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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

  • Three people relax on a sandy beach in Menton, France, holding open books with a backdrop of colorful hillside buildings and palm trees along the French Riviera. A perfect moment capturing the joy of reading books set on the French Riviera.
    10 Books Set on the French Riviera to Feed Your South of France ObsessionFebruary 11, 2026
  • A hotel balcony in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower
    12 Hotels in Paris With a Balcony and Views to Die For (See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle)February 10, 2026
  • The front of "Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole" café, featuring a teal and gold color scheme with floral decoration. Purple bistro tables and chairs are set up outside, surrounded by lush plants and hanging wisteria. Menus are displayed on the café’s large windows.
    20 Places For Your Paris Bucket List That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower or the LouvreFebruary 10, 2026
  • A narrow cobblestone street lined with warm stone buildings and small shop signs winds through a historic village as people stroll through the shade. This charming old town street highlights one of the most atmospheric places to visit in the French Riviera.
    7 Stunning Places to Visit in the French Riviera That Aren’t Nice or CannesFebruary 9, 2026
  • A narrow street in Aix-en-Provence lined with pastel-toned buildings is framed by blooming pink flowers in the foreground. The scene highlights the city’s soft colors, historic architecture, and quiet residential charm.
    Discover the Magic of Aix-en-Provence and the Stories Behind the Picture Perfect TownFebruary 5, 2026
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    The 5 Best Paris Arrondissements to Stay In (And How to Pick the Right One for You)February 4, 2026
  • A blue table and chairs outside a cafe in the French countryside
    The Complete Guide to Living in France as an American Expat in 2026February 3, 2026
  • A woman wrapped in a cozy blanket sits on a sofa, sipping from a mug while watching a scene on TV showing an outdoor café in France with a sign that reads “Café de Provence.” The warm, inviting living room contrasts with the sunny French setting on screen, aligning with the theme of TV shows set in France.
    13 Must-Watch TV Shows Set in France Perfect For Getting Rid Of the Winter Blues (Some in French With English Sub-Titles)February 3, 2026
  • Twilight view of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, illuminated against the dusk sky, with its Gothic architecture and spire standing out above the surrounding bay and causeway.
    The Secrets and Stories of Mont Saint Michel and Why It’s Shrouded in Legend & MysteryFebruary 2, 2026
  • Ornate structure resembling the Taj Mahal made entirely of lemons and oranges, with flower beds and visitors walking by during the Menton Lemon Festival. The vivid citrus display stands out under a bright blue sky in the town square.
    The Menton Lemon Festival 2026: Your Complete Guide to the Citrus Spectacle (Fête du Citron)February 2, 2026
  • A scenic view of one of the medieval villages in the Dordogne, with stone houses climbing a cliffside beneath a historic château, all reflected in the calm river below under a vibrant blue sky.
    10 Stunning Medieval Villages in the Dordogne That Are Like Stepping Into the Pages of a History BookJanuary 30, 2026
  • Rouen city center with old half timbered buildings showcasing one of the many cities in France
    15 Cities in France That Aren’t Paris, But Are Just As Beautiful With As Much History and CharacterJanuary 29, 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
  • Shop
  • 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