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Londoner Janine Marsh purchased a cheap property in Pas-de-Calais some 20 years ago and for a long time after, split her time between the UK and France.
Post-Brexit, Janine decided to relocate to France permanently and has fallen in love with the beautiful European country.
‘It’s a national obsession to browse stalls set out in the streets of villages and towns’
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This time, Janine spoke to GB News about “how to get the most out of a holiday in France”, sharing specifically “what not to miss wherever you go”. According to the expat, visiting a flea market is non-negotiable.
Janine said: “I travel year-round in France as part of my job as an author and editor of The Good Life France magazine and website, and I’ve learned that there are a few things that many visitors miss out on that really make your holiday special and authentic.
“These are recommendations that you won’t find in guidebooks – though you may stumble upon them with luck – and they will take you to the heart of your destination whether that’s in the north, south, east or west of France, in a city, village, coast, countryside or mountain top.”
For a truly authentic French experience, Janine advised Britons to explore the local street market, ensuring to ask a local which is the best in the area first.
She continued: “Also check out the tourist office to see what’s on and get info. It’s not a very British thing to do this but in France, it’s de rigueur. Pretty much every town and village has a tourist office – even the non-touristy towns and villages.
“Often you’ll find that there’s lots more info in the tourist office on paper, on posters etc than there is on their website. So if you want to know what’s on, local fêtes, son et lumiere (sound and light) shows etc – pop into the tourist office. You’ll get information that’s up-to-date and published locally.
“You’ll discover things that aren’t in the guidebooks but can be just as good – if not better – and often less crowded, than the main attraction that’s all over the internet.”
The expat also advised Britons to peruse a flea market, which is “a bit like a boot sale but better”.
She revealed: “French people are mad for flea markets. You’ll see signs advertising brocantes, marchés aux puces and vide greniers – it literally means empty your attic – all over the place.
“It’s a national obsession to browse stalls set out in the streets of villages and towns. Every year, thousands of weekend flea markets are held in every department.
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Ask a resident for recommendations if you’re looking for an authentic, local experience
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“Some are tiny events, maybe 20 stalls, sometimes less. Others are huge. Lille, the regional capital, hosts the biggest flea market in Europe during the first weekend in September, with a stonking 10,000 stalls.
“It goes on through the night and people take torches so they can continue to browse rather than stop to sleep and miss a bargain. Check out the local tourist office or find a local flea market via an app like www.brocabrac.fr.”
Offering a final top tip for the ultimate holiday in France, Janine recommended picking up an essential item: a bike.
She said: “Cycling is huge in France and there are tonnes of cycle routes that take you through inaccessible to car routes, that are off-road and suitable for all levels. Cycle hire shops are everywhere including e-bikes – my preferred means of riding as there’s more time to relax and enjoy the views as you go).”
Janine is the author of several best-selling books and the editor of The Good Life France. She also runs The French Property Show, held twice per year in the UK.
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