The Brittany and Pays de la Loire Blog
May 1st and the Fête du Travail
May 1st in France brings to mind lily of the valley, Fête du Travail, demonstrations but also vandalism caused by Black Blocs
Returning to Brittany
When returning to Brittany to your holiday home after a 2-year absence can prove a small challenge, with good and bad surprises.
Find out how Martin and Nadine solved their cobweb and technology problems
Driving in France after Brexit
Driving in France since Brexit has been a bit of a challenge for many, but especially for expats: driving licences, car insurance, it can all be confusing
Doing something useful
Some people prefer to give time to charities instead of money, and in France everybody gets a chance to do their bit when food banks traditionally take place in supermarkets every November
Read about the food donations French people make towards charity in supermarkets
Be careful what you idly wonder…
In rural France, vehicles with giant loppers regularly patrol the lanes and roads, cutting back branches close to interfering with overhead cables
Nicola wondered how often a lopper cuts a cable by mistake. Now look what’s happened…
The price of French stamps is increasing
From July 1st 2011, the price of stamps in France is increasing, both for national and international mail
French Calendars
In France, it is traditional for public services and private firms alike to print their own calendar and sell them at your door, usually starting from the beginning of December
Fresh quails’ eggs
As a British expat living in rural France, Rachel’s relationship with her neighbours is a very fruitful one, with frequent food gifts handed over
Read about the food presents Rachel gets from her neighbours
Covid complications causing concerns
Martin and Nadine haven’t been to France since January, and Covid complications certainly are an issue and a constant worry. It seems sorting out a ferry crossing isn’t the only hurdle. Is it better to go or to cancel?
Find out more about the obstacles that we have encountered when trying to travel to France this year
Requirements for driving in France – Breath Test Kits
On 1st July 2012, a law was introduced in France: all drivers had to carry a breath test kit in their car. Find out why and if or how that law was implemented. Read more about the driving requirements in France.
The French authorities have introduced the use of breath test kits. Find out more…
Kouign-amann vs Lardy cake
Kouign-amann is a beautiful, buttery, traditional Breton cake. During the current lockdown, unable to travel to Brittany, we have found an alternative: the British lardy cake.
Find out the difference between the two and decide which one appeals more to your taste buds!
Why have the French taken cheese off the menu?
Why are the French taking cheese off the menu?
Are the French taking cheese off the menu? What has brought this to Nicola’s attention?