Innholdsfortegnelse for March/April 2020 i My French Country Home

Dear readers, March is a time of promise, usually first signaled by the garden. I love the colors and textures that tell us that spring is on its way… To get us in the mood, this issue we visit two French flower havens. The Cayeux Iris farm is lined with over 700 different species, an incredible spectacle that has to be seen to be believed. Then we head to Château des Sourches and its Conservatoire de la Pivoine, one of the world’s largest collections of peonies - all protected in the surprising and wonderful backdrop of the chateau’s moat. As well as floral delights, we freshen up our interiors for spring with elegant options for bathrooms and investigate the Bohemian trend, to add some vibrancy into the home. In the…

The Great Roman Games For three days in May, 500 participants from across Europe meet in one of the world’s greatest surviving Roman amphitheaters - the Arena of Nîmes - to take part in what has become the largest historical re-enactment of ancient European history: the Great Roman Games. Based on extensive scientific research, the annual event reimagines the Games as they were 2,000 years ago and include historically accurate elements such as an imperial court, battledress, chariot racing and gladiatorial combats. This year’s re-enactment in particular will focus on Caesar and his conquest of Rome. May 1, 2 & 3, 2020 Boulevard des Arènes, 30000 Nîmes www.arenes-nimes.com Christo et Jeanne-Claude, Paris! This spring, Pompidou Center features an exhibition dedicated to famed artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude and the collaborative works…

“Oeufs Cocotte” with spinach, pumpkin, mushrooms & feta, and polenta soldiers FOR 4 PEOPLE To make the baked eggs: • 4 large organic eggs• 4 tsp olive oil• ½ cup (60g) strained feta• 4 brown or white mushrooms• ¾ lb (350g) pumpkin• 4 handfuls spinach• 1 handful chopped mint leaves• 2 tbsp chopped chives• Guérande salt and pepper To make the polenta soldiers: • 1 cup (135g) pre-cooked polenta• 4 cups (1l) water• 3 tbsp olive oil• 1 large pinch dried thyme• Guérande salt and pepper Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Wash, peel and finely chop the vegetables. Put the chopped pumpkin in an oven dish and roast with one tbsp olive oil. Once cooked, set to one side. Boil a pot of salted water. Slowly add in the…

From the languid reclining shape of the chaise longue, colorful woven cane chairs - emblematic of Parsian cafés - and velvet-covered poufs, France is famous for many different seating styles. It’s not unusual for French households to have several kinds of seating gathered together in one place. Le salon - living room - can include a sofa, large armchair chair, tabourets (stool), and a moveable bench - all in the same space. Having this many seating options is tailored towards how they like to socialize. Whether at apèro, having multiple people on sofas and stools around a central table; or during a larger soirée, where different groups can gather in the kitchen, perching on tall stools or long benches. In short, the French like their seating as they like a…

Recently named the World’s Best Restaurant by La Liste, the global food guide and review aggregator, Le Bernardin has garnered all the accolades the industry has to offer. But this three Michelin-star seafood restaurant comes from humble beginnings, that can be traced from Brittany, to Paris, and to its current location, in New York. Le Bernardin was founded by Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze, siblings from a small fishing village in Brittany who grew up learning the ropes in their parents inn and restaurant. A knack for hospitality and a love of seafood led the pair to Paris, where Le Bernardin first came to life in 1972 as a 25-seat bistro on Paris’ Left Bank. Named after an order of monks devoted to good food and wine, Le Bernardin quickly…

A former model, mother of two gorgeous girls and cosmopolitan globetrotter, Lori Duchesne settled in France when her children were small. When they flew the nest, it was time for Lori to find a new rhythm. Petalstream was born! We sat down with Lori to hear about her journey and the inspiration behind the brand. Why did you want to start your own company? Is there ever a ‘right time’ for a big venture like this? I had always imagined having my own business. I’ve long admired the beauty around me and knew I wanted to express myself and to share it one day! My life has been full of adventures which have greatly influenced and inspired me. I am originally from Canada but had the opportunity to travel and…

In 1747, in the verdant Sarthe Valley near Le Mans, a Frenchman by the name of Jean Loiseau founded a company creating tin-glazed and enamelled earthenware. In its infancy, the production replicated designs that already existed in metal or wood, but as their reputation grew, he acquired a more demanding clientele looking for increasingly elegant pieces. Using white clay, his manufacture created more elaborate shapes and forms, and developed new techniques for moulding, calibrating and trimming exceptional pieces that became famous throughout France. Malicorne was born. In addition to plates, bowls and serving platters for the table, the atelier began to produce larger decorative pieces, such as the large vases and pitchers. To vary the styles, intricate and delicate designs were hand painted on the white background. Two hundred and…

