My French Country Home

MFCH is a luxurious bi-monthly publication which features the greatest elements of French life. Join us as we explore lush gardens, bustling brocantes, the elegance of baking from scratch, and living simply but well. Our pages will transport you not only to the glamour of Paris, but to the sweeping lavender fields of Provence and the rolling hills of Normandy.

Editor’s Letter

Contributors

Traversing Time • In the rugged expanse of the Cévennes within the Languedoc‑Roussillon region, an ancient tradition quietly persists — a journey as old as the hills themselves.

Beauty in Balance • Nestled within the tranquil embrace of the Berrichonne countryside, Château Le Breuil is a testament to the passion and dedication of Julie and Romain — she a talented florist and he a skilled sommelier — who have carefully nurtured a 16th-century castle back to vibrant life. As well as being their family home, the property now boasts three beautiful guest rooms as well as a thriving floral atelier where Julie conducts workshops while Romain prepares succulent artisanal meals.

OUR PICKS FROM THE MFCH Boutique • It’s officially that time of year to start al fresco dining! Gather flowers from the garden and set the table with stylish glass and tableware from the best French brands to ‘wow’ your guests.

Gardens of Enlightenment • Nestled among the rolling hills of the Pays d’Auge, famous for its apple orchards and stud farms, the Château de Canon and its magnificent grounds are a monument to 18th century splendor. Thanks to the devotion of its former owner — a well-known, Enlightenment-era lawyer — the property was largely spared from the chaos of the French Revolution. But preserving this priceless piece of French heritage has remained a monumental task.

80 Years of Freedom • “Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you…. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely…. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!… Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Order of the Day (1944)

QUOI DE neuf?* • What caught our eye this month

Literary Taste • Bruno Courrèges, the protagonist of Martin Walker’s hugely popular “Bruno, Chief of Police” mysteries, is not just the fictional constable of an idyllic Périgord village: He also happens to be an impassioned amateur chef. We are delighted to be able to share some of Bruno’s favorite recipes, which feature in a delightful new cookbook by Walker and his wife, Julia Watson — available from the MFCH Boutique.

Domino Effect • Vincent Farelly and Jean-Baptiste Martin are the dynamic duo behind Antoinette Poisson, a Parisian brand best known for its hand-made domino paper and home furnishings. Their recently restored 18th century townhouse in Port-Louis, Brittany, serves both as a showcase for their signature aesthetic and a celebration of French savoir-vivre — the art of living well.

Get The Look • Get the look and feel of Vincent and Jean-Baptiste’s restored 18th -century townhouse with products from their revered brand, Antoinette Poisson, paired with antique homeware and textured décor.

ARTISANS OF FRANCEStripes and Stitches • On the slopes of the Pyrenees mountains, in the small village of Saint Laurent de Cerdans, artisans have been carefully weaving kaleidoscopic canvases for more than 150 years. The last textile manufacturer of the Haut Vallespir region, Les Toiles du Soleil, keeps its...