Episodes

  • 10 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Paris, According to a Local

    10 Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Paris, According to a Local
    Dec 20 2025
    This guide outlines essential social protocols and practical strategies for travelers wishing to navigate Paris with the grace of a local. The author emphasizes that politeness and cultural awareness, such as offering a formal greeting and dressing in understated attire, are vital for receiving better service and avoiding unwanted attention. To ensure a more authentic experience, the text advises visitors to prioritize quality over quantity by slowing down their itineraries and seeking out dining options away from crowded landmarks. Additionally, the source provides functional advice on avoiding common scams, navigating the public transport system efficiently, and understanding French tipping customs. By following these insider recommendations, tourists can bypass expensive pitfalls and enjoy a more respectful, immersive journey through the city.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Is France or Spain Better for Expats?

    Is France or Spain Better for Expats?
    Dec 9 2025
    The source provides an extensive comparative analysis between France and Spain as top destinations for expatriates, examining which country offers a superior quality of life. The discussion systematically contrasts factors critical to expat success, including the cost of living, healthcare systems, visa accessibility, and job markets. Using data up to late 2025 from sources like Numbeo and various expat reports, the text concludes that Spain generally wins on affordability and quality of life surveys, proving attractive to digital nomads and retirees due to its lower costs. Conversely, France appeals more to career-driven professionals who prioritize higher salaries, prestige in healthcare, and cultural sophistication, despite its notably higher expenses and more stringent bureaucracy.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Our Recommendations for Winter Travel in France

    Our Recommendations for Winter Travel in France
    Dec 4 2025
    The episode functions as an extensive travel guide promoting France as an ideal winter destination, arguing that the cold season provides a quieter, more atmospheric country with significant reductions in hotel rates and smaller crowds. It organizes detailed recommendations by region, offering travelers guidance on everything from experiencing Paris during the Christmas spectacle and enjoying the renowned markets in Alsace, to finding luxury and diverse terrain in The French Alps. Further sections advise on seasonal activities in the Loire Valley, such as viewing châteaux and participating in truffle-hunting weekends, and enjoying the unexpected sunshine and culinary delights of Provence in the off-season. The guide also covers the dramatic coastal experiences of Normandy and Brittany and the festivals of the French Riviera, while integrating essential practical advice on clothing, transport, and necessary snow safety when traveling during the colder months.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • What’s the Cost of Living in Nice, France?

    What’s the Cost of Living in Nice, France?
    Dec 3 2025
    The episode is an excerpt from a 2025 cost of living guide for Nice, France, focusing on the expenses faced by residents, expats, and digital nomads. The source comprehensively breaks down the monthly costs for a single person and a family of four, placing Nice in the top 26% of expensive global cities, though still significantly cheaper than Paris or Monaco. It identifies housing as the most substantial budget item, detailing average rental and purchase prices across various neighborhoods like Mont Boron and Saint-Roch, while also covering grocery expenses, utilities, and transportation costs. The guide concludes that while the average net salary supports a comfortable lifestyle, the high quality of life on the French Riviera requires strategic budgeting to thrive without overspending, offering comparisons to other major European cities.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • 25 Best Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower Views

    25 Best Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower Views
    Dec 2 2025
    The source is an excerpt from a comprehensive travel guide focused entirely on securing the optimal accommodation in Paris, specifically cataloging hotels that offer unparalleled views of the iconic Eiffel Tower. It argues that these scenic vantage points are the pinnacle of the Parisian experience, detailing how this unique perspective transforms a vacation into a romantic, cinematic event. To suit various travelers, the guide meticulously sorts twenty-five verified hotel recommendations into distinct financial and aesthetic categories, ranging from ultra-opulent, five-star "Palace" designations to highly affordable budget options. The detailed listings provide essential data, including starting rates, walking proximity to the landmark, and notable amenities such as Michelin-starred dining and private viewing terraces. Ultimately, the source functions as a practical resource for travelers planning a 2025 visit, ensuring guests can wake up to the French capital's most famous monument while also providing tips for maximizing the experience.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • The Expat’s Guide to Health Care in France

    The Expat’s Guide to Health Care in France
    Dec 1 2025
    The source functions as a comprehensive guide for expatriates, outlining the highly-regarded French universal healthcare system, often referred to as la Sécurité Sociale, using rules updated for 2025. It clarifies the eligibility pathways for different resident statuses—including EU citizens, post-Brexit British arrivals, and long-term residents relying on the PUMA system—and provides the essential steps for affiliation, such as registering for the carte Vitale and utilizing the Ameli application. The text emphasizes that while the state covers the majority of medical costs, nearly all residents must secure complementary private insurance, known as a mutuelle, to cover the remaining percentage and high out-of-pocket expenses like dental work and specialized glasses. Furthermore, the guide details day-to-day procedures, including the mandatory coordinated care system requiring the declaration of a médecin traitant (primary care physician), and explains the varying costs and reimbursement rates for consultations, prescriptions, and hospital care. Ultimately, the resource aims to simplify the complexities of French medical bureaucracy, covering specialized areas like maternity and mental health, while providing essential practical tips for new arrivals.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Two Beautiful Small Towns to Live in France: Beaune and Annecy

    Two Beautiful Small Towns to Live in France: Beaune and Annecy
    Nov 30 2025
    The source material is a comprehensive guide comparing two premier destinations for potential expatriates seeking authentic French life outside of major urban centers: Beaune in Burgundy and Annecy in the Alps. It offers a side-by-side analysis of key factors such as quality of life, job markets, healthcare, and community integration to help readers decide between the quietly confident wine capital and the dramatic alpine pearl. A significant focus is placed on the 2025 housing market realities, highlighting that Annecy’s property prices are high—pushed up by its desirability and proximity to Geneva—while Beaune remains surprisingly affordable with moderate costs. Both towns attract remote workers and are lauded for their excellent public schools and unique regional cuisine, but they cater to different lifestyles; Beaune is ideal for food lovers and a calmer pace, whereas Annecy suits active families drawn to year-round mountain and lake sports. Ultimately, the guide concludes that the choice depends entirely on whether a resident prioritizes lower living expenses and deep immersion in wine culture or access to a world-class outdoor recreation environment.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • The Best Places to Live in France for English Speakers

    The Best Places to Live in France for English Speakers
    Nov 29 2025
    The source provides a comprehensive 2025 guide ranking the top ten most suitable locations in France for English-speaking expatriates seeking long-term relocation. This ranking is based on crucial factors such as established expat communities, available international schools, reliable healthcare access, and general living costs, drawing on surveys and local feedback. The guide highlights diverse destinations, ranging from large, career-focused metropolises like Paris and the aerospace hub of Toulouse to the rural concentration of Anglophones in the Dordogne region. Each city profile outlines specific amenities, such as the number of English-speaking professionals or nearby schools, along with monthly housing cost realities. The text ultimately advises that the ideal location depends heavily on an individual’s priorities—be it budget, career, retirement, or climate—while offering concluding tips on managing French bureaucracy, taxes, and language acquisition.

    Bonjour France is your weekly escape to the heart of French life. Join Author Adidas Wilson as we journey beyond the Eiffel Tower — from cobblestone streets in Provence to seaside cafés on the Riviera. Discover hidden villages, timeless traditions, and the art of living à la française.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins