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Sunday, September 24, 2023

A film crew at the château

French Village Diaries A Place in the Sun filming Château de Javarzay
A film crew at the Château de Javarzay


A bit like the misty mornings of Autumn, my head is a little clouded at the prospect of the rapidly approaching end of the summer season at the Château de Javarzay. It has been a blast once more, welcoming over three-thousand visitors, including almost a thousand international tourists, from thirteen different countries, and rescuing two species of bat from the spiral staircase.


 

French Village Diaries A Place in the Sun filming Château de Javarzay
A long-eared bat, rescued from the staircase



Some of the visitors will stand out more in my memory than others. One Monday evening, just as we were closing up, two men appeared by the door and started to read the opening times. I could hear them speaking in English, so picked up one of our English flyers and popped outside to explain they were a bit late for a visit today, but that we’d love to see them on Wednesday. We chatted for a bit about the château and the museum, and when they asked about things like vintage car rallies, I was able to regale them with tales of 75 Porsches parked within the courtyard to the rear of the château and the MG car club lined up at the front. However, sadly there was nothing else in the calendar for the two weeks they said they were in the area. They then revealed they were a film crew for A Place in the Sun, a long running UK television programme finding holiday homes abroad for sun-deprived Brits. As I may well have watched an episode or two over the years, this certainly piqued my interest.


 

French Village Diaries A Place in the Sun filming Château de Javarzay
Some of the 75 Porsche parked in the courtyard



They asked about filming the outside of the château to use as one of their postcard shots for an episode to be set in our area, and I happily gave out the contact details for the Mairie (mayor) to get the required permission, as well as waxing lyrical about life here and all the fantastic events that are organised over the summer. Almost as a last-minute parting thought, they asked for my phone number, to let me know when they would be back to film. A few days later, they called, with a question – would I be happy being filmed, talking to their house-hunters about what it’s like living here?

 

Two thoughts instantly flew into my head. The first was the wooden freeze pose that automatically descends as soon as someone points a camera in my face. The second was that this is an experience that will put me way out of my comfort zone, so I obviously have to say yes. Adrian and Ed thought it was hilarious, but I am a firm believer in pushing my comfort boundaries and I’m also quite used to chatting away to holiday makers at the château who are keen to find out how a British woman gets a job in a château in rural France – in short, by saying yes to new opportunities.

 

It is fair to say that the weather this summer has been mixed, so when I opened my shutters on the morning of the filming and it was chilly and misty, it was difficult to predict whether it would be overcast all day or follow the normal September pattern of misty mornings and warm, sunny afternoons. Luckily, the mist was already lifting by the time I cycled to the château, with my favourite dress rolled up in my bag and by the time we set up by the lake at the back of the château, the grass was still damp with dew, but the sky was an incredible shade of blue, that complemented my dress nicely. 

 

I did have a brief fan-girl moment/flicker of panic, when I recognised the presenter of the show, Lucy, who was the face of Homes Under the Hammer for fourteen years, and I was rather in awe of how easy she made talking to the camera seem. Happily the team were very gentle with me as a total TV newbie. The soundman was discrete as he attached a box to my bra strap and dropped a little fluffy microphone into my cleavage, reminding me that just four days earlier I had worn the same dress to work (on my birthday) and had suffered an epic underwear fail. Despite bringing a change of clothes to work with me, swapping cycling gear for something smarter, I don’t normally bother with two bras. It was just bad luck that it poured with rain on my way in, soaking me (and my padded bra) to the skin, so I had no option but to spend my birthday wearing my dress with nothing on underneath. I was rather grateful that I was appropriately dressed today. 

