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Living and visiting SW France and futher afield

Discovering France

Behind every village, craft, and custom lies a story waiting to be told. Discovering France uncovers the country's layers - its history, its artisans, and the people keeping its unique spirit alive. These are the details that help us understand the true nature of this beautiful country.

Emmaus sign in Haute-Garonne, France

How Emmaüs France is Innovating to Fight Poverty

Discover how Emmaüs, founded by Abbé Pierre in 1949, is innovating to fight poverty in modern France. From opening the first non-profit online marketplace to planning a groundbreaking 15,000m² solidarity centre in Bordeaux, this iconic French charity proves that your unwanted items can give someone a second chance at life.

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Bell-tower in Poitiers, Vienne

Bell-Towers of France: Ringing Through History

Look up in any French town or village and you’ll likely spot one – a clocher rising above the rooftops, its bells marking the rhythm of daily life just as they have for centuries. From the fortified bell-towers of the Charente to the UNESCO-listed belfries of the north, from Romanesque abbeys to audacious concrete cathedrals, France’s bell-towers encompass a stunning variety of styles and purposes. We explore the often remarkable architecture from which these bells ring out – and why these structures continue to captivate us.

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