildlife and just waiting to be explored. A perfect place for families to relax, enjoy all the benefits of open-air holidays and learn about the animals and plants of the forest.

A number of Parks and Domaines have been created which are informative, educational and fun!

Elfy Park

Meet a giant troll in this fun filled amusement park near the lake at Les Vieilles Forges! Over 10 acres of forest to explore and encounter the legends of the Ardennes, with tree-top cabins, a sea of nets, zip wires and giant slides.

A multitude of games combining fun and education can be found amongst the dense enchanted’ forest under the watchful eye of the giant troll – Valdemar the Walker. A truly magical setting complete with secret gardens and a village of elves! www.elfypark.fr

Domaine de Vendresse

Journey between fire and water in this unique amusement park developed on the site of a former steelworks. A representative blast furnace gives an insight into the past golden age of Ardennes ironworks, with visitors able to learn about this once glorious industry. In another area, a range of aquariums and ponds demonstrate the wealth of aquatic life that exists both nearby and further afield. Feed the fish and learn about the wildlife in the rivers of the Ardennes. A butterfly garden, an educational pond full of insects and a themed playground all contribute to a great family day out.  www.domaine-de-vendresse.fr

Argonne Discovery Park

Get up close and personal with the animals of the forest with this animal and leisure park in the heart of the forest near Olizy-Primat. A great variety of animals are present in the animal park for visitors to experience close to their natural environment. Families can marvel at the feeding of wolves, the park boasting a pack of European wolves together with another of arctic wolves. Owls, eagles and storks are present alongside many other bird species and a bird show astonishes visitors on a regular basis.

A special area called ‘nocturnia’ gives visitors an insight into the nightlife of the forest, where both adults and children can learn about owls, bats, fireflies and other animals on the move whilst we are asleep. There is also a forest trail, a scavenger hunt and trampolines perched in the trees! A journey of discovery in the midst of nature. www.parc-argonne-decouverte.fr

Mont Cornu Open-air Museum

The small village of Montcornet in the French Ardennes is home to an unusual open-air museum allowing the visitor to travel back in time and discover over 1500 years of history in this region. A fascinating ‘living’ museum has been constructed, with five villages showing life in different historical periods. The village is occupied by history buffs, re-enactment troops and artisans keeping skills that are sometimes millennia old alive. Preparing meals, making clothes, forging, stone cutting or carving… Everything is done according to the traditional habits and customs particular to each time period. Mont-cornu.fr/en

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In January 2024, French politicians passed a new immigration law that included several language requirements, likely to come into effect in 2026. Anyone applying for a carte de séjour lasting more than one year will need to demonstrate a French level over A2 on the international language scale, meaning that you can understand frequent phrases and expressions related to areas of personal and family information, shopping, work and leisure.

If you’re applying for a 10-year carte de résident (in most cases, this would be after you’ve lived here for five consecutive years), it’s likely you’ll need to demonstrate at least B1 level, which means you can understand communicate without effort, and can guess the meaning of occasional unknown words from the context. At B1 level, you can understand the main points of conversation in French on matters that you would regularly encounter in work, school and leisure situations, and that if you were travelling alone around France, you could handle most situations likely to arise.

Anyone applying for French citizenship will need to demonstrate at least A2 level in French, which is upper intermediate. It means you can express yourself fluently and spontaneously, and understand the main ideas of complex texts, including some technical discussions. you can find out more about this on the government website OFFI – French Office for Immigration and Integration.

There are certain exemptions, such as British people who moved to France before Brexit and are covered by the Brexit agreement, but it’s clear that the standards expected for French fluency have risen if you want to work and settle here.

The post If you’re moving to France you’ll need to learn French appeared first on The Good Life France.

Book by September 30, 2024 for a special offer discount on your cruise of France with CroisiEurope. You’ll make 15% savings on 2025 European river and ocean/coastal cruises – just use the code: EARBOOUK from CroisiEurope.co.uk

CroisiEurope are a France-based family company who are the European leader in river cruises specialising in small group cruises on rivers, canals and seas. In France their fabulous cruises cross from north to south, east to west and to the island of Corsica via the Mediterranean Sea.

