Expat secrets: How to dine like a local in France - including the 'great cultural experience' you cannot miss

Janine has been speaking to GB News about her experiences in France. She shared her experience of relocating, revealing that she now has 52 pets and uses her chickens' eggs to buy beer.

Most recently, Janine spoke to GB News about how Britons can "get the most out of a holiday in France", offering her expertise in navigating French restaurants. She wholeheartedly recommends heading to a boulangerie (a bakery) for a "great cultural experience".

Janine advised: "Seek out side streets and vibrant little village squares where you'll find tables set around a shady plane tree or tinkling fountain.

"And look for the vintage-looking bistros that proudly boast their plat du jour on a board, their menus reflecting local and traditional dishes such as Tarte Tatin, Cassoulet, Moules Frites and Salad Niçoise, changing with the seasons or according to what is available at the market.

"One of the great things about France is of course the food - it’s not all swanky Michelin-starred restaurants here but everyday, commonplace food at the street markets.

"Every town and village seems to hold a street market. In the smaller towns, there are tiny once-a-week markets in the village square with a few local producers selling straight from the farm and market gardeners selling from their garden.

"Many of the bigger markets have tables and chairs set up where you can try local products. In La Rochelle, for instance, you can enjoy a plate of oysters. Or simply stock up on local products - bread, cheese, olives, etc and have a picnic.

"The regional specialities are as much a part of the allure of travelling in France as the landscape and architecture."

The expat advised tucking into Buckwheat galettes (a savoury pancake) in Brittany; bonnets (dishes flavoured with epaulette peppers) in the Basque area of Southwestern France, snails in Burgundy and "delectable" Alsatian Flammkuchen (like pizza) in Alsace.

Enjoy aligoté mashed potato whipped into a "gooey delight" with Comté or Tome cheese in the Veyron, and sample bouillabaisse in Marseille – "though be aware it’s very expensive".

Of course, sipping Champagne in Champagne, Cognac in Cognac, and Sancerre in Sancerre - "the list goes on and on" - is non-negotiable, so ensure you have an appropriate mode of transport.

Janine said: "Leave the car at your holiday accommodation and hop on a train. Leave the car keys behind, hop on a train, enjoy that lunch with two glasses of wine, or a wine-tasting session - and not have to drive afterwards.

"The French rail network is excellent with fast trains. TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) trains, which travel at speeds of up to 320km/h (199 m/ph), connect Paris to every region.

"Local network services TER (Transport Express Regional) or Corail trains, tend to be older trains and much slower but can carry you across much of the country (although in very rural areas not so much)."

For the authentic "locals" experience, the expat advised Britons to seek out the nearest Boulangerie or Patisserie (cake shop) which has a queue of residents – that’s where you’ll find the best croissants, baguettes and gateaux.

The expat concluded: "Or just ask a local - they love to share their foodie expertise. Bread is such a symbol of France, so ingrained in the country’s traditions, that to visit a Boulangerie and queue with the locals is truly one of the great cultural experiences of France."

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Janine has offered her exclusive insights to GB News readers either considering a move to France or simply a holiday.

She has offered advice for Britons thinking of relocating, such as the essential skill they must learn and important things to consider when choosing a location.

For those moving to Paris specifically, she shared the biggest mistake to avoid. Those heading to the European hotspot on vacation were encouraged to journey to the "brilliant" city you need to visit - it's so beautiful it made her cry.

Janine also named the "astonishing" trip you must take, complete with food that's out of this world.

Janine is the author of several best-selling books and the editor of The Good Life France. She also runs The French Property Show, held twice per year in the UK.