Joy Levesley
I retired to France five years ago after a career in retail management, and since then I've been able to indulge in my favourite pastime...writing. There's a wide readership for articles on French life, especially from an ex-pat viewpoint, so I've been suppying both humerous and factual reports on all the varied and intruiging aspects of life in the hexagon. Living as I do in one of the more remote and unspoilt areas of the Midi Pyrenees life is never dull and it's a real joy to record it.
Another of my passions food, both the preparation and the consuming of it and food is of great importance wherever you travel in France. Here in the Southwest the diet is hearty, but surprisingly healthy, and I discover new and unusual recipes all the time.
I am also working on two novels which seem to be taking forever. The first one is set in post war France and was inspired by an incident which had taken place during the German Occupation of a small village in which I lived at the time. The second is a collection of short stories set in a fictitious village in East Anglia. Perhaps one day they will be ready to publish but I have the sneaking feeling I will l find the journey may have been more exciting than the arrival.
Latest Articles
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Mother Nature’s Autumn Bounty
The autumn hedgerows are full of wild fruits which can be made into jams, jellies and counrty wines to use during the winter.
Aug 31, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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A Juicy Spanish Fiesta
One on day in August the streets of a small town in South East Spain run with the juice of thousands of squashed tomatoes.
Aug 16, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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Cool Tomato Salad Days
The late summer sunshine brings a glut of tomatoes. These two recipes are a perfect way to use up an overflow and add some new ideas to your summer menus
Aug 16, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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Grasse: Cote D’Azur, France
Known worldwide for the manufacture of perfume and its many perfume distilleries, Grasse boasts perfume factories like Molinard and lavish public gardens.
Jul 2, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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Holiday in the Poitou Charentes
Holidays with the family can be frought affairs, especially if you're trying to please everyone so these suggestions could prove useful when planning your trip
Jun 29, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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Montsegur and the Cathars
Cathar oppostion to the Church of Rome culminated in an act of barbarism which still brings hundreds of visitors to a remote commune in the foothills of the Pyrenees
Jun 25, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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Salade Nicoise with Fresh Tuna
This refreshing Southern French speciality incorporates fesh tuna, quail's eggs and homemade tapenade to create a substantial lunch dish for lazy summer days.
Jun 22, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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The Pyreneean Mountain Dog
Some handy advice for mountain walkers who may encounter flocks of sheep and their canine guardians whilst exploring the high pastures this summer.
Jun 21, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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The Lancashire Cotton Famine
While America fought out the Civil War , the cotton weavers of Lancashire were brought to the brink of starvation.
Jun 20, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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The Nine Locks at Beziers
Pierre Paul Riquet faced his biggest challenge when he attempted to route the Canal de Midi around his home town in the 17th century..
Jun 14, 2007
- Joy Levesley
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