Avignon is an architectural gem… fortress walls, the Pont d’ Avignon across the mighty Rhone river and a Palace for the Popes. What’s not to love? Sometimes I drive into Avignon solely to soak up the atmosphere, to marvel at the scale of this city and to wander through the cobblestone passageways… sounds silly doesn’t it… … Continued
Writing a book is a great privilege because it enables the writer to consolidate thoughts and to preserve them for the future… Thoughts which turn into words on the keyboard are as good as any time capsule. When I thought about what thoughts should be included in FRENCH ESSENCE, my second book published a couple … Continued
Yesterday the mistral wind graciously decided to retreat and allow me to leave the house in search of company and good food. Although I am not French I have happily, too happily, acquired the taste for a good lunch. One of the best spots for a delicious lunch is the Bistro du Paradou in the … Continued
Pétanque or boules as this game is often called is pretty much a French national sport… and a particular favourite in southern France…It is a little like lawn bowling only the playing takes place beneath plane trees, on a gravel surface and often with a glass of pastis in the hand… so no clipped grass, … Continued
The week between Christmas and New Year is the week I call ‘the quiet week’. It is the one week of the year when the world seems to slow down, turn off and take a long deep breath. The phone stops buzzing, the emails aren’t flashing and there is time… time to indulge, reflect and … Continued
I am thinking about the Christmas menu… There is not a whole lot of new to think of because our family is very conventional when it comes to the turkey and cranberry sauce feast… The only exception is that we add a few French traditions on top. In a perfect world I am hoping it … Continued
Something I love to give and to receive is a Christmas hamper… The most fun is thinking about the goodies to place inside… what my friends enjoy to drink or to eat… what they would find interesting to try and new flavours they might appreciate… I like to include a scented bulb or two to … Continued
Thinking, thinking, thinking of gift ideas. I suddenly remembered this little gem, Bringing Home the Birkin. A cute and funny tale for all us girly Francophiles. You will love it, xv.
I have always loved this Christmas carol and can never remember all the lines… so now ‘the Twelve Days of Christmas’ will be on my screen and I have no excuses… It’s very nearly the weekend… and that means final shopping and wrapping for me. If you are still searching for inspiration then for French inspired … Continued
I like to mix our Christmas up a little… change colours… add new decorations… take away some of the old (not the favourites though)… hang them in different places or arrange them in alternative groupings. Last year I chose ‘silver’, ‘white’ and ‘clear’ as my theme… The silver mercury ornaments shimmered and the clear glass … Continued
Flowers are one of my great loves…. single blooms, large bunches, posies, country style arrangements… native or tropical… I have come to appreciate them all for their individual beauty and unique characteristics. I believe that flowers can brighten the loneliest of spaces and enhance the dullest of decors not to mention the sparkle they add … Continued
It’s the weekend again… time for r&r…; and for me that means reading and relaxing. I thought you might like to catch up on a few French thoughts floating out there, Where to drink the best coffee in Paris How to be a true Parisian… after you have had that first coffee Some insider tips … Continued
Villages… quaint… perched… crumbling… picturesque…. are what make Provence, Provence. The two areas that I am most familiar with in Provence are the Alpilles…. where I live… and the Luberon which is about 45 minutes away. The Luberon and the Alpilles are very different and the title to be the ‘best’ is fiercely fought. A … Continued
image – vicki archer Perhaps it is because I like food and I love to eat or maybe it is because I spend too much time in France… but whatever the reason I do have a thing for a French cookbook…. especially the illustrated ones…. Turning the pages, imagining the flavours, choosing the menu… planning where … Continued
Caring about the detail makes all the difference. It doesn’t matter whether it is something so simple that we can do it with our eyes shut or whether the task is a complex and challenging one…attention to detail is everything. It shows that you have taken time, that you care and that you are serious….Paying … Continued
