French la Vie

Filling Up The French la Vie Thank You!

 

 

I am passionate about old things and enjoy sharing my experience and connections with others. When you come along on a French la Vie, you will meet like-minded people who create with and collect antiques. We will be inspired by visiting private homes, shops, and studios in the Provençal countryside. Meeting the French in their intimate, off-the-beaten path to shop and dive deeper into the French lifestyle of charm.

This truly is a one-of-a-kind journey.

 

REVIEW 

"While I did find some treasures to bring home, my primary attraction to this trip wasn’t the shopping but the French Life aspect of the trip.  I loved staying at Corey and Yann’s house and enjoyed the friendly meals shared in the beautiful settings.  Visiting collectors and artists in their homes was a highlight for me.  As a tourist, it is a rare treat to get to experience the home life of native residents.  Each home was unique and reflected the interests and discerning eye of the owner.  The days were packed yet leisurely with unhurried visits and relaxed meals.  I would say that this trip is a feast for all the senses – the sea of treasures at the brocantes, the picturesque narrow streets, the delicious food, and the sounds of the mistral wind and church bells.  I can conjure these up in my mind and relive the pleasures of this trip."

Dina Lindquist, Oregon

FLV May 2022

 

 

 

French la Vie Brocante

Dates for 2023

Brocante adventures in Provence.

Four guests - maximum:

April 18-25th - Two places remain

May 3-10th - Two places remain

May 24th-31st - Sold Out (with one reserved)

June 27th-July 4th... Sold Out

September 5th- 12th - Sold-Out

September 26th - October 3rd - Two places remain

October 12th- October 19th Sold Out

 

Thank you so much! I am happy many of you want to join me in Provence!

xxx

 

 

I Have Been Gone Antiquing

What else can I say?

The last group of the French la Vie leaves tomorrow.

And the next one starts at the end of June, I will be a grandmother by then. 

I still have places left for the June trip if you or someone you know would like to come.

 

A Day with the French la Vie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happiness, French la Vie

 

My first couple has come to Provence to join me on a French la Vie Journey. We will be exploring places slowly, tasting our way through the countryside, of course antiquing and dipping into things that make us smile. 

Tomorrow we are going out to sea for the afternoon and later to have dinner in Marcel Pagnol's countryside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The colors of Provence are flying high. 

I can tell it is going to be a fantastic week, I am so lucky to meet such lovely people. I thank God for bringing so many of you into my life,

for giving me such good moments of friendships and shared joy!

I would have never thought my life in France would have come to this, to meet so many like-minded people from all over the world, to start a blog and have it bloom into all sorts of fun-filled adventures and creative projects. I count my lucky stars and kiss God on the cheek, and smile deeply for the community I feel with you.

 

 

Oh, Provence you Glorious wonderland.

How happy I am to share your richness is simplicity.

 

 

What My Friend Found at the Brocante During the French La Vie, and She Wasn't Going to Buy Anything

 

My friend Jennifer came to help me with the two back to back French la Vie Journeys that I led. She was Godsent. A ball of energy. Funny no really funny. Swore like a truck driver or better yet worse than me. Drove like a French person which is a big plus, and I could go on an on with singing no shouting her praise. I forgot how much I miss my life in the States when old dear friends come to visit. I wish she was my neighbor, heck I wish she was my roommate!

Jennifer said she wasn't going to buy anything. But I know that brocante bug, I know how it bites and it bit Jennifer from her toes to the top of her head.

She bought and bought and bought.

My mother and Jennifer have a similar style which made me miss my mom and see her in every move Jennifer made which brought a rush of happy feelings.

 

 

 

 

I posted and post daily on INSTAGRAM especially in the "Stories" when I posted photos of what Jennifer found I had a flood of comments asking to buy what she had. Unfortunately, she did not want to let go of anything... well except a bag of nuts she bought at a shop. 

The French la Vie Group enjoyed Jennifer so much that Gloria and Barbara said, "When we come back we want Jennifer to be here too."