They are already great value for money with all-inclusive cruises, and have multiple awards for their customer services, ship innovation, cruise itinerary, tour operator, environmental protection, etc.

CroisiEurope’s range of cruises in France are all about culture, gastronomy and the historical wealth of France. From the magical places in Paris to the beaches of the Côte Fleurie, Normandy, and Versailles as well as the places appreciated by Impressionist painters. Cruises on the Seine will trace the history of France.

Discover the wines of the region of Bordeaux or Burgundy, themed wine cruises feature refined menus and a superb wine selection.

Explore the trails along the canals and rivers including the Camargue and the wild Rhône in the far south of France or the lush Champagne landscapes – on foot or by bike (available on canal barges).

Cruises of France include the Seine river, Loire river, where they operate a paddle wheel cruise ship on a river the Rhone and Saone rivers, the Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne. Cruise the canals of Champagne, Burgundy, the Oise Valley, Alsace, Provence and Ile de France.

Enjoy fabulous food from a fleet of superb onboard chefs, excellent wine lists and unparalleled customer service. You’ll discover real France at a slow pace but see so much in a short time as you explore the most beautiful regions of France.

15% of your 2025 cruise of France with CroisiEurope

And if you book your 2025 cruise before 30 September 2024, pop in the code EARBOOKUK and you’ll get 15% off.

Find details of all the cruises here: croisieurope.co.uk

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Take a gourmet break on your way to or from the Paris and Lille Olympics with Calais Vins and Olivier Vins! With Paris hosting the 2024 Olympics, sports enthusiasts from the UK who are heading to Paris and Lille for the games via Calais are invited to take a gourmet stop at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins. The two renowned wine stores stock a vast selection of duty-free wines, spirits and beers, and they’re a perfect pit stop for any Olympic traveler as you’ll get an extra 10% off wines if you have a ticket for the games!

Calais to Paris

Paris is approximately 295 kilometers (about 183 miles) from Calais. The drive takes around 3 hours via the A16 and A1 motorways. Paris, the host city for the 2024 Olympics, will be bustling with activities and events, making it a must-visit destination for sports fans (see our guide for Paris visitors in The Good Life France Magazine – free to read).

Calais to Lille

Lille is much closer, at around 110 kilometers (about 68 miles) from Calais. The drive is roughly 1 hour via the A16 and A25 motorways. Lille will host handball and basketball events, offering a relaxed but equally exciting atmosphere. This student city has the youngest population in France, making it a lively and enjoyable year-round destination. For more detailed information on the Olympics in Lille, check out Calais Vins’ guide to Lille 2024 Olympics by a local!

A Must-Visit Stop in Calais

Calais Vins and Olivier Vins offer a fantastic selection of wines, spirits and beers at duty-free prices – plus you can claim back 15% VAT.

Calais Vins is close to the ferry ports at junction 44 on the A16 motorway and has more than 2,000 wines, including famous French labels and international favorites. You’ll also find a wide variety of champagnes, whiskies, and other spirits. The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Calais Vins are always ready to assist, offering expert advice and personalized recommendations and they are happy to help in English. They will also guide you through the seamless process to claim the VAT back.

Olivier Vins is very close to the Eurotunnel terminal in Frethun, just 5 minutes from Le Shuttle. Specializing in high-quality French wines, the shop prides itself on curating a collection that showcases the best of French viticulture. In addition to wines, they stock a range of perfect draft kegs, craft beers and premium spirits.

Both stores offer tasting sessions, allowing you to sample a variety of wines and spirits before making your purchase.

The Benefits of Duty-Free Shopping

One of the biggest advantages of shopping at Calais Vins and Olivier Vins is the duty-free pricing which can create significant savings especially compared to UK prices.

Both Calais Vins and Olivier Vins frequently run special promotions and discounts, providing even greater value for shoppers.

Additional Discounts for Olympic Visitors

Show your Olympic Games ticket to receive an extra 10% discount on wines, on top of the 15% duty-free savings. Plus there will be special offers and promotions throughout the Olympics Games period.

Definitely a winning combination!

For more information and opening times, plus to book your purchases online in advance so you can just collect on the day, visit Calais Vins and Olivier Vins

The post Winning wine deals in Calais! appeared first on The Good Life France.

