Press Releases

Pays d’Oc IGP announced as France Show Wine Theatre sponsor11 January 2019

The prestigious Pays d’Oc IGP, which encompasses one of the oldest wine-producing areas in France, has been announced as the sponsor of the popular Wine Theatre at this year’s France Show. Taking place from 25-27 January in the world-famous setting of Olympia London, the France Show celebrates all things French: travel inspiration, language help, cookery demonstrations and, of course, wine tasting. The Pays d’Oc IGP may be one of the newer designations in the French wine world, but its heritage stretches back thousands of years. The designation covers over 120,000 hectares and produces a whopping 50% of all wine in Languedoc-Roussillon. In fact, it produces the highest volume of wine in Europe! What really sets the Pays d’Oc IGP apart is the wide range of grapes that are used in the production of its red, white and rosé wines; producers have 58 different varieties to choose from. At the France Show, Pays d’Oc IGP will be showcasing its Landmark Collection in the Wine Theatre, featuring 19 of the designation’s top wines that have been chosen by a panel of international experts. “I suggested to the tasters that they should select wines that spark emotion and offer enjoyment”, explains Philippe Nusswitz, chairman of the French Sommelier Association for Languedoc-Roussillon and the Southern Rhone Valley. For the renowned sommelier, the criteria were chosen in response to consumer expectations for these characterful wines. “We wanted to favour the offbeat gems in a bid to continue to raise the bar for IGP Pays d'Oc wines through the Collection accolade”. Other events taking place in the Wine Theatre during the show will be talks by professional wine expert Neil Phillips, the so-called Wine Tipster, and Susy Atkins, the wine columnist at the Sunday Telegraph. Tickets to the Wine Theatre cost from £6 per person in advance (booking fee applies) and are available after purchase of entrance tickets to The France Show. www.thefranceshow.com   For more information on IGP Pays d’Oc wines, please contact Sarah Hargreaves, In The Mood LR - Agence de Presse [email protected] For information on The France Show please contact Vicky Goodall, P1 Communications [email protected]          

What Makes France So Special? Find out at The France Show3 January 2019

What Makes France So Special? Find out at The France Show 25-27^th January 2019, Olympia London At the France Show, the Flavours of France stage is always the place to come and capture the best of French lifestyle, from celebrity insights to top chefs cooking live on stage. This year’s line-up features a host of France-loving experts, all eager to share what it is that makes France so special, from the beautiful north to the sunny south. Travel writer and long-time Languedoc resident Anthony Peregrine is proudly known as “the only non-award-winning journalist presently working in national newspapers” and a regular in the pages of the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Times. His take on France promises to be entertaining and free of any mention of andouillette or Brexit, both toxic subjects in his eyes.  You can also hear tales from travel writer Lisa Gerard-Sharp. Her years of travelling have given rise to both inspirational and bizarre insights into French culture – great fun! The sweet-toothed shouldn’t miss Eric Lanlard as he recreates some of his magical cakes on stage. Ahead of the show, the master patissier to the stars promises some glamorous bakes, plenty of anecdotes and even some baking tips:   “I like to entertain,” he says. “And the same time I hope the audience goes away with some knowledge too.” Foodies will be spoiled for choice across the weekend as more top chefs take to the stage. Making their France Show debuts for 2019 are Guillaume Duvivier and Stellio Lestienne.  Guillaume is Chef patron at Le Clos des Capucins in the foodie hotspot of Montreuil-sur-Mer in Pas-de-Calais, Guillaume creates, in his words, “beautiful, honest” food; don’t miss the chance to see him in action. Stellio  is the 39 year old son of Tony Lestienne, owner and head chef of Boulogne-sur-Mer’s finest restaurant since he first opened it in 1979. He joined his father’s business in 2016 and is now 50/50 partner in La Matelote, the Michelin starred restaurant and hotel. Back by popular demand is comedian and chambres d’hôtes owner Ian Moore. After 14 years in France, has the sharp-suited Mod evolved into a Gallic gent or is he still causing confusion with his shaky grip on French etiquette? Find out first-hand how to start a chambres d’hôtes in France and keep your sanity. More expat insights come from Janine Marsh, who swapped urban life for a rural existence surrounded by chickens, ducks and geese in northern France. She will be sharing her top tips on house hunting, making friends, dealing with authority, shopping and more across the Channel. It wouldn’t be the Flavours of France stage without resident food and wine experts Guy Wolley and Susy Atkins. Chef and Sunday Telegraph wine expert respectively, they will be pairing French dishes and wines so you can create some flavours of France in your own home. This year, Guy will be showing us how to cook a three course French dinner party in just thirty minutes!  The soundtrack to the Flavours of France Stage is courtesy of vintage jazz band Oriana and the Charmers all weekend, so take a seat, sit back and drink it all in. Check the Flavours of France schedule to make sure you don’t miss out – check out the timings here. Advance ticket price: £12, purchased on www.thefranceshow.com | Ticket price on the door: £16   Notes to Editor  

