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
April in Paris • Portfolio by Georgianna Lane
QUOI DE neuf ?* • What caught our eye this month
Home to a Collection
Reclaimed Legacy • Fifteen minutes from Avignon, the Domaine de Brantes in Sorgues has been the pride of the Del Bianco family since 1619. Celebrated as both a historical monument and a Jardin Remarquable (Remarkable Garden), this estate blends Provençal and Tuscan inspiration, inviting guests to explore centuries of history and horticultural artistry.
Elegant Etiquette • The French are renowned for their table manners, which reflect a deep appreciation for food, tradition and etiquette. For centuries, French dining customs have been admired worldwide for their elegance and attention to detail, shaping global perceptions of the “proper” way to share a meal with others.
À Table! • Inspired by his love of beautifully laid tables — and, of course, his extensive collection of antique knife rests — François Motte sat down with the food writer Sonia Ezgulian to develop some creative and playful recipes that invite us to bring out our best tableware to share a convivial moment. Here we are delighted to share a few dishes from his book Recettes pour un porte-couteau (Recipes for a Knife Rest) that are sure to spark the imagination and delight the taste buds.
Book Club
Petal Perfection • Virginie Boudsocq took up ceramics later in life — embracing the idea of using her own hands to express her creativity and an enduring nostalgia for her grandmother’s flower garden. Her creations are inspired by her favorite season — spring — when nature is reborn in an explosion of color and fragrance.
A Tapestry of Tulips • In the rolling hills of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, a fleeting spectacle of color emerges each spring. Rows of shocking pink, burgundy, white and yellow tulips transform the bucolic fields into a patchwork of color — a brief yet glorious display, and a reminder of Provence’s unique role in the European tulip trade.
Where History Meets Luxury • Perched on the banks overlooking the tranquil Dordogne River, the historic Château de la Treyne is more than a luxurious escape — it’s a window into centuries of history, craftsmanship and the intimate devotion of its caring owners.
Feminine Charm • Renowned for its unique and elegant design, the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley is steeped in history and intrigue. Over the course of five centuries, a series of powerful women left their architectural mark and legacy on the château buildings as well as its equally impressive Renaissance gardens.
Douce France*
OUR PICKS FROM THE MFCH Boutique • Shop our favorite French brands and unique antiques sourced from around France all available on the MFCH Boutique!
Le Gers A Pastoral Gem in the Southwest • Everyone knows about the beauty of Provence, the glamor of the Côte d’Azur and the magnificence of the Pyrenées, all in the south of France. However, one of France’s best-kept secrets is actually in the most rural region of the south: Le Gers.
Antiquity Revered • Frederic Delarue is a curator at heart. From an early age, his passion for collecting rare and exquisite objects led him naturally to the world of high-end antiques. Today, his discerning eye and talent for creative window displays have earned him a reputation that extends far beyond his shop in l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
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