Contact Me

Who am I?

Bonjour - je m'appelle Leyla! But don't be fooled by my name...

My Turkish father may have won the naming battle but my mother, with 10 centuries of Frenchness behind her, won the education war.

Born in Paris and brought up in Spain and Canada, I now live in the bucolic Alpine foothills of Eastern France, close to the Swiss border.

Offbeat France goes beyond the baguette – together, we'll explore curiosities, oddities and mysteries, with a healthy dose of legends and backstories. (Along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all.)

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

🇫🇷

Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

Read more!

🇫🇷

What's New!

• 

1. Chinon Castle: Tales Of Heresy, Betrayal And Liberation

   Dec 18, 24 12:51 AM

   Chinon Castle has accommodated such diverse personalities as Henry II, the Knights Templar, and Joan of Arc.

   Read More

2. All my Lyon secrets, revealed!

   Dec 15, 24 04:07 AM

   In this podcast interview with Local Perspectives in Australia I delve into my deepest thoughts and secrets about Lyon, my favorite city!

   Read More

3. 9 Things To Know Before Visiting Chateau de Cheverny

   Dec 15, 24 02:26 AM

   Cheverny, where Tintin, hunting hounds and LEGO meet - and it all makes sense.

   Read More

4. Experience Christmas Magic At These 7 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles

   Dec 15, 24 02:25 AM

   Spend a Loire Valley Christmas by visiting one of these 7 magical fairy-tale castles.

   Read More

5. How Do You Celebrate Halloween In France? Here's What You Need To Know

   Oct 23, 24 12:07 PM

   Do you celebrate Halloween in France? Yes, we do, but it's a bit different. Here's how.

   Read More