• The France Show will be taking place from the 25^th – 27^th January 2019.
• The event venue is Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX
• The nearest tube stations to Olympia London are: - Kensington Olympia Station (Overground and Southern lines) - Barons Court (District and Piccadilly lines)
• Twitter | Facebook | Hashtag: #TheFranceShow

What Drink will the Nation will be Toasting in the New Year with?4 December 2018

What Drink will the Nation will be Toasting in the New Year with? Many of us will be toasting the New Year with a drink in hand. But what will be in our glass this year? A new survey on the nations new year drinking habits gives a fresh insight on our favourite tipple and professional wine experts give their view on our changing tastes. The Censuswide survey, carried out for The France Show reveals that 67 per cent of Brits consider Champagne as the ‘go to’ drink for toasting New Year but think it is being swapped for other drinks such as such as prosecco, cava and crémant. Susy Atkins, wine writer, author and TV presenter says: 'Sparkling wines are hugely popular and the great news is we have a much wider choice than ever before. France makes arguably the very best sparklers in the world with its fine, complex champagnes - fit for a proper celebration - and it also produces champagne-method fizz from other French regions known as 'crémants', many of which are delicious and great value for money. The France Show provides the perfect opportunity to sample French fizz with the producers, merchants and experts.' Susy Atkins is the independent wine expert at the The France Show, the UK’s greatest celebration of all things French, taking place from 25-27^th January 2019 at Olympia, London. Susy will be on stage, alongside the French chefs who will be doing life cooking demonstrations, pairing each dish created with the perfect wine to accompany.  Off stage, Susy will lead the Cave à  Vins wine-tasting sessions, offering the opportunity to sample a selection of fine French wine from the show’s exhibitors. Neil Phillips, AKA ‘The Wine Tipster’, says “We have a wonderful choice of sparkling wines nowadays and we are much more relaxed about when we are drinking them - they aren’t just for special occasions! The beauty of sparkling wine is that they are also a great match with food, from the classic smoked salmon starter at Christmas to your roast turkey.  We will have a selection of French Sparkling wines on show in the Wine Theatre at The France Show”. The show is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of French wines and make some exciting new finds. It will also appeal to those that enjoy French food, holidays in the sunshine, or for those looking to find their dream French property. The France Show’s Event Director Debbie Macleod explains what visitors can expect: “The France Show is a fully-immersive experience that showcases the best of France from its culinary specialities, right through to property.  This year we have an exciting line up of experts and top chefs in our live theatres providing inspiring cooking demonstrations and wine and champagne-tasting sessions. The extensive French Market will be stocked with all the usual Gallic goodies.” For tickets visit www.thefranceshow.com Notes to Editor

• The France Show will be taking place from the 25^th – 27^th January 2019.
• The event venue is Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX 
• The nearest tube stations to Olympia London are: - Kensington Olympia Station (Overground and Southern lines) - Barons Court (District and Piccadilly lines)
• Advance ticket price: £12, purchased on thefranceshow.com | Ticket price on the door: £16 
• The France Show is organised by Archant
• Twitter | Facebook | Hashtag: #TheFranceShow

