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

At Living France we aim to bring you useful insight into life in France to help and inspire you to live the life you have always dreamed of. Here are nine things we learned about life in France in our January issue:

1. Charente has 2,025 hours of sunshine a year.

With great weather, beautiful villages on your doorstep, and a range of budget-friendly properties, it’s no wonder this western department is a firm favourite with expats.

2. Grand cru vines make up 1% of the total vineyard area in Burgandy.

In his new series, Richard Hemming discovers great wines of France as mentioned in great quotes by great people, starting this month with a Hilaire Belloc quote about Chambertin.

3. There are 136 English speaking international schools in France.

If you are a teacher or are moving to France with children, you might want to consider settling in an area with an international school nearby. We take a look at nine international schools in France including schools in Paris, Nice and Dordogne.

4. January is a great time to plant bare-rooted roses (as long as the ground is not frozen).

Gardening expert Sue Bradley discusses the Zéphrine Drouhin rose and shares her January to-do list.

5. A wood-pellet boiler is more eco friendly than using oil.

When Al and Kat Judge set up a chalet business in Morzine they wanted it to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

6. The number of millionaires in France is rising.

We round up news from around France, plus we have our monthly giveaway and highlight some January events around France.

7.French employers take lunch seriously…

They are obliged to provide either a self-service kitchen, an onsite kitchen or subsidised restaurant vouchers. Find out what it is like to work at a Parisian multinational and how French work culture differs to that in the UK.

8.Pre-purchase surveys (expertise pré-achet) have not traditionally been as routine in France as they are in the UK but this is changing.

Catherine Higginson has part one of her A-Z of purchasing French property.

9. A good breakfast can be an icebreaker, according to Ian Moore.

He discusses serving French guests at his chambres d’hotes in his latest column.