France + All Things French
Did you know June is National Rose Month? The whole month is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of roses, their history and the culture behind the flower's eternal meaning of love? The rose as well as being the symbol for love has, in some cultures, symbolised war and politics.
In 1986 President Ronald Reagan declared the rose as the National Floral Emblem of the United States, saying “Americans who would speak the language of the heart do so with a rose.”
Life in rural France revolves around the seasons and that means food, festivals and chores vary depending on the ebb and flow of seasonal weather and produce. There is a time for everything. Such as delicious artichokes in March and scrumptious apples in September.
My family does not have a history of farming or land ownership so our hands on experience with crops and stock is very limited. Living part time in a farming village in France has really opened our eyes to the life of a farmer and the very real connection between daily weather, seasons and produce. Getting in tune with nature has been a very positive part of living amongst the cow pastures, chicken farms and maize crops that surround our tiny village.
You may know that recently I spent time at my second home in Brittany, France and if you follow my blog or social channels, you'll know it's been some time since I was there due to Covid travel restrictions imposed by the Australian Government.
I spent time with friends, worked hard cleaning and doing jobs around the house and garden, as well as a good amount of antique furniture shopping and I visited some charming little villages not previously explored by our family. While there I also reflected on what the last twelve years in France has meant to our family and how it has changed our lives. I thought I'd share my reflections with you all.
Tradition and symbolism go hand in hand with Christmas and Advent. Advent in France is a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas. It starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and has traditions associated with the occasion. Some are the Advent wreath and Advent Calendars. To find out more about Advent calendars, read our full blog post on Advent Calendars, dedicated to the history of the calendar and how you can make one for yourself. To see our own Advent Calendar with 24 gorgeous snowy, twinkling photos from all over France go to AFC's Advent Calendar. In this post here I'll share everything you need to know about Advent Wreaths.
In France the period of Advent is very much welcomed as a happy time of waiting helping to make the lead up to Christmas fun and to bring joy during a season of long, dark and usually cold days.
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.
And so after much procrastinating and rumination, I've finally done what I've been talking to my inner circle about for ages, and launched the podcast of A French Collection.
If you, like me, love to listen to Podcasts and audio books while you drive or take your daily exercise, then our podcast is for you. Listening on the go about living in France, travel discussions, interviews with authors and special guests, book reviews and more, our podcast will save you reading time and entertain you.
Are you thinking of purchasing property in France and wondering if the pandemic has affected the property market? Have you been wondering what the new trends are for 2021? We wanted to find out more also, so we chatted with Joanna Leggett, Marketing Director at Leggett Immobilier, the leading international estate agency in France. Joanna tells us how buyer demands have shifted due to the pandemic and where the new “hot spots” are in France.
"Wealthy investors see lasting life changes after Covid-19" was the headline to a research paper published by UBS Wealth Management recently. The report shows how buyer needs have shifted dramatically and helps us gaze into the crystal ball, to see what is in store for the French property market in the coming years. Three quarters of those polled said that they anticipate permanent lifestyle shifts and, of course, property is central to how this change will be implemented.
This week we have exciting news especially for you. We've teamed up with the very sweet Carolyn, editor of Perfectly Provence, and her team to create a luxury Giveaway.
A French Collection and My Beautiful French Collection Box are giving away one ‘So French So Chic‘ box to a lucky winner. (Pictured below) This beautifully wrapped box will transport you to France with French blue items including a Savon de Marseille soap, elegant French linen scarf and gorgeous notebook celebrating the art of Berthe Morisot. The contest details are below.
