Annette Charlton | A French Collection

A Provence French Website For English Readers

A Provence French Website for English Readers

UzEssentiel is an absolute treasure trove of information for people thinking of heading to the South of France, in particular Uzès, Uzège, Gard and Occitanie. While Uzès and Uzège and Gard belong in the Occitanie region rather than Provence, they are often referred to as being in Provence.

UzEssentiel is a go-to website for South of France/Provence lovers and the wide range of interesting topics will keep you glued to your laptop. If you didn't already have plans to travel to these breathtaking places, I bet you will after spending some time on UzEssentiel.com.

It's a website for French readers but thanks to Nancy, its clever editor, it also has an English section in "la langue de Shakespeare" for their dedicated English reading community, called UzEssentiel in English.

French Style Gifts for Everyone

French Style Gifts For Everyone

If you love gorgeous French style and exquisite French things, from stunning scented candles to homewares, authentic flea market finds, art, stationery and accessories, then you’re going to love the French gift boxes I create. If you're new to our site you'll find that they are the perfect pick me up gift for anyone who loves to be pampered or an ideal gift for family and friends for birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries.

The Napoleonic Bee

Have you heard of the term 'Napoleonic Bee'? As you might guess it relates to Napoléon Bonaparte I, you know the famed military and political leader of France. Napoléon (also referred to as Napoléon The Great), adopted the bee as his court symbol from as early on as his coronation in 1804 and throughout his reign as Emperor.

Napoléon Bonaparte I

Let's take a brief look at Napoléon Bonaparte's life before we look at his bee emblem and why he chose this symbol for himself and his family. Napoléon lived between 1769-1821 and is considered to be one of history's greatest military leaders. He rose to prominence during the French Revolution and served as Emperor of France from 1804 to 1814, and again in 1815. He is probably mostly remembered for his role in the Napoleonic Wars and his very well known defeat at the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815.

Le Mas des Poiriers – Provence Style

Le Mas des Poiriers - Provence Style. Photo by Luke White Photography for Provence Style.

Le Mas des Poiriers - Provence Style: Book Review

Le Mas des Poiriers is a 65 acre pear farm on an island in the Rhône River, Provence, and also now the stunning family home of Shauna Varvel. After renting the property years ago on a summer family trip, they fell in love with the expanse of flat green land with easy access to water and the 200 year old plane trees planted in three allées. So after deciding it would make the perfect home for their family of five children, they initiated the purchase of the farm and six months later they owned the farm in Provence and Shauna was registered as a French farmer.

Best Small Group Tour of Paris

A French Collection's Paris tour has been described as the best small group tour of Paris and "connecting with the heart of Paris". Our bespoke small group tours have been created from my passion and insider knowledge of the most romantic city in the world that has, simply captured my heart. You'll be seduced by the Eiffel Tower, Museé d'Orsay, Monet's Garden and the bucket list items Paris is so famous for. We'll also soak up the buzz of the boulevards and cafes as we eat beside the local residents.

This is no rush-around-tick-a-box tour, instead you'll get to see the most beautiful sites, historical gardens, and legends and icons of Paris. You'll visit authentic cafes famous for their patrons and sweet smelling patisseries, discover the secret bits that most visitors miss, take a garden picnic and stroll antique markets which make this the most romantic city.

Square Boucicaut, Paris

Square Boucicaut in the 7th Arrondissement, Paris

On our Paris walking tours you'll get to enjoy many of Paris' gardens. Some are large public spaces that attract hundreds of locals and tourists, and others we explore are slightly more hidden and usually only frequented by the residents living nearby. This is the Paris I love to share.

Square Boucicaut is one of the parks we spend time in as it's close to our hotel in the elegant 7th arrondissement. The park was named in honour of Aristide Boucicaut, who was the creator of the first luxury department store in Paris. That's right, Le Bon Marche.

Jardin du Luxembourg – A Paris Garden

Jardin du Luxembourg - A Beautiful Paris Garden

A stroll around Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Garden) takes you back in history to the golden days when ladies dressed in their Sunday best and shielded their fair faces from the sun with frilly parasols. Being out and seen by others was almost as important as people watching yourself, and really, not that much has changed! Jardin du Luxembourg is still the perfect garden to stroll through or to sit quietly and watch others as they also enjoy the garden.

Let's explore the garden together along with just a few of my photos taken on visits to Jardin du Luxembourg.

My French Platter Replenished: Book Review

A Journey to a Dream Life in France

Today I have a treat for you with a book extract from author Annemarie Rawson from her new book 'My French Platter Replenished'. This delightful memoir from Annemarie Rawson is the second book in her 'My French Platter' series. Annemarie's first book 'My French Platter' tells the story of how she, and her husband Steve, leave their life in New Zealand to manage a 15th century farmhouse in France. Little do they know that they will end up living in filth, rely on dilapidated equipment and deal with a belligerent boss. During this period they lived near Brens.

Annemarie's second book (cover pictured above) 'My French Platter Replenished' takes the reader on a further journey of their life in France whilst working in Lisle-sur-Tarn at Domaine de Mènerque and later at Combe de Merigot, near Gaillac. We get to meet more friends, experience their woes and joys and also to try out the recipes that Annemarie shares. I love the recipes that are a bonus find at the end of both books. I'm sure you'll love trying them out for yourself.

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A Provence French Website For English Readers

A Provence French Website for English Readers

French Style Gifts for Everyone

French Style Gifts For Everyone

The Napoleonic Bee

The Napoleonic Bee

Napoléon Bonaparte I

Le Mas des Poiriers – Provence Style

Le Mas des Poiriers - Provence Style: Book Review

Best Small Group Tour of Paris

Best Small Group Tour of Paris

Square Boucicaut, Paris

Square Boucicaut in the 7th Arrondissement, Paris

Jardin du Luxembourg – A Paris Garden

Jardin du Luxembourg - A Beautiful Paris Garden

My French Platter Replenished: Book Review

A Journey to a Dream Life in France

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