Did you know that a recent study revealed that 74% of 18-24 year olds in the UK had never been to France? Yep, we were shocked too.
That means only 26% had the opportunity to gaze out over the Paris skyline and bathe in the magnificence of the Eiffel Tower. Or explore sleepy vineyards in the afternoon sun. Or enjoy France’s fantastic cuisine, culture and climate. We could go on and on… but we’re going to let you do that!
We’ve decided to start a France Fan Club to celebrate our love for French holidays and all that France has to offer. We’d like you to share your fondest memories of France with us, whether it’s a stunning photo, a holiday video uploaded to YouTube or a written passage about a fantastic time spent in France.
Hopefully by sharing memories, tips and recommendations our France Fan Cub will encourage others to enjoy fantastic holidays over the channel – and maybe one day they’ll have plenty of stories to share too!
Consider yourself France’s biggest fan? To get the ball rolling we’re awarding a bottle of French wine to five randomly selected contributions, so be sure to share your love of France before 15th March to be in with a chance of winning!
Please email your pics, stories and YouTube links to blogmaster@cottages4you.co.uk with ‘France Fan Club’ in the subject line.
Competition terms and conditions.
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Meeting Fans of France
Whether it’s visiting friends in Aix-en-Provence, cycling off the coast of La Rochelle or enjoying a romantic honeymoon in Paris, it seems we all have fond memories of France.
Last month at The France Show, the UK’s largest celebration of France and French living, we found more than a few fans of l’Hexagone. The people, the food, the way of life – just a few of the reasons why they love the country as much as we do!
Our collective passion for our European neighbours is what inspired us to create the France Fan Club, a social space for self-confessed Francophiles everywhere.
To get involved, simply send us your fondest memories as well as tips, recommendations, pictures and links to blogmaster@cottages4you.co.uk with ‘France Fan Club’ in the subject line.
Get in touch before 14th March to be in with a chance of winning a bottle of French wine (terms and conditions apply).
In the meantime, enjoy our video from the France Show!
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How Would You Describe France in Three Words?
We asked our Francophile friends at The France Show to tell us which three words best describe France for them, and you can see the results below!
Thanks for all your comments and suggestions so far, more ideas and inspiring memories to follow, including what happened when we joined dedicated fan of France, award winning travel writer Mary Novakovich, in the radio studio!
From Louise Greenwell:
“In Paris, why not pick up a bit of vintage Je ne sais quoi at one of the cities many flea markets. Les Puces de Paris – Saint Ouen is the largest in the world located in the 18th arrondissement. Leave your English reserve chez vous, as bartering is necessary to get the best deals.
“For one of the finest panoramic views in Paris and the cuisine to match, visit Georges restaurant. Situated on the sixth floor of the acclaimed Pompidou centre, the restaurant’s architecture conforms to the centre’s modern structure and is decorated with space-age aluminium sheeting. Très chic!”
From David Child:
“I LOVE France! Especially Paris, restaurants I love are Aux Lyonnais and Benoit. And always have a glass/bottle wine at Cafe de Flore. There’s always a great cocktail bar called Prescription. Favourite thing to do is take a book to Jardin de Luxembourg and laze around for hours.
“Purchases – I always buy the scrummy salted butter with salt crystals in: Lescure or something. You can get it over here but it’s ‘spenny. Also, you can’t get it as easily over here but my favourite jam is Bonne Maman’s Myrtilles. Also, when I was a kid we used to buy all our school stationery in France before coming home – I still think they do great stationery and shopping in Carrefour or L Eclerc is far nicer than any of our supermarkets.
“Also, I always have at least one croque monsieur and masses of crossiants and baguettes. And I still think Pez are the ultimate children’s gift. Nothing beats your own plastic sweet dispenser!”
I had my honeymoon in France in a place not too far from La Rochelle so the country holds great memories for me. We had a good mix of seeing the sights, relaxing and sampling the great food and wine – perfect! Can’t wait to plan my next trip to France…maybe Paris next time!
. It was perfect – relaxing with great food, good wine !
My fondest memory of France is visiting Disneyland Paris with my school friends. It’s a little while ago now but I’m really excited about a holiday I’m planning with my boyfriend, taking the ferry and driving from Bruge down to the Champagne region and exploring the Loire Valley
Have to admit, never made the effort to visit France when I was younger, but now I’m paying rent and not sponging of the parents I’m realising that you don’t need to travel too far into to Europe to experience something pretty special. I do love croissants too.
Already planning a visit to France over the jubilee weekend! I particularly like to visit Normandy to experience all of its historic sites, whilst the local food and drink is amazing!!
I’ve been to Dijon and Paris with a few other small towns in between, and heading to the Riviera in late March. I absolutely love the food, the people and especially the language.