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next French la Vie is at the end of June, it is for one week. An adding plus is lavender will be in full bloom. Picnic and photos will be on the agenda along with brocanting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you think she likes Red?

Rust?

Tin?

Metal?

Check and stripes?

Cooking utensils?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Jennifer, I cannot wait for you to come again. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Scouting for the French la Vie

 

 

While scouting some new addresses for the next French la Vie group ...

My friend Jennifer found something that I did not see even though it was literally right under my nose and

if it were a snake it would have bit me.

An amazing 18th-century pique.

Jennifer said, "I am a fast learner! I have been watching you."

I am going to blindfold her.

 

 

When You Come to Provence

 

 

If you come to Provence take time to be, time to let Provence get under your skin and into your heart. Provence is a place to wander aimlessly, to taste the countryside, to soak in the sounds and to follow your thoughts until they are just a mountain of softness and valleys of delight.

Provence is spread out like a quilt of many colors starting with the sky and all the way to the blue sea, from the olive trees, vineyards, tiled roofs, confit pots, cigalles, rosé...

Let me lead the way, come I will give you a key to open the source of sweetness that is Provence.

 

 

 

 

Opening hideaway places, and visiting private homes and artist's studios.

 

 

 

 

Discovering the history behind antiques, culture and the Provencal lifestyle.

 

 

With time to wander in places worthy to paint and write poetry about.

 

 

 

 

Sip Champagne in the middle of the afternoon while the cicadas sing you to dance.

 

 

 

Impromptu picnics, and moments to just be in the moment.

 

 

 

To go to as many brocantes as you would want, without worry about how to take your purchases home.

 

 

 

Meals with my friends, meals at restaurants and at my home, provided with as a feast of friendship.

 

 

 

 

To be inspired.

 

 

throughout every moment to be surrounded by happy places.

 

 

To allow you to feel home in a foreign land.

 

 

 

 

History connecting you to a never-ending story.

 

 

 

Under a tiled roof, comfy cozy wonder goodness.

 

 

 

Transportation provided, I wish it were this, with a linen canopy and fluffy chunky floral pillows to soften the bumps. Transportation so you can enjoy the scenery without reading a map, nor missing a turn.

 

 

 

May Poppies,

June Lavender,

September Grapes,

October, pumpkins

Everyday beauty to discover.

My favorite time of the year, May for flowers, Winter for calm, June for a touch of summer, October for the markets...

The weekends for the brocantes.

 

 

 

Dates available French la Vie Journeys in Provence:

 

April 16th to the 23rd, 2019, Two places remain.

April 25th to May 2nd, 2019, One place remains.

May 21 to May 28th, 2019, SOLD OUT

June 25th to July 2nd, 2019, Two places remain.

September 6th to the 9th, 2019, SOLD OUT

September 12th to 19th, 2019, SOLD OUT

October 15th to the 22nd, 2019 Two places remain

 

 

Dates Available for French la Vie Journeys in Bretagne:

 

June 2019 SOLD OUT

 

Possible October (let me know my friend Francoise can take you on a private outing, for as many or as few days as you want.

 

Seven days, 3500 Euros includes everything

(transport, lodging, meals, drinks, excursions, adventure...) 

except for airfare, insurance, and personal purchases.

 

 

 

 

Please share.

And if you are in Provence just come by and say hi!

Do You Hear a Voice in the Trunk?

 

 

The Scene:

Two women walking around a very shabby and not so chic brocante in France.

Characters:

Susan: An American woman who speaks some French, loves the brocante, knows what she likes and is happy to be brocanting in France. Enjoying the scenery-- but focused. 

Corey: American woman who lives in France. Addicted to the brocante. Within a second realizes that Susan is her carbon copy when it comes to buying antiques. "Oh no," is her first thought. Her kinder thought comes fifteen seconds later.

Take One:

Susan and Corey scoop up items, compare their hunt and prices like two hunters in the woods.

Whadya get?

Wow, that's cool?

How much?

Lucky, that's great!

Whadya get?

