Bonjour Reader,
I hope you've had a good couple of weeks. I've had two very busy weeks, and as so many people have been on vacation, I haven't sent my usual newsletters.
But, like the rest of France, I'm back with a vengeance. It’s the period in France they call La Rentrée, which means "the return" in French. It marks the end of the summer holidays and the start of the new school year. It happens in early September, with the exact date varying each year.
You may not know this, but France shuts down in August. If you’re having building work done, forget it because nothing happens. The contractors and artisans don’t work, and the trucks don’t deliver, so the stores don’t have much of what you might need.
I thought it was insane when I first moved here, but since then, I’ve realized how nice it is for the French in general. Rather than stressing out over the hot summer, they go away on their holidays, take time out, spend time with family, and have wonderful long picnics and dinners al fresco.
Sports clubs and associations shut down as well. So, my line dancing group stops on the last Wednesday of June and then resumes the second week in September.
If you think about it, it’s actually really sensible because that way, you don’t end up with hardly anyone showing up to class. Plus, it’s so bloody hot in August there is no way I want to be shut in a small village hall with loads of hot bodies jumping around dancing - not good for any of us.
Various towns and cities host festivals and fairs as part of La Rentrée celebrations. Any excuse for a party here in France!
Anyway, I have some exciting news. I've started a new section on the blog called French Country Decor. I used to be an event designer in a previous life and love all things decor, so recently I've been rediscovering my love for all things design. I've kicked it off with a Fall Inspired Tablescape.
A French Fall Tablescape
As autumn colors arrive here in the Charente in southwest France, the event designer in me can’t wait to create some fall-inspired table settings.
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Experience Christmas in Annecy
Lake Annecy is frozen over and twinkles in the winter sun; there are two Christmas markets with gorgeous wooden chalets, an ice rink, and even Le Château du Père Noël (Santa Claus’s Castle).
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The Renovation of a Chateau
Hidden in the depths of the gorgeous Charente department in France is Chateau Londigny. Once home to knights of the realm, if those walls could talk, they’d have quite the story to tell.
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Do You Know Where This Is?
Known worldwide as the perfume capital, it’s perfectly positioned to explore the lavender fields and the beaches of the Mediterranean.
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The Latest Podcast Episode
Here are the links to listen and don't forget to let me know what you think.
Bonne journée et à bientôt!
Bisous x