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TWO PRIZES TO WIN!
Tell us, in 50 words or less, a theme or items you would like to see featured in our Pour Votre Maison pages in our Spring edition. A selection of letters will be published and two lucky people will receive prizes from Fleur de Lys Tapestries. The winner will receive a beautiful French woven … [Read More...]
Current Issue
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VOL 6- ISSUE 1 2013 on sale 17th April Bonjour et bienvenue, How fast the years are flying. It is now 2013, but it feels only a short time ago that French Provincial was established in Spring 2007. What a journey it’s been! French Provincial magazine makes known to men and women across … [Read More...]
Articles
COME ALONG TO A FRENCH AFFAIR
European Women in Business event – “A FRENCH AFFAIR” Thursday 18th April, 6pm – 9pm, located at stunning Sofitel Melbourne. Join us for an elegant evening of networking surrounded by the finer things in life: divine artwork, delectable wines, delicious chocolates and dazzling accessories. Fabulous door prizes to be won and lovely take home gift bags. Featuring top selling author of “French Ties” and special guest speaker Jane Webster. Jane will speak about “Making Your Dreams Come True - living and relocating in France”. Ticket price : $65 non members or $50 members … [Read More...]
A French Christmas
Dreaming of a French Christmas? Prepare for a chocolate tsunami, warns Jo Walmesley. The French certainly know how to celebrate with quaint traditions new and old and, of course, lots of feasting! Although France is a secular society, with clear divisions between church and state, the country still embraces Christmas traditions with open arms. For a month before Christmas, the shops are awash with a sea of chocolate. It seems impossible that people could eat so much of the stuff during one holiday but, believe me, they can. Come New Year, the shelves of the local supermarkets look as if … [Read More...]
Christine’s Beloved French Language
Our dear friend, and wife of the former French Ambassador of Australia, Christine Descoueyte, tells us about her visit to the Senate at the Luxembourg Palace. Learn about the history of this extraordinary building in Christine’s beloved French language - a great opportunity to test your French vocabulary. (Please see Australian Translation below) Visite au Sénat 14 mai 2012 Le palais du Luxembourg est un palais royal dédie au couple Henri IV et Marie de Médicis. En 1611, la reine trouve le Louvre inconfortable et en 1615 charge le grande architecte Salomon de Brosse de lui … [Read More...]
At Home In Normandy
As the season changes and the weather cools, it’s time to forget our summer diets and return to the food lover’s paradise of Normandy and the kitchen of our dear friend, Christine Descoueyte. In this, the second part of our At Home in Normandy series, Christine shares some of her favourite apple recipes. “The apple is so typical of this region,” says Christine. “You cannot begin to imagine how many orchards there are here and how many different varieties of apple are grown in Normandy all year round. Some are grown to eat as fruit or for cooking but most of the apples are used … [Read More...]
A Year in Normandy
Spring – a Time to Rejuvenate By Christine Descoueyte Life sometimes runs short of its essentials: time and trust, the promise of freedom and simple living. This explains why our home is so important. It is the one place where you can count on trusting your family and friends, taking time to share your enjoyment with each other or simply taking in the scenery. In this sanctuary of warmth and security, you can begin to imagine what represents for you a good life. Good health you soon realise is the first essential ingredient. Living around green spaces can help maintain good health. … [Read More...]
THE LEGENDARY SERGE GAINSBOURG (1928-1991)
Serge Gainsbourg was a painter, actor, songwriter, composer, poet, author, and director. As new audiences continue to discover and appreciate his music, they are also curious about his life and artistic versatility. Born to Russian parents in Paris on 2 April 1928, Serge was named Lucien Ginsburg at birth. Twin brother to Liliane, Lucien was endearingly referred to as Lulu by his family. His parents, Olia Besman and Joseph Ginsburg, had migrated to France to escape hostility against Jews and became French citizens soon after settling in Paris. Joseph Ginsburg was a talented musician and was … [Read More...]
Les Artisans – Craftsmanship
un artisan: artisan, craftsman artisanal: hand-crafted, made by traditional methods, home-made It is a great pity to see the small specialist shops disappearing as large companies increasingly make their presence felt. In France, the tradition of artisans—craftsmen and women— survives despite the proliferation of brands, retailers and restaurant chains. To begin with, training for the profession of craftsman or artisan can start very early, at the age of about 14 years. The Compagnons du Devoir (literally “Companions of Duty”—a work brotherhood and community of … [Read More...]
![Josephine's bedroom.[1]](http://frenchprovincialmag.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Josephines-bedroom.1-280x125.jpg "Josephine's bedroom.[1]")
A light on Josephine
This first part of our two- part series explores the captivating and complex relationship between Empress Joséphine and Napoléon Bonaparte. Inspired by David Halliday’s recent article Who killed Napoléon Bonaparte? (French Provincial Magazine October/November 2008), I found myself considering the role of Napoléon’s consort, Empress Joséphine. While countless books have been written about Napoléon, Joséphine has not always been afforded the same recognition, even though she was a remarkable woman in her own right and a pillar of strength to her husband. Even our most basic … [Read More...]
Venasque
Unique Provençal Treasure France is the world’s number one tourist destination, with 82 million tourists visiting last year. July and August are, of course, the busiest months, and Paris the most visited site. Provence, in the South East of France, is not far behind. It has been a Mecca for holiday makers for decades, with names such as St Tropez, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Avignon to draw tourists to the area. Provence is a glorious region with over 300 days of sun per year, and the Vaucluse area is at the heart of Provence. It abounds with exceptional natural sites amongst its … [Read More...]
