From life in Bordeaux and winemaking in Aude to apps that can save you money: 9 discoveries from the May issue of Living France

With real life stories and expert advice, here are 9 things we discovered about life in France from Living France’s May issue

1. Gironde is the largest department in France

With its legendary Bordeaux vineyards, charming old towns and rich gastronomy, Gironde is quintessential France at its best.

2. Smartphone apps can save you time and money on both the pleasures and essentials of life in France

Money conscious columnist Laura Harley recommends a few of her favourite apps that have proven useful since she moved to France.

3. You can now visit the Palace of Versailles from home through VR

We have a few ideas for how to make the most of your time at home from books to podcasts to learning French.

4. The original Captain Poldark, Robin Ellis, now lives in an 18th-century former rectory in Tarn

Read how a diabetes diagnosis led the actor to add cookbook and writing to his CV

5. The age of vines affects the yield and quality of grapes

That’s according to winemaker Katie Jones, who shares her story of setting up a wine business in Aude.

6. There are regulations to be aware of if you plan to live in France and work for a company based elsewhere

Our guide this month is about working for a foreign company and ensuring you and your employer are correctly registered and following the correct tax rules.

7. A Dordogne town, a Charente city and a Pyrenean village all recently became filming locations for new blockbusters

France’s towns, cities and villages are no strangers to being used as film sets. Discover just what makes these latest locations so magical in the movies and in real life.

8. Moving to France could lead you to discover new creative talents

Hear from three expats – an artist, musician and writer – for whom this was precisely the case.

9. Lot-et-Garonne is France’s leading strawberry producer

This month our food columnist indulges her sweet tooth with the Queen of French strawberries. Plus, we have a summery recipe for grilled sardines.

If you want to read and learn more about life in France you can pre-order the next issue of Living France here.

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