 

The cameraman, who I’d met on the steps of the château, was patient, relaxed and put me at ease, so I was almost able to forget he had a camera in front of him. Lucy was chatty and friendly, and made me feel like we’d known each other for years. The house hunters had already had a few days experience of life on camera and were keen to hear my take on life here in the Deux-Sèvres. In the days before filming, I’d come up with a plan to ignore the camera and just pretend I was talking to tourists who had walked into the château. It worked and it was a great fun experience, although having to have the same (or at least similar) conversations over and over again, to ensure different angles and close-ups were all covered, did seem rather weird.



French Village Diaries A Place in the Sun filming Château de Javarzay
A Place in the Sun - the château, the house hunters, the presenter and me 


Almost as quickly as they’d arrived and set up, they were gone, off to view their third property, a thirteen-minute drive from Javarzay. It was interesting to learn that filming one episode takes them five days on location, where they must wear the same outfit every day and the location of each property is kept a secret from the couple, until they arrive. I have obviously been following Lucy on Instagram to see where else they have been this week (Cognac and the Charente Maritime) and now it’s just a waiting game for the new series to hit the screens.

 

They have probably already forgotten meeting little old me, but I will remember them and be grateful for another memorable experience that came my way thanks to working at the château.

 

I know it’s been way too long since my last proper blog, so now I’ve got more free time, I’ll do my best to catch up with some of the other memorable moments from our busy summer. 

Sunday, September 3, 2023

Book review of Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn

French Village Diaries book review Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop Hannah Lynn
Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn



Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn

 

A getaway to remember...

It’s Holly’s best friend’s hen do and the plan is a week away in the South of France.

With little Hope still so very young, it’s going to be difficult for Holly to tear herself away, but Ben is the perfect co-parent and her own parents are just down the road, so – Holly decides – there’s really nothing holding her back, is there?

Will the sunshine and sea air help her get back to who she really is? Or will this be the perfect distraction, a chance to have a holiday fling?

Bask in the sunny skies of France with everyone's favourite sweet shop owner - because everyone deserves a break, don't they?


French Village Diaries book review Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop Hannah Lynn
Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn


 

My Review

 

This book was a great fun read that whisked me off to a villa in the south of France, on an action-packed stag and hen party. I can’t say I’d have been looking forward to experiencing something like this in real life, but from the safety of my kindle, I very much enjoyed the antics of this whacky group of friends. 

 

Holly was a great character. Emotional enough to tug at my heartstrings, but funny enough to make me laugh. Having said that, I did feel for her, leaving baby Hope for the first time. It might have been over twenty years since I was in that position, but I can still remember how difficult it was. To add to that, the beginning of her adventure was somewhat up and down, leaving her bruised in more ways than one, which was certainly something she could have done without. Poor Holly.

 

Evan was delicious. Generous, softly spoken and with a caring side, especially when it came to rescuing Holly. The fact that he was also the wealthy owner of the villa they were staying in, meant he was a great catch, only, recently single Holly was not looking for romance, not at all. The butterflies dancing in her stomach tried to tell her otherwise, but she was determined that Hope was all she needed. Poor Holly.

 

Following Holly’s journey was a great escape from the chores of everyday life and if you are looking for something easy to dip into now summer is drawing to a close, I am sure you will love this book. 

 


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French Village Diaries book review Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop Hannah Lynn
Hannah Lynn

 

Author Bio 

 

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres.

 

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French Village Diaries book review Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop Hannah Lynn
Sunny Days at the Second Chances Sweet Shop by Hannah Lynn


Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Book review of A Month in Provence by Gillian Harvey

French Village Diaries A Month in Provence Gillian Harvey
A Month in Provence by Gillian Harvey


A Month in Provence by Gillian Harvey

 

Interior designer Nicky always used to know how to make the best of things. Ever since she lost her husband though, things haven’t been easy. She’s had to raise her two daughters alone and she’s so proud to see them all grown up, and she knows that’s down to her. But she can’t help but feel like she doesn’t know what to do with her life now…

 

But then her best friend begs her to help out. Jenny is a TV exec and her new renovation show is in peril. Only Nicky can help.