Life is better in France New Reports Find16 November 2018

Life is better in France New Reports Find New reports reveal that the quality of life is better in France and that residents and expats living in France are happier than those living in the UK. Property agents exhibiting at The France Show at Olympia on 25-27^th January 2019, explain what gives residents such joie de vivre and why UK enquiries for French properties are booming.   The quality of family life in France is one of the reasons why expats rate the country so highly, according to the HSBC Expat Explorer study which surveyed 22,318 expats. This year France ranked 11^th place as opposed to the UK in 22^nd place for overall family life, quality of childcare and lifestyle and its schools.   Expats are also feeling more welcome than ever in France, according to a new study by InterNations. The survey ranks France as one of the best destinations for expats in 2018, with 24% of expats in France saying their social circle consists mainly of locals, while another 50% say their social circles are a mix of expats and locals.   With an impending Brexit, French agents have commented on the recent rush of Brits to secure a French property before the country leaves the EU. Visitors to the website FrancePropertyShop.com  looking for French property this year has almost doubled over the same period in 2016.   ‘We have around 13,000 enquiries a month coming in to our sales support team’, explains Trevor Leggett, Chairman of Leggett Immobilier, who are exhibiting at the show. ‘There was a three month blip immediately after Brexit was announced when the phone stopped ringing but demand has returned and 2018 is another record year for us. All of our research shows that the driving factors for UK buyers are climate and lifestyle, neither of which can be messed up by the politicians!’   Julie Savill, spokesperson from the exhibitor Beaux Villages Immobilier, an estate agency which specialises in southern France, also observed an increase in demand, which she attributes to the better quality of life.   ‘There are many things in France that make life so enjoyable. Firstly, we enjoy a lot more space thanks to the lower population density. People here also care about food -there's a real satisfaction to be had from eating in a decent local restaurant, and life steps into line with the seasons: you eat strawberries when the smell hits you before you even see the stall at the market, not when they are watery and tasteless straight from the chilled lorry!’   Exhibition Director Debbie Macleod explains: “For those looking to make the move to France themselves, The France Show provides an opportunity to learn more about the country, the process of moving there, and finding a property. Visitors can view a wide range of property on sale, listen to people who have gone through the process themselves, and get tips from experts.”   Seminar highlights include:   Moving to France - Why pay more tax than you need - Blevins Franks Saturday 11.45am and Sunday 11.45am Blevins Franks will discuss the financial pitfalls and mistakes you can make when moving from the UK, and what you can do to make France a ‘fiscal paradise’! Where to live in France – Legget Immobilier Friday at 11.00 am Saturday at 12.00 noon, Sunday at 12.30pm The seminar gives an overview of the French property market throughout the regions, including average house prices and some of the 'hotspots' to look out for.   The essential guide to buying a property and enjoying life in France - Clé Rouge Friday at 3.15pm, Saturday at 1.15pm, Sunday at 11.15am An entertaining and fact-filled presentation which provides an “insider guide” to all aspects of a property purchase in France, including choosing the right region, finding the “perfect” property, handling the acquisition process, French administration issues, and lots of useful tips and advice on property ownership and living & working in France.   Understanding the legal side of the buying process - Ashtons Legal Friday at 1.00pm, Saturday at 11.00am, Sunday at 1.30pm This seminar covers the role of the professionals involved in the purchase process, French estate planning and inheritance issues, contracts involved, mortgage requirements, surveys, planning permission, residency and the various taxes buyers may be liable for.   In addition, The Flavours of France Stage, sponsored by P&O Ferries will be welcoming an array of experts to share their own personal experiences on France. The French Travel correspondent from The Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph, Anthony Peregrine, will be discussing the wonders and peculiarities of France in his own enigmatic style. Janine Marsh, author of My Good Life in France and regular columnist at Living France Magazine will be giving her take on la belle vie to inspire you to cross the Channel. Author and comedian Ian Moore will be talking through his exciting new B&B venture, whilst award-winning travel writer and France specialist Lisa Gerard-Sharp will share some personal amusing tales and insider knowledge of her experiences of living in France.   In addition to these talks, the stage will also be home to a variety of exciting cooking demonstrations hosted by chef and culinary expert Guy Wolley. Wine professional and television personality Susy Atkins will also be on hand, pairing each dish created with the perfect wine to accompany.  Susy will also lead the Cave à  Vins wine-tasting sessions, offering the opportunity to sample a selection of fine French wine from the show’s exhibitors.   Notes to Editor

