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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

  • An elaborate sand colored stone structure covered in carved columns statues and layered towers stands among tall trees in a garden. A bench and gravel path in the foreground show this as one of the more unusual places in France to visit.
    10 Places in France You May Not Know But You’ll Thank Me For Recommending (Truly Spectacular Places to Visit)April 8, 2026
  • Young woman in a striped sweater sits on a stone ledge reading a blue book beside a Paris lamppost with the Eiffel Tower blurred in the background. This works well as a lead visual for a World Wars in France book list because it sets a reflective Paris scene.
    9 Books Set During the Two World Wars in France That Will Have You On the Edge of Your Seat (You Won’t Be Able to Put Them Down)April 7, 2026
  • Cyclists ride along a shaded path beside the Canal du Midi where several boats are docked under tall leafy trees. A small arched bridge in the background adds to the tranquil countryside setting.
    Take a Trip Along the Stunning Canal du Midi in Southern France: Discover the Best Routes, Learn the History and Plan an Unforgettable Trip This SummerApril 6, 2026
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    The Unwritten Rules of the French Etiquette of Daily Life and How It’s So Easy To Get It Spectacularly WrongApril 2, 2026
  • 7 French Châteaux and the Secrets They Reveal From Secret Tunnels and Royal Scandals to Epic Love Affairs (If Only Those Walls Could Talk)April 1, 2026
  • Aerial view of Saint-Malo's fortified old town surrounded by turquoise water and sandy beaches, a top coastal destination and must-see in Brittany.
    10 Stunning Places in France to Add to Your Bucket List That Aren’t In ParisMarch 31, 2026
  • Easter Travel Upheaval in France Plus Fun Things To Do, See and Enjoy During The Long Holiday WeekendMarch 30, 2026
  • Human skeleton partially unearthed in a narrow excavation trench with bones still embedded in packed soil and stone. The burial scene suggests an archaeological discovery connected to the historical period of d'Artagnan.
    The Real d’Artagnan, the Legenday Muskateer Died in Battle, and Disappeared for 353 Years. They Think They’ve Found HimMarch 28, 2026
  • Vintage illustrated map of Paris titled "Région Parisienne. L’Escargot et ses Trésors. Carte des 20 arrondissements de Paris." The arrondissements spiral inward like a snail shell around central landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Sacré CÅ“ur, Moulin Rouge, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Centre Pompidou.
    How Paris Got It’s Snail Shape and the Euphemism Behind Why the 13th Arrondissement ExistsMarch 26, 2026
  • A street in Paris with shops either side
    7 Fun Places to Shop in Paris That Have All the Charm at Half the Price this SummerMarch 25, 2026
  • A woman in a white dress sits at a white garden table in the sun eating dessert in front of pale lavender shutters. The bright courtyard and simple table setting give the scene an easy French Sunday feel.
    How To Perfect the Art of a French Sunday and Embrace the Act of Doing Nothing as an American (Laissez-faire Sundays)March 24, 2026
  • Grand salon with a huge central chandelier, painted ceiling, gold relief work, and red velvet seating placed around the perimeter behind rope barriers. The symmetry of the room emphasizes the scale and splendor of the Napoleon III Apartments.
    The Napoleon III Apartments at the Louvre: What to Expect and Why You Shouldn’t Skip ThemMarch 23, 2026

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
  • 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