Happy Fall everyone! I’d like to welcome you to my new monthly newsletter format!
The idea of sharing a more personal newsletter every month on this blog has been twirling in my head for some time now, and I am happy to finally put it into action. Each month, I intend to share a personal round up of the past weeks to give you a glimpse into my French life. I will also share links I love, seasonal recipe inspiration and answer some of the questions I received through social media as well.
Feel free to let me know in the comments if you enjoy this little monthly gazette, and perhaps what you would like to read about next month?
Summer is officially is over, and what a Summer it was. I have kept this under the radar, but we bought our first home in France, and we moved in, in July! It is such an exciting experience and truly a dream come true, after years of longing to move back to France.
We (my husband and I) were unfortunately unable to buy a house near the beach in my hometown, as the house market in Brittany skyrocketed since Covid – with many families from big cities moving to quieter areas. This makes it very difficult for locals to either find or afford a home anymore… I actually did a small interview on that matter in the latest edition of French Property News, which had a focus on Brittany.
But, after about 6 months of house hunting, we eventually fell in love with a 1930s apartment in the city center. It has old hardwood floors, a rustic kitchen with typical French white tiles and black inlay, and a great view over a nice backyard for our dog Sophie to run around.
View of the harbor of Lorient, where we live now.
My hometown of Lorient was almost completely destroyed by bombing during WW2, so finding a pre-war apartment, with all its historical charm intact, is rare. And we didn’t want to let this opportunity slip away. As soon as we visited the apartment in February, we made an offer. And after 4 months of heavy administrative processes (in true French fashion), we got the keys in July.
We started to repaint rooms, fix a few things here and there, and we are now searching for furnishings and décor items to make the place feel like home. Many brocante trips ahead! I look forward to sharing photos of the place once it is closer to being done!
Would you be interested in learning more about the process of buying a home in France? Let me know in the comments! For what it’s worth, my husband couldn’t believe how much longer the entire process takes in France.
“La tour de la Découverte”, a historical signal tower in Lorient
After a mild Summer in Brittany, September has been very sunny, so we also enjoyed ourselves a lot with all the tourists finally being gone. The first weekend of September is always the annual “French Open Doors” event, where public buildings and historical sites (not normally opened to the public) all throughout French cities open their doors, free of charge. We took this opportunity to visit an underground shelter built in the center of Lorient during WW2, to protect the locals from the intense bombings.
More highlights of the month included going to the nearby town of Plouay, to watch the Bretagne Classic bike race (Brittany people love bike races!), taking a boat ride to the town of Port Louis for a Sunday stroll, going to one of my favorite creperies in Lorient, and of course the usual weekend trips to the local market.
Have a great October, everyone. Be well and enjoy!
The little city of Port Louis
New articles added to the blog in September:
- Normandy Apple Tart (Tarte Normande)
- French-style Cottage Pie (Hachis Parmentier)
- Easy French Apples recipes
- French Chicken Marengo (updated recipe)
10 seasonal recipes for October:
- Butternut squash soup
- Split pea bacon soup (Potage Saint Germain)
- Classic French Lentil Salad
- Chicken Fricassée with shallots and onions
- French Roast Chicken (Poulet Rôti)
- Chicken Breasts in creamy mushroom sauce
- Pork chops with apples and cider sauce
- Classic French Apple cake
- Classic French Thin Apple Tart
- Apple Cinnamon Galette
5 Links I’m Liking:
- I enjoyed this article from David Lebovitz, who spent his holidays in Brittany and shared some recommendations on where and what they ate, and where they stayed. I very often get asked about recommendations in Brittany, so I am sure this article will interest a lot of you.
- Gala Magazine gave us a peek inside the State Dinner of King Charles in Versailles.
- We invested in several Emile Henry ovenware pieces for our new kitchen. I have always loved this French brand, which creates high-quality products in Burgundy clay – and their color palette is timeless! I’m now coveting their new fruit bowl. I love it in Navy. Which color would you pick?
- I enjoyed reading this article on Ajiri Aki’s Tips for Decorating The Parisian Way. Beyond getting good tips on Parisian-style home décor, I always find it interesting to read American expats perception of French culture, and how to share it with others. As French, we sometimes take it for granted the rich culture we grew up in… These kind of articles remind me to appreciate and embrace it more. If you’re interested in learning more about Ajiri Aki’s work, you can read her new book “Joie: A Parisian’s Guide to Celebrating the Good Life“.
- I love this round up of 47 Chicken thigh recipes. Chicken thighs never disappoint, do they?
