France’s villages: Life beyond the postcard

This week, we step away from the headlines and out of the city to focus on French villages.

There is a deeply rooted romantic image of village life: a stone church, a sleepy square, a small café.

But what is life really like in French villages today?

Like in many countries, rural France has seen populations decline, and many residents say daily life can be challenging.

While some villages rely on their beauty to attract visitors, others stand out for something else entirely – their names.

We take a look at some of the quirkiest on the map. ...