The French educational system is one of the best in the world. Generally speaking, it is based far more on the academic core subjects with slightly less emphasis on sports and arts. Having said that, there is still plenty of excellent teaching in the latter category, it is just that the French have always placed greater importance on academia.
For a land peppered with lookalike villages, finding the real gems hidden amongst the French countryside is easier than you might think. This is thanks to a scheme that awards rural French communities that are especially rich in culture and heritage with a recognisable badge of approval. You know you’re arriving in a village that’s a cut above average when you spot the red, grey and white ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ sign!
Some French Christmas traditions closely resemble those of the UK but others may be surprisingly different. France, lest we forget, is a country that refuses to be held captive to commercialism. It’s for that reason that Christmas in France is genuinely more about giving thanks for the year that has passed and wishing great things for the year to come.
The beautiful department of Aude is situated in the South of France. Nestled in the enviable location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountain, it’s named after the river running through it. Steeped in history, and boasting a Mediterranean climate, this area has so much to offer. In terms of culture, activity and gastronomy for both tourists and residents alike.
*Since this article was published, the French government rejected the law that would have allowed Brits with second-homes the right to stay in France for up to 6 months without a visa. Read more here.