We are still at the peak of prune season in Brittany
Favorite questions of the month:
Do you have a goal for 2024 picked out yet?
Not at all, yet! In 2023, I wanted to focus on my personal life, with re-settling in France, buying a home, etc. For 2024, perhaps I will have more time to refocus on professional projects. Perhaps a new cookbook? Who knows.
What are your favorite quick and easy recipes?
Quiches are hands down my favorite quick and easy recipe at this time of year. Of course, it can take a bit of extra time if you are making the crust from scratch… But honestly, a lot of French people happily rely on store-bought crust to save time. Quiches are simple to make, baked in about 45 minutes and very satisfying.
For making quick dinners after a work day, I also rely a lot on make-ahead meals that I can pop out of the fridge and/or reheat easily. Quiches work great for that, but on Sundays, you’ll also see me making a batch of lentil salad, and lentil soup or carrot soup to enjoy for dinner on Mondays and Tuesdays – served with some crusty bread on the side.
Would love to hear about French skin care?
I have always loved and religiously used Avene products, which is a habit I got from my mother. I was lucky enough to find this brand easily available when I lived in Canada (though, slightly more expensive).
Very intrigued by the mindset of self-control re: food?
I am not an expert on the question, but I think I have pretty good self-control around food (well, except chocolate!). Mostly, I feel preparing my own meals from scratch helps me a lot with that. It helps to comprehend all the effort being put into preparing a meal, which in turn makes me truly savor each moment of a dish and feel more satisfied at the end. A key rule I also follow, is to always finish a meal on a sweet note – whether it’s a slice of tart, cake or just a pot of yogurt or apple sauce. This gives me a better sensation of being full and satisfied, and definitely makes it easier for me to stop from snacking later on.
And if you’re an avid baker like myself, I got this great tip from chef Anna Olson one day: as you’re baking, eat something salty before your start (ie. an olive, or a piece of cheese). This stops you from wanting to pick at anything sweet you’re working with (ie. chocolate chips, sauce…). It works for me at least!
The first pears have arrived at the market!
76 comments
I pretty much enjoy anything you write, always practical and informative– and we live only a couple of hours from you! Yes, the housing market went through the roof, and I’d love to see your transformation and hear more about your process. If it’s anything like David Lebovitz’s it should be quite entertaining. 😄
Hello, Liz, and thank you so much for reading! Where abouts do you live? Just today we did a little more painting and had JUST enough to get it done. Luckily, because as my husband knows well, almost everything is closed Sundays… And our paint shop is closed Saturday too. Could have been a big hiccup 🙂
We’re in Vitré. I love your recipes and the clear explanations accompanying them, keep up the good work. And happy painting!
Merci, Liz! Vitré is absolutely beautiful (as is most of Brittany), you’re so lucky to be there. I appreciate the kind words and support!
J’adore!!! As a canadienne who will never have the opportunity to live in France, I eagerly drink up every word people write about their experiences living in France. Please keep sharing all the festivals, the community, the culture, the food. Et félicitations avec votre appartement !
Thank you so much, Eva! I promise to share as much as I can each month (and in-between) as well. I know France is a dream for many, so I don’t take for granted how lucky I am to be back here. I appreciate the support 🙂
Audrey, congratulations on your new home. I can’t wait to see pictures. We had planned on buying a second vacation home in Britany which of course was messed up by COVID. I so glad you now have a newsletter be sure to tell us of your adventures. Best Regards, V.
Much appreciated, Vince! I hope you’ll get another chance to find a home here… It’s gotten a bit more difficult, but it’ll be worth it, I’m sure!
A very good idea to do a monthly Gazette, I will look forward to them. You have such good recipes.
Very much appreciate the kind words and support, Nicole! So happy you enjoy the idea.
Congrats on your new home! I look forward to seeing photo of it.
Much appreciated, Penny! I look forward to sharing photos as it all comes together 🙂
This was wonderful – thank you. After 52 years of frequent business and pleasure travel my husband and I decided it’s time to slow down. Thanks for this opportunity to “see” new places, prepare new dishes and get great decorating ideas.
You’re so very welcome, Marilyn! I appreciate you coming along on my journeys. I am more than happy to keep sharing, so you can continue to experience France with me 🙂
I love your newsletter and I particularly enjoyed the links you chose. I would love to read about your brocante trips as you search for home decor. As a side note, my husband (a CIA educated chef) has made so many of your recipes and he now makes many of them on repeat. You have brought us so much pleasure. I also love to read about French customs and traditions that I can incorporate into my American life.
