Sure, relations between France and the UK can by sticky at times, but it's usually some dispute between politicians that causes the problems, while us regular mortals, on both sides of the Channel, just go about our daily lives.
Indeed, a great many of us on this side of the water love to go to explore the land of our nearest European neighbour whenever time and money permits. We love the people, the food, the red wine, the countryside, the capital city, the cities that aren't the capital city, the coastline and even the [
enter your favourite thing about France here].
For those without the time and money to visit the country, or perhaps without a passport, you may be pleased to know that in mid-January you'll still have a chance to experience much of what France has to offer - because it's coming to Earls Court.
The France Show, which received around 17,000 visitors last year, runs for three days and will give Francophiles the opportunity to enjoy the best of what the nation has to offer.
Besides
tutored wine tastings, there'll be a French-style food market, cookery demonstrations, and
live music entertainment.
Anyone on the hunt for
a property across the Channel, whether for a permanent move or for a holiday home, will be able to chat to real estate experts at the show. Information about particular properties currently on the market will also be available for browsing.
There'll also be talks from those who've made the move. Julia Stagg, for example, will be
talking about the trials and tribulations she and her husband experienced when they set up a French-style inn in the Ariège-Pyrenees region of France and will be offering advice to anyone else wishing to work in the French tourist industry.
More than 120 exhibitors will be present at The France Show, including
3D Wines, the
Franco-British Chamber of Commerce,
Grape Escapes and
Language in Provence.
Talking of language, if you're someone that last uttered a word in French when you were at school many moons ago, how about giving it another go? French lessons will be available at the show
five times a day, offered for free by different organisations. The fun and not-too-demanding lessons are designed to build your confidence and hopefully inspire you to join a regular language class.
Tickets cost only £10, with those under 16 accompanied by a paying adult able to enter for free. To join a
wine seminar, which includes tastings, an additional £5 payment is required.
