Ramblings of a retiree in France
On the evening 15 April 2019, France and the world watched transfixed in horror as flames ravaged the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, fearful that the heritage landmark could be lost forever. Nearly two years on, what’s happening? While the spire collapsed and much… Continue Reading “Notre Dame Update”
From London to Paris, New York to Newcastle, pavements the world-over are being pounded by white tennis-style sneakers emblazoned at each side with a logo in the shape of a V. Even those that aren’t familiar with VEJA will recognise its now-ubiquitous designs; they’re… Continue Reading “French Fancies: VEJA”
As you know I love trawling through property porn magazines and this property, previously owned by Sean Connery aka the James Bond, caught my eye. The six-bedroom, five-floor seafront mansion is on the market for €30 million (£27 million, $34 million). Even though all… Continue Reading “The House where James lived…….”
I’ve already discussed the surpising French love of le hamburger and pizza. This week I’m sticking with the (Easter) chocolate theme and (frankly) milking it for all it’s worth! Surprisingly there’s nothing France loves more than Nutella – at least according to a 2020… Continue Reading “Things about France that surprised me: love of Nutella”
Today I’m looking once more at one of our well-known and well-loved local companies, Confiserie Florian, which is celebrating its centenary, the French Riviera’s ultimate sweet tooth paradise, run by the 4th generation of the Fuchs family. To some of you that name will… Continue Reading “French fancies: Confiserie Florian”
When concept store Colette closed in December 2017, I had to find a replacement. Enter Merci! An iconic hot spot in the Parisian capital for over a decade, renowned for the red Fiat 500 parked in the courtyard. A must-see, must-go and must-be-seen shop… Continue Reading “French fancies: Merci Concept Store”
This week’s post isn’t about a company, it’s a partnership. A French partnership recognised as Champions of the ‘transform and reuse’ movement who have won architecture’s Nobel prize. Anne Lacaton and Jean-Philippe Vassal have been awarded the Pritzker Prize 2021 for their ‘restorative architecture.’… Continue Reading “French fancies: Lacaton & Vassal”
Parts of northern France but also the south-east whete I live will go back into full lockdown from midnight today to battle spiralling Covid-19 infection rates. The départements are mainly in northern France and the Paris region where Covid-19 infections have been surging in… Continue Reading “Here we go again………”
Today I turn my attention to family-run Longchamp, best known for its iconic Le Pliage bag, of which I have far too many to mention! The company’s origins It’s a curious fact that the renowned French luxury leather goods company Longchamp began as a… Continue Reading “French fancies: Longchamp”
This is a brand I discovered some time ago when we were staying in Le Marais in Paris. My beloved wanted some jam to go on his breakfast croissants and the shop was just around the corner. There’s also a shop in Aix-en-Provence –… Continue Reading “French Fancies: La Chambre aux Confitures”
