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Our local bar is the sort of place where everyone has an opinion about absolutely everything, and they love to complain. The goings on at the Champs-Elysées Palace are spoken of as if we are all on first name terms with the President, the Prime Minister and the various political agencies – of which are there are many in France. If you didn’t know better, you might well believe that many of the villagers spent the week in Paris moonlighting as eavesdropping staff in governmental offices. According to just about everyone, Monsieur Macron isn’t nearly as interesting as some of his previous incumbents, Monsieur Sarkozy for instance had everyone going due to his aversion to cheese. And Monsieur Hollande was a constant source of fascination and complaint thanks to his many girlfriends and predilection for riding through Paris on the back of a small motorbike. There actually was a poll held in France quite recently about what French people complain about most and it probably comes as no surprise to find out it was – the government. I’m sure it is the same everywhere. Complaining, loudly, is a very French thing. For the last I don’t know how many years, immediately after meeting Jean-Claude and sharing a kiss on the cheeks and saying bonjour, the first words out of his mouth will always be complaints about the weather, it’s too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, too foggy, too frosty. Born in London, I am not generally a loud complainer. We Brits tend to sigh loudly and mumble insults under our breath “pushing in up there, did you see that?” we’ll say, but we won’t confront the push-inner. In France though, if you don’t learn to complain, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. For the French, it’s not just about letting those negative feelings out, it’s about connecting with your tribe, bonding. With all that’s going on in the world, I count my blessings every day and rarely find anything to complain about for myself. But, in the interests of fitting in, now, if anyone complains here, I simply nod and say “oui, oui, I know, I agree.” Truly I am starting to feel French… Janine Last Word Janine Marsh lives in France with her husband and 72 animals. Her latest book, Toujours la France: Living the Dream in Rural France, is out in spring 2022 on Amazon and all good book shops 118 | The Good Life France
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CONTENTS The Good Life France Magaz
92 Language New series - 5 Minute F
PARIS in the spring “When spring
of asparagus and sweet strawberries
Paris flower market © Nathalie Gef
Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole © Nathalie
Think of Caen and most likely the t
y chatting about the incredible dis
and majestic, one of the largest me
L’Okara, 24 Rue Froide, 14000 Cae
Why head to the south of France whe
Saint-Omer Saint-Omer in the Pas-de
Palais de Cathédrale Around the gr
The Jesuit Chapel Next door to the
The Audomarois Marshlands Hire a bo
ockets. Today it is a fascinating a
“Anyone been to Metz?” I asked
Train station of Metz © Philippe G
Where to eat El Theatris in Place d
Beaux Village de France: La Couvert
© TripUSAFrance “It’s so extra
3 Must-sees in Aveyron Aveyron is a
The Good Life France | 49
two more Popes to reign in France,
© Jill Converyr Saint-Bénézet br
uilt to protect the city from the a
Lost Monuments of Paris Sue Aran ex
Clockwise: Palais du Bardo, vintage
Spotlight on: EVIAN MAP The spa tow
Lac Leman Lac Leman (Lake Geneva in
The 467-acre 150 room hotel opened
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