I want it! Was there anymore?

How much?

I like that, do you?

Whadya think, is it worth it?

 

Take Two:

The two split up: One goes to the left, the other goes to the right.

Corey comes upon a "bingo" of a stand and starts scooping up the wonderment in record speed. The dealer sees that Corey loves books and offers her two that are in her car. (One of the most important GOLDEN RULES OF BROCANTING: ALWAYS ASK THE DEALER IF THEY HAVE ANYMORE OR SIMILAR ITEMS.) Corey cannot believe her luck and looks around for Susan.

 

 

 

 

The books are dated 1774. Corey nearly faints.

Susan in the distance sees the scooper scooping and racing over to get her fill... Corey does not give her the elbow because she is on cloud nine over the books, and Susan has asked Corey to take her around to the brocantes. Corey remembers to be zen, to be kind and bites her tongue.

"Whadya find?" Corey asks... though cannot wait to show Susan the books... thinking she has the upper hand of the deal of the day.

Susan shows Corey her box of wonders, an entire box of 18th century Creil white dishes, old beautiful dishes. Corey's mouth hits the dirty ground, her manners follow suit. With her monastic years far behind her Corey says in a teasing way, "Shut up! How much?" When Susan announces it cost her the price of a pizza. Corey nearly faints for the second time. They both laugh and then return to the hunt.

 

 

 

 

 

Take Three:

Corey and Susan gather up the bits and pieces that they have bought. Corey kneels down to help Susan pick up some of her latest purchases. When she kneels down she sees the underside of a vase she has overlooked for the last thousand hours. She cannot believe her eyes. The vase has been front and center in their faces for the last thousand hours and neither of them saw it because they had only seen it from up above... and as it didn't seem like much from up above, they had not cared to take a closer look.

Another Golden Rule about Brocanting: Walk around the fair more than once, more than twice... you cannot possible seeing everything in one take let alone in three takes, AND look up, down, under and around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take Four:

Corey buys the vase for five euro. She thinks the brocante gods must be on her side since she brought a friend along to a favorite secret brocante spot. She proclaims her gratitude by vowing never to threaten to shove someone in the armoire or trunk again. 

Just as Corey is about to kiss the vase and say Amen. Susan squeals: "Oh Corey! Look what I found! You walked right by it! Look at this mirror I bought!"

The original mercury molted mirror is fanastic, the frame is good, but the mirror... 

 

 

Last Scene:

What do you think happened to Susan?

Did Corey keep her vow?

Did the Mirror ride in the front seat?

Do you hear a voice in the trunk?

 

Footnote:

I really am nice. So come tag along with me with the French la Vie 

I promise to put only antiques in the trunk.

 

French la Vie

 

French la Vie Guided journeys in Provence, and Bretagne. French la Vie will lead you to discover France through different lenses sharing the heart and soul of Provence and/or Brittany. The French la Vie Journeys are handcrafted to each group that comes. If you like antiques we will visit markets and have personal entrance to little shops in private homes. If you want to find places to soak in daily life for inspiration we will wander through villages, peeking around corners and discovering history by seeing. If you want to visit artisans studios: painters, potters, cooks, winemakers, the cornucopia of food, and or simply learn about the French lifestyle by being immersed into the beauty of France, then this is for you. Sharing stories, gathering memories, planting dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dates available French la Vie Journeys in Provence:

 

April 16th to the 23rd, 2019, Two places remain.

April 25th to May 2nd, 2019, One place remains.

May 21 to May 28th, 2019, SOLD OUT

June 25th to July 2nd, 2019, Three places remain.

September 6th to the 9th, 2019, SOLD OUT

September 12th to 19th, 2019, SOLD OUT

 

Maximum group size 4 to 6

 

 

The Cost:

 

Provence and Brittany:

 

3500 Euros per person for the French la Vie's one week journey

which includes transportation, lodging, meals, beverages plus guidance with purchases and sending them home.

 

Air transportation to and from France, personal expenses, and travel insurance are not included.

