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A text logo with the words Life in Rural France in green and some cartoon sunflowers as part of it
Colorful outdoor cafe scene in a quaint French village, featuring a green canopy, vibrant chairs and tables, and lush plants. The background includes stone buildings with blue shutters and signs, evoking a charming and relaxed rural atmosphere. Overlaid text reads: 'Life in Rural France & Beyond - Exploring French Life, One Village at a Time.

Bonjour! I’m Kylie…

I live in the beautiful Poitou-Charente region of South West France having made the move back in 2016. Think of me as your local Francophile living the French dream in rural France with my hubby Richard and border collie Lottie.

I started this site to help you discover this wonderful part of France. I’ll show you the best places to stay, tours to enjoy, and restaurants to eat at. I cover everything about life in France, from visiting wineries & chateaux to shopping at the daily markets and boulangeries.

So whether you’re planning the vacation of a lifetime or looking to move to France, I’m here to make things easy.

Learn more about my French Life!

What you’ll find here

A red boat on the river Garonne with the cite du vin in the background

French City & Town Guides

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the main square in Bordeaux with a tram some people and the hotel de ville

Travel Planning in France

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The ramparts of the city of Carcassonne in France

French History & Culture

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Moving to France

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Summer in France

A panoramic view of Èze, a picturesque hilltop village on the French Riviera, showcasing its medieval architecture and stunning Mediterranean backdrop—skipping hidden gems like this is a common mistake when visiting the South of France.

Avoid These 7 Rookie Mistakes When Visiting the South of France This Summer

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A scenic canal in Colmar lined with half-timbered, pastel-colored houses and vibrant flower arrangements, capturing the charm of the Alsace Wine Route.

How to Enjoy the Colmar and Alsace Wine Route: What Not to Miss This Summer

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Hand holding a tropical cocktail in front of the Eiffel Tower with classic Haussmann rooftops in view, capturing a quintessential Paris rooftops moment.

The Best Rooftops in Paris for Sunset, Skyline, and Seriously Good Wine in the Summer

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A colorful array of summer cocktails in tall glasses, garnished with fresh fruits and herbs, with additional fruits placed around the glasses on a light surface.

14 Iconic French Drinks To Help Beat The Heat This Summer

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A woman stands confidently on a cobblestone street in Paris wearing an oversized brown coat over a striped top and wide white trousers, accessorized with dark sunglasses and a designer clutch. This look blends chic Parisian style with intentional layering, avoiding the fashion faux pas of skipping outerwear or structure.

7 Summer Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid in Paris at All Costs

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A woman in a sunhat lounging on a beach chair while reading a book beside turquoise waters—an idyllic scene that captures the vibe of enjoying summer beach reads set in France.

Top Summer Beach Reads Set in France for Francophiles

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The Podcast For People Who Love France! 🇫🇷

From the depths of rural France join me, Kylie, as I guide you through the trials and tribulations of French country life.

Hear the stories from other expats, how they’ve started new lives, set up businesses, renovated properties or retired in this wonderful region of France.

A podcast cover with a map of France, icons, and "The Life in Rural France Podcast" text.

And discover hidden gems to visit, the stories of France and its fascinating history and the culture of the French that has so many people fascinated.

Filling your life with a little dose of French sunshine one episode at a time.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

Latest on the blog

  • A tranquil view of a red and white pedal boat docked on Lake Annecy at sunset, with warm fall light washing over the reeds and nearby hills during Annecy in the Fall.
    Best Things to Do in Annecy in the Fall: Lakes, Mountains, and FestivalsAugust 25, 2025
  • Cobblestone street lined with classic Parisian buildings and flower-covered balconies, with the Eiffel Tower rising in the background on a cloudy autumn day. A prime example of the prettiest streets in Paris with iconic architecture and seasonal charm.
    7 of the Prettiest Streets in Paris You’ll Want to Walk Again and AgainAugust 22, 2025
  • Beautiful rugged countryside with big chalk cliffs in the Dordogne region of France
    7 French Regions You’ll Regret Skipping on Your Next Road TripAugust 21, 2025
  • The Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel at sunset with golden light streaming through its arches, located near the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
    10 Things You’ll Regret Skipping on the Champs-ÉlyséesAugust 20, 2025
  • Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge in southern France, reflected in the calm river below and surrounded by rocky terrain and greenery. Its triple-tiered arches and golden limestone structure highlight its historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic example of Roman engineering.
    12 UNESCO Spots in France That Take You From Roman Ruins to River PalacesAugust 19, 2025
  • The Most Unusual Graves at Père Lachaise: From Fertility Legends to A Man Holding His Wife’s FaceAugust 18, 2025
  • Napoleon Bonaparte in full military regalia, seated on a white horse draped in a red and gold saddle, confidently pointing into the distance under a cloudy sky. The scene evokes power and command during his imperial reign.
    Beyond Battles: 10 French Things We Owe to NapoleonAugust 15, 2025
  • Panoramic view of Les Baux-de-Provence featuring medieval ruins, stone houses, cypress trees, and a reconstructed medieval trebuchet on display in a sunny open field.
    Discover the Village of Les Baux-de-Provence: Fortress, Village, and Carrières des LumièresAugust 15, 2025
  • Mont Saint-Michel on a clear day with bright blue skies and its reflection in calm tidal waters. One key tip for visiting Mont Saint-Michel is to check the tide schedule for the best photo opportunities and access.
    Top Tips For Visiting Mont Saint-Michel This SummerAugust 14, 2025
  • Narrow Parisian street lined with intricate Art Nouveau façades and tall greenery, leading the eye toward the Eiffel Tower.
    8 Stunning Examples of Art Nouveau Architecture in ParisAugust 13, 2025
  • Charming cobblestone street lined with yellow stone houses covered in flowers, leading to a historic church in a quaint village, one of the beautiful places to visit in the Dordogne.
    10 Storybook Places to Visit in the Dordogne to Add to Your Bucket List this SummerAugust 12, 2025
  • Rooftop terrace at dusk with modern architecture and river view.
    Spending 5 Days in Bordeaux? This Free Itinerary is Your VIP Pass to the CityAugust 8, 2025

Are You A True Francophile With a Passion for France? Take the Quiz To Find Out!

Does your heart skip a beat for baguettes, Bordeaux, and beautiful French villages? Do you love to spend time in Parisian cafés or look for hidden gems in Provence.

Find out just how deep your love for France really goes. This quiz will reveal whether you’re a die-hard Francophile or just dipping your toes in French water.

TAKE THE QUIZ >>>
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Life in Rural France
  • About
    • About Kylie
  • City Guides
  • Podcast
  • Quizzes
    • The Paris Quiz
    • The Francophile Quiz
    • French Travel Quiz
  • Resources
    • Paris Itinerary
    • Fun Facts
    • Travel Planning
    • Food and Drink
    • Moving to France
    • Helpful Resources
    • Contact