French la Vie https://www.frenchlavie.com French la Vie Fri, 22 May 2026 21:42:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://www.frenchlavie.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/poppy-1-150x150.png French la Vie https://www.frenchlavie.com 32 32 https://www.frenchlavie.com/2026/05/22/antiquing-today-a-pair-of-chairs-green-shiny-things-and-a-pinchable-butt-c/ Antiquing Today: A Pair of Chairs, Green Shiny Things, and a Pinchable Butt.c https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957013514/0/tongueincheek~Antiquing-Today-A-Pair-of-Chairs-Green-Shiny-Things-and-a-Pinchable-Buttc/ https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957013514/0/tongueincheek~Antiquing-Today-A-Pair-of-Chairs-Green-Shiny-Things-and-a-Pinchable-Buttc/#comments Fri, 22 May 2026 11:00:34 +0000 https://www.frenchlavie.com/?p=85113 Our guest loves to go antiquing which is fine with us. The last few days we have done just that. A lot. Thankfully, we all like different things which makes life so much easier when you’re all out for the hunt. Meryl likes jewelry, purses, hats, and vintage clothing, which makes antique hunting easy when […]]]>

Our guest loves to go antiquing which is fine with us. The last few days we have done just that. A lot. Thankfully, we all like different things which makes life so much easier when you’re all out for the hunt.

Meryl likes jewelry, purses, hats, and vintage clothing, which makes antique hunting easy when you’re not in the same field. Luckily that’s usually the case- everyone has their interest, and even though they might overlap a tiny bit, they don’t overlap completely.

Nevertheless, we influence each other don’t we? That is something I enjoy about antiquing with other people is seeing what they like hearing them talk about it. It opens my eyes to new stories, creativity, knowledge… all that good stuff.

For example, let’s start with this one. This fabric with gold and silk threads has very interesting shiny green bits. Do you know what they’re made from? Caught me completely unaware! I’ll give you the answer in the comment section if you guess.

Never in a million years would I have thought to make a collar, or a scarf out of gloves. But, Meryl did. The fashionista has the eye, creativity, and experience.

Then just like that a pair of armchairs screamed my name so loudly I jumped! One could dream in that chair, one could have a cup of tea in that chair. One could find a place for that chair.

But then this guy stood there with that gorgeous behind knocking me off my feet thank goodness for the armchair, I fell into it instead of him. Yeah, he had to come home with me – he was there naked – I had to bring him home – had to give him some clothes – now he’s standing on my dining room table, his beautiful butt refuses to get dress. Oh me.

]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/957013514/0/tongueincheek~Antiquing-Today-A-Pair-of-Chairs-Green-Shiny-Things-and-a-Pinchable-Buttc/feed/ 6 https://www.frenchlavie.com/2026/05/21/straw-hat-days/ Straw Hat Days https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956898206/0/tongueincheek~Straw-Hat-Days/ https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956898206/0/tongueincheek~Straw-Hat-Days/#comments Thu, 21 May 2026 11:00:04 +0000 https://www.frenchlavie.com/?p=85102 Sunlight spreads over the garden. A blanket unfurled. A picnic basket laden with olives, radishes, buttered baguette- A straw hat cheers the day. Spring leans towards summer, hand in hand until one lets go. The melody of bees busy amongst the lemon blossoms. Time loosens its grip. Bare feet wiggle into the warm earth. Fingers […]]]>

Sunlight spreads over the garden. A blanket unfurled. A picnic basket laden with olives, radishes, buttered baguette- A straw hat cheers the day. Spring leans towards summer, hand in hand until one lets go. The melody of bees busy amongst the lemon blossoms. Time loosens its grip.

Bare feet wiggle into the warm earth. Fingers trace the edge of embroidered cloth. Cherries stain lips crimson. The scent of lavender mingles with cut grass and sunshine. 

Nearby, someone laughs.

Spring and summer dance hand in hand. One still carrying the coolness of morning, the other promising tender evenings that linger long after supper. Everything feels suspended between seasons. Between moments.

A breeze lifts the brim of the hat. Pages of a forgotten book flutter gently. Clouds wander overhead without urgency.

A picnic beneath an endless sky. 

]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956898206/0/tongueincheek~Straw-Hat-Days/feed/ 6 https://www.frenchlavie.com/2026/05/20/a-painting-of-the-ordinary-beauty/ A Painting of the Ordinary Beauty https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956809154/0/tongueincheek~A-Painting-of-the-Ordinary-Beauty/ https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956809154/0/tongueincheek~A-Painting-of-the-Ordinary-Beauty/#comments Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:34 +0000 https://www.frenchlavie.com/?p=85093 The same worn wooden table. The same lamp. The same knife haphazardly left on the edge.  Objects resting exactly where a painter once paused her gaze before lifting a brush. One could almost feel her there still, sleeves rolled, daylight slipping across the floor, paint thick beneath her fingernails while swallows circled outside the open door […]]]>

The same worn wooden table. The same lamp. The same knife haphazardly left on the edge.  Objects resting exactly where a painter once paused her gaze before lifting a brush. One could almost feel her there still, sleeves rolled, daylight slipping across the floor, paint thick beneath her fingernails while swallows circled outside the open door singing spring.

She painted what was before her- one meal over, and another to prepare- nourishing others, nourishing herself.

