Local History - Puy-Leonard High Quality Gites

Discover the History of the French Republic

3 min read

The first people to conquer France: the Gauls, with the Ligurians and the Iberians. France was once called Gaul. In the 1st century BC

The History of The Famous French Macarons

5 min read

Macarons of today can be best thought of as little sweet sandwiches made of meringue, almond flour and buttercream filling.

The History of Beef Bourguignon

3 min read

Hearty and delectable, boeuf bourguignon is famous not only across France but all over the world. It is a dish

The History of the Croissant

4 min read

The croissant is the ultimate indulgence. Handmade, with pure butter and a feast for the eyes, the croissant is part

A History of French Cuisine

8 min read

French food and cooking are generally considered the backbone and underpinning of many cuisines across the Western world. The influence

History of the Charente

2 min read

As one of the four departements of the Poitou-Charentes region the history of Charente can be traced back to the

Sanxay

0 min read

The Gallo-Roman archaeological site at Sanxay, between Poitiers and Niort, is one of the best preserved in France. Vetus Pictavis

Puy-Leonard Legends-History-Traditions Poitou-Charentes

Legends, History and Traditions in the Poitou-Charentes

9 min read

Poitou-Charentes Today Poitou-Charentes, former région of France. As a région, it encompassed the western départements of Vienne, Charente, Charente-Maritime, and

Le Pigeonnier

2 min read

So, what are these intriguing architectural structures standing like sentinels, sometimes in fields of ripening corn or surrounded by sunflowers,

Oradour-sur-Glane

0 min read

An example of man’s inhumanity to man. On the 10th of June 1944 the 2nd Waffen SS panzer division came

Everything you need to know about running the 2023 Paris marathon April 1, 2023
Up to 45,000 people, including thousands from abroad, will run, jog, even stumble through the streets of Paris on Sunday April 2nd for the city's annual marathon. Here's what to expect, including a new route.
PODCAST: Why French protests turn so violent and is France a good country for women? April 1, 2023
The Talking France podcast is back with an episode looking at the recent outbreaks of violence in French cities and why it seems that protest so often takes a violent turn in France, as well as practical jokes, tips on settling in and whether France is a good country for women.
Reader question: Can you explain France's poisson d’avril tradition? April 1, 2023
Yes, we can. But you might think we’re joking…
What changes in France in April 2023? April 1, 2023
From Easter holidays and practical jokes to spring festivals, a referendum on E-scooters and the final decision on controversial pension reform - here's what is happening in France in April.
France extends medical cannabis trial for a year March 31, 2023
The trial of medical cannabis in France has been extended until March 2024, the government has announced.
Will pension strikes affect the Easter holidays in France? March 31, 2023
France is in the grip of a long-running battle over pension reform that has seen periodic strikes, large demos and occasional acts of violence in the big cities - so will this be over by the time the Easter holidays start?
Foire aux vins: How to find bargains on high quality wine in France March 31, 2023
In France, spring is an ideal time to stock up on high-quality French wine, as supermarkets, cavistes, and websites alike get ready for the Foire aux vins.
France drops Covid-19 vaccine requirement for healthcare workers March 31, 2023
Eighteen months after it was introduced, France is to drop an obligation for healthcare professionals to be vaccinated against Covid, and will allow unvaccinated staff to return to work.
Four movies and a festival: Unmissable French cinema with English subtitles March 31, 2023
Cinema club Lost in Frenchlation is showing several French films with English subtitles this month. Here's what's coming up in Paris and beyond.
Black Bloc: Who are the black-clad figures who hog the headlines at French protests? March 31, 2023
They feature in some of the most dramatic images from French demos - smashing windows, torching bins and confronting police. But who are the 'Black Bloc'?
Airports across France to cancel scores of weekend flights as strikes rumble on March 31, 2023
Many flights operating out of French airports like Paris-Orly, Toulouse, Nantes and Bordeaux will be cancelled over the weekend due to ongoing strike action by air traffic controllers.
France's hardline CGT union elects first woman chief since 1895 March 31, 2023
France's CGT trade union federation on Friday elected surprise candidate Sophie Binet as secretary general, making her the first woman to hold the post since the body's creation in 1895.
French expression of the day: Ta mère March 31, 2023
This is a common French expression, but one we recommend you know, rather than show.
Paris' extended café terraces return for the summer March 31, 2023
Originally brought in a temporary Covid-related measure, expanded café terraces have now become a fixture of Paris in the summer, and will return once again on April 1st.
Travel alerts: What do 'risk' warnings about France really mean? March 31, 2023
You've probably seen a 'risk' warning about travel to France during one of the country's not infrequent periods of strikes or protests - but what do these warnings actually mean? The Local asked a professional risk and crisis management adviser how seriously we should take travel alerts.
Macron's pension reform problems reignite Le Pen's presidential ambitions March 31, 2023
As violent protests sweep crisis-hit France, the prospect of far-right leader Marine Le Pen coming to power is being taken more seriously than ever - to her evident delight.
La Belle Vie: Wine sales, spring holidays and strike-proof activities in France March 31, 2023
From spring wine sales and how to enjoy Paris during strikes to prepping and planning for your next French holiday via French work culture, this week's La Belle Vie newsletter offers you an essential starting point for eating, talking, drinking and living like a French person.
One in 10 people in France an immigrant: statistics agency March 31, 2023
A tenth of people living in France in 2021 were not born in the country, national statistics agency Insee said as it published its first study on immigration in a decade.
'Sorry Charles!' French unions mark king's absence with banner March 30, 2023
French unions on Thursday unfurled a giant banner opposite English shores to goad Britain's King Charles III after his first foreign state visit to France was cancelled.
Macron unveils water-saving plan as France faces record drought March 30, 2023
President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled a plan to cut France's water usage by 10 percent - from industry and farms to households - as the country faces another summer of drought.