 

For more information email @ [email protected] 

 

 

Living in Provence Then and Now

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are on interested in experiencing Provence from an authentic viewpoint, to explore deeply with your senses and live the daily steps at a pace that lends to wonder and awe

Then please come to visit and let me show you the Provence I love.

Either on a French la Vie Journey

or by staying in our House Next Door.

 

for information follow the links by clicking on them:

 

French la Vie Journey

 

The House Next Door

 

La Vie in France

 

Before arriving in Paris Lizzie, Laurie and I had a private brocante at an antique dealer's home in Provence, and if that wasn't the cherry on top of the delicious cake of a time we were having the antique dealer served us lunch. We had a tomato olive tart that I asked for the recipe and will have to share. 

From the floor to the ceiling brocante finds from the couple's twenty-five years of antiquing gathered. My eyes did not rest. How lucky that after years of antiquing/brocanting in France I have not only learned about antiques and the history of such pieces but more importantly I have met such interesting creative people who have become dear friends. 

 

 

 

 

The antique dealer showed us her home which I left a trail of drool from one room to the other, the collection of gilded frames with seventeen-century oil paintings were just lovely. All of them I wanted, and thankfully they were not for sale. Restraint comes with things I cannot have.

On a dresser she had a collection of wine decanters, candy jars and oil lamps.

 

 

I felt so happy to see someone had collected more than I had and had boxes upon boxes, cupboards, and armoires and under their bed stuffed with fabulous finds. The Brocante Bug has bitten them more than once.

Laurie and Lizzie had a field day exploring inside those "treasure chests".

 

The week went so fast, we had plenty more we wanted to see and do, but time did not permit it. Oh well, more to explore next time!

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived in Paris. 

And the fun continues. I want to know how I am going to go back to normal life after this trip?

 

 

 

Laurie knew of a shop that she said we had to go see. Oh, man was she right about that. So clever. Philippe designs and makes clothes using wool and silks that he dyes himself with pigments he blends. He also uses antique linen sheets to make many of his clothing line that he sells all over the world.

Plus he creates art from antique clothing. We also went to see his work studio and see his newest collection that he was sending to Japan.

Happy Camper am I to discover new places to visit and meet inspiring new friends.

 

Who needs the catwalk when Lizzie is 

styling on the sidewalk.

 

 

 

Autumn in Paris!

Come to France and Let me Share my World with You

 

 

French la Vie, a new old direction gathering what I love and taking you along by leading journeys in Provence, and Bretagne, re-starting in 2019. The groups will be small (4 maximum). I have been exploring Bretagne these last few days with Francoise (My friend for over thirty years and how I came to know my French Husband) and can see that it will be more about landscapes, culture, history, visiting artisans and of course, food and the brocante. Whereas Provence will do that too but visiting more antiques and artisans both following the path to inspiring our creative soul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those of you who have been following me know I have a crazy passion for antiques and that which circles it: Antiquing in villages which takes me to interesting places such as Lorgues, Villecroze, Carpentras, St Cannat, Gardanne, Peypin... to the people I meet and then become friends with (Odile who I met 25 years ago and was one of the first persons I ever met antiquing with her daughter the ultra-talented artistic Aurelie, Kristen who can weave magic with the everyday beauty and charm with her abundant imaginations, Mo whose hands and spirit create beautiful pottery, Nelly in the old abandoned Chateau...) Which led me to start a blog about it over 13 years ago. None of this is new to those of you who have become my friends over these last 13 years, and who have encouraged me to take this journey with you. 

And the cherry on top of the cake in the French la Vie life of mine is being married to Yann and raising our children Chelsea and Sacha, living in France these last thirty years has given me a few stories to share.

 

Let's go.

 

 

 

We will discover France through different lenses, taking you to the heart and soul of Provence and/or Brittany. Villages such as Aix en Provence, Cassis, Lourmarin St. Malo, Dinard, Rennes, Saint Michel... Baguettes, wine, cheese, crepes, calvados, galettes... Gilders, painters, basket weavers... Antique collectors, textiles, potters... Markets, brocantes, Islands off the coast of Brittany... private home shops, castles, ruins, seaside views... Sharing stories, gathering memories, planting dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dates available French la Vie Journeys in Provence:

 

April 16th to the 23rd, 2019, Two places remain.

