Whether you live for the adrenaline of gliding down glistening slopes at some of the most impressive winter sports destinations or prefer the gentle climate of the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast, there is plenty to love about winter in France.
Fewer crowds during this time of year also mean a more authentic experience and ample ‘space’ for house hunters to really get a taste for living in the country.
But that’s not all. With its cheese-smothered casseroles and rich stews, France’s rustic winter cuisine is one of the season’s most enticing highlights.
CHOUCROUTE GARNIE
Alsace encompasses the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin departments in the Grand Est region and is nestled between the Rhine river to the east and the Vosges mountains to the west.
In this picturesque corner of northeastern France, the dawn of the colder months begins around the middle of October when a tapestry of colour washes over the vineyards and the chill in the air has everyone craving rustic platters of aromatic choucroute simmered in white wine and abundantly crowned with large chunks of pork, sausages and potatoes.
Though sauerkraut already appeared at Alsatian tables as of the 15th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the fermented cabbage was served with other ingredients and became the choucroute garnie (garnished sauerkraut) we know today. The dish is similar to the German schlachtplatte, and not surprisingly so, since Alsace has alternated between German and French rule several times since the 17th century.
This story is from the February 2020 edition of Living France.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2020 edition of Living France.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Guide To: Working For A Foreign Company
If your current employer is happy to let you continue working for them after you move to France, there are a number of rules and regulations to be aware of to ensure you stay on the right side of the law, as Catharine Higginson explains
On vintage soil
Life in the vineyards of Aude is a dream come true for Leicestershire-born Katie Jones who now successfully exports her wines back to the UK, as Brigitte Nicolas learns
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
What happens if you are buying a French property but can’t attend the completion meeting at the notaire’s office in person? Matthew Cameron explains how a power of attorney can be used and how it works
In safe hands
There can be few more unusual homes than the 11th-century Château de Clérans, situated close to the Dordogne river in the Périgord Pourpre region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
THE CAPTAIN'S TABLE
Robin Ellis made his name as the original Captain Poldark but a diabetes diagnosis led the Tarn-based actor to add cookbook writing to his CV, as Richard Webber learns
My frugal France
Embracing modern technology could save you money and time on both the pleasures and essentials of life in France, says Laura Harley as she shares some of her favourite French apps
Hidden Talents
Moving to France enabled these three expats to switch off from busy careers and in turn discover new creative talents, says Gillian Harvey, who counts herself among them
Beauty to behold
With its legendary vineyards, charming old towns and rich gastronomy, Gironde is quintessential France at its best, as Alison Weeks discovers
AS SEEN ON SCREEN
A Dordogne town, a Charente city and a Pyrenean village all have a starring role in three new films hitting the big screen this year, joining a long list of French locations that have gone before them, as Vicky Leigh learns
A local's view
Trish and Mark Tyler run a beautifully restored chambres d’hôtes, set in six hectares of park and woodland near StÉmilion, which has a fascinating history
