Advent postcards, Matha, Charente-Maritime

 

Advent postcard, Matha, Charente-Maritime

Advent day twenty-one

Today’s cycling advent-ures postcard is from Matha in the Charente-Maritime, where we spent an interesting few hours on the return from our cycle tour to Saintes in July.

 

Matha isn’t too far from home, so is somewhere we have driven through many times over the years, and also passed through with the bikes but had never had the opportunity to discover it properly.  Thanks must again go to the Terra Aventura treasure hunt that had us exploring all manner of hidden gems. Our first discovery was the artworks and sculptures in the international peace garden. Enclosed within a walled park, the Peace Garden is home to works of art donated to Matha from all over the world, on a theme of peace and human rights. It was thought provoking, calming and inspiring, and somewhere I will return to.

 

We then discovered the church of St Barthelemy de St Herie with its mismatch of architectural styles. Having just been on an historical architecture training day for work, it was so cool (for me at least) to see both the Romanesque and Gothic styles living side by side in harmony for centuries, and now with the addition of contemporary stained-glass windows dating from 2002.

 

The icing on the cake for me however was stumbling upon the park with the Renaissance towers, that are the only remains of the Château de Matha. Much like at Javarzay, only a small part of the original château remains, but what a Renaissance beauty it is. Imagine my delight when I discovered it is linked to the fabulous Jacquette de Montbron, heroine from yesterday’s postcard from Bourdeilles. She was heir to the château, but history is unclear as to whether she also had a hand in the design as she had at Bourdeilles. She is definitely a woman whose story I want to learn more about.

 

 

Advent postcards, Bourdeilles, Dordogne

Advent postcard, Bourdeilles, Dordogne

Advent day twenty

Today’s cycling advent-ures postcard is from Bourdeilles in the Dordogne, an afternoon stopover on our October cycling tour to Perigueux.

 

Situated on the Dronne River, a short cycle ride from Brântome, we were there to tackle a Terra Aventura challenge that took us to all the best viewpoints of the magnificent château. The medieval fortified château dates from the 13^th and 14^th centuries, but neatly tucked away inside the courtyard is an equally impressive Renaissance château dating from the 16^th century. Whether we were looking towards it from the gardens behind the church, marvelling at the fortified château entrance or looking down from the narrow lanes of the village, the views were stunning. However, the most impressive view had to be from river level, craning our necks and looking up at the Renaissance walls towering above the rocks and caves they were built on. That was some engineering feat. My Michelin Green Guide tells me that the planning for the Renaissance château was the work of Jacquette de Montbrun, wife of André de Bourdeilles, who had an “active and informed interest in geometry and architecture” – I do love the tale of a remarkable women from the past who left her mark on the world.

 

Bourdeilles is a real gem of a village that I would happily detour to again, especially as we didn’t have time to visit the château on this trip.

 

Smile, it's World Naked Gardening Day 2021

A spot of weeding in the sun for World Naked Gardening Day 2021 

Smile

Welcome to May, where there is plenty to celebrate today; May Day, Fête du Travail and World Naked Gardening Day, plus the sun is out and I can almost smell the freedom of deconfinement.

 

A bunch of lily of the valley to bring you happiness

May Day

On 1^st May, in France, there is a lovely tradition of offering a small bunch of Lily of the Valley to your friends, to bring happiness or bonheur for the coming year. Since 1^st May last year we have lived through eighty-four days of confinement and over a hundred days of nightly curfews, so anything that offers the promise of happiness or raises a smile, works for me.

Stepping out naturally for World Naked Gardening Day 2021

 

World Naked Gardening Day #WNGD

The first Saturday in May is World Naked Gardening Day #WNGD, when gardeners are encouraged to step outside a little more naturally than they normally would. It is day to remind us to be kinder to the planet and the natural environment and to encourage us to reduce the amount of chemicals we use. It is also a day to remember to be kinder to ourselves (and each other) and accept who we are and what we look like. To stop obsessing about having a perfect body shape and love the skin you are in.

