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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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Winter in France

The Orangery at the Palace of Versailles covered in snow under a blue sky.

The Beauty of Versailles in Winter and Why It’s the Best Time to Visit (More Sparkle, Fewer Euros)

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Chateau de Chenonceau grand hall set for Christmas

7 Stunning Châteaux in France to Visit During Winter (The Magic of Christmas in a Castle)

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Colmar Christmas Market

15 Magical Christmas Markets in France That Are Straight Out of a Fairytale (Full Guide for 2025)

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A white Christmas tree in Paris with the Eiffel tower in the background

21 French Christmas Traditions and How They Celebrate the Festive Period in France

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The French Ski Slopes in Winter covered in snow with people skiing

Where to Find Empty Ski Slopes in the French Alps (Secret Spots Nobody Tells You About)

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A christmas tree and a roaring fire with a pile of books and a coffee on top.

7 Books Set in France at Christmas Time You Won’t Want to Put Down (the Perfect Stocking Fillers)

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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

  • The Louvre Museum at sunset with its iconic glass pyramid glowing warmly and reflecting in the still water below. The architectural contrast highlights one of the Louvre's jewels in modern design.
    A Week After the Heist, the Louvre’s Jewels Vanish Again — This Time for SafetyOctober 28, 2025
  • A giant illuminated snow globe surrounds the equestrian statue in Lyon's Place Bellecour, glowing in purple with snow-like lights and the words “I LOVE LYON” at the base during the Festival of Lights in Lyon.
    The Festival of Lights in Lyon Turns the City into a Magical Twinkling Canvas (Get the Full Guide for 2025)October 28, 2025
  • A bowl of French onion soup topped with melted cheese and a toasted baguette slice, served on a rustic wooden board. This classic dish is emblematic of comforting meals from the food regions in France like Lyon.
    The Top Food Regions in France Revealed by a Nationwide Study (and Why the French Flock to Them)October 27, 2025
  • A bridge connection a rock to a building in the French alps with snowy mountains behind and bright blue sky in the distance
    10 Ski Resorts in the French Alps for Your Bucket List (Après-Ski Included)October 26, 2025
  • Close-up of a colossal white statue of Atlas straining under the weight of a huge globe, set in a warehouse with scaffolding. The powerful physique and determined expression embody the essence of a mythological Guardian of Liberty bearing the world’s weight.
    Will France really build a new Statue of Liberty? Introducing the Guardian of LibertyOctober 24, 2025
  • A white Christmas tree in Paris with the Eiffel tower in the background
    21 French Christmas Traditions You’ll Love Discovering and How They Celebrate the Festive Period in FranceOctober 23, 2025
  • A street-level view of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, showcasing its iconic exposed pipes in bold colors like blue, red, and green, with large white air ducts in the foreground.
    Paris Turns Out the Lights on the Centre Pompidou With an Explosive Fireworks DisplayOctober 23, 2025
  • A cozy holiday scene with a decorated Christmas tree featuring red ornaments and candy canes, a stack of books, a mug, and a roaring fire in the background. This warm setup evokes the perfect setting to read books set in France at Christmas.
    7 Books Set in France at Christmas Time You’ll Love and Won’t Want to Put DownOctober 22, 2025
  • Dramatic upward view of the Eiffel Tower against a vibrant blue sky with sunbeams and clouds. The image emphasizes the tower’s intricate iron lattice structure, subtly referencing where the names inscribed on the Eiffel Tower are located beneath the first platform.
    72 Female Scientists Are To Have Their Names Inscribed On the Eiffel TowerOctober 21, 2025
  • Lavishly decorated Louvre gallery lined with gilded frames and ornate ceiling frescoes, displaying royal jewels in glass cases under soft lighting. The scene sets the stage for a possible Heist at the Louvre.
    7-Minute Master Heist at the Louvre: How Thieves Vanished with France’s Crown JewelsOctober 20, 2025
  • A curated French gift set displayed on a wooden table, featuring organic heart-shaped vegan candies, a "Maman" scented candle, a French Wink drawstring bag, Angelina dark chocolate crisps in a decorative tin, and a Payot hydrating face mask. A thoughtful and stylish selection of French gifts for Christmas with a mix of sweet, self-care, and artisanal items.
    7 French Gifts for Christmas Delivered to Your Door Anywhere in the WorldOctober 16, 2025
  • A serene ski slope in the French Alps surrounded by tall, snow-covered pine trees. Skiers glide down the groomed trail under bright winter sunlight, showcasing a quieter, less crowded resort experience.
    Where to Find Empty Ski Slopes When You’re Skiing in the French Alps (Secret Spots Nobody Tells You About)October 15, 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