• The France Show will be taking place from the 25^th – 27^th January 2019.
• The event venue is Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX
• The nearest tube stations to Olympia London are: - Kensington Olympia Station (Overground and Southern lines) - Barons Court (District and Piccadilly lines)
• Advance ticket price: £12, purchased on thefranceshow.com | Ticket price on the door: £16
• Twitter | Facebook | Hashtag: #TheFranceShow

Experience the Best of France in London at The France Show4 October 2018

Experience the Best of France in London at The France Show The UK’s greatest celebration of all things French, The France Show, returns to Olympia, London on the 25^th – 27^th January 2019. The event, now in its twelve year, is a great day out for those that love French food and wine, enjoy holidays in the sunshine, or for those looking to find their dream French property. The France Show’s Event Director Debbie Macleod explains what visitors can expect: “The France Show is a fully-immersive experience that showcases the best of France from its culinary specialities, right through to property.  This year we have an exciting line up of experts and top chefs in our live theatres providing inspiring cooking demonstrations and wine and champagne-tasting sessions. The extensive French Market will be stocked with all the usual Gallic goodies, and of course no French event would be complete without can can dancers. Our dancing troupe will be on hand to entertain the crowds at regular intervals.” This year, highlights include: The Flavours of France Stage Sponsored by P&O Ferries, the stage will be welcoming an array of experts to share their own personal experiences on France. The French Travel correspondent from The Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph, Anthony Peregrine, will be discussing the wonders and peculiarities of France in his own enigmatic style. Author and comedian Ian Moore will be talking through his exciting new B&B venture, whilst award-winning travel writer and France specialist Lisa Gerard-Sharp will share some personal amusing tales and insider knowledge of living in France. In addition to these talks, the stage will also be home to a variety of exciting cooking demonstrations hosted by chef and culinary expert Guy Wolley. Wine professional and television personality Susy Atkins will also be on hand, pairing each dish created with the perfect wine to accompany.  Susy will also lead the Cave à  Vins wine-tasting sessions, offering the opportunity to sample a selection of fine French wine from the show’s exhibitors. The Wine Theatre Following last year’s sell-out, Neil Phillips (aka The Wine Tipster) will return to lead this year’s Wine Theatre, sponsored by Pays d'Oc IGP,  offering tutored wine and champagne masterclasses throughout the weekend. Through these entertaining and informative sessions, Neil will showcase a selection of his favourite wines from vineyards across the regions of France. Pays d’Oc IGP will be showcasing its Landmark Collection in the Wine Theatre. The collection features 19 of the best wines from Pays d’Oc IGP, chosen by a panel of international experts. The French Property Exhibition For those looking to buy their dream home in France, the largest French Property Exhibition in the UK will be based on the second floor of the venue. Here, visitors can browse through the thousands of available properties, be guided through the buying process with a range of experts and learn more at the free property seminars taking place across the entire weekend. Additional Features Visitors with burning questions on French property, living in France and holidays can also visit The Living France Theatre, and the How To Forum. Here, attendees will gain free essential advice from specialists on the above topics during complimentary sessions that run throughout the weekend. Courtesy of P&O Ferries, guests will have the opportunity to sample an array of French delicacies and treats as they meander through The French Market. To brush up on French speaking skills or to get inspired for the next French holiday, the Language and Travel Forum will also offer free seminars, sponsored by FRANCE Magazine. In addition to these highlights, visitors will be transported to the 1920s era with a soundtrack provided by vintage jazz band Oriana and the Charmers. For further information on The France Show 2019, please visit: www.thefranceshow.com To access high-res visuals please click here Notes to Editor  

• The France Show will be taking place from the 25^th – 27^th January 2019.
• The event venue is Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX
• The nearest tube stations to Olympia London are: - Kensington Olympia Station (Overground and Southern lines) - Barons Court (District and Piccadilly lines)
• Advance ticket price: £12, purchased on thefranceshow.com | Ticket price on the door: £16
• The France Show is organised by Archant, publishers of FRANCE Magazine, Living France, French Property News, completefrance.com and www.francepropertyshop.com.
• Twitter | Facebook | Hashtag: #TheFranceShow