This French Life

Life of Napoleon via podcast

THE influence that Napoleon Bonaparte still holds on France, and the world, today is quite incredible, it didn't take long for people to compare Sarkozy to the famous man.

But if you take a little bit of time to listen to a series of podcasts about Napoleon and you can discover his impact on the map of Europe and its history.

Podcasts from French colleges

IF you really want to stretch your language skills, and learn a thing or two at the same time, then why not go where the great minds of France gather?

Both the Sorbonne and the Collège de France offer audio podcasts of readings from the lecture halls of probably the two most famous colleges in France.

You can listen to individual talks, or even go through a full course if you choose, and if you have an RSS feed reader you can be kept up to date with the latest recordings.

A podtour of France

IN today's podcast I chat with Andrea Kirkby who takes visitors around some of the finest cathedrals and towns of France.

But her tours don't take you by the hand, they take you by the ear, as Andrea explains how through the spoken word the history and character of a place comes to life.

Clair Whitmer - Living the Expatica life

THE Expatica France website is long-established and provides advice on both living and working in the country, with executives employed by multi-nationals a key audience.

Of course much of this information is also useful for those looking to live permanently in France, with helpful advice on the administrative side of things often a click away.

The Grand Prix Saboteurs

MOTORSPORT journalist Joe Saward normally spends his time covering Grand Prix races around the world.

But when as a junior reporter he looked to tell the story of three racing drivers from the 20s and 30s who went on to help the Resistance in France, he had little idea of the challenges ahead.

Life in a chateau

ALTHOUGH it is possible to visit many of the chateaux found across France, both their restoration and day-to-day upkeep can be a real challenge.

But that is what Marnie de Vanssay has taken on by bringing the family home of her husband, which dates from the 14th Century, back to life.

Podcasts to brush up your French

THERE is no doubt that improving your French language skills will help when living in France.

However, pouring over books and dictionaries can be a little tiresome, but the opportunity to listen to conversations and work on your understanding can prove useful.

Chatting on the radio

I AM set to chat with Allan Beswick on BBC Radio Manchester on Wednesday afternoon at around 1pm; you can listen online if near a computer.

I will be talking about blogs and how representatives of charitable groups, business owners and individuals can use them to publish their words, video and experiences.

And I've told myself not to get too animated about it all and gas on endlessly, like I do to most people when I get onto this subject.

Susie Hollands and Paris life

IN the latest This French Life podcast I chat with Susie Hollands who has established both a business and artists’ network in Paris.

The fact that she has done this in a little under three years is proof that with plenty of determination a dream move to France can become a reality.

Susie Kelly and A Perfect Circle

WRITER Susie Kelly features in the latest This French Life podcast and tells us about her new book A Perfect Circle.

Due out in March it plots the route Susie took around the circumference of France with her husband and two dogs in a struggling camper van.

Colin Randall of the Telegraph on French life

THE Daily Telegraph’s Paris-based correspondent Colin Randall features in the latest This French Life podcast.

In it he talks about his life in France, offers his thoughts about the differences between the UK and French press and how he became the newspaper’s representative in the country.

Chatting with Michael Wright

DAILY Telegraph columnist Michael Wright left behind his career as a theatre critic in London to head to the Limousin, deep in the heart of France.

In this podcast Michael tells us about the pleasures of life in France, why he left the media world behind and gives us a sneaky peek into the book he has written that is due out next year.

Reading a wine label

IF you have ever stood in front of a row of wine bottles and wondered how to read the different labels, then today's podcast is for you.

Listen to Jean-Marc's hints and tips on what to look out for and please feel free to leave any comments at the end of this article.

When a wine reaches maturity

A QUESTION many people wonder is just when a wine is ready to drink, well Jean-Marc offers some advice.

And remember if you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments section at the end of the article.

Chinon, of the Loire Valley

TODAY Jean-Marc takes us on a tour of the Loire Valley that is well known for its white wine, but it is also home to a special red, the Chinon.

To listen to the show you can either click on the link below and the file should automatically start playing, or right click and save the file directly to your computer.

The Rolle grape variety

IN today's podcast we take a look at the Rolle grape variety found in the south of France and Corsica.

To listen to the show you can either click on the link below and the file should automatically start playing, or right click and save the file directly to your computer.

French language podcasts

I AM a great believer in listening to the spoken word when working on improving your French language skills.

Finding property in France

IN this podcast you can listen to some advice and tips on buying property in France.

And you will also find out why it is important to pack your sandwiches and how to spot a possible bargain.

The first thisfrenchlife podcast

HERE is the first thisfrenchlife podcast direct from the heart of the Dordogne, south west France.