Innholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2023 i My French Country Home

The Colombe d’Or is a hotel that boasts a legendary history, thanks to its famously star-studded list of artistic patrons and cultured friends. Nevertheless, the hotel’s start in life was a quiet and modest one. It first opened in 1920 under the name “Chez Robinson” as an auberge (inn) and café, owned by a local Provençal farmer, Paul Roux, and his wife Baptistine (who would soon gain the endearing nickname “Titine” from their convivial customers). The pair fostered a friendly atmosphere at the inn, and thanks to Paul’s deep interest in the arts, the café became a popular gathering spot for local artists who would often pay for their meals with paintings or sketches. "Popular with many 20th century painters, guests often settled bills with art" As the notoriety of…

Seven years ago, Sophie and her partner Yann discovered Uzès during an impromptu weekend. The couple fell instantly in love with the region and its dramatic gorges and plains, burbling rivers and rolling hills draped in fragrant garrigue shrubland. They soon returned, on the hunt for a country getaway from their home in Lyon. Eventually, they discovered La Bruguière, an authentic village midway between the Mediterranean and the Cevennes, with medieval sandstone and limestone buildings adorned in ochre tones… all gilded by the Occitan sun. La Bruguière and the nearby region of Cevennes, were once major centers of sericulture (silk cultivation) in France, and the couple’s property, which dates from the 18th century, is actually an old magnanerie — a farm where silkworms were raised for the production of raw…

It all began with a photograph of an old stone village house with lavender-gray shutters. The online listing said it was in Oppedette, about an hour’s drive north of Aix-en-Provence. “I was smitten,” David says. “I knew nothing of the village other than it was in the Luberon.” David knew the Luberon a bit from his previous travels and had been charmed by the climate and the landscape, as well as the laidback Mediterranean culture. He contacted a realtor and booked a week long vacation to visit properties in the area, including the one in Oppedette. Over the course of five days, the agent showed him several nice homes … but never the one that had originally caught his eye. “I think he thought an American buying a second home…

Musée Matisse www.musee-matisse-nice.org 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice Exhibiting the work of Henri Matisse, this museum is located in the Villa des Arènes, a 17th-century Genoese villa that was completely renovated to host the emblematic French artist’s extensive collection. Explore Matisse’s paintings, sculptures, and drawings, as well as a comprehensive archive of the artist’s personal papers, letters and photographs, giving unique insight into his creative process and personal life. Maeght Foundation www.fondation-maeght.com 623 Chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence A short drive into the hills of Nice, the Maeght Foundation is an impressive contemporary art museum located in the charming village Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Founded in 1964 by Aimé and Marguerite Maeght to promote modern art, the museum’s stunning architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the extensive collection. Discover paintings,…

Petit Palais www.petitpalaisnice.com/en/hotel 17 Avenue Emile Bieckert, 06000 Situated up on the hill of Cimiez, this charming hotel enjoys a lovely view over the Baie des Anges, the rooftops of Nice and up to Cap d’Antibes. Just 15 minutes from Old Nice and the Port and a few minutes walking from the Chagall and Matisse Museums, this peaceful hotel provides a haven of serenity from the city. Anantara www.anantara.com/en/plaza-nice 12 Avenue de Verdun, 06000 Located in the heart of Nice, this luxurious 5-star hotel was recently renovated and reopened featuring elegant and modern décor. The Belle Époque architectural landmark offers a variety of luxe amenities, including a spa and wellness center, a heated outdoor pool and a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea. Le Negresco www.hotel-negresco-nice.com/en/hotel 37 Promenade des…

Setting a table in an unexpected spot is a great way to add sparkle to your meal. The table that is normally placed beneath a tree, for example, can be moved to the riverside, where your guests can enjoy the gentle sound of the stream while savoring their meal, or watch the antics of the local ducks. The table is laid with pretty plates by Fragonard, an antique cloth, and simple but vibrant flowers. An additional touch of color comes in the form of the painted knife rests, and the floral design napkin, also by Fragonard. All that remains is some fine food and wine, and the most important ingredient of all: convivial guests who arrive with a smile. To make this tablescape, we used: • Plates & napkins from Fragonard.com…

* Oh Beautiful Nice Summertime on the Côte d’Azur has a mythical air to it. Sun-seekers come from near and far to experience the unique magic of the Mediterranean in the French Riviera. Arriving by plane, train, car or boat, the starting point of this cinematic destination often begins in Nice. And why shouldn’t it? Apart from being one of the region’s largest cities, as well as a central transportation hub, Nice has a certain captivating spirit with an abundance of attractions and activities that makes it an alluring destination all on its own. Beginning with the ancient Greeks, Nice has always served as a strategic port and an attractive location for development — particularly during the 17th to 18th centuries when the Italian Baroque style was flourishing. When Nice…