The catch – Nicky needs to fly to Provence… tomorrow. To renovate a tumbledown B&B. Jenny doesn’t mention the fact that the grumpy B&B owner Robert seems to need a makeover too. Or that the budget is next to nothing…

 

Will Nicky be able to turn the B&B’s fortunes around, save her friend’s job, and maybe even find some happiness for herself, under the blazing hot French sun this summer…?



French Village Diaries A Month in Provence Gillian Harvey
A Month in Provence by Gillian Harvey

 

My Review

In the ten years since her husband died, Nicky has been attacking life head on, shouldering all the responsibilities and protecting her daughters. She was strong, yet vulnerable and easily won my heart. Somewhere along the way she has lost sight of herself, her dreams and her appearance. Unexpectedly finding herself way out of her comfort zone, thanks to best friend Jenny dropping her into the world of reality TV, a new Nicky slowly begins to appear. 


Robert needs a new perspective on his B&B, as in recent years he’s lost a bit of the magic of living and working in France. He and the building need a new injection of energy, something that is certainly supplied by the arrival of Nicky and the madness of a film crew and their almost impossible demands and deadlines.

 

French village life and the markets of Provence provide the backdrop to many hilarious moments, last-minute disasters, and the jeopardy of everything being caught on camera. As long-buried emotions come to the surface and relationships are evaluated, it becomes a journey of change and recovery for more than one character. Nicky emerges from the final cut with a stronger belief in herself, a new wardrobe and a better perspective of where to head next. 

 

This is now the third book from Gillian Harvey that I have fallen into the pages of, and I can’t wait for the next one. If you have ever dreamed of running a B&B in France, or just running away to France, add this book to your summer holiday reading list.  

 

Purchase Links  




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French Village Diaries A Month in Provence Gillian Harvey
Gillian Harvey

 

Author Bio 

 

Gillian Harvey is a freelance journalist and the author of two well-reviewed women’s fiction novels published by Orion. She has lived in Limousin, France for the past twelve years, from where she derives the inspiration and settings for her books. Her first title for Boldwood, A Year at the French Farmhouse, was published in September 2022.

 

Read my reviews of her previous novels here:

A Year at the French Farmhouse

One French Summer



French Village Diaries A Month in Provence Gillian Harvey
A Month in Provence by Gillian Harvey

 

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Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Book review of The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin

French Village Diaries book review The French Chateau Dream Julie Caplin
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin


The French Château Dream by Julie Caplin

 

When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while. 

 

Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Martin, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the forthcoming wedding, including Luc Bremont, son of the owner of the chateau.  

 

Luc has finally been given the chance to make his own champagne at the family vineyard and everything rests on making it a success, the last thing he wants is the distraction of a big wedding at the chateau. 

 

Will Hattie be able to build bridges between the inhabitants of the chateau in order to allow the wedding to go ahead? 



French Village Diaries book review The French Chateau Dream Julie Caplin
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin

 

My Review

I am always drawn to books set in châteaux in France, and to get my hands on one with such a gorgeous cover, that includes a bicycle, really was a dream find. Inside, things got better with plenty of strong female characters, energy and emotions, alongside a plot that moved at a great pace. 

 

Finding herself a somewhat unwelcome intrusion at the château where her uncle is planning the perfect wedding for her cousin, Hattie must focus, roll her sleeves up and get on top of a list of chores that go above and beyond the normal role for a wedding planner. The château has charm, but over recent years has been neglected and needs her energy and vision to bring it back to life, in much the same way as she needs this escape to France, even if only on a temporary basis, to prove to herself she can follow her dreams. 

 

Luc is also on the cusp of changing his life and hasn’t banked on sharing his family’s château with Hattie. Luckily, it doesn’t take him long to realise the benefits her changes are making and Solange, especially, blossomed with this new injection of life to the building that has been her home and workplace for years. I also loved Luc’s Great Aunt Marthe, a formidable force in his upbringing, who gave him the stability he was missing from his parents and never usually shied away from an honest answer. 