April 25th to May 2nd, 2019, One place remains.

May 21 to May 28th, 2019, SOLD OUT

June 25th to July 2nd, 2019, Three places remain.

September 6th to the 9th, 2019, SOLD OUT

September 12th to 19th, 2019, SOLD OUT

October 7th to the 14th, 2019 Four places remain

 

..............................

 

 

Dates Available for French la Vie Journeys in Bretagne:

 

June 11th to 18th, 2019, Four places remain

October 3rd to October 10th, 2019, Four places remain

 

2020 dates to be announced they will be from May until October.

 

 

 

 

If you would like to come on another date, I can arrange that if you have three other people who would like to join you, or if you would like to do a Private Journey that can be arranged too.

 

In Provence, we will be staying in my home in Saint Zacharie. 

In Bretagne, we will be staying in the area of the Emerald Coast in Plouer sur Rance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each group is a maximum of four people to assure a personal, intimate, well-tailored journey. I will send out a questionnaire to know you better so that I can create a journey with your suggestions and desires in mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cost:

 

Provence and Brittany:

 

3500 Euros per person for the French la Vie's one week journey

which includes transportation, lodging, meals, and drinks.

Air transportation to and from France, personal expenses, and travel insurance are not included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The French la Vie Journeys are handcrafted to each group that comes. If you like antiques we will visit markets and have personal entrance to little shops in private homes. If you want to find places to soak in daily life for inspiration we will wander through villages, peeking around corners and discovering history by seeing. If you want to visit craftsman's studios: painters, potters, cooks, winemakers, the cornucopia of food, and or simply learn about the French lifestyle by being immersed into the "real" Provence and the Enchanting Brittany the Emerald Coast, then this is for you. 

 

 

 

On the French la Vie Journey the meals are all included you will dine in simply enchanting off the beaten path restaurants, have elegant picnics and sit around my table while I prepare French with an international twist organic meals. 

Wine will flow as well.

 

 There it is the richness in the everyday lifestyle of France.

Farm to table freshly picked and served, grapes, figs, almonds, olives... the multitude of cheeses and baguettes with conversation flowing as easily as the wine, arms ready to pat on the back, laughter as music and a generous table that welcomes anyone who pops in. Provence and Bretagne are laid back, with a vast landscape that runs to the sea and let's not forget that painter's trekked here to capture the light to share the story on canvas, while poet told its tales.

 

 

 

When is the best time to come to France?

Today, tomorrow any moment you can.

 

 

 Cheerful, gay, poppies waves and the sun warms our backs May is such a lovely time in Provence. But then when isn't a good time in Provence? Some mark months by holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and so do I, but I also I include-- May for Poppies and Cherries, July for Lavender, August for late night dinners outside, September for grape harvest, for children going back to school and the villages returning from summer vacation filled with their chatter....

In Bretagne, you must know that it is green for a reason. The sky gives contrast and depth to the varied landscape that Bretagne is famous for, those rugged cliffs, the lush green that nourishes the dairies providing butter and cheese. The endless coastline trails where fortresses, castles, and ruins remain you of another time. With that said June through early October promise days with more sunshine than liquid sunshine.

 

 

 

 

We will visit a variety of creative artists and their studios.

  

 

 

 

Another question I am often asked is:

If I am not a "big" shopper is this journey for me?

Provence has more brocantes than Bretagne, but you do not need to be a big shopper to go on either.

Nevertheless, whatever you purchase on the French la Vie Journey I can provide a variety of options for shipping, be it a by mail or a container.

 

Both journeys are about discovery and inspiration.

 

 

Thank you for your generous friendship and steadfast support.

I hope to meet you one day.

xxx

For more information contact me at:

[email protected]

and to see more follow me on 

Instagram.