Bonjour and bienvenue to The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2024.

I’m absolutely thrilled to share this brilliant summer issue with you. Whether you’re enjoying France from near or far, the fabulous features and wonderful photos will provide plenty of inspiration, information and entertainment, with loads of places to go, culture and history by the bucket load, scrumptious recipes, guides and much, much more

The Good Life France Magazine is FREE to read, subscribe and share. Bringing France to you wherever you are:

The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2024 issue

In The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2024:

Discover the historic city of Nancy in northeast France – it’s art deco heaven, and utterly delicious, plus – check out the ancient city of Arras in the far north. Head to Figeac in the southern Lot region; and to the effervescent city of Reims in Champagne, plus to a gorgeous part of the south of France where Claude Monet bought his water lilies at a still-going-strong garden centre!

Find out what it’s like to train at the world’s biggest pastry school, explore off the beaten track Alsace-Lorraine by barge, and discover the charms of Vannes in Brittany.

Paris takes centre stage in this issue – whether it’s your first visit, you’re on a budget or you know it well, we’ve got you covered with top tips for the best things to do and see in Paris – from the top sites to the secret places.

Come with us to the vibrant city of Toulouse, and to historic Troyes, plus discover a fascinating and unique cultural venue in a royal castle in Picardy that’s dedicated to French language – and it’s a whole lot of fascinating fun. Visit the world’s biggest pastry school. Meet the artisans who make pastel crayons the traditional way their company has always done including for famous artists from Degas to Picasso. Find out about the biggest omelette in France (15,000 eggs big!) made every year in honour of Napoleon Bonaparte. And discover how picnics originate from France and were influenced by the French Revolution.

There are practical guides, property hotspots, and we meet the accidental YouTube stars renovating their home in Charente-Maritime. Plus, there are superb recipes from the crème de la crème of the French food world including a delicious Parisian custard tart and moreish cheesy gougères.

And now – it’s time to enjoy this magazine which is totally free:

The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2024

Subscription to the magazine is also free! And please do share this issue with your friends – that’s free too.

Bisous from my little corner of rural northern France,

Janine
Janine Marsh
Editor

The post The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2024 Issue FREE appeared first on The Good Life France.

Europe’s largest river cruise operator, CroisiEurope, has introduced a brand new and unique Seine cruise highlighting the history and beauty of Normandy for Summer 2024. Starting in Rouen where guests will have plenty of time to discover the medieval city and its rich historical past, the cruise travels through idyllic landscapes to pretty Honfleur and the UNESCO-listed city of Le Havre before finishing back in Rouen.

Optional excursions include:

• Medieval Rouen with its wonderful half-timbered houses and dazzling cathedral, plus the Ossuary of Saint-Maclou.
• A tour of the lovely  Côte Fleurie taking in the lovely seaside resorts of Trouville and Deauville
• A visit to a Calvados distillery – the famous apple brandy of Normandy is a must!
• A guided tour of enchanting Honfleur with its pretty harbour and picturesque streets much loved by Monet and the impressionist painters.
• A full-day excursion to the D-Day Landing Beaches including the Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. Plus the 360 Cinema at Arromanches which will be showing the film The 100 Days of the Battle of Normandy.
• A guided tour of architecturally fascinating Le Havre.

Departures are on 28^th and 29^th July and 1^st and 5^th August 2024 on the MS Seine Princesse and MS Botticelli.

This is the perfect way to see more of France for those visiting Paris during the Olympic Games and ideal for those who like great food and wine, visiting historic towns and pretty villages, and discovering the culture of France.

With prices from just £466 per person for the cruise including all meals and drinks, port fees and repatriation insurance – it’s an irresistible offer!

For reservations and further information call CroisiEurope on 01756 691269 or visit www.croisieurope.co.uk

The post History and culture cruise Normandy appeared first on The Good Life France.

Bonjour and a great big bienvenue to The Good Life France Magazine Spring 2024 issue.

I’m thrilled to share this bumper spring edition with you, it’s chocabloc with fabulous features to inspire, inform and entertain – places to go, culture and history, scrumptious recipes, guides and much, much more. And every article is illustrated with fantastic photos and helpful tips.