 

Hattie’s journey alongside those of the people she finds herself around, warmed my heart, although at times it seems as if everyone, including the château, are concealing intriguing secrets. This book is an emotional read that is as much about recovery as it is about new beginnings. It is certainly a book that will put a smile on your face this summer and if you are quick, it’s currently only 99p on kindle UK.


Purchase Links 

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Author Bio 

 

Julie caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold a million copies worldwide.

 

The first book in the nine strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

 

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French Village Diaries book review The French Chateau Dream Julie Caplin
The French Chateau Dream by Julie Caplin


Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Magazine news

French Village Diaries magazine news
La Plume, our village magazine


It has been a while since I’ve blogged, but now we have emerged from our winter funk and life has accelerated to full summer speed, I have lots to share. First up is some magazine news, as I’ve still been writing, even if I have neglected my blog a little.

 

La Plume

Since 2001, our village (of under four hundred people) has had a monthly information magazine that was one of the first things I got involved in when we arrived here back in 2004. It is run entirely by a small group of volunteers who meet each month to decide what to put in, including announcing and reporting on village events, sharing public service information like council meeting minutes and a Mot du Maire (word from the mayor – that we translate into English). 

 

Until recently, my involvement has been to help come up with ideas, translate the important things into English, and once it’s printed, join in with the stapling and distribution around the village. That was until May, when our friend and ex-Maire of the village Gérard, who had done all the editing, page layout and printing, got taken into hospital. Without him at the helm, the future of La Plume looked uncertain, so along with our friend Lesley, Adrian and I put together an emergency edition at the end of May. We are now just about to print a bumper 20-page edition for the summer that will be delivered at the end of the week. How brave of our French friends to entrust our Englishness on their French magazine, but at least we can rely on them to correct any grammatical issues and it’s certainly helping to raise my written French level. Gérard is now back home, but happy to step back and let La Plume continue in our hands. Merci mes amis.

 

The Deux-Sèvres Monthly Magazine

Up until the end of last year, I had been writing a regular 500-word column for The Deux-Sèvres Monthly magazine since 2012, or 121 issues, and under three different owners. It was totally understandable that back in January, Tony and Lynne made the decision to stop the magazine and focus on their health issues, but it was sad to think this part of my writing life was over. 

 

Happily, for all of us Anglophones living in this tucked away gem of west France, a little bit too north to be the real southwest and a little bit too south to be the Loire valley, new owners were found. In March of this year, Kathleen and Chris Butler-Donnelly took on the editorship and have been busy behind the scenes designing a new logo and website, as well as putting together their first edition. The July 2023 issue is back from the printers and ready for delivery at the usual drop offs in supermarkets, bars and restaurants in the Deux-Sèvres. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy, and from Saturday 1stJuly you will be able to read an online version here. I’m now off to finish my August piece before the deadline this weekend.


 

French Village Diaries magazine news
French Property News July/August 2023


French Property News

Earlier this year I was contacted by a journalist for the UK based magazine French Property News, that we used to subscribe to and devour, over twenty years ago before we made France our home. She wanted to interview me for the My Village feature where someone who has embraced French life shares a little bit about their life.

 

I always enjoy things like this as the questions about where we live, what I do for work etc allow me to stop and think about our life and how it has changed over the years. It is always nice to be reminded about what a fantastic adventure we are on. I am delighted by the full page (p146) article in the July/August edition that is available to buy in the UK now.

 

A link to the blog was included and I’ve already had a lovely email from Monique Jackman who enjoyed reading it and has offered me review copies of her books aimed at getting intermediate French speakers to the next level. This summer more than last, I am feeling frustrated with my level of French as I’d love to be able to wax lyrical about the history of the Château de Javarzay and the themes of our musuem to the French visitors, in the same way I do for the English ones. Monique’s books, along with a training session in French from our local Pays d’art and histoire heritage association, should really help.