 

 

Brittany's Emerald Coast

 

Planning a journey for the French la Vie through Brittany has been an incredible pleasure. Being with my good friend Francoise is equal to being with a sister that I never had but longed for, I admire how she can do anything (sculpting, weaving, rushing, sewing, knitting, painting, gardening... plus how she knows Brittany like the back of her hand. She zips around the small back roads, leads along coastal trails, and then whips up amazing meals seemingly without effort.

 

Brittany is beautiful, the landscape is intense, rich, with a rugged coastline that remains often of Northern California. 

I asked Yann how he could have ever left and he replied,

"Tell me why the sky is blue?"

A question for a question is not an answer and neither is "I do not know".

 

 

 

Fortresses, castles, and ruins dot the endless coastline, plus there are trails that run all along the Emerald Coast.

Beautiful trails with breathtaking views.

The weather has been utterly flawless which has made the experience even more glorious.

Brittany is showing me all the stops.

 

 

 

 

 

Oh and the tides! How they go out for miles and then come back in five or six hours later. And while they are out you can walk to islands with other ruins on them. Or go Peche a Pied, which we plan to do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

France you never cease to amaze me.

 

 

French la Vie the Journey and Journeys

 

 

 

 

 

What is up with the brocante? Oh, a lot. Always a lot, which is a good thing, I could never say, "Been there done that." Which is, by the way, something I can hardly stand hearing. I guess I never grow tired of being at the brocante, seeing the old stuff being unpacked, hearing the chatter in the background:

"What did you find?" "How much did you pay?" "Are you going to sell it?" "How much?" "Can you do a better price?"

Because in an odd way it is a French heartbeat. When I go to the brocante I see old things that have a history of the land, a lifestyle, stories unfold with conversations with the antique dealers, at the brocante I have discovered many off the beaten track villages, have met people and have picked up tons of French vocabulary. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How charming it is to see France by brocant-ing?

VERY.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is true, you know, what they say, the best way to learn a foreign language is to fall in love. That is how I learned to speak French... at the brocante in France. And while learning French I learned a few more French things: History, culture and occasionally about wine, and flirting. Brocanteurs love to flirt. Harmless, entertaining pass time while seeking out old stuff. I suppose being amongst so many beautiful antiques, pieces from all over France, pieces that connect memories and moments does that, it makes you remember, it makes you share stories and it makes you smile while listening to others sharing their stories about their lives uncannily early in the morning standing in an old village.

 

 

 

 

Vertical garden wall.

While at the brocante,

The distraction of the charming French villages.

Happens.

Often.

 

 

 

 

 

The French brocante has everything, literally, everything and some brocantes have better antiques than others. On any given weekend there are several brocantes within an hour or so from where I live. Though there are many brocantes where I live they are not created equal: Some brocantes are expensive, others are more like a flea market with clothes, books, toys and occasionally something incredible shows up for fifty cents. Each brocante has its personality, so knowing which ones to go to is important. For example, if you come to France on a holiday and want to go to a brocante you might not want to go to one that sells clothing, books, toys with the hope that something incredible shows up for fifty cents. You might want to go to a brocante where you will desire more than your suitcase can carry while wondering if you could wear the tureen as a hat, and use the nightstand as a carry-on. 

In the thirty years I have lived in France I could talk for hours about brocante tales; Creative overstuffed suitcases, deals made and lost, one of a kind pieces found, negotiating clues, marble tops breaking, paintings found in chicken pens, families selling heirlooms for a song, overpriced items that foreigners thought were real, spotting Catherine Deneuve, Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, going to the dump and finding a treasure, going to a brocante in a castle and finding nothing...

 

 

 

 

After thirty years of living in France, furnishing four homes, selling countless antiques will the French brocante ever became blasé for me?

Seriously I doubt it.

I have had this passion since I was 14 when I went antiquing with my mom and Aunt Marie.

Drug of choice.

 Antiques are the true coquetry teasing me constantly:

"Look closely, come closer, touch me... here I take hold!"

teasing...