Place Garibaldi Located in the heart of the city, the vibrant Place Garibaldi is bordered by delightful yellow buildings that house numerous cafés and restaurants serving delicious French and Italian cuisine. Named after the famous Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi, you can expect to delight in a proper Italian meal in this square. Le Carré d’Or For luxury shopping on the French Riviera, look no further than Le Carré d’Or. This “golden square” is a chic seafront district known for its haute-couture boutiques, fancy bars and high-end restaurants. The glamorous neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s most elegant hotels. Opéra de Nice Nice’s stunning 19th-century opera house is a cultural and artistic hub of the Côte d’Azur. The theater has a striking neoclassical façade and opulent interior featuring…

Domaine du Mas de Pierre www.lemasdepierre.com 2320 Route des Serres, 06570 Saint-Paul de Vence Located near the ramparts of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, lies a treasure among independent French hotels: Domaine du Mas de Pierre. Fifteen years after opening its doors, this 5-star hotel has undergone a major transformation in 2021, re-emerging as a luxurious and welcoming retreat, with each of the 76 rooms and suites featuring private outdoor spaces. Colombe d’Or www.la-colombe-dor.com 06570 Saint-Paul de Vence Started in 1920 as a café bar with a terrace where people would dance on the weekends, this inviting establishment soon attracted a crowd of creative characters. The friendly atmosphere together with the owner’s deep interest in the arts made Colombe d’Or an artistic gathering place in the ancient town of Saint-Paul de Vence. Composed of…

* Business Woman "The secret is in the details… It’s the little things that make the difference."Interior Architect Sara Guinta Charrier https://maisondecharrier.com — @lamaisondecharrier Sara was always a dreamer, with a passion for invention. As a child in Italy, she used to play make-believe, designing gardens and houses, which she would fill with whimsical furnishings and décor. “I would give them names of trees and the beauty of dreams,” she says of those early creations. Today — with the help of a team of skilled craftsmen — she and Jean-Luc transform their clients’ fantasies into reality. “Sometimes we revisit their childhood with them and give shape to their imagination,” Sara says. The couple’s atelier also doubles as a boutique — La Maison de Charrier — offering bespoke furniture, contemporary home furnishings…

The archipelago of Lérins situated off France’s southern coast is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. Comprising two islands, Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite, the former and smaller of the two, Saint-Honorat, is considered a spiritual paradise as its rich cultural and environmental heritage is deeply intertwined with the island’s monastic traditions, originating from the Abbaye de Lérins. This 5th century Cistercian monastery dominates the landscape and is still currently home to 21 monks. Legend has it that the monastery was established by Saint Honoratus, who sailed to the island with a group of monks seeking a solitary retreat. The monastery’s austere beauty is a testament to the simple life of these Cistercian monks, who sought to live in harmony with nature. Over the centuries, the abbey has played a pivotal role…

Rhubarb Tart with Pistachio Cream Preparation time: 20 min Resting time: 1 hour Cooking time: 30 min Serves 6 Ingredients: • 6 stems of rhubarb (preferably a crimson red variety)• 2 cups (50 cl) rose or grenadine syrup• 3 tbsp of pistachio cream• 2 egg yolks • 1⁄3 cup (10 cl) of whole cream • ¼ cup (25 g) brown sugar • 1 small handful of shelled pistachios • 1 sheet (300 g) of shortcrust pastry dough For the shortcrust pastry dough • 2 ½ cups (400 g) flour • 1 cup (250 g) salted butter, softened • 2 tbsp of cold water Peel and cut the rhubarb into medium-sized stalks. In a shallow pan, pour the syrup, bring it to a boil and turn off the heat. Put…

The south of France, with its humid and subtropical climate, is home to many truly remarkable gardens. One garden of exceptional note is the Jardin Serre de la Madone, which is not only a feast for the eyes, but offers a fascinating window into the start of the lavish history and international culture of the French Riviera. Born in Paris in 1871, Lawrence Johnston, an American with British citizenship, had discovered a taste and talent for collecting and cultivating exotic plants while surrounded by the rich flora of South Africa, where he was stationed as a British sailor during the Boer War. Wishing to resume his botanical pursuits after the war’s end, Johnston found that he was unable to cultivate exotic species at his home in England, the renowned, Hidcote…

Restaurant Jan https://janonline.com/restaurantjan 12 Rue Lascaris, 06300 This intimate 18-seat restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its cuisine, inspired by Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen’s South African roots. Sourcing ingredients from farms around the Côte d’Azur, Jan takes guests on a culinary exploration featuring contrasting flavors that is an exciting cultural mix of French Mediterranean and South African cuisine. With sustainability at its forefront, the 7-course tasting menu is a one-of-a-kind experience. Le Temps d’un Été www.letempsdunete-plage.fr/en 25 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Situated on the rocky beach along the Promenade des Anglais, Le Temps d’un Été offers a unique seaside dining experience. Once the seductive aroma of the summery cuisine wafts by your nose as you stroll down the Promenade, stop in to indulge in gastronomic cuisine with…