The Good Life France Magazine is FREE to read, subscribe and share. Bringing France to you wherever you are:

The Good Life France Magazine Spring 2024 issue

Dazzling destinations

Explore the gorgeous Golfe de Saint-Tropez, a magical part of southern France where coast and countryside meet in a perfect pairing. Then cross to the other side of the country to northern France to explore the hidden treasures of the luminous Opal Coast, a not so well known area which also boasts a wonderful coastline and glorious countryside.

Head to pickled-in-the-past Sarlat, the jewel of the Dordogne and to the beautiful wine region of Beaujolais. Discover historic Cahors and the local landscape that’s breath-takingly dramatic, and take a stroll in picture-postcard-perfect medieval Mirepoix and find out how the town gave its name to diced vegetables!

Effervescent Champagne, the lovely Loire Valley and the tranquil Oise Valley, Brittany and Paris, Bergerac and Pays de la Loire are all covered in this issue. We share tales of history, a big dose of culture and the best things to do see and do. Discover the best new events this spring, browse our practical guides and more.

Always authentic, unique, informative and entertaining, written by some of the best travel writers in the world – it’s the next best thing to being in France.

Mouthwatering recipes

As always, we share the most delicious recipes from top chefs in France. Discover how to create a classic croque-monsieur – with a twist! Make an irresistible raspberry tart, and enjoy more great recipes…

The Good Life France Magazine Spring 2024

Just click on the link:

The Good Life France Magazine Spring 2024

and you’ll be whisked off to 144 pages of France.

The Good Life France Magazine is totally free to read, and subscribe to (click here to subscribe).

We’d love you to share this issue with your friends – that’s free too.

I wish you a very happy spring,
bisous from my little corner of northern France,

Janine
Janine Marsh
Editor

The post The Good Life France Magazine Spring 2024 Issue appeared first on The Good Life France.

Bonjour and a great big bienvenue to The Good Life France Magazine Winter 2023 issue.

I’m over the moon to share this bumper winter issue with you, it’s filled to the brim with fabulous features and wonderful photos to inspire, inform and entertain – places to go, culture and history, scrumptious recipes, guides and much, much more.

The Good Life France Magazine is FREE to read, subscribe and share. Bringing France to you wherever you are:

The Good Life France Magazine Winter 2023 issue

Discover Provence in the winter, uncrowded, sparkling and absolutely delicious – it’s a great time to visit. Head to Paris to find the traces of the Belle Epoque – the beautiful era – and its beautiful legacy. Dive beneath the Cathedral of Notre-Dame to discover the remains of the Roman city of Lutetia.

Fall head over heels for Cassis, an absolute jewel of the French Riviera, and follow in the footsteps of the artist Cezanne in captivating Aix-en-Provence. Come with us to the historic region of Tarn-et-Garonne and to gorgeous Gers, one of the most undiscovered and beautiful departments of France. Sample the mouth-watering and unique gastronomic delights of northern France. Visit medieval Guérande in the southwest of France, and discover the charms of the French Riviera’s hotspots.

Take a cruise of the Loire Valley by paddle boat, head to the arty, vibrant city of Nantes to meet a giant elephant and then to Calais in the north to ride a dragon! Find out about the finest oyster producing town in Brittany, take a bike ride in Normandy, and meet the last scourtinerie in southern France – a specialist mat-maker. Discover the spectacular ski resort of Les Arc 1950, and find out the incredible history of Bordeaux’s oldest wine house.

Plus enjoy superb recipes from the crème de la crème of the French food world including the most delicious French onion soup. Plus, discover the history of Galette des Rois, a traditional pastry in winter in France – and fit for a king.

I hope I’ve tempted you to flip the pages and that you’ll find this issue an entertaining, informational, and inspiring read.

Just click on the link and you’ll be whisked off to 140 pages of France, the next best thing to being there:

The Good Life France Magazine Winter 2023

This magazine is totally free to read, and subscribe to, just hop on to page 4 and sign up! And please do share this issue with your friends – that’s free too.

I wish you a very happy Winter, bisous from my little corner of northern France,

Janine
Janine Marsh
Editor

The post The Good Life France Magazine Winter 2023 issue appeared first on The Good Life France.