To make the bouquet • 8 tulips • 5 branches of eucalyptus • 4 branches of leyland cypress • 4 branches of wax flower • 3 large ranunculus • 8 large dark anemones • 6 blue anemones • 8 orange ranunculus • 4 hyacinth buds • 8 mimosa sprigs A spring bouquet designed to awaken the senses. Bold colors, strong movement and made using only seasonal blooms. Against a background of eucalyptus and leyland cypress, figure anemones, tulips and ranunculus. Rich burgundy tones contrast with burnt orange and dashes of pink. Using a wire to hold the branches in place and a block of florist foam beneath, start with the outline shape in greenery. Start with the leyland, then the eucalyptus and mimosa. Look for movement rather than symmetry. Add…

14th CENTURY MANOR HOUSE IN SAINT DENIS D’ORQUES 20 mins from Le Mans This magnificent 14th-century manor house, extended in the 16th century, comes complete with its own moat, private chapel and generous adjacent land. This is a very rare opportunity to restore an exceptional medieval property. Completely isolated in the Manceau countryside, in the Sarthe region of Pays de la Loire, it’s hard not to fall under the charm of these old stones, the building’s history and architectural features like original brickwork and sculpted windows. There’s plenty of work, to be sure, but it will be a labor of love. 300m² living space and 9 000m² land 240 000 € www.chateauxpourtous.fr 17TH CENTURY PRESBYTERY IN FERCÉ-SUR-SARTHE 30 mins from Le Mans Neighboring a 12th-century church, this former presbytery built in the…

We are delighted to have the following talented writers and photographers contribute to this issue. Jeffrey Milstein (1) is an award-winning aerial photographer who captures Paris and Versailles from the sky in our latest Portfolio. David C Phillips and Georgianna Lane (2) are the photographers and writers behind A Parisian Moment, a website housing their photographic prints and a guide to France. They photographed Château de Sourches. Franck Schmitt (3) is an author, journalist and photographer who captured the process of our Artisans of France, Malicorne. Clive Nichols (4) is a world-renowned photographer, named Britain’s Best Garden Photographer. He contributed photos of the Cayeux Irises. Tish Jett (5) is an author, expert on French lifestyle and our “Just Between Us” columnist. Jacky Hobbs (6) is a journalist specializing in French…

Every year it’s the huge, wildly unkempt forsythia bush in full bloom outside my kitchen window that officially announces: “It’s spring!” For decades that single joyous splash of color in March has had an immensely motivating effect on me. Suddenly I want to plunge into spring cleaning - wash windows, steam clean the carpet, plant pansies in the flower boxes, change the slipcovers on throw pillows, and purge my closets. In this seasonal moment of change, as we move out of winter’s dark days into the longer, brighter days of spring there also comes a natural desire to change our beauty routines and to add something fresh to our wardrobes. Since the latter is more fun and less labor intensive, let’s concentrate on that. Sun & Shine My hairstylist, Michelle,…

Where to Stay Manoir les Minimes 34 Quai Charles Guinot, 37400 Amboise www.manoirlesminimes.com Manoir les Minimes is close enough to Château d'Amboise that you can see it from your bedroom window. A four-star hotel resides inside this elegant 18th-century manor house. Amboise Troglodyte 19bis Rue Camille Breton, 37530 Nazelles www.amboisetroglodyte.com Around Saumur, houses are not only built but quite literally tunnelled into the hills! ‘Troglodyte’ dwellings offer surprising levels of comfort and a very different kind of hotel experience. Try this charming B&B with a choice of three rooms. Relais de Chambord www.relaisdechambord.com Relais de Chambord enjoys a unique view on to arguably the most spectacular chateau in the valley. Chic and contemporary design, for this small luxury hotel with spa and fine dining. Château d’Artigny 92 Rue de Monts,…

PRINT Delivered to your door, enjoy the magic of French living in a beautiful collector’s-quality magazine. US$59.99 for one year (6 issues)* US$12.99 for one issue* Yearly print subscribers get FREE access to the digital version of the magazine. DIGITAL Enjoy the same beautiful My French Country Home features, photography and delicious recipes - wherever you are. Ideal for commuting or holidays, read the latest issue of MFCH on your smartphone and escape to France with the click of a button. Yearly digital (and print) subscribers get issues conveniently stored within the Bookshelf, accessible from your My French Country Home account. US$35.99 for one year (6 issues) US$6.99 for one issue Enjoy easy reading with adaptable viewing modes, interactive live links for online shopping and a personal library of back…