"Don't you want me?"

And then those words in French. God French is sexy, isn't it? Even if it is talking about brocante (I was going to say junk, but thought I better not... sniff.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Though most of all it is how the brocante pieces mingle and are spilled with other antique pieces create an undeniable atmosphere. Inspiration galore, creating an urge to gather it all for safe keeping.

If you are ever in France (I am warning you) the stuff is addicting and you might want to move in just to snuggle up to the bits and pieces of happiness.

For those who have been reading my blog you know I am crazy for antiques, that I love France and that I want to meet every single one of you. Each time I have met someone from my blog (I have met hundreds of readers so far...) it feels like we have been friends for years, and we have.

Brocante and blogging have been a great gift...  antiques took me online, and being online I have connected with you. How happy that has made me.

 

 

 

When are you coming? Why wait? Come now!

 

Or at least as soon as you can. If you want to join me here are some dates when I am planning to explore Provence and Brittany:

 

French la Vie Journeys in Provence

 

April 16th to the 23rd, 2019,   Two places remain

April 25th to May 2nd, 2019,  Two places remain

May 21 to May 28th, 2019, Poppy Fields included, Two places remain

June 27th to July the 4th, 2019, Lavender Fields included, Three places available

September 6th to the 9th, 2019, One place available.

Other dates to be announced.

 

***

 

French la Vie Brittany 

 

June 4th to 11th, 2019, Four places available

June 18th to the 25th, 2019, Four Places available

Other dates to be announced.

 

If you would like to join me at another time or

create your own group other then the dates mention above let me know.

 

Lunch in Provence

 

Lined up along the entrance of the Mas in Provence the Plaintain have stood for over a hundred years, giving shade in the warm summer days and a stage for the cicadas to sing. This afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting new friends and sharing lunch in their beautiful spot.

 

 

 

 

 

The road leading to the Mas is surrounded by sunflower fields, when I arrived I felt that this place was literally a slice of heaven.

 

 

 

Blue and yellow, the heart of Provence during summer time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I wish I could share every inch, detail, whimsy, elegance, corner, nook, and soul of this incredible place. As it is private I cannot, but how I wish I could.

Instead, close your eyes and imagine the heart of Provence the warm summer days, the striking blue sky that has lured painters to speak about the light with their paintbrushes. Imagine fields as far as you can see with sunflowers bowing their heads, and the majestic Plantain leaves fanning you to sleep. In your dreams go back in time as you enter the Mas surrender to the beauty, history, and art leading you deeper into a graceful way of living.

I was overtaken by its spirit.

 

 

Thank you J. and D.

 

French La Vie: An Old Silk Stocking Factory... Turned into a Private Antique Textile Warehouse

 

 

 

 

Imagine driving to an obscure Provencal village where only a handful of people live, to go to an old silk stocking factory turned into a warehouse FULL of antique textiles. Having a friend comes in handy, especially when she is the owner of the collection gathered and rarely allows anyone to go inside. 

 

 

 

 

First, we had lunch. Though I bet if you asked any of us what we had we would say... "Antique textiles." As our thoughts raced ahead dreaming about what we would find. Literally, when asked what we would like for dessert, the group in unison chanted, "Let's go to the warehouse!"

 

 

 

 

Women running up the path does not make for a clear photo.

Excitement is an understatement.

Thankfully each has a different interest:

One prefers linen and hemp,

Another one prefers textiles to make cushions: Tapestry

Ruth goes for silk ribbons, duh.

And the others...

Lace, quilts, rugs, buttons, patterns, wovens, cut velvet followed.

The was plenty for everyone. We didn't even make a dent in the stock.

 

 

 

A small peek into French antique textile heaven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ladders to climb to the top.

Rows

and rows

and rows.

Since my fall ladders freak me out...

But somehow I overcame my fear I went on up and took a video that I posted on Facebook.

 

 

 

Piles, boxes, shelves, rows upon rows.

Overwhelming.

The only sound heard was:

Wow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More to come...