 

Enjoying the May sunshine for World Naked Gardening Day 2021

This year marks my ninth year of celebrating WNGD and I may have more grey hairs, wrinkles and saggy bits than I did back in 2013, but with so many rules, regulations and restrictions on our daily lives at the moment, the rebel in me was overjoyed at the chance to throw off my clothes and step outside to feel the warmth of the sun on my back. Here’s to carefree fun and silliness, that raises our spirits and makes us smile.

 

Deconfinement

As of Monday, our restrictions on movement will begin to ease. There will be no more attestations required for leaving home (outside of the curfew hours) and we will be free to travel where we like in France, for whatever reason we want. 

Deconfinement graphic from BFMTV

From 19^th May, non-essential shops, cinemas, museums and theatres, plus cafés, bars and restaurant terraces will be allowed to reopen and the curfew will be put back to nine o’clock in the evening. A sunny café terrace with a coffee and croissant and a spot of people watching, or a sunset bike ride; the things we’ve been dreaming of for so long, are now so tantalising close I can’t help but smile.

 

Keep smiling, stay safe and have fun.  

Celebrating my Brompton bikeversary

Riding my Brompton is the best

Today I am celebrating the second anniversary of wheeling #KTTinyTourer out of the cycle shop in London and looking back on two years of fun, fitness and freedom on my brompton.

 

In our time together Katie the Tiny Tourer and I have cycled almost eight thousand five hundred kilometres, in three different countries, (the UK, France and Spain) and turned heads wherever we’ve been. I’ve earned a lot of respect from the cycling community as an almost fifty-year-old woman, on a Brompton, climbing mountains alongside younger men on high end road bikes, and the incredulous looks on some of their faces will stay with me forever.

 

Having a bike that is comfortable and fun to ride has given me the confidence to go further and push myself to achieve more, as well as the ability to enjoy long days in the saddle.

 

Climbing mountains on my Brompton

Some of our rides have been in full lycra with clipped in cycle shoes, some in dresses and normal shoes, with a picnic in my pannier. We’ve followed off-road cycle paths, quiet back roads, pilgrimage routes, mountain passes and conquered Tour de France epic climbs, including Mont Ventoux, the Col d’Aubisque and the Col du Tourmalet.

Boulangerie stop on my Brompton

 

We’ve enjoyed the flexibility of the folding frame and being able to put the bikes in the car for airport runs, so we can set off for morning coffee or a sunset apéro somewhere special before heading home. 

 

Cycling the lavender fields of Provence

The bikes have been there for the recycling and the shopping as well as days out, holidays and our legitimate daily exercise during confinement. They have taken us to the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. We have followed rivers and waterways, including the Thames, the Lot, the Garonne, the gorges de la Nesque and the canal lateral that runs between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

 

We have taken part in organised events including London Brompton Club social rides, and closed road sportives like Ride London and the col climbing Pyrénées Cycl'n'Trip.

 

For the last two years I have set myself cycling challenges on my Brompton, smashing my first target of 2019 kms last year so upping it to 2019 miles (3230 kms) and smashing that too. This year I set myself a series of challenges, and despite a difficult year with over one hundred days living in lockdown, I’ve achieved almost all of them. 

 

5 consecutive days on the bike, cycling a minimum of 50kms each day. Yes, in August.

 

5 trips to the supermarket using the bike instead of the car. Oh yes.

 

5 mountain cols or passes climbed by bike. Last count was thirteen.

 

5 days cycling 100kms in a day, as opposed to once a year for my birthday. Yes.

The seventeen departments I've cycled in this year

 

The only one I’ve not quite managed is to cycle in twenty different French departments (counties) this year, but we did manage to tick off seventeen and have cycled over five thousand kilometres in 2020. I’m definitely fitter than I’ve ever been and six kilos lighter than two years ago, in that bike shop, in London.