Many thanks to you and to your husband, Susan! I appreciate the support and love hearing my recipes are on repeat in your home. I love visiting brocantes whenever they pop up, so I’ll definitely try to incorporate more of this into my newsletters. There are so many great finds out there!
Enjoying your blog .. really needed apple recipes recently!
So glad to be of service, Jane! Happy cooking and/or baking!
Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! I definitely would love to hear more about the process that it takes to buy a home in France.
Thank you, Dawn! I will definitely be sharing more each month!
I enjoyed your news letter
A topic I would like to learn about is typical daily menus for the French. What does a French person eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner on a weekday.
Great inquiry. I will definitely share more about a typical French “daily menu” soon. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
love your pictures!!
Thank you! I absolutely love photography… And moreso when the subject matter makes me smile 🙂
I would love to hear about the process of buying a home in France. Is it the same everywhere in France or different by area?
Thanks Diane. I will have to look into it to be sure, but I think the process is the same throughout the country. One thing that’s certain, in typical French fashion, it takes time!
I would really enjoy and benefit from your knowledge of the home buying process in France. I am currently in Brittany (Moëlan-sur-Mer) looking around the area (Quimperlé, etc.) as we explore the possibilities of relocating after retirement next year. I’m not sure it will be feasible from a cost perspective, as you have noted, prices have gone up the last few years, but our longing isn’t diminished!
I wish you all the luck, Kelly! I hope you will find the perfect home. I definitely intend to share more about the home buying (and searching process). A lot of it is the same as anywhere, but things are different as well. Brittany has definitely seen a price jump, but they say they are cooling in some cities/towns in the area. Finger’s crossed for you!
I love reading your stories and following you around your discoveries. Both my husband and I enjoy when you include historical information. Thank you Audrey, and good luck with your new home.
Much appreciated, Diane. I absolutely love history (a trait from my father), and knowing how and why things are the way they are makes it so much more enjoyable for me. I will always share as much history as I can 🙂
Hi I am very appreciative of the time you take to share with us and enjoy your recipes. As our seasons are opposite and we are just starting spring how do I look up spring recipes on your site please?
Thank you so much, Judi! I appreciate the kind words. Every so often, when I have time, I try and spend some time on reorganizing the blog layout, and I need to find a way to make finding the seasons a bit easier… If you click here and scroll almost to the bottom, you can final all 4 seasons. If you click here you’ll go right to spring.
Enjoy!
Thank you
You’re very welcome!
Love reading about your and your husband’s beautiful, happy and fulfilling life. Congratulations to you both on the acquisition of your first home. The cookware you are purchasing sound lovely as well. Can’t wait to visit, Love, Mom (in Canada)
Thank you 🙂 It’s all coming together, even if a bit slowly… But soon it will be ready and the 2nd bedroom/office will be ready too.
The new format with personal tidbits added in is FANTASTIC! It definitely invites more engagement with your readers. That bowl! I love it in both the Navy and the Blue Flame color.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with your apartment. Is the Port Louis picture near where you live or just a pic to get a flavor of your community?
That was definitely the goal, Andrea, so I’m glad people like you are being so receptive to it! 🙂
Port Louis is a 2min walk from our house to get on the ferry, and then about 15min by ferry to get to there. You can also drive, and that takes about 20min I’d say. But nothing beats a ride on the water (for only 1.50euro).
Hi Audrey, Congratulations on your new home! I hope you have many happy years there. I found your website last fall and started making your easier recipes. I am not a confident cook, your recipes make me feel more confident and look good. This past week I finished a 3 part series of books about Anne of Brittany, it reminded me of my Welsh roots and makes me want to visit Brittany.
Thank you so very much, Cynthia. With practice, comes confidence. Each dish you make that turns out (or even doesn’t turn out) is a great lesson for the next time! The more you cook, the more comfortable you’ll become… And I hope my recipes and instructions will help get you there 🙂
I hope one day you’ll get to visit Brittany too. I’m certain you’d love it!
I am going to love this blog
Thanks, Marlene! I really hope you enjoy your stay. There are years worth of recipes, articles and I’m always updating… So have a look around!
Audrey, I look forward to hearing about your new life in Lorient and to more recipes from the different regions of France. As I have gotten older (and I’m old) I find I prefer the traditional comfort foods from around the world. I have enjoyed the traditional regional recipes from France that you have shared I and look forward to cooking and eating more of your finds.
