Bastille Day, or La Fête Nationale, commemorates the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 – a pivotal event that sparked the French Revolution and the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity. This day is marked with grand celebrations, from spectacular fireworks to military parades and lively parties across the nation.

Discover its historical roots, the significance of this day in France and why the French don’t actually call it Bastille Day. And, contrary to popular belief, it’s about so much more than the storming of the Bastille.

Whether you're a history geek like me, or just love a good story about France, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation of France’s journey to freedom.

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

• Why the French celebrate Bastille Day
• Where to watch the Bastille Day Fireworks in Paris

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

From the lavish Hall of Mirrors to the beautifully landscaped gardens, the Palace of Versailles takes opulence to another level. A masterpiece of French architecture, it was the scene of extravagant parties and absolute terror during the French Revolution.

In this episode, I uncover the stories and secrets behind this majestic palace and explore the historical significance of Versailles and its transformation over the centuries. We'll peek into life within its gilded walls and the events that shaped its legacy.

Whether you’ve wandered through Versailles’ vast halls or dream of visiting one day, this episode will transport you to a world of elegance, power, and history.

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

• The history of Versailles and the best tickets to get
• Visiting the Palace of Versailles in the winter
• Half Day Tours of Versailles that are worth doing

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

French markets are more than just a place to shop they're a way of life in France where everything is fresh, local and delicious. Today I'm uncovering the magic behind these markets with their seasonal fruit and veg, handcrafted cheeses, local wines and vintage finds.

I’ll reveal what makes French markets an irresistible experience with tips on how to navigate like a local and of course, take you behind the scenes of the fabulous night markets held in the summer months. A trip to the Marché is a great way to immerse yourself in the wonderful French culture.

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

• A Trip To The French Market
• A Visit To The Night Market In France
• The Best Markets in Bordeaux

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

France is renowned for its cheese, with over a thousand varieties each telling a unique story of tradition, region, and craftsmanship. From the creamy decadence of Brie to the bold and tangy character of Roquefort, French cheeses are an integral part of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

The question is, do you know your Camembert from your Comté? Are you a cheese connoisseur or just beginning your fromage adventure? Either way, grab a glass of your favourite tipple and savour the flavours and stories behind some of the most famous French cheeses, discover the cheese regions of France and learn about the 8 categories of French cheese.

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

• The Best French Cheese Quiz - Test Your Cheese IQ

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

You've probably never heard of it, but Angouleme is the capital of the Charente region in southwest France, and if you're a fan of history, art and architecture then it’s one to put on your French bucket list.

You almost feel like you’re stepping back in time as the architecture is a fusion of Mediaeval and Renaissance, with a bit of Parisian glamour thrown in for good measure.

It can trace its history all the way back to the Iron Age but it was Isabella of Angouleme who really put the town on the French map.

So join me as we take a step back in time and discover this hidden gem in the depths of rural France.

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

• The Notorious Isabella of Angouleme
• Things To Do In The Town Of Angouleme
• The Comic Strip Festival In Angouleme
• The Best Restaurant In Angouleme

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’s nothing quite like the pop of a champagne cork to set the tone for a celebration, is there? From the royal courts of France to the toasts of today’s weddings and grand openings, it is synonymous with the rich and famous.

But what makes Champagne, well, Champagne? How did a little bit of accidental chemistry create the world’s premier sparkling wine?

Let’s dive in and reveal the fascinating facts about France’s prized bubbly. And later in the show, I'll be joined by the Queen of Bubbles herself Cynthia Coutu, Founder of Delectabulles.

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

• 5 Famous Champagne Brands And The Stories Behind Them
• 17 Champagne Facts And The History of Bubbly in France
• Top Tips For Visiting The Champagne Region In France, 2024
• Champagne Tasting for Beginners: A Guide to Enjoying Bubbly Like a Pro

Meet Cynthia Coutu

• The Delectabulles Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

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

We all know that the French are famous for their food, but which are the best food festivals in France? There are lots of great food festivals in France. From truffles, onions and chillies to lemons, strawberries and cherries, the French celebrate them all. And why not?

Attending one of these food festivals is hands down the best way to experience the food culture, meet the local artisans, and immerse yourself in the history of France. Nearly every fête has a legend or story behind it, so I hope you’re ready.

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

• 17 Food Festivals in France to Discover
• The Menton Lemon Festival
• The Strawberry Festival
• The Truffle Festival

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

How did Paris become the city of love? It’s known for being one of the most romantic cities in the world, but what is the true story behind it, and why is Paris the city of love?

The French Romanticism art movement flourished here, the Bohemian writers of Montmartre wrote about tortured lovers, and there is even a Wall of Love, but is there more to it than that?

You bet there is. There’s a whole history behind how Paris got the reputation for being the city of love, and it has nothing to do with movies, books or art.

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

• The Story Behind Paris Being The City Of Love
• The Love Story Of Heloise And Abelard

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