 

The uncertainties of living with Covid-19, possible travel restrictions or future lockdowns, aren’t making it easy for me to visualise being able to do a dream cycle tour across France next year, but I can’t let 2021, the year I turn fifty, go by without some form of challenge (or celebration on two wheels). Maybe it will have to be another series of challenges, but that raises my game from those I set this year. When I’ve decided what they will be, I’ll let you know. If you have any ideas, I’d be happy to hear them.

 

  

French women’s beauty secret revealed #BOAW2015

Beauty of a Woman Blogfest #BOAW15 

I am no fashionista and my life in rural France is many miles away from the catwalks of Paris, but I still consider myself to be fairly well informed on the subject of French women and their style and beauty secrets. You don’t have to search too hard to find books about their ooh la la or their je ne sais quoi or their ability to never get fat and I have read most of these books. However, after living among them for over ten years I can tell you that some of them do get fat, some do go out without make-up, some don’t wash as often as my nose would like them to and some even have chin hairs and unplucked eyebrows – quelle horreur! Despite this I would still agree that a French woman has a special something that holds her apart from the rest of us and although there is no one fit answer, I can tell you it’s not all about Chanel suits and expensive fragrance, skin care products or lingerie.

What French women have is that they know how to feel happy and beautiful from within. This happiness radiates their beauty through their body and mind, making them stand tall and giving them confidence, allure and attitude. For some it is the knowledge that they are wearing an expensive set of matching lingerie that puts a smile on their face and gives them an inner glow, for others it will be a manicured set of nails, a perfectly made up face or a fortnightly appointment at the hairdressers (from my observations there are as many hairdressers as boulangeries in France). What works for you may not work for me, or the next woman in line, but that doesn’t matter, there are no hard and fast rules. For me it is the knowledge that I know their secret, that I am bien dans ma peau (happy in my skin) and never too far from my tweezers to keep those pesky chin hairs in order. I can now happily hold my head high as I walk into a room of French women and know they are my equals, not my superiors. Now you know their secret you just have to discover what you can do to give yourself that inner glow and confidence. Good luck!

This post has been written as my contribution to the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest 2015 #BOAW15 being run by writer August McLaughlin. I’m joining bloggers all over the world sharing their stories and celebrating the beauty of women. You can read what the other contributors have to say and be in with a chance to win some great prizes by clicking here.

The most amazing shoes in France

One of the things I love about blogging is that it encourages to me to look out for the small details; the little things in life that many people don't notice, but for me scream ‘blog post’. This post is one that has been inspired by one of these brief observations.

The other evening I was in a meeting; a two-hour meeting, with many speakers and all in French. Some of what was being said was interesting, some of it I didn't quite grasp and some of it wasn't relevant, but overall I remained focussed and learned a lot. However, towards the end a French lady stood up to talk and I was immediately drawn to her feet and the most amazing rainbow shoes, perfectly set off with plum coloured tights, that I had ever seen. These were so eye-catching I was totally mesmerised by them and therefore have no idea what she was talking about.

The most amazing shoes in France

My reaction surprised me. I'm not a girl who likes to shop, I wouldn't recognise a Jimmy Choo or a Louboutin if I tripped over one and the most frequently worn shoes in my cupboard are my dog walking shoes. I was dressed, as usual, in a pair of Ed’s cast-off jeans and a black hooded sweatshirt, set off with a scarf and a pair of tan boots so old I can’t remember where I bought them, but I’m pretty sure they were from a budget supermarket. I had meant to smear on some lipstick before leaving home, but I forgot, although I did manage to run a brush through my hair. So it was something as a shock for me to have such a ‘thing’ for a pair of shoes. Of course even if they had been for sale I wouldn't have bought them as despite feeling ‘bien dans ma peau’ (good in my skin), I think only a French woman complete with her mystical je ne sais quoi would be able to get away with wearing them. On a more practical note as they are not cozy house slippers, sensible dog walking shoes or chicken shed boots, they wouldn't be very useful for me anyway. But I did find myself thinking what couldn’t you achieve if you had the balls to wear these shoes? Answer, nothing, as I’m sure with these shoes, everything would be possible.

