8 things we learned about France in the May 2019 issue of FRANCE Magazine

From rose festivals to those omnipresent blue shutters, find out what quirky morsels we unearthed about France while putting together the new May 2019 issue of the magazine

1) There’s a gorgeous village in Gers nicknamed the Petite Carcassonne and it looks like a dream

Luckily, our writer Sandra Haurant has been there, done that and got the Larressingle T-shirt.

Explore the tiny walled village, which welcomes 200,000 visitors every year, on page 58

2) You can go on a cruise with Gregg Wallace in Bordeaux

Fancy yourself on the next series of Masterchef? Have a trial run on this eight-day gourmet cruise through the Médoc, departing 27 August, where Gregg and former winner Steve Groves will be giving demonstrations and talks.

Get your next holiday to France in the diary with our Book Now section on page 18

3) You’ll find Jean Cocteau’s first foray into stained glass window decoration in Metz

The Église Saint-Maximin has a series of windows designed by the renowned creative; they were commissioned in 1960 and put in place posthumously.

Discover more of Metz’ charms with Rudolf Abraham on page 44.

4) It’s claimed that the French language has more words for the colour of blue than any other language

Perhaps that’s why, in a recent survey, the French elected blue as their favourite colour of all time?

Delve into the history of the country’s famous blue shutters with Heidi Fuller-love on page 82

5) Savoie is gaining an excellent reputation for its wines

It may not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to top wine-producing regions in France, but this Alpine province is making a name for itself in the viticulture world.

Stroll through the Savoyard vineyards with Lucy Parford on page 70

6) There’s a rose festival in the Loire that transforms an entire town into a floral paradise

Chédigny was the first village in France to be given the accolade of ‘Jardin Remarquable’; visit its blooming marvellous rose festival, taking place 18-19 May.

Enjoy the sights and smells of the Loire Valley’s gardens with Naomi Slade on page 30

7) You can stay in a 2CV – yes, a real 2CV – at this Paris guesthouse

The truly unique Chez Bertrand in the 18th arrondissement has a special apartment, Le Loft, with a red 2CV that has been converted into a bed.

We’ve got a whole range of accommodation for driving enthusiasts on page 63

8) Caramelised miso aubergines are a thing – and they’re divine

In our latest recipe from Alexis Gabriel Aïnouz, the chef and YouTube star shows us how to make this delicious Asian-inspired dish with a French twist.

Find out how to cook it yourself on page 76

So what are you waiting for? The May 2019 issue of FRANCE Magazine is out on 3 April – order your copy here.

Or take advantage of our great subscription offers and get FRANCE Magazine delivered straight to your door every month!