Then walked towards other day, leaving the scene, placing the painting on the cupboard to dry.

Yet there I stood, looking at present inside past. 

A woman holding breath before an onion, a bowl, fruit, coffee grinder…

Ordinary things in ordinary time-
Who sat hungry beside the café au lait bowl while afternoon bells drifted across the village?

The painting leaned against the fence at the brocante though waiting for someone willing to enter its doorway again. And for one suspended moment, life answered itself through the faded oil paint, and the tenderness of forgotten objects remaining faithful today as of yesterday. 

]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956809154/0/tongueincheek~A-Painting-of-the-Ordinary-Beauty/feed/ 6 https://www.frenchlavie.com/2026/05/19/pop-color-french-la-vie/ Pop – Color French la Vie https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956698697/0/tongueincheek~Pop-Color-French-la-Vie/ Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:41 +0000 https://www.frenchlavie.com/?p=85076 Our latest French la Vie has taken us to Marseille, cours Julien for some Vintage shopping and inspiration. Our guest (Merle), is a wonder load of creative punch and pop. Knowing her enthusiasm for avant-garde design mix with wearable art. We bee lined for graffiti infested vintage clothing mecca- cours Julien. Disappointing it was not. […]]]>

Our latest French la Vie has taken us to Marseille, cours Julien for some Vintage shopping and inspiration.

Our guest (Merle), is a wonder load of creative punch and pop. Knowing her enthusiasm for avant-garde design mix with wearable art. We bee lined for graffiti infested vintage clothing mecca- cours Julien. Disappointing it was not.

Stepping out of the ordinary- Memories of Haight Street back in the 80s flooded my thoughts. Loving the energy that swirled around us.

Creators at every turn, plenty of fabulous designs- tomorrow the brocante- but today was a welcomed diversion –

]]> https://www.frenchlavie.com/2026/05/18/what-to-know-before-antiquing-in-france/ What to Know Before Antiquing in France https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956525960/0/tongueincheek~What-to-Know-Before-Antiquing-in-France/ https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956525960/0/tongueincheek~What-to-Know-Before-Antiquing-in-France/#comments Mon, 18 May 2026 11:00:55 +0000 https://www.frenchlavie.com/?p=85062 In France, any given weekend offers a brocante somewhere. Hundreds take place throughout the year—some are refined antique fairs, others are gloriously rambling brocantes that spread through village squares, under plane trees, and along dusty roads. The three questions I’m asked most often: When is the best time to come antiquing?Anytime really, with two exceptions: […]]]>

In France, any given weekend offers a brocante somewhere. Hundreds take place throughout the year—some are refined antique fairs, others are gloriously rambling brocantes that spread through village squares, under plane trees, and along dusty roads.

The three questions I’m asked most often:

When is the best time to come antiquing?
Anytime really, with two exceptions: August, if the heat bothers you, and rainy weekends, since most brocantes are outdoors. Comfortable shoes, a sense of curiosity, and room in your suitcase help enormously. I go out nearly every weekend throughout the year.

Do vendors accept credit cards?
Not really. A few do, but generally cash rules at the brocantes. Tuck extra euros into your pocket because when you spot the confit pot, painting, or copper pan you suddenly cannot live without you won’t regret have cash in hand.

What are the best markets to visit?
There are plenty of wonderful ones, and “best” depends entirely on what you are looking for—and how much you want to spend. Every brocante has its own personality. Some lean toward rustic farmhouse pieces, others toward fine antiques, linens, garden pieces, or vintage odds and ends.

If you only have a weekend to go antiquing, start with favorites like Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, the Canal aux Puces in Lyon, or Porte de Vanves in Paris. They are lively, full of variety, various price points, and ideal for a brocante experience.
On the French la Vie we cater towards what the group wants to find.

Before you wander too far into your first brocante, there is one important thing to know: always say hello. In France, manners matter, especially at the markets. A simple “Bonjour” when you step into a vendor’s stand goes a very long way. It sets the tone, opens conversation, and is considered polite before asking questions or looking closely at items.

And if you want to take a photograph, always ask first. Most vendors are happy to oblige, but asking permission is part of the rhythm and courtesy of brocante culture in France.

And a practical note about shipping: before coming, contact your airline and ask about the measurements and weight allowed for an extra suitcase or box. Often that is the easiest way to bring home your finds. At the moment, mailing packages—or even postcards—to the States has become complicated because of the tariffs that have been imposed. The other options are services such as FedEx or UPS.

A brocante is never only about what you find—it is also about the conversations, the stories, and the charm of slowing down long enough to notice things.

]]> https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956525960/0/tongueincheek~What-to-Know-Before-Antiquing-in-France/feed/ 3 https://www.frenchlavie.com/2026/05/17/sweetness-from-the-garden-and-the-brocante/ Sweetness from the Garden and the Brocante https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956436515/0/tongueincheek~Sweetness-from-the-Garden-and-the-Brocante/ https://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/956436515/0/tongueincheek~Sweetness-from-the-Garden-and-the-Brocante/#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 11:00:36 +0000 https://www.frenchlavie.com/?p=85052 “I took a rose from a vase and fastened it in her sash. She sighed a sign of ineffable satisfaction, as if her cup of happiness were now full.” – Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre]]>

“I took a rose from a vase and fastened it in her sash. She sighed a sign of ineffable satisfaction, as if her cup of happiness were now full.” – Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

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