Ramblings of a retiree in France
When I suggest visitors take in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat I’ll add that if at all possible they should visit the stunning Villa Ephrussi and its gardens. How it all began As you know, I love a spot of property porn. So picture this.… Continue Reading “The House where Beatrice….”
I’ve already written about the importance of bread and patisseries in France. Today I’m looking at one of France’s global brands. Eric Kayser may have only launched his first boulangerie at 31 but his belated start did not stop him from making his mark. … Continue Reading “French Fancies: Maison Kayser”
Designer Eileen Gray’s E-1027 modernist seminal modern home in the south of France, and Le Corbusier’s holiday home Cabanon next to it, reopened recently following a five-year renovation managed by the Association Cap Moderne which has returned it to the state it was in when it was… Continue Reading “The House where Eileen lived”
France has some wonderful manufacturers of glass and crystal. Here’s one of my favourites though sadly it’s no longer in French hands. How it all began Baccarat Glass was established in 1765 by the Bishop of Metz who wanted to encourage industry in the… Continue Reading “French Fancies: Baccarat Crystal”
In many part of the world Speedos are now regarded as a bit of a joke or at least out dated – in France they are compulsory. The skimpy male swimwear item – also known as a budgie-smuggler or a banana-hammock – has been… Continue Reading “Things about France that surprised me: Speedos!”
Created in 2013, Sézane is a digital fashion firm that has made a niche out of niceness. Its subtly feminine creations — mostly wearable and unchallenging pieces such as vintage-looking knitted sweaters and sensibly heeled leather pumps — are showcased via positivity-fuelled branding and… Continue Reading “French Fancies: Sézane”
This weekend we’re heading to a shop in one of my favourite parts of Paris where I have spent plenty of time both admiring and buying its tempting wares. EMPREINTES is a 600 sqm (6,000 sq ft) concept store in the heart of the Marais… Continue Reading “French Fancies: EMPREINTES”
Let’s continue with my series on the Riviera’s historic hotels. After the famous Eden Roc, my spotlight now moves to another historical establishment of the Côte d’Azur: The Hotel Negresco in Nice. Expect much more than just another luxury hotel. The Negresco is at once an… Continue Reading “The House where Jeannie……..”
Protests against (mostly) the French health passport have now reached their fifth week – but who are the protesters, what do they want and do the majority of French people support them? Last Last Saturday again saw hundreds of thousands of people take to… Continue Reading “Why are there protests in France?”
It’s a well-known fact that a woman cannot have too many pairs of shoes. While I spend much of my time in Birkenstocks and trainers, I still need pairs of pretty shoes for when my beloved whisks me away – you all know it’s… Continue Reading “French Fancies: Ghazal Paris”