France is widely reputed for its wonderful antiques, and every dealer has their own speciality. In our new series, “Les Antiquaires”, we highlight some of our favorite antiques specialists from around the country. This issue, MFCH visits Eva Cwajg, who loves beautiful tableware and sells from Les Tables d’Eva at the legendary Parisian flea markets of Saint-Ouen. To Eva Cwajg, les puces de Saint-Ouen, to the north of Paris, are a second home. Her father sold antiques here, as did her grandfather, and although Eva resisted for a while, the bond was too strong to be broken. After a short time selling in the Marché Vernaison, she finally found her ideal spot at Serpette, directly opposite the much-loved restaurant, Ma Cocotte. As the name suggests, Les Tables d’Eva specializes in…

The best photography teaches us to look at the world differently, to change our perspective. Jeffrey Milestein, who combined his skill behind the camera with a passion for aviation, does just that. His portraits over Paris offer a double-take of familiar architecture and landscapes, bringing a fresh and unexpected view of the city’s skyline. From the Grand Palais’ cross-shaped glass house, to the Eiffel Tower’s perfect alignment over the Iéna bridge, the magical symmetry of the roads, and green squares that build the city’s parks. Due to strict Parisian laws around aeriane photography, Jeffrey treats us to a view that few are privy to. “A former architect, Jeffrey’s keen eye for form and steady hand makes him the ideal aerial photographer” “Jeffrey’s work offers a rare chance to see Paris…

1 • Paris in Bloom | Georgianna Lane | Georgianna Lane’s Paris is the definition of la vie en rose. Her love of flowers, knowledge of the city and skill behind the lens mean she knows all the best spots to capture Paris in Bloom. Her first book is a photographic journey through the flowers of Paris, from the boutiques and markets, to flowering gardens and trees. A visual dessert tray of beautiful images, Paris in Bloom will transport you to the capital on every page. Her other destinations - New York in Bloom and the latest title, London in Bloom, are also wonderful additions to your collection. 2 • Three Hours in Paris | Cara Black | Following her best-selling Aimée Leduc investigations and the Murder In… series comes…

* What’s New ! PALAIS DES THÉS Not your average herbal tea. The L’Herboriste collection from Palais des Thés is a line of 100% organic infusions (identified by creation number) that mix beneficial herbs with the delicate flavors of fruits and spices. L’Herboriste N°74, a blend of lime flower, chamomile and orange blossom, is a cup of calm. Sit back and sip your way to relaxation. From 8,90 € www.palaisdesthes.com LE COUCOU Nestled into a mountainside of Méribel ski resort lies new 5-star hotel Le Coucou. This ski in/ski out hotel boasts two gourmet restaurants, a decked-out bar and a beautiful wellness spa. Le Coucou has the allure of a traditional chalet with all the luxuries needed for an elegant vacation. Opt for one of the beautiful rooms or suites,…

Cité Plantagenêt (Vieux Chemin du Mans, 72100 Le Mans) A traditional food market at the foot of the cathedral in Le Mans Old Town. Spend some time exploring it on a Sunday morning before having a nice lunch in one of the authentic restaurants. Fontevraud Royal Abbey (49590 Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, www.fontevraud.fr) This is the largest abbey in Europe, a UNESCO Heritage site and has over nine centuries of history under its belt. Hotel Ricordeau (13 Rue de la Libération, 72540 Loué, www.hotel-ricordeau.fr) A charming hotel with great food, warm service and a summer-ready patio and swimming pool. Château du Lude (4 Rue Jehan de Daillon, 72800 Le Lude, www.lelude.com) A slightly lesser-known chateau with incredible gardens that you can visit and enjoy. Today, after 260 years, it is still the home…

Julie Huh-Currie and her husband’s fantasy of living in an old French house started from their living room in Melbourne, Australia. Never having visited the region and no prior knowledge of the French language wasn’t enough to deter them! They embarked upon three years of house hunting expeditions from Australia to France, eventually purchasing a petit château in the Mayenne department of Pays de la Loire. Not far from the Normandy border, the house was built in 1857 and features “Second Empire Style” architecture, composed with a mansard roof and dormer windows that create an additional floor of habitable space under the roof. A recurring theme in most buyers’ stories, they discovered that the chateau was on the market by chance. While eight owners preceded them, the house spent five…