UPDATE: thanks to the power of social media I've found out you can buy these beauties on Amazon, but at £134.99 I might just look at the pictures!

Our road to Rouen

Following on from yesterday’s review of Road to Rouen by Ben Hatch, here is a little tale from our last drive to Rouen.

When we take Mini the dog back to the UK we have regular favourite stopping places where we know she can safely have a run and a wee. Some of these even have a public toilet (of sorts) that we can use too. Our mid afternoon stop usually coincides with a lovely forestry area just outside of Rouen. Dotted on either side of the road are small parking areas and tracks leading off into the trees. We have been stopping in the same car park in spring, summer and winter for many years and are often the only car there. Whatever the weather we are all glad of a good leg stretch.

Mini in her travel bed

It was quite a surprise on our last visit in July to see three or four cars and a van already stopped in our spot. We parked up and went for our walk with the dog thinking it a bit odd that most of the other drivers were sat in their cars. It wasn’t long before the whole situation became a little clearer. The transit van had an open roof vent and a curtain pulled across, separating the front from the back. One of the parked cars was empty; the others had no passengers, just middle-aged male drivers trying their best to look inconspicuous while they awaited their turn with Mademoiselle Camionette, or the ‘lady’ of the transit van. A little immature I know, but I couldn’t help humming along to:

“if you go down to the woods today,

you’re sure of a big surprise…..”

We weren’t there long, but long enough to watch the comings and goings of a couple of clients indulging in a bit of afternoon fun. What we then noticed was every lay-by and car park had it’s own transit van with open roof vent ready and waiting for business, although none were as busy as the one we’d parked next to. The poor girl was barely getting a minute to herself between visitors – just the thought of the odours and hygiene issues alone made me squirm.

We think we have found an alternative stop nearby, a pretty little town with an Abbey and a safe looking car park by the river and no sign of transit vans.

France et Moi with author Patricia Sands

Welcome to ‘France et Moi’ where this week, continuing on from my Book Worm Wednesday review of The Promise of Provence I am talking to author Patricia Sands about what France means to her, as part of her virtual book tour. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win a Kindle ebook copy of this book. Just email FrenchVillageDiaries@gmail.com with The Promise of Provence as the email subject by Wednesday 10^th July when my Dad will pick the winner from the hat during our final aperos of their holiday.

Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada, when she isn’t somewhere else. An admitted travel fanatic, she can pack a bag in a flash and be ready to go anywhere … particularly the south of France. With a focus on women’s issues and ageing, her stories celebrate the feminine spirit and the power of friendship. Encouraging women of all ages to stare down the fear factor and embrace change, she has heard from readers ages 20 to 83. Her award-winning debut novel The Bridge Club was published in 2010. Her second novel, The Promise of Provence is an Amazon Hot New Release as of April 2013 and you can read my review here.

Firstly, I think France is a special place and it is famed for many things including its cheese, wine and diverse holiday locations plus, dare I say it strikes and dog poo littered streets. What do you think makes France so very unique and ‘French’?

Patricia: Where to begin? There are so many special aspects to this beautiful country and culture! What constantly takes my breath away is how centuries of history surround me wherever I go. Obviously we see it in the architecture of towns and villages but also in the traditions, religious and otherwise, that continue to be celebrated, in songs that are sung, stories that are told, in the markets and even in the games of boules/petanques that continue to be a focus in the town squares. I love that!

2) What is your fondest memory of time spent in France?

Patricia: Ha! Every visit is memorable but in 2011 my husband and I lived in Antibes for five months, just on the edge of the old town. We seldom needed a car as we could walk everywhere or hop on the coastal train just up the street. My heart is still there!

3) Your second novel The Promise of Provence is set in Provence so would this be your favourite holiday location in France?

Patricia: I do love the pastoral countryside of Provence but truly my first choice is the Côte d’Azur, Antibes in particular. The Mediterranean adds another dimension to life there. Having a beautiful beach just a few minutes’ walk away or taking a boat cruise along the coast are lovely options to have on a hot summer day.

4) When did your love for France start?

