If it’s Friday it must be France …
I confess I am having a little withdrawal about France today. I’m working away on my next manuscript which means I am immersed in la vie en France and feel like I am there in every way … except I know I’m not …
Every Friday morning, beginning today, at 9:30 I am having a French lesson via Skype with the fabulous instructor I was fortunate to discover when we were in Nice last month. After spending an hour listening to and learning from Ida Young-Bondi’s dulcet tones and immaculate pronunciation, I found myself wishing we were sitting in the bar in Nice where we had our lessons.
Then a friend sent me this photo …
Antonia is celebrating her birthday here … Bonne Anniversaire!
I have to admit that this photo only served to deepen my nostalgia … le sigh …
I decided the only solution was to take a break from writing and visit some of the blogs about France that I follow and enjoy. Let me share them with you!
In no particular order and … croyez-moi, believe me … ALL worth a regular visit for their own unique content!
Provence Post- Julie Mautner ~ all the news you need to know from the heart of Provence
Provence Today – Anne-Marie Simons ~ author of Taking Root in Provence and an experienced journalist, Anne-Marie examines serious news issues in France
Just French It – Ida Young-Bondi and efrenchcafe.com – Ida is a fantastic teacher, entrepreneur, and a lovely person to know – take a look at the many options she offers to help you speak just as she does – *wishful thinking*
People, Places and Bling – Theodora Brack – I looove Theodora! She’s funky, articulate, and I am waiting for the day she publishes her guide to Paris. It will be outstanding!
Bonjour Paris – a favourite companion I’ve been following for years that covers everything you want to know about the City of LIght and other parts of France. I am honoured to contribute articles from time to time.
The Hip Paris Blog – only recently discovered by moi – great practical content including some fab vacation rentals (in Tuscany too)
France Book Tours – if you want to now about the latest books set in France, see many of them here, reviewed by the amazing Emma of Words and Peace, who reads more books than anyone I know, except possibly Claire McAlpine, whose blog Word By Word is also excellent but not really focused on France, although she lives there. Okay, that’s definitely a run-on sentence … sorry … I’m taking so long doing this blog that my husband is now tapping his fingers, waiting for us to go out for dinner.
French Word-A-Day – Kristin Espinasse – an old favourite
Life in Laroque – Margaret Lawrenson – shares her love of photography and the trials and tribulation of relocating in a quiet village
The French Village Diaries – Jacqui reviews books from time to time but, more importantly for me, she shares her experiences of having moved to France from the UK
Food, Photography and France – a fine, fine melange of words and photography and, when we are lucky, recipes
The Riviera Reporter – the French Riviera’s English Language News Magazine – since 1987 they’ve been keeping track of all the news along the coast, first as a magazine and later online – love it! I had the pleasure of meeting Nick Kent when he joined us at my book-signing at The English Bookshop on October 4th.
The Riviera Woman – Anna Fill – a relative newcomer online, this is the perfect place to find out what’s going on along the La Côte. Anna misses nothing!
The Good Life France – Everything you want to know about France and more – I just happily stumbled upon this one and know I will be spending a lot of time here
Visiting France – lots of good practical information for travellers
So there you go! These are some of my most favourite places to take a break from writing … and I’ve probably missed a couple. I know there are many excellent blogs about France so if you have one you would like to share, please do. We can never have too long a list!
Uh-oh, the tapping is becoming louder and faster! A writer’s husband only has so much patience … !
Bon weekend tout le monde! Even my DH agrees we would rather be here ==============>
