Picture a British storyteller who traded London’s hustle for a crumbling barn in rural France—meet Janine Marsh! With a knack for turning chaos into charm, she’s penned bestselling memoirs that capture the heart of French country life. Her humorous tales of renovation mishaps, quirky neighbors, and a menagerie of animals have inspired dreamers worldwide to chase their own slice of la vie française.
Janine’s journey began on a whim in 2004, when a trip to buy cheap wine in northern France led to an impulsive purchase that changed her life. Now, through her books and blog, The Good Life France, she invites readers into her world of muddy boots, snail races, and the joy of living slowly.
The Making of Janine Marsh
Born in London’s gritty Bermondsey, Janine grew up far from the pastoral idylls she’d later call home. Her early career was rooted in the city, with stints at McDonald’s during school holidays and a sensible office job. But a school exchange trip to France at 14 sparked a lifelong love affair with the country’s culture, from tarte tatin to its laid-back charm. Writing was always her dream, though bills and mortgages delayed it until a fateful day in Pas-de-Calais.
That day in 2004, while on a booze cruise to Calais, Janine stumbled upon a dilapidated barn in the Seven Valleys. Priced less than a designer handbag, it was a risky leap that led her and her husband, Mark, to abandon London for a life of renovation and reinvention. What started as a blog to update friends grew into a global platform, cementing her as a voice of rural France.
Janine Marsh’s Unforgettable Stories
Janine’s writing is a love letter to France, blending humor, heart, and a touch of chaos. Her first book, My Good Life in France: In Pursuit of the Rural Dream (2017), chronicles her move to the Seven Valleys, where she tackled a barn lacking plumbing and navigated cultural quirks. Readers laughed at her “Madame Merde” nickname and cried over poignant moments of loss and love.
My Four Seasons in France: A Year of the Good Life (2020) dives deeper, weaving tales of seasonal challenges—like a hailstorm that united her village—with the warmth of local traditions. Toujours la France!: Living the Dream in Rural France (2022) introduces new characters, like Jean-Claude and his snail-racing obsession, while celebrating the community that embraced her. Her coffee-table book, How to Be French, explores the art of savoring life, from wine to wanderlust, with a chic French twist.
Janine’s style is conversational and self-deprecating, earning her the nickname “flop chef not top chef” among French friends. Her stories shine with vivid characters—think Mr. and Mrs. Pepperpot or the infamous Bread Man—and a deep appreciation for France’s offbeat charm. Whether she’s wrangling 72 animals or uncovering hidden villages, her work radiates joie de vivre.
Why Janine Marsh Matters
Janine’s memoirs do more than entertain—they inspire. Her journey from city slicker to rural maven resonates with anyone craving a bolder, simpler life. Through The Good Life France, which reaches millions monthly, she’s become a guide for expats and Francophiles, sharing insider tips on everything from cheese to chateaux. Her award-winning travel writing and social media presence amplify her impact, connecting readers to France’s soul.
By embracing her imperfections—think culinary flops and renovation woes—Janine makes the dream of reinvention feel achievable. Her stories remind us that life’s greatest adventures often start with a single, impulsive step, like buying a barn on a rainy day.
- Born: London, Bermondsey
- Key Works: My Good Life in France, My Four Seasons in France, Toujours la France!, How to Be French
- Awards: French Media Awards Best Social Media Feature (2016)
- Fun Fact: She’s maid to 72 animals, including 38 chickens!
About Janine Marsh
Ready to escape to a French village? Snag My Good Life in France and dive into Janine Marsh’s hilarious, heartwarming world!