If you haven’t been to Eze, it’s time it was on your list. One of my absolute favourite places to visit when I stay in Villefranche sur Mer is the perched hilltop village of Eze. This beautiful village dates back to the middle ages and clings impressively to the mountainside above the Mediterranean Sea, between St Jean Cap Ferrat and …
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For such an international city, how is the night scene still so French-focused? You’ve probably seen it a million times: Parisians lined up, blocking the sidewalk outside a local theatre after work, waiting for entry to see a show, every night of the week. Haven’t yet been privy to the familiar scene? Be on the lookout and you’ll be surprised …
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Bonjour from another Francophile! A guest post by Jane Dunning. I’m not sure who is most passionate about France, All Things French’s Louise or me (Jane Dunning, author of ‘Thirty-five Minutes to St Tropez‘ and ‘Stolen Summer‘). I might win the prize for the most stays in France, at over 100, but I am older and live much nearer! Louise …
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Deep into the left bank of the River Seine, discover the meeting grounds of the unforgettable ‘Lost Generation’. Many writers, painters, sculptors, and actors, such as Hemingway, Picasso, Fitzgerald and Chagall, found solace and inspiration in the Bohemian lifestyle of Paris during the 1920’s. In Montparnasse, amongst the buzz of neon signs, car horns, and the cheerfully noisy crowds of …
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‘Dalida, her Wardrobe On and Off-Stage’ When I was in Paris, I had the considerable pleasure of seeing an exhibition of the extensive wardrobe of renowned singer Dalida, showing the Palais Galliera. The Palais is a stunning example of 19th century architecture, and is devoted to the exhibition of fine fashion, clothing and textile design. It houses its own collections, …
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Experience a fairy-tale moment from your childhood dreaming. For travellers like myself, seeing any Châteaux in France is like stepping through the looking glass into an unreal world. Château de Chantilly is no exception. In pristine condition and nestled serenely into it’s flawless landscape, this beautiful castle must be seen to be believed. The building and gardens themselves are stunning, to say nothing …
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Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat One of the spectacular highlights of staying in Villefranche sur Mer is undoubtedly the experience of visiting the breathtaking Villa et Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild. The deliciously feminine home of Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild is located on Cap Ferrat, the eastern flank of Villefranche harbour. The Villa has magnificent views across the fabulous …
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Villefranche sur Mer… my home away from home. My first experience of actually staying in France was when I studied French at the Institut de Francais in Villefranche in October, 2013. My birthday treat to myself. An absolutely marvellous, month-long immersion French language experience, high on the hillside above the Villefranche harbour. Before that, I had visited France on a …
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My latest foray into ‘French women’ land is the book ‘French Women Don’t Sleep Alone’ by Jamie Cat Callan. It’s an interesting title which speaks more to crafting the opportunity for partnering than simply being randomly available – and preferring company. ‘JE NE SAIS QUOI’ Although written in a way that suggests all French women fall unhesitatingly into the category of…well…all …
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As I sit here to write shortly after my return from France, I am compelled to ask myself, ”What is a Francophile?’. ‘Why am I so drawn to this country?’. I am ecstatic when I arrive … in tears when I go. What is it that draws me back here again, and again, that causes my heart to swell and tears to …
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