I have been meaning to send you a note to say thank you. In the spring of 2022 I was planning a move to France and asked you for recommendations on where I might look in Brittany. You replied with a short list of possibilities, all of which were good, but Quimper was a no thinker for me and for my daughter. We loved it. It seemed to suit us and our needs just fine. We moved here last December. I agree with your husband about the bureaucracy, but other than that we have felt very welcomed. I like the Bretons. So, thank you for helping us find a new home.
Amazing, Don! I appreciate the kind words, and hope you’ll continue enjoying your stay on the blog.
Also, a huge congrats on your move to Quimper! Lovely place and I’m so happy to hear you’ve settled in well. My husband continues to make it a point every so often to moan about the bureaucracy (and he’s not wrong)… but it’s the French way! 🙂
I did enjoy reading your newsletter! Keep it up, and enjoy your new home!!!
Thanks, Kathleen! I really appreciate it!
Wow, great ! I really like the format, content, pics etc. – right on target ! You have a very down to earth style of writing…almost in line with how Mayle or Lebovitz (both great/entertaining story tellers in my view) may’ve written.. Referenced sites are also great – good choice of diverse and interesting topics. In general, it’s great to read about and see things in your local area and from your perspective. Of course your recipes are always top notch.. I wonder if you could add a small interview here and there of locals etc. involved in whatever aspect of farm to table etc? Personally, I’m not interested in the “glam” of things..just grass roots. Lastly, I think you can’t go wrong reiterating as well as introducing to us those things that brought you back to France and all it has to offer.. Having seen your work for some time, I’d be more than happy to continue seeing what your already producing. ok, i’m rambling – thank you !
Thanks for the reply, Mike… I really appreciate the kind words, advice and suggestions. I definitely like the idea of adding in some interviews with local producers, and hope to include that sooner than later. The only problem is finding the time between working full-time, moving in to a new home, creating recipes/blog maintenance and the availibility of these extremely hard working local famers, bakers, artisans. But I promise you, it’s on the list! Thanks again! 🙂
Just wondering why buying a house in France is such a lengthy process compared to canada for instance ? Love you pics and looking forward to seeing pics of your new home.
Thank you, Lisa! 🙂
The simple answer to your question, is French “adore” bureaucracy and administration. It is by far the biggest gripe my husband has of France. Simple tasks take ages here, compared to Canada. Many things are still done on paper (and not online) and we even still very often use cheques when we shop! While it has its charm, it can be frusterating as well. I’ll share more in the future!
Congrats on the new home! I would love to hear more about your town in France and Your home remodeling. Not too interested in how to purchase a home there, but thanks for inquiring.
Thanks, Jessica! I will try to have a little bit of something for everyone in my monthly Gazette, but there will always be anecdotes and photos from where we live! That’s for certain.
I love this format and greatly appreciate your wisdom and thoughts. The Photos are a lovely addition. Wishing you all the best in your new home.
Much appreciated, Stacie! I appreciate your comment and hope you’ll continue to enjoy the monthly releases.
Nice newsletter plus your recipes. I enjoyed all the news of your life and other tidbits.
I appreciate the comment and kind words. Hope you’ll enjoy future editions as well!
I like the new newsletter format. 🙂
Thank you, Catherine! I think I’ll keep it 🙂
Many many congratulations and best wishes on the purchase of your new home!! Such an exciting time for you!!!
I love to read your posts and your recipes are so easy to follow and delicious!! I look forward to them. Thank you thank you!!
Much aprreciated, Donna! I am thankful for the kind wishes and especially for the support for my work on the blog. All the best!
We have a holiday house in the south of France but love the north too. I have just found you by searching for a recipe for Tarte Normande which I am going to cook for friends this Friday. Love the look of your site and recipes and look forward to receiving the newsletter!
Hello, Jen! So happy you found your way to the blog and so happy to know that you know the Tarte Normande! I hope you enjoy your stay here and find many recipes that you’ll enjoy. Feel free to drop a ling any time!
Also, I absolutely LOVE the south of France… Marseille in particular… But all of the south is just gorgeous.