Welcome to The Good Life France Autumn 2023 magazine.

Brimming with fabulous features written by top travel writers and filled with beautiful photos: discover stunning destinations, mouth-watering recipes, guides and more.

The Good Life France Magazine is free to read, subscribe and share. Bringing the best of France to you wherever you are:

The Good Life France Magazine Autumn 2023

Stunning destinations…

In this issue we visit the exquisite Chateau de Gudanes in the far south of France at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains. Bought by an Australian family who saw a photo of this neglected beauty on the internet, you’ll be amazed what ten years of very hard work have achieved. it really is utterly gorgeous.

Wind your way with us through the Vallée de la Gastronomie – the northern section, Burgundy and Beaujolais.  Discover one of the best chocolate makers in the world in the town of Valrhona in southern France. Explore historic Tournus, a hidden gem that’s a gastronomic destination extraordinaire. Plus we have some utterly irresistible recipes for you including for a mouthwatering French Onion soup that’s bowl-licking good!

Authentic France

Come with us to the swashbuckling seaside resort of Saint-Malo in Brittany, and alpine Ariège, a land of medieval villages and forested mountains. Head to the Rhone Valley – the perfect autumn destination – surprising, gastronomic and historic – it’s also home to a shoe museum the like of which exists nowhere else in the world. Seriously – shoe heaven.

Find out why an Armada of tall ships regularly floats into historic Rouen in Normandy, and discover the bucolic countryside and seaside charms of Pas-de-Calais (my part of France) in the far north. Head south to sunny Bordeaux, historic and picturesque Picardy, and lovely Languedoc Roussillon.

Discover what’s new, the best tours,  practical guides and much, much more…

And now – it’s time to read it. Just click on the link and you’ll be whisked off to 124 pages of France, the next best thing to being there:

The Good Life France Magazine Autumn 2023

I hope that you will love reading it as much as we’ve loved putting it together for you. And as always it is completely free to read, subscribe and share.

Janine
Janine Marsh
Editor

The post The Good Life France Magazine Autumn 2023 issue – FREE appeared first on The Good Life France.

Welcome to The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2023.

This issue is absolutely brimming with fabulous features and fantastic photos.

The Good Life France Magazine is totally free to read, subscribe and share. Bringing France to you wherever you are:

The Good Life France Summer 2023

In this issue:

Take a trek around France via the Vallée de la Gastronomie, a designated route which winds its way from delicious Dijon in Burgundy to mouth-watering Marseille in the south and honours the rich, authentic and utterly delectable heritage of French food from field to plate.

Discover some of the most romantic sites and medieval gems of France within easy distance of Paris. Va va voom to Vaucluse – but not by car, as we show you how to visit Provence without four wheels! Head to cheese and cider country and nibble your way around Normandy, and soak up the vivid colours and vibrant culture of French Basque country. Find out how to spend a perfect weekend in historic Tours in the Loire Valley and go off the beaten track to exquisite Saint-Cirq-LaPopie in the Lot, one of the most beautiful villages in France. Plus pop to Le Grand Bornand in the French Alps – the perfect place for an outdoor summer break.

Check out the chateaus including fabulous Fontainebleau and picturesque Pierrefonds. And celebrate 1000 years of the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, one of the wonders of the world.

Ever wondered how French doors look that perfect shade of blue on their doors and shutters? Read on as we explain all. We shine a spotlight on lovely Mayenne and the beautiful Languedoc-Roussillon department in Occitainie. Discover the history of chocolate in France plus some truly scrumptious recipes from Ferrandi Paris and master baker Eric Kayser for you to enjoy a taste of France at home. And there’s heaps more.

And now it’s time to read it, totally for free:

The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2023

I wish you a very happy summer.

Bisous from my little corner of France
Janine
Janine Marsh
Editor

Don’t forget to subscribe here – the magazine is free. And please share this issue with your friends – that’s free too! Coming up in the next issue highlights include a real life sleeping beauty castle – it’s absolutely astounding, plus the brilliant Rouen Armada, picture perfect Provence, Brittany and the Ariège plus delicious recipes and super guides, history, culture and hidden gems – everything you want to know about France and more…

The post The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2023 appeared first on The Good Life France.