15.17 - Revealed: 10 Exclusive French Destinations Locals Don't Want You To Find In 2025 + Fromage
In this FREE le Bulletin you'll be swept away to wonderful off-the-beaten-path places across France. Have you dreamed of getting 'délicieusement' lost in France? Let us show you where!
Today at a Glance: Your FREE weekly newsletter
Bonjour mes amis !
It’s wonderful to have you back here with me today! Bienvenue ! Welcome.
In this newsletter, you’ll:
- Meet a new MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor, Victor Cautard, and dive into his introductory article: Ten reasons to get lost in France in 2025: Off the beaten path
- Next, Rachel Shenk talks to us about finding the new in the familiar and the Mediterranean Coastline
- And then we have Suzanne Vidal also taking us to the Mediterranean Coast at La CiotatWatch out for the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin this weekend: “115.17.a - Paris Restaurant Guide 2025: 5 Locals Share Secrets & Hidden Gems- It’s not too late to subscribe←
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À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 26.4.2025
1. Let’s explore & read the new articles in My FrenchLife Magazine
Thank you to all the talented Contributors to MyFrenchLife magazine. I love that your articles take us from one end of France to another and constantly remind us of the rich culture of this wonderful and diverse country.
Merci.
Judy.
Introducing New MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor Victor Coutard
I am pleased to introduce Victor Coutard as a new Contributor to MyFrenchLife Magazine and look forward to hearing from him regularly.
This is how Victor introduces himself:
I’m a critically acclaimed French author & journalist specializing in food and drawn to the countryside. I uncover new places and am currently preparing a guide to be published in spring 2026. You'll find me here,” says Victor.
Now, let’s enjoy the introductory article from Victor.
a) →Ten reasons to get lost in France in 2025 - Off the beaten path
by Victor Coutard ←
“Victor Coutard presents an excellent Substack for the curious. How to get lost in France: Discover and explore French food & wine, itineraries, recipes, and other off-the-beaten-path gems. A must read.”
Judy MacMahon
Instead of making a retrospective of the best I've seen in 2024, I’ve prepared a forward-looking list of places I’d like to visit in 2025—for you and for me.” says Victor.
Discover this list of 10 places in France that Victor dreams of visiting this year.
Read the article in MyFrenchLife Magazine←
b) →The Mediterranean Coastline: Beneath the Surface — Finding the new in the familiar
by Rachel Shenk←
A fresh breeze lightly stirs through the stands of yellow flowering shrub medick, but the sun shines warm enough that tiny areas of sweat appear on my forehead as I climb up the stony trail. This path that follows the Mediterranean coastline is one we’ve never taken before. As we follow its dips and turns and take in the scent of pine and rosemary, we are rewarded with incredible views all around.”
On a day of full sun and calm winds, we couldn’t ask for more.” says Rachel Shenk.
c) → The Mediterranean Coast: La Ciotat
by Suzanne Vidal←
What I like about La Ciotat is that it has a very young vibe. New shops and cafes are popping up, and it sometimes feels like a mini Paris. I’ve heard that a lot of young Parisians are making their way down to the south, not only to Marseille. La Ciotat is right next door, and being smaller, it is probably a nicer option for young families who are looking for good weather, the sea, and a quieter lifestyle. Here’s what I like.” says Suzanne Vidal Grosso.
d) →Chavignol: The Wonder of Fromage – unveiling one French cheese at a time
by Emily Monaco←
Chavignol: The Loire Valley is undeniably goat cheese territory, with five AOP goat cheeses produced in the Centre region alone. But Chavignol stands out from many neighbors thanks to its subtle flavor laced with a hint of nuttiness. At a glance, it’s nothing if not approachable... but there’s far more to Chavignol than meets the eye,” says Emily Monaco.
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’ the newsletter of MyFrenchLife Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Chers amis (dear friends)
Isn't it merveilleux (wonderful) how France continues to surprise us, even after all these years? Victor, Rachel, and Suzanne have each revealed a different face of this magnificent country. Which view speaks to you?
- The young energy of La Ciotat?
- The hidden paths of the Mediterranean Coastline?
- Or perhaps one of Victor's ten sought-after spots?
I'm eagerly awaiting your thoughts!
En toute sincérité (with all sincerity)
Judy
judy@myfrenchlife.org
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I haven't been to any of the places Victor mentions,, and had never even heard of Bach in the "far-off" Lot, even though I live only an hour and a half away in equally far-off Aveyron. There is truly an abundance of riches here in France.
bonjour tout le monde - please help me welcome Victor Coutard to our team! We look forward to hearing from him regularly!
Warm regards
Judy