When Fabien jetted off to London for a French property show, he wasn’t just in for a weekend of real estate buzz—he found himself immersed in a unique cultural adventure that combined history, culinary surprises, and the spirit of France.
A hotel fit for Napoleon
Staying at the illustrious Hotel Café Royal, Fabien was surrounded by decor inspired by none other than Napoleon himself. This French-themed hotel offered a touch of historical intrigue, including a surprising fact: Napoleon’s nephew is buried near London! The atmosphere set the tone for Fabien’s weekend, blending British charm with a French twist.
French Property Show success and stormy weather adventures
The French property show was a vibrant affair, especially on Saturday, with a great turnout proving that British interest in French real estate is as strong as ever (Find out here where Brits are living in France). Sunday presented its own challenges as stormy weather tested everyone’s commitment. Catharine from Survive France joined Fabien in reminiscing about past property shows, recalling snowy events that added extra charm and unpredictability.
Despite the dreary weather, the enthusiasm for French properties was palpable. Perhaps it’s the thought of escaping to sunnier horizons that makes these January shows such a hit?


Crumpets, cheesecakes and culinary revelations

Fabien’s culinary exploration in London proved that even a Frenchman can be pleasantly surprised. While British cuisine may not rival France’s gastronomic glory, hidden gems were discovered. Eggs Benedict and crumpets earned honourable mentions, but the real star? A decadent cheesecake from Michelin-starred Cakes & Bubbles.
Fabien confessed that the cheesecake was shockingly delicious—so much so that even Catharine was tempted to indulge in high tea on her next London visit. Proof that culinary diplomacy can bridge even the deepest gastronomic divides.
Bon vivant vs Bon viveur: A linguistic showdown
The conversation took a playful turn as Fabien and Catharine debated the nuances of French expressions. The term bon vivant is a well-known French phrase, but bon viveur? That’s an English twist that purists might balk at. Catharine, ever the language rebel, decided she might adopt the term anyway, much to Fabien’s amusement.
Fabien, defending the French language’s honor, emphasized the importance of food-related vocabulary. After all, if there’s one thing the French won’t compromise on, it’s their terminology for the finer things in life.
Survive France and France Made Simple
Catharine, Fabien’s engaging conversation partner, is the founder of Survive France, the largest anglophone forum for immigrants in France. Whether you’re looking for advice on moving, integrating into French culture, or simply surviving the bureaucracy, Survive France offers invaluable resources and community support.
For those who prefer listening to insightful conversations, Catharine also hosts the popular France Made Simple podcast. With episodes filled with practical advice and inspiring stories, it’s a must-listen for anyone interested in life in France. You can find it on Spotify here.
Whether you’re dreaming of a move to France or just curious about expat life, Catharine’s resources are a fantastic way to navigate the journey.
To wrap it all up
From French property show success to Michelin-starred cheesecake and a Napoleon-themed hotel, Fabien’s London adventure was nothing short of memorable. Despite the quirks of January weather, the weekend highlighted the enduring appeal of French real estate and the joy of cross-cultural connections.
Catch the full interview to hear more of Fabien’s delightful tales and don’t forget to explore Survive France and France Made Simple for expert guidance on living your best life in France.
Are you ready to take the next step? Register to one of our upcoming webinars, check out our resources on the blog, or book a consultation call where our expert will answer all your questions and help you avoid any headaches or pitfalls.