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

A Thirst for Beauty • Water has always been a precious resource in Provence, with village fountains playing an essential role in sustaining communities for centuries. Today, they remain a cherished feature of rural townscapes, admired as much for their beauty as the cooling relief they bring from the summer heat.

QUOI DE neuf?*

Timeless Transformation • Nestled in Maussane-les-Alpilles, a picturesque corner of Provence, Mas Cayol is a stunning fusion of history, design and architectural ingenuity.

Get The Look • Bring the charm of a picturesque Provençal mas (farmhouse) into your home with handcrafted furniture and décor that seamlessly blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living.

Song of Summer • In Provence, there’s a sound that defines summer — not the chatter of markets, nor the clink of misted rosé glasses, but a headier buzz: From late June to mid-September, the song of cicadas fills the air, signaling heat, harvest and the promise of rest.

Apricot Appeal • Like a summer sunrise, there is nothing quite like a perfectly ripe apricot. Its generous, melt‑in‑the‑mouth flesh is surprisingly versatile, adding a burst of flavor to savory chicken dishes, a creamy cheese spread or a bright seasonal dessert.

DESTINATION FRANCEAncient Whispers

Les Étrangères Emma Willard • In our new series highlighting women whose lives have been influenced by French culture, we explore the experience of Emma Hart Willard. In the fall of 1830, this 43-year-old widowed schoolmistress boarded the steamship Charlemagne from New York to France.

Creative Instinct • Regarded as one of France’s leading garden designers, Dominique Lafourcade is known for her subtle color palette, leading vistas and visionary use of space. We had the privilege of visiting her home, La Pomone, in Provence and discussing the philosophy behind her remarkable creations.

Taste of the Shore • While the southeastern French coast is known as a mecca for sun seekers, it is also home to a distinct culinary culture. “Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur isn’t solely a fantasyland of wine and lavender and endless vacation,” writes Rebekah Peppler. “It’s a real place, with real people and four seasons.”

ARTISANS OF FRANCEGlazed in History • In the sun-drenched heart of the Cévennes, an icon of French garden art is quietly and steadfastly shaped by hand: the Vase d’Anduze. With its signature fluted shape, intricate garlands and rich glazes, this legendary vessel embodies centuries of craftsmanship, regional pride and artistic resilience.

Savoir-Faire

OUR PICKS FROM THE MFCH Boutique

Marseille La Ville Bleue* • Basking in the Mediterranean sun and bordered by crystalline waters, Marseille stretches languidly along France’s southern coast. Often dubbed the ‘Paris of the South,’ it is France’s second-largest city — and unlike its Côte d’Azur neighbors, it offers a world of unique contrasts, immediately immersing its visitors in a bustling yet effortlessly relaxed way of life.

Things to Do

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Fleurs Niçoises* • Anyone visiting Nice shouldn’t miss the flower market on the Cours Saleya — a riot of color and fragrance tucked among pastel façades and cafés. Amid the stalls brimming with stands Jean Patrice Mège, a beloved vendor working alongside his two grown children.

ANTIQUAIRES OF FRANCEPastime Paradise •...