View from the Back
Ramblings of a retiree in France
Category: Lifestyle
French Fancies: Eres
While my beloved has plenty of pairs of Vilebrequin swim shorts, I just have two swimsuits. Classic black and an emerald green both from French company Eres which started with swimwear and has since expanded into lingerie, casual and active wear. All of its… Continue Reading “French Fancies: Eres”
History of the Hotel de Paris, Monaco
To understand the story of the hotel, you need to acquaint yourself with the history of where it stands. While today, Monaco is a financially thriving Riviera destination, nestled snugly between France and Italy, in 19th century it was a bankrupt town. In an… Continue Reading “History of the Hotel de Paris, Monaco”
French Fancies: Arkopharma
Today I’m looking at a local company founded in 1980 in Carros. Arkopharma is a pharmaceutical laboratory specialising in the field of phytotherapyphy, natural medication and dietary supplements. It’s the French and European leader in natural plant-based medications and dietary supplements. Note, Phytotherapy is… Continue Reading “French Fancies: Arkopharma”
French Fancies: Roger Vivier
Its a well-known fact that a woman can never have too many pairs of shoes! This isn’t the first time I have featured lust-worthy shoes on my blog and it won’t be the last. The man who re-imagined heels Roger Vivier was born in Paris… Continue Reading “French Fancies: Roger Vivier”
Positive pandemic news from France
The Italians have been doing it since April, the Greeks started on Monday – and France is shortly set to follow suit, allowing the country’s café, bar and restaurant terraces to reopen for the first time since autumn.The French government has confirmed that the… Continue Reading “Positive pandemic news from France”
French fancies: Oliviers & Co
As a keen home cook, one of the things I love about where I now live is the availability of wonderful local, artisan products. While we have our own olive grove in the Domaine where I live, I buy lots of different local organic… Continue Reading “French fancies: Oliviers & Co”
Napoleon Bonaparte on the French Riviera
Napoleon was forced to abdicate in 1814 and exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba. He’d been living there for a year when he found out he was to be banished to an island in the Atlantic Ocean and so decided to escape. Only… Continue Reading “Napoleon Bonaparte on the French Riviera”
Things about France that surprised me: not necessarily a fan of Napoleon
He’s one of the world’s most famous Frenchmen, but France is divided over whether the 200th anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte tomorrow should be marked in any way. Here’s why. Tomorrow 5 May 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s death on… Continue Reading “Things about France that surprised me: not necessarily a fan of Napoleon”
French Fancies: L’Occitane en Provence
I intended to write about Oliviers & Co today but in researching the company discovered it had been set up by the man who founded L’Occitane en Provence in 1976 so that’s where I’m going to start. How it all began With so many… Continue Reading “French Fancies: L’Occitane en Provence”
Lockdown Latest: France
We’ve had our first jab – Astra Zeneca – at our local pharmacy and suffered absolutely no adverse reactions – not even my beloved, a hypochondriac of note. Our next one is scheduled. Meanwhile, we’re still pretty much in lockdown but there’s light on… Continue Reading “Lockdown Latest: France”
