French at Heart

24/12/2024

The magic of Noel in rural France and beyond!

Where are the best places to visit in France at Christmas that are like stepping into a Hallmark movie? Discover the best place for a French Christmas

24/12/2024

30/11/2024

Cassoulet is one of France’s comfort foods, originating in the southwest, particularly in the towns of Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, and Toulouse. This hearty, slow-cooked dish of white beans, duck confit, pork, and sausage was originally a peasant meal, designed to be nourishing and made from pantry staples.

The name comes from the cassole, the earthenware pot traditionally used to cook it, which ensures the dish’s signature rich and tender texture. Julia Child adored Cassoulet for its depth of flavor and its celebration of rustic French cooking at its finest.

She encouraged cooks to embrace the dish’s flexibility, saying, "Cassoulet is a recipe of the heart—use what you have, and it will still be divine."

Julia’s tip for Cassoulet? Be patient with the crust. She emphasized the importance of forming a golden, crispy crust on top by cooking the dish uncovered toward the end of its time in the oven. She often recommended breaking the crust and reforming it several times for added texture and flavor.

Pair it with a bold red wine from the region, like a Minervois or Cahors, and enjoy this labor of love that captures the soul of French cooking.

24/11/2024

The season is alive and well in our area!

Retrouvez ici l'agenda des sorties et événements dans l'Aude.

18/11/2024

✍️ HOMES OF FAMOUS FRENCH WRITERS & ARTISTS - NO 5 COLETTE
La Maison de Colette, located in the village of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye in Burgundy, was the childhood home of the celebrated French author Colette. She spent her early years here, which deeply influenced her later writing, often reflecting themes of nature, freedom, and rural life.

The house has been carefully restored to reflect the period in which Colette lived, offering visitors a glimpse into her formative years. Colette's vivid memories of this home would later inspire some of her most famous works, including Claudine and My Mother's House.

09/11/2024

Have to visit!

Cordes-sur-Ciel, a medieval village perched high in the Tarn region of southern France, is known for its breathtaking views that often appear to float above the morning mist—hence its poetic name, which means "Cordes in the Sky."
Founded in 1222 by the Count of Toulouse, this hilltop bastide became a refuge during the turbulent Albigensian Crusade.
Its cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and stunning stone façades have preserved the town's timeless charm, making it a favorite among history lovers and artists.

31/10/2024

Today is Halloween around the world!

Halloween in France I've just spent another Halloween in France and thought I'd share my experiences with you. Halloween is not a tradition that I grew up with or one that I celebrated with my children as they grew up. However, the last two years I've been in France for Halloween and I've enjoyed tw...

23/10/2024

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

~Dr. Jane Goodall

23/10/2024

22/10/2024

✨THIS MONDAY ✨

“Women’s stories matter. They have always mattered. We are the storytellers, the keepers of the flame, and if we don’t write ourselves into history, nobody else will.”🔥

Our next IRL Guilty Feminist x Waterstones Book Club special guest is the incredible CBE – the award-winning writer, playwright, performer, and campaigner.

Kate’s new novel The Map of Bones is out this month, concluding her 12-year journey writing the Joubert Family Chronicles. This epic adventure explores hardship, injustice, pioneering women, and the power of words, with a detective story set against the backdrop of colonisation and creating new lives after war and exile. 🌍📖

Save the date – we’re back on the 21st October with hosts and for this unforgettable conversation! Don’t miss out!

🎟️ fee tickets left remaining, link in bio

13/10/2024

13/10/2024

Vivez un fascinant week-end dans notre destination Vignobles & Découvertes : Limoux, Vignoble d’Histoire et de Légende.

04/09/2024

6 alternative ways to get outdoors in this part of France...

02/09/2024

The Christmas Market of Mulhouse will open its doors on the 24th of November 2023. It will stay open on the Place de la Réunion until the 27th of December.
Learn more on the blog > https://frenchmoments.eu/mulhouse-christmas-market/

Toute l'Alsace Visit Mulhouse Explore France Visit Alsace

02/09/2024

Gotta go to some!

Bonjour! It's early September, so it's time to revive this page on French Christmas! 🎄
And to start with, here are the 2024 dates for the Christmas markets in France 👉 https://frenchmoments.eu/dates-of-christmas-markets-in-france/
📸 Place Stanislas, Nancy.

01/09/2024

Uzès: Character-filled streets, beautiful shops, galleries and restaurants, & lovely historic buildings. Don't tell anyone, it's a secret! X