Patricia: After university, I spent a year backpacking around Europe with friends and working from time to time. I was 21 years old and fell madly in love with France. I lived in Quebec for a few years as a child so already had a slight grasp of the language, which helped. I was simply captivated by the beauty everywhere we went and amazed that one country could offer so much variety from one departement to the next. I have been fortunate to return many times throughout my life. Forty-five years later that love has only grown!

5) How does France inspire your writing?

Patricia: I know I see France through the eyes of a romantic, as my French friends constantly tell me, but I see beauty everywhere including the crumbling ruins, peeling paint and uneven cobblestones. I’m also a photographer and the photo ops are endless. I love all the old doors and ancient keyholes! It all galvanizes me to sit down and write. When I was writing in Antibes for five months, as I sat at my computer I looked out over the harbor, across the Baie des Anges to Nice and the Alps beyond. That view with the spectacular changing light was more inspiring than I can describe.

6) Imagine you are sitting outside a French café at 10.00am on a sunny morning watching the world go by, what do you order from the waiter?

Patricia: Un cappuccino, de l’eau, un croissant, s’il vous plait.

7) What is your favourite thing to buy in a Boulangerie/Patisserie?

Patricia: a.m. - Pain aux raisins   p.m. – Tarte aux citron meringuée.

8) France has many different cheeses, a silly question, but which French cheese are you? A hard and mature Tome, a soft, fresh and lively goat cheese, the creamy and rich Camembert or maybe the salty and serious Roquefort?

Patricia: I guess at this point in life I would have to be an ‘entre deux’ Cantal that has aged a little longer! Its strength and taste increase with age and I like to think that way about life.

9) Can you describe your perfect French apero for us the drink, the nibbles, the location and the company?

Patricia: Bien sur! Pastis (Ricard) served with lightly salted peanuts on a terrace in a shaded square of a town or village, with my husband and other friends, chatting and laughing as we watch the late afternoon activity or local boules contests.

10) Do you have any plans to visit France again soon?

Patricia: I am counting the days to September 12 when we will spend a month in Nice. I am going to have a book launch party at the English Book Shop in Antibes and am excited beyond words about that! Come and join us! (FVD: now wouldn’t that be lovely, having read your book I need to visit Antibes!) In 2014 we hope to spend an extended time in France once again and will work it around the 10-day women’s tour I will be leading in June.

11) Do you have any current projects you would like to tell my readers about?

Patricia: I have had many readers ask when my next novel will be out so I am motivated to make progress on that. The story is simmering now and will be partly set in the south of France once again. There is just so much to write about!

Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions about France and you.

Patricia: It was great fun! Thanks for asking!

You can find Patricia on her blog, website, Facebook, Facebook page, Twitter and Goodreads.

Book review of No Name No Number by Hilary H Carter

A summer read with a difference 

This week’s book worm Wednesday review, No Name No Number by Hilary H Carter is probably the most difficult one I have yet to write, as this book is nothing like any I have previously read. It won’t be for everyone and as soon as I start mentioning the 11:11 phenomenon, chakra’s, meditation, yoga, Ley Lines, planetary grids, energy frequencies and the like you will probably know whether it is for you or not. But don’t go away, I would encourage you to at least read my review, as there is always something new to learn in life.

I like to think I have an open mind and when something different comes my way from promoting the French themed book reviews on this site it is always exciting. I am so thankful Hilary found me as I am sure I would never have gone looking for a book like this, even with it’s French connection. As well as finding this book interesting it was also inspirational, despite the fact I won’t pretend to have understood or followed all of it. Even though I got lost at times I was always fascinated enough by her journey to keep going. As a planner and list maker extraordinaire, who never quite seems to get everything just so, I have been inspired to think about letting go, saying yes to the universe and allowing things take their natural course. Who knows what is achievable when we let things happen naturally and open ourselves up to new experiences?

