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 • We are delighted to have the following talented writers and photographers contribute to this issue.

Petals of Provence • When much of France is cloaked against the chill of winter, the hillsides of coastal Provence burst with fragrant yellow blooms. Imported in the early 19th century, mimosa trees have since become iconic to the region, celebrated with village festivals from January to March.

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

Family Style • Aurélie Debiève fulfilled a dream when she bought her first home — a country property she has renovated largely on her own, with great taste and sensitivity. It sits on the outskirts of the port city of Honfleur in Normandy, a region she loves for its unspoiled beaches and rolling countryside. This delightful cottage has become a haven for this native Parisian, a cocoon where she likes to recharge her batteries whenever the opportunity arises.

Get The Look • Like Aurélie’s cottage, your home doesn’t need to have been lived in for generations to get that cozy, age-old feel. Fill your space with functional French antiques and décor to create a warm and inviting space to gather.

French Antiques and How to Buy Them • Buying French antiques can feel intimidating. The inexperienced buyer often hesitates over a purchase because of the unanswered questions swirling through their mind: Is this a good piece? What should I look for? What’s the right price?

Citrus Passion • Winter is the peak season for agrumes (citrus), bringing a welcome taste of sunshine to delight our taste buds. Whether you prefer tangy lemons, juicy mandarins, sweet oranges or tart bergamot, here are some ideas to squeeze the most out of these delicious fruits.

Seasonal Symphony • Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley, the enchanting gardens of the Château de Beauregard blend history, art and natural beauty. This expansive estate, steeped in timeless refinement, reflects France’s noble heritage of enduring design.

ARTISANS OF FRANCE Globe Trotter • An artist at heart and a geographer by trade, the travel-loving Alain Sauter discovered his true calling when he stumbled upon the long-lost craft of artisanal globe making — a vocation that brought all his passions to life in a single, exquisite form.

Snow and Flow • An historic wooden farmhouse, situated in the heart of the alpine resort town of Megève, has undergone a much-needed transformation to modernize and maximize its copious natural light, all while preserving its original charm.

Farm to Table • In 2010, Cat Bude, an American photographer, blogger and recipe creator, and her French husband packed up their young family and began a new life in Normandy. From their 380-year-old farmhouse, christened Rabbit Hill, they now host guests for guided market trips and cooking workshops. Her first cookbook, French Kitchen Lessons, was published in October.

A Celebration of Citrus • Each winter, the French Riviera — famous for its sun-drenched summer beaches — reveals a different kind of golden glow. Starting in February, the picturesque town of Menton, on the French-Italian border, transforms into a radiant sea of yellow for the “Fête du Citron” (Lemon Festival).

Pride and Patience Les Jardins de Maizicourt • Tucked away in the Somme region, a short drive from Amiens, the tranquil park surrounding the 18th century Château de Maizicourt has become a beloved local...