9 discoveries about life in France from Living France’s July issue

In the July 2019 issue of Living France we put coast and country head to head, and we meet – a professional climber, gite owners in Loire, expats living on the Tour de France route, and four english-speaking writers in France

1. You don’t have to compromise on location if you’re keen to enjoy the best of coast and country

France can cater for all tastes, as we discover when we contrast coast vs country in France, and explore Hérault, Vendée, Brittany and more.

2. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France Yellow Jersey

We find out what life is like in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, which the Tour de France cyclists will pass through on the anniversary.

3. Le Voyage at Annot is the hardest traditionally protected climb in France

Professional climber James Pearson fell for France and a family home in Gard despite never thinking he would stay in one place.

4. Tasty French recipes don’t have to be long and complicated

This month’s recipe for Tarte à la Tomate only takes six steps and uses ready-made pastry.

5. You never know who might turn up for a last-minute booking when running a beautiful French gîte

When Stephen and Diana Yates renovated a Loire longère, little did they know they’d one day be hosting Paul Hollywood.

6. Even if you can afford to pay cash for a property in France it still makes financial sense to consider buying with a French mortgage

Purchasing your house in France with a mortgage is what the more financially savvy buyers do, explains Fiona Watts.

7. It’s important to keep your own needs and wellbeing in mind, even if your business is all about catering for others

After advising companies about wellbeing and flexible working, Kirstie Kelly and David Richardson have put it into practice themselves by opening a wellness retreat in Montréal du Gers.

8. There are plenty of reasons to be green in France

From tax breaks for energy-saving home improvements to measures to control air pollution, our guide this month looks at the numerous eco incentives in France.

9. July is a good time to harvest crops such as courgette and beetroot while they are young and succulent

In our gardening section Sue Bradley discusses the rose ‘Souvenir du Docteur Jamain’, and this month’s Open Garden is in Aveyron.

If you want to read and learn more about life in France you can buy the July 2019 issue of Living France here.

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