My wife and I have been on a 6 week holiday since Sept 5. After 10 days in the U.K. we took the ferry to Roscoff. Typical French, you can’t rent a car there so we had to make our way to Morlaix to do that after a hotel in Roscoff which was a surprisingly nice city. With no planned itinerary, we began exploring Brittany, ending up in Dinard, St Malo, Saint Michel, Dinan… We are always on a mission to find the best Chausson aux Pommes, which you just can’t get in Canada and Dinard wins so far. T
hen we headed towards the west coast and drove around, exploring back roads and small towns. Of course exploring all of the local foods that we possibly could. Our destination, which we’ve now been at for 2 weeks, was a beautiful 14th century village Chateauneuf de Mezenc in Drône department. This is my 3rd time here, my wife’s 7th, renting a great house with a big kitchen. Settled here, we begin cooking with the local ingredients; buying things in the local markets, using your fabulous recipes and a book of Provence recipes. Such a pleasure to get the things we can’t get in Canada, the crème fraiche and the lardon in particular. Your recipes are always a big hit and when we have several guests I often double and even triple them and they always work out fine! The other day I made “Poulet à la forestière” for 12 people and they raved about it. Anyway my wife dreams of buying a place here, perhaps a small apartment in a small town so I am intrigued by your offer of information on getting property in France. We are both Canadian, living in Oakville, near your old haunting grounds NOTL where I have recently retired from 25 years at the Shaw Festival. Thank you for all the great recipes and any insight on buying in France.
Tom, your 6 weeks holiday sounds absolutely amazing! You’re really getting to see the “real” France by doing what you’re doing, and visiting a bit off the beaten path. It’s something that not everyone has the luxury of doing, so if the opportunity ever presents itself – as I’m sure you can attest – do it!
I can honestly say that living in Canada, I truly missed the products we have available here. But that’s exactly what inspired me to create the blog (and cookbook) – to try and adapt with what’s available, in a very different climate/culture. I love to know that my recipes work out for you, with rave reviews from your guests.
I will absolutely try to share more about the home-buying process. It’s not drastically different in our experience from Canada, but different nonetheless… And much, much more time consuming. I will share our experience for sure, and then in the future, try to find solid information for foreign homebuyers as well. Just have to find the time!
Thanks again for the support!
Just found your blog and I love it!
Thanks so much, Kevin! I hope you enjoy your stay here and get to try a few recipes and read a few stories. Feel free to ask questions or leave comments any time!
Audrey I just really enjoyed reading your newsletter, and I always enjoy your recipes. I am always keen to learn more about living in France as my son and wife and grandchildren live in Montpellier where I visited earlier in the year. Your newsletter is a great idea. A Red bowl for me:). I’ll explore your links later. Congrats on your new home, it sounds lovely.
Thank you so much, Pauline! I’m glad my newsletter brings a little glimpse of my life, as well as the life of your son and his family into yours. Montpellier is a beautiful city, with so much charm. And I really appreciate the well wishes too! Merci!
The Apple Cinnamon Galette is delicious. Since we have to watch our sugar intake, I’m always looking for low sugar desserts and this one fit the bill.
So glad, Cindy! The galette is huge on comforting flavor, while still being reasonable with the added sugars. Love that you enjoyed it!
Hi! I always enjoy everything you share – food, culture, shopping – all of it. Can you write something about coffee – preferences in preparation, what type of coffee, etc. ? Best wishes!
Hello, Irene! I do love coffee, so yes, perhaps I can think of including this in a future newsletter.. Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations on your move to France, well deserved! I’m really enjoying this newsletter and look forward to my monthly dose of la belle vie! I spent three months in my home in Vaucluse and it was a real wrench to leave but, as my husband always tells me, you have to leave to come back…..
Do you have a Point P near you? My local one in Mazan now does paint matching which is so useful I only have a few drops left of my existing paint but don’t want to change everything….
I’m making the Crecy carrot soup as I type, didn’t have enough carrots so it’s carrot and parsnip, can’t wait to taste it as I’ve been in bed with flu for ten days – oh la grippe!
Here’s to your November newsletter!
Thank you so much for your comment and kind words, Emma! Your husband is unfortunately right with his advice… But it’s still second best advice to never leaving 🙂 . As for Point P, we do have one in Lorient – I will have to check it out! I thought they were just a flooring company, but apparently it’s much more. Thanks for the tip!
I hope you enjoyed the soup, and that it helped with your flu! It’s that time of year, unfortunately… But a good bowl of soup can definitely bring some comfort and energy back… Bon courage!
Audrey, I love the monthly newsletter! I think of you as my personal chef/friend! Cooking is so pleasant and satisfying, when we have a “happy place” kitchen, and joy in our hearts of creating meals for family and friends. Your excellent, delicious , uncomplicated recipes are so appreciated. Welcome to my kitchen (my slice of French heaven!),after an unexpected absence!
Val, thank you so, so much! I really appreciate kind words like this, as it really makes me feel like my mission is on the right path. Sharing stories, food, recipes and anecdotes with readers (and having them do the same with me) makes my days just that much better! I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the blog, cooking and leaving thoughts and comments when you’re feeling inspired. Cheers! 🙂