France (16 July 2025) – I was recently invited to France to do something pretty magical… to review a stunning château nestled in the French countryside.
It’s owned by a South African who just so happens to have the same surname as me. Call it coincidence, fate or maybe just a French twist of lekker luck? That story is coming soon and I cannot wait to share it with you. But before I dive into tales of turrets and truffle cheese, I wanted to share something a little lighter. A little more fun.
While exploring parts of France and Monaco, I kept finding myself going: “Wait… why don’t we have this in South Africa?” Not big revolutionary things, but small, joyful innovations that just make sense (to me).
So here they are… ten things I’d bring home (to Joburg) in my luggage if customs didn’t mind, in no particular order:
In the French countryside (and maybe even Paris, although I didn’t get to see them), they have markets that move. Each village is assigned a day and the market brings the whole place to life. The community live for it. And plan for it. Boussac have their market every Thursday. And it was a vibe. The entire village was there. Shopping. Chatting. Catching up. There was fresh produce. And clothing. And toys for dogs. And everything in between. It only lasts until midday. And then most stay at the local cafés for lunch and drinks. That’s what I call a Phuza Thursday done right. Ja, Joburg… let’s do it.
Side note: I know we have many incredible markets in South Africa, which I love and support, but this specific idea of a weekday market that moves is what I’m referring to.
I know that one of the 11 mayors we’ve had in the last 10 years tried to do a Sandton bicycle lane but we need to try again… and it needs to extend far beyond Sandton. Bicycle lanes are the shit. They make it so easy to navigate a city. And also get your exercise in. And it’s safer for the cyclists. I am all about biking. Welcome to my midlife crisis. Like, I would totally hop onto a bike and go meet friends for lunch. Or even go for a quick shop. And… if we had bike lanes, it would make life so much easier. I am sending this to the Fourways Ward Councillor. Bike lanes asseblief.
This goes with the bike lane but what a lekker way to get around a city. And I know our cities are “different” to European cities. But imagine on a Saturday (and I am referring to Jozi here cause that’s where I live… and also this area in particular cause it’s something I actually would do) and I met you for breakkie in Parkhurst, and then we Limed to The Wilds to walk off our meal, and then Limed to Rosebank for some window shopping, and then met up with more friends in Sandton. That sounds far but that is 6 kilometres less than what Andrew and I did in one morning in Paris. Perspective. And Limes please.
In Monaco, some streets are lined with Orange Trees. Apparently over 1,100 of them. Trees not streets. You can take from them. Freely. And because there are so many, they never really run out (in season). Johannesburg is great for growing many things. We also have people who are hungry. So… let’s plant trees everywhere. Orange trees. And apple trees. And Pears. And Peaches. And Plums. Feed the nation. Like, how have we not done this already? Who is the current Mayor? Fruit trees my guy. FRUIT TREES!
Some places (in the French countryside) close from 2:30pm to 6:30pm to “la sieste”. I don’t need to explain anymore. We need more naps.
Dogs are an extension of our family. Why shouldn’t they go absolutely everywhere with us? And yes, maybe it’s because many Europeans don’t have the luxury of a garden. But we are our pups’ whole world. And that means we have a responsibility to show them our world. To take them on adventures. And that means to dinners. And to museums. And even to clubs. Yes, I saw a bladdy dog at a club. It was outside (so she wasn’t impacted by the doef doef) but she was there. And she was living her best life. I want this life for my pups.
We travelled from Paris to Châteauroux. A 2-hour trip. And took another train from Paris to Nice. A 5-hour trip. And it was divine. The chairs were comfortable. The food and drinks were delicious. And the sites (outside the window) were something else. Imagine we had a reliable Jozi to Cape Town bullet train (we cannot refer to the Shosholoza Meyl here unfortunately) that had stops in Bloem, Gariep and the winelands… where we could sip on coffee (or your choice of tipple), nap, charge our phones and still arrive faster than flying (if you take boarding and having to be at the airport an hour before into account). And it is so much cheaper than flying. Oh, and dogs are allowed to travel too. Take. My. Money. Now.
This is a standard in Europe. Plastic caps don’t leave the bottle. It’s attached by a little piece of plastic. And that means less pollution. Like, it won’t get lost and land up in the sea. Killing our turtles. I’m being facetious. Bottle caps are terrible for our environment. Caps are among the top items found in ocean clean-ups. Birds, fish and marine mammals often mistake them for food. And then they die. Keeping a cap attached to a bottle saves them. And improves the recycling process tenfold. We need this.
Did you know that Tic Tac have a whole range? Like… more than just the little pill sweet. The “two” Tic Tac is delicious. I’m sure these are somewhere in South Africa already. Hit a brother up.
I know this is not possible. But just imagine we could. I mean, we’re incredibly lucky in South Africa (especially Joburg) to get the amount of sun that we do. Our days are pretty consistent with a couple of hours difference in Summer and Winter. But having a day that only ends at 11pm is so good for the soul. One day, we only left the beach at 9pm… and then went for a shower… and then had dinner at sunset. Like, vaaaibes.
So, yes. Some of these are silly. Some are just wishful thinking. But a few… like fruit trees and sustainable packaging, could really shift things for the better.
The château story is coming soon. But for now, I just needed to share this little piece of travel joy with you.
That’s it.
Okay. Love you. Bye.
Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.
Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.
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