OUT in the woods this morning and the sound of the cuckoo rolled around the quiet hillside (click thumbnail image to enlarge).
I was able to get a short recording of its song, as well as the bark of a deer.
And hopefully it brings a little of the French countryside to your computer.
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.
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.
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.
More on: A podtour of France
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.
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.
More on: The Grand Prix Saboteurs
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.
More on: Life in a chateau
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.
More on: Podcasts to brush up your French
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.
More on: Chatting on the radio
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.
More on: Susie Hollands and Paris life
