Parallel Lives tells the story of our time in a small town in the foothills of the French Pyrenees: how we came to live there and the experiences gained living and working between two countries.

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Jennifer Andrewes

Dunedin-born, as a child, I spent time living in France, kicking off a life-long love affair with the country.

A communications professional, I have worked in tourism and government roles both in New Zealand and in the UK, as well as undergoing stints as a freelance travel writer. Our blog on the family’s French adventure was widely enjoyed and it was prompting from readers that led me to write a book about our family’s experiences. If you’d like to collaborate with me, GET IN TOUCH

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“I think you will have to make a decision sooner or later. Or bail out altogether. The local agents must be tearing their hair out. Sacré bleu!”

Rubybaby, Stuff.co.nz

“We've also always talked about travelling or living in France as a family and our oldest boy is in year 6 this year… I am inspired by your article and will read your blog.”

Rose Andrews, Wellington, New Zealand

“Are you writing a book? If not you should”

Angela Dickinson

"A delightful book about a real Kiwi family living their dream in a most magical part of France."

Allyson Gofton, Food Writer

"I loved this wonderful family adventure, and I believe that not only New Zealand Francophiles but also the many French families living here will gain much pleasure from reading about Jennifer and her family’s unique, off-the-beaten-track experience."

Nathalie Buckrell, Director, Alliance Française Wellington

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Book our home in France

Discover the Aude

The Aude is beautiful to visit in any season, benefiting from great weather, stunning scenery, historic sites and a range of activities all year round.

Spring

“The Aude River running looks cold and swift, in spite of the season. We are caught hook, line and sinker, like the fish we can see the village children pulling from the current as we cross into the square over the 12th-century bridge.”

Summer

“There’s barely a weekend without musical entertainment of some kind. Events are the lifeblood of the square, drawing large crowds, bringing custom to the cafés and bars, whose traffic otherwise ebbs and flows throughout the day.”

Autumn

“There’s a growing chill in the air, but outside dining is still the norm and the days are still relatively long. For now the trees are still fully clothed in their red and gold cloaks of leaves and we make the most of the fresh air and conversation.”

Winter

“The café tables are no longer out on the pavement so that if you want to eat out, you have to eat in, so to speak. What you lose in the charm of street umbrellas, you gain in the conviviality of tables close together in the warmth of the dining room.”