Hilary sees the appearance of the numbers 11 or 11:11 as signs to guide her and help her make decisions. The appearance of these numbers led her to the historic town of Montignac-sur-Vézère in the Dordogne region of France where she felt it was right for her to buy a derelict convent with a bit of a mystery surrounding it. This area of France was home to many wars and scenes of bloody death and destruction over the years as well as being within sight of the prehistoric caves of Lascaux. But more notably for Hilary it was also an area of France she had vowed she would never return to following an assault many years previously. Her journey in the four years leading to 11/11/11, which often saw her travelling alone, took her to ancient and significant sites in Turkey, Mexico, Canada, USA and India where she learned and experienced many extraordinary things that all kept leading her back to her mysterious convent in France. I was hooked!

I learnt a lot of new things from reading this book as well as gaining a better understanding of some of the things we touch on in our yoga classes, but the most important message that came across to me was being brave enough to believe in yourself and your abilities, and to have the faith to see where they will lead you. A lesson we could all do with remembering, thank you Hilary.

This book is published by Axis Mundi Books and is available in paperback and ebook format from Amazon and other outlets. Other titles by Hilary are also available.

France et Moi with author Jamie Cat Callan

Welcome to ‘France et Moi’ where this week I am talking to author Jamie Cat Callan about what France means to her.

Jamie, inspired by her Grandmother who was French, has traveled extensively in France talking to inspirational French women whose secrets she shares in her books French Women Don't Sleep Alone, Bonjour, Happiness!: Secrets to Finding Your Joie De Vivre and Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day. You can read my review of her most recent book here.

Firstly, I think France is a special place and it is famed for many things including its cheese, wine and diverse holiday locations plus, dare I say it strikes and dog poo littered streets. What do you think makes France so very unique and ‘French’?

Jamie: Ah, La Belle France! In America, we have Uncle Sam, but in France, you have Marianne - a beautiful woman as the national emblem.  And I do believe this feminine sensibility permeates the culture, from the voluptuous statues in the Tuileries, to the artfully arranged macarons at Ladurée, and let’s not forget the luscious lingerie at Cadolle.  Everything in France conspires to please the feminine eye, and I believe this is what makes France so unique and so “French.”

2) What is your first memory of a trip to France? What is your favourite holiday location in France?

Jamie: I first arrived in France in 1976.  I was just out of college and I was on an exchange program.  I arrived in February and Paris was cold and grey and my French was terrible.  I was miserable.  I thought this place is not for me!  And then something happened.  Yes, I fell in love—not just with a boy, (although I did do that too), but with the city of Paris.  Slowly, but surely, the City of Lights got under my skin and seduced me, changing me forever.  And yet, she never quite revealed all her secrets to me and so even now, over thirty years later, I must return to Paris again and again.

And while, I will always be faithful to The City of Lights, my favorite holiday location in France is a little village in the southwest called Auvillar.  I’ve been there several times on writing and teaching fellowships. (The Virginia Center for the Arts has an artist residency program there and they have generously awarded me several fellowships.)  I love the slower pace of the Midi-Pyrénées, the sunshine, the fig trees, the outdoor markets and the people themselves.  They are all so warm and open and welcoming!

3) Have you ever spent time studying in France, or on a school exchange in France? If so what was the best thing about being immersed in French life and the scariest thing?

Jamie: I studied French at the Alliance Française in New York City and again while in Paris.  That said, I was never great at learning a new language!  And I guess this is the scariest thing about being immersed in French life.  I always (and often, still do) feel as if I am a child surrounded by grownups who know how to act and speak properly.  Like a child, I want a cookie (or a croissant or a glass of wine) and I am forced to use up all my vocabulary in a short time, and I am left feeling so vulnerable.  And perhaps this is not just the scariest thing about being immersed in French life, but ironically, it’s also the best thing.  I love that feeling of seeing and hearing the world with new eyes and the challenge of searching for the words and the struggle to express myself.  It’s delightful.  I love feeling so alive to the world.  And because my French is not what it should be, when I’m in France, I know I must be completely attentive or I will surely miss something.

4) Do you have any top tips for learning French?

