The Good Life France's podcast
Everything you want to know about France and more… in a free podcast. Janine Marsh, Editor of The Good Life France, award-winning travel writer and author of best-selling memoirs about life in France with her unruly chickens, dogs, cats, ducks and geese, quirky neighbours and the joys of renovation, and Olivier Jauffrit, the vintage French music expert at Radio Paris Chanson – have teamed up to make a podcast!
Episodes
62 episodes
#62 - Crêpes, Kings & Carnivals: France’s fabulous Winter Festivities
Join Janine and Oli for a deliciously fun dive into France’s winter celebrations! From the regal galette des rois of Epiphany to the crêpe-flipping madness of La Chandeleur, and the glittering parades of Carnival, they unpack the tradi...
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Season 3
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Episode 62
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20:04
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#61 - The most fabulous Christmas markets and festivals of France
Let us whisk you away with us to France to find out about the most wonderful Christmas markets from the oldest and the biggest to the most magical. Plus discover the most fabulous festive events from the quirkiest, turkey-est Festi...
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Season 3
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Episode 61
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26:08
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#60 - Everything French food at Christmas
A lip-smacking, mouth-watering, tummy-rumbling, finger-lickin’, well-seasoned seasonal episode about the food that the French traditionally eat at Christmas! Fun facts, traditions and scrumptious treats.
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Season 3
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Episode 60
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25:20
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#59 - Very French Things Part 2
Discover the mystery of French time keeping, the ‘national sport’ of striking and more very French things. A laugh out loud episode and a deep dive into the psyche of the French!
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Season 3
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Episode 59
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25:06
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#58 - A potted history of France
We explore 2,500 years of French history and the key events that shaped the destiny of France. We’ll also discover some of the most memorable members of France’s ruling families through the ages from the Gauls and the Romans to the Visi...
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Season 3
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Episode 58
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21:37
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#57 - The story of French Haute Cuisine
Discover the story of haute cuisine! It’s not just about fancy food—it’s about artistry, precision, and a true celebration of ingredients and technique and appreciating the finest things in life. It’s a tale that goes back centuries, and the hi...
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Season 3
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Episode 57
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28:00
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#56 - Discover the arts in France - Liberté, Fraternité, Egalité, Arty…
In this episode we talk about the Arts of France. And we don’t just mean paintings and sculptures – we mean the official classified arts of France. You might be surprised to find out that there is an official and surprising classificati...
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Season 3
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Episode 56
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18:14
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#55 - Very French Things – Whacky & whimsical ways of life France!
In this episode we explore some of the things that are unique in French culture, charming, funny or perhaps just a little odd. A chicken beauty contest, people making pig noises, dogs in restaurants and dipping bread in coffee, plus more weird ...
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Season 3
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Episode 55
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15:38
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#54 - Napoleon Bonaparte – the man, the legend, the weird stuff!
In this episode we explore the life of a truly legendary figure. He died more than 200 years ago but his legacy is as relevant in France today as it was then. He was one of the most powerful men in the world. He was loved by some, hated with a ...
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Season 2
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Episode 54
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20:36
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#53 - Empress of Style: the Life and Legacy of Josephine Bonaparte
Step back in history to look at the life of a women who helped to shape the history of France. She is remembered for her personal style and influence. She was an icon of fashion, a patron of the arts, and the first Empress of France. Sh...
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Season 2
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Episode 53
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16:54
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#52 - All about Victor Hugo, including the odd stuff!
We look at the life of one of France’s most famous writers – Victor Hugo. He was a genius writer, a most unusual man who lived an extraordinary life. His writing lives on, his books are still best sellers, his writing has inspired films...
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Season 2
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Episode 52
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17:16
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#51 - How the French Riviera became popular!
Today we’re setting sail for the French Riviera as English speakers call it, the Cote d’Azur as French speakers call it, the azure blue coast. It’s a stretch of Mediterranean coastline that is as rich in history as it is in sun-drenched luxury....
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Season 2
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Episode 51
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15:48
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#50 - French Etiquette
Find out all about French etiquette! The social rules that France has are fascinating. We’re going to look at the history of French etiquette, and some of the most common, unspoken rules that can enhance your experience if you’re visiting Franc...
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Season 2
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Episode 50
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18:33
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#49 - Edith Piaf, the sound of France
In this episode we talk about the most famous French female singer of all time. A woman whose voice inspires more than 50 years after her death. It is of course Edith Piaf, who remains in the hearts of the people of France and continues to sell...
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Season 2
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Episode 49
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14:30
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#48 - La Bise, the French kiss of friendship
Today we explore la bise! That’s French for the kiss, but not just any old kiss, this is the kiss of friendship that I am referring to, the tradition the French have of kissing on the cheek when they meet friends and family. One of...
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Season 2
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Episode 48
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15:55
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#47 - How to sound French
In this episode we talk you through an A to Z of French words and phrases - some are quirky, some are beautiful and some are historic. These are phrases that pepper the everyday language and will help you sound French, especially as Oli...
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Season 2
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Episode 47
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20:17
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#46 - Accidental food stars of France
In today's episode we talk about some of the most well-known, classic, delicious foods of France that we know were made by accident but became total celebrities in their own right! Find out how two sisters running a small hotel created ...
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Season 2
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Episode 46
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18:22
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#45 - Fascinating French history of the Statue of Liberty
In this episode, we explore the origins of an American icon. She is world famous. She’s very tall. And she’s French. She is known as the Statue of Liberty.The statue of Liberty is an iconic landmark and one of the most recognised symbols...
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Season 2
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Episode 45
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15:04
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#44 - All about Claude Monet
2024 is the 150th anniversary of Impressionism – an art movement which began in France, and one of the key figures of the movement was Claude Monet, one of the most celebrated artists of all time and a household name today. So toda...
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Season 2
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Episode 44
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24:32
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#43 - Speedy history of the Tour de France
In this petite podcast episode, we’re going to do a potted history of the Tour de France – the world’s most famous bike race and share some of the most fun and incredible facts. It has been called the greatest free show on earth and is watched ...
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Season 2
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Episode 43
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11:56
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#42 - The incredible history of the Louvre Museum
In this episode we’re going to explore a legendary institution. It’s a world record holder. It’s enormous. It’s world famous. It’s in the heart of Paris. Kings have lived in it. Now it is home to one of the most famous paintings in the world. L...
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Season 2
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Episode 42
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25:38
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#41 - The fascinating history of absinthe
The history of absinthe is a tale of madness, creative genius, smuggling, fairies and bad behaviour in the Belle-Époque, a time of peace and economic prosperity in France when the arts flourished from early 1870 until 1914 and the start of the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 41
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9:21
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#40 - The Mystery of the Mona Lisa
A woman with an enigmatic smile. She has been celebrated in songs, poetry and pop art. She is mysterious, some say she is a siren who casts a spell on those who look at her. She does not move. She does not speak. And yet she is a global icon. <...
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Season 2
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Episode 40
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25:37
#39 - May Day in France
In this petite podcast episode, we’re going to explore the traditions of May Day in France, the first of May, and specifically the tradition of giving flowers to friends and loved ones which is unique to France. It’s a tale of history, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 39
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11:15
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#38 - The Life & Times of King Louis XIV
Today we’re going to be talking about a man who in his time was one of the most powerful men in the world. He had a huge impact on French history. He had lavish tastes, he was a control freak, he loved the arts and believed himself chosen by Go...
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Season 2
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Episode 38
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25:50
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