Dreaming of a French lifestyle?
Through my writing, I invite you to journey with me into the heart of France, where every page is rich with the aromas of freshly baked bread, the clink of wine glasses, and the charm of hidden villages waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re drawn by the culinary delights, the regional wines, or the quiet beauty of lesser-known corners, I hope to transport you there through my books and monthly journal The Franco-Files.
About Wendy
Welcome to the writerly world of Wendy Gedney where I love exploring all things French...
I was born in England but fell in love with France many years ago and made it my home in 2009. It was a passion for wine that brought me here and it’s the rhythm of daily life, grounded in simple pleasures and a deep connection to the land that anchors me.
Through my monthly Substack journal, my non-fiction book The Wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon, and my novel The French Bed, I share the stories, flavours and parts of France I’ve come to know and cherish. My writing is rooted here in the stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant wine and food culture that also inspires the water colour sketches I post on Instagram.
I hope you’ll join me in discovering the beauty of France, one page at a time.
A Guide to One of France’s Most Underrated Wine Regions
There was a time when Languedoc-Roussillon had little reputation for quality wine—but over the past two decades, that has changed dramatically. Today, this sun-drenched region in the south of France is celebrated for its extraordinary diversity and rising quality. Home to ancient grape varieties preserved by passionate winemakers, Languedoc-Roussillon produces everything from robust reds and elegant whites to rosés, sparkling wines, pét-nats, orange wines—and even blouge.
This beautifully illustrated guide demystifies the region’s Appellations, Vin de Pays, and Vin de France classifications, offering a clear, engaging resource whether you’re just beginning your wine journey or are a seasoned connoisseur.
As changes to the wine laws occur they are published on the Languedoc-Updates page of my website.
Wendy's Books
A Romance-Mystery story set in Languedoc and Paris
When Lizzy buys an antique French bed, vivid scenes of a passionate love affair in 1920s Paris that ends in murder and the cry of a newborn baby haunt her as she sleeps.
Are they just dreams… or echoes of a forgotten past?
Convinced the man and woman once lived, and wanting to escape her own recently failed relationship, journalist Lizzy follows her visions to France. Despite her determination Lizzy fails to find any trace of the enigmatic couple. She’s ready to give up, but one final clue remains: a postcard of a walled city. Will it hold the answers Lizzy seeks?
An unexpected commission to write the memoir of Sabina, an American who lived in occupied Paris during the Second World War, sees Lizzy heading to the South of France. There surrounded by peaceful vineyards, she begins to uncover the truth hidden beneath layers of history and memory – piecing together not only a long-buried mystery, but the key to her own future happiness.
Subscribe to
Wendy Gedney Writer
A Substack journal from the Heart of France.
I love writing so signing up to Substack has given me a great platform to share my scribblings and musings on life. Substack is full of inspiring, funny, serious, clever and interesting writers so if reading is your thing I recommend you subscribe to my Substack
If you'd like to read my posts but don't want to sign up to Substack, what you may not know is you don't need to !
Instead, sign up to my Mailing List and you'll receive my Substack posts by email directly into your in-box.
You can also read a selection of my posts on the Journal page of this website.
Media Reviews
The Wines of the
Languedoc-Roussillon
"As a sommelier living in Languedoc I regularly refer my clients to Wendy's beautifully written book which gives a great explanation of the wines of this region."
Marcel Van Baalen
Sommelier
Restaurant L'Atelier, Caunes-Minervois
The French Bed
"If you are looking for a book that covers the genres of historical fiction, romance, mystery and the bond of family I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the release date."
Fran Maguire - Beta reader.
The Franco-Files
"Every month I look forward to escaping the daily grind to read about the experiences Wendy shares through her beautifully written journal."
Janelle Victor - author
Call of the Night Parrot.
Events
The French Bed
Book Launch September 2025
For those living in or visiting Languedoc in September I have 2 exciting events to launch The French Bed.
-
Sunday 14th - Launch Party - 17:30 Galerie L'Ecurie, Caunes-Minervois
-
Saturday 27th - Book & Wine Pairing dinner. Restaurant L'Atelier, Caunes-Minervois