Jamie: I love the classes at the Alliance Française.  Currently, I visit with my French tutor, Madame M. every Wednesday and we speak French for two hours.  I do believe that if you’re not in France, it’s important to find fellow-francophones in your hometown.  Also, it’s helpful to rent French films and watch French tv shows.  Oh, and I love Laura K. Lawless and French Lessons on About.com.

5) Do you have any embarrassing language mishaps you are happy to share?

Jamie: Oh dear.  Okay.  I was once in a restaurant in Auvillar with my friend Denise, who speaks much better French than I do.  I wanted to ask the waiter for a bottle of water, so I said, je voudrais un boîte d'eau

And Denise looked at me, a little crosseyed and told me I had just asked the waiter for a box of water.  We had a good laugh over that.  He must of have thought—those crazy Americans, they drink their water from a box!

Note to self:  Bottle of water is bouteille d'eau.

6) Imagine you are sitting outside a French café at 10.00am on a sunny morning watching the world go by, what do you order from the waiter?

Jamie: An espresso.  If it’s really warm, I’d order a citron pressé.

7) What is your favourite regional French dish? Do you ever cook French food at home?

Jamie: My French friend, Isabelle gave me an amazing recipe for Salted Cake with Bleu Cheese and Prunes. At home, we make it with bleu de Bress.  Yummy!  And be sure to use dried prunes, not fresh prunes.  Even though Isabelle calls it a “cake”, it’s really a savory bread and goes great with a crispy green salad.  Isabelle comes from the countryside near St. Etienne, and this recipe was handed down to her from her grandmother.  The full recipe is in my book Bonjour, Happiness!: Secrets to Finding Your Joie De Vivre

8) France has many different cheeses, a silly question, but which French cheese are you? A hard and mature Tome, a soft, fresh and lively goat cheese, the creamy and rich Camembert or maybe the salty and serious Roquefort?

Jamie: Ooh La La!  Jacqui, this is a great question!  I think I’m some sort of goat cheese from the sunny southwest.  I’m a bit soft, sweet-natured, creamy, but I can also be unexpectedly zesty and very lively.  I get along with everyone, so I’m a good compliment for any occasion.

9) France has some beautiful cities and there are a few that constantly battle to be my favourite, what is your favourite French city and why?

Jamie: J’adore Toulouse, also known as the Rose City.  The light is so lovely and I so enjoy sitting in a café at Place du Capital and people-watching.  I love the ancient parts of the city and walking through the cobble-stoned alleyways—which is actually how I broke my ankle and ended up staying at the hospital there for nine days.  I think it was this very unique experience that truly made me fall hopelessly and forever in love with La Belle France.

10) How does France inspire your writing?

Jamie: All three of my books French Women Don't Sleep Alone: , Bonjour, Happiness!: Secrets to Finding Your Joie De Vivre and the soon to be released Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day are about French women and France.  I find that every trip to France gives me new information and inspiration.  With each new book, I meet more and more French women who are happy to share their thoughts on love, romance, joie de vivre, fashion and style.  That said, when I return to America and have time to process what I’ve experienced from the perspective of being far from La Belle France, I see the differences and the similarities with great clarity.

11) When you are writing about France, if possible do you prefer to write in France and if so do you have a favourite location?

Jamie: When I’m in France, I take copious notes during and after my interviews. I take tons of photographs.  I collect meaningful objects.  I even draw pictures of things.  And then, I go home to Cape Cod (where I live with my husband—he’s a scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution) and I sit at my table, looking out at the water, and I slowly piece all these things together and write my books.  I should say, that my studio is filled with pictures from France, metro maps and little souvenirs I picked up along the way.  Tangible things inspire me and bring me back to my time in France, but truthfully, I need to be home to write.  Plus, I think my husband likes me around!

12) Do you have any current projects you would like to tell my readers about?

Jamie: Yes, Ooh La La!: French Women's Secrets to Feeling Beautiful Every Day  is about to come out.  Please buy a copy and write to me if you like it.  Or, find me on Facebook!  Merci beaucoup!

Jamie.

Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions about France and you.