The Good Life France podcast
Everything you want to know about France and more… in a free podcast. Janine Marsh, Editor of the Good Life France Magazine and website, award winning travel writer and author of several books about France, takes you to the heart of France, from French culture, history and heritage, gastronomy, wine, castles to monuments, fabulous destinations and much, much more – delivered with oodles of charm, a side of humour and a dash of unique French joie de vivre.
Episodes
66 episodes
#66 - The fascinating history of the National symbols of France
Dive into the rich tapestry of France’s national symbols. From the revolutionary Tricolore to the stirring La Marseillaise, the iconic Marianne, and even the Gallic rooster (which has a curious tale!), this episode is a fun an...
#65 - A to Z of the Icons of France
A crash course in French culture—with a side of charm, a dash of humour, and a ton of fascinating facts. Join a delightful, alphabet-inspired tour of everything that makes France iconic. From apéritifs to the Eiffel Tower, baguettes to ...
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#64 - A literary tour of Paris
In which we delve into the lives of some seriously famous authors who thought "You know what would make me a better writer? Moving to France and especially Paris!" Paris has been the playground of some of the true literary greats, from ...
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#63 - Celebration Days of France!
Celebrate the charm and cheer of French holidays and festivals. From the grandeur of Bastille Day fireworks to the sweet romance of Valentine's Day, we're going to dive into what makes France truly unique. We’ll talk about the main...
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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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 ...
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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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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#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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