Photo by © Hervé Lenain
Welcome to the May/June 2026 Issue!
Spring arrived early in France this year. From the orchards of Normandy to the almond trees of the Côte d’Azur, branches have burst into bloom, and the countryside feels newly awake. The landscape practically shifted overnight — one day still pale with winter, the next brushed with soft color and light.
In this issue, we’ve taken that bold transformation as our cue. If spring reminds us of anything, it is that creativity rarely stands still. Rooted in the past, it continues to open toward something new. Here are a few things you can look forward to finding among the pages:
Impressive Gardens
We begin with places where landscape and imagination meet. In the Loiret, the enchanting gardens of Le Grand Courtoiseau unfold across six hectares (nearly 15 acres) of botanical artistry. Further west in Brittany, a modest farmer’s plot has been transformed into Les Jardins de Kerfouler, proof that vision can flourish even in unassuming ground.
Creative Interior Transformations
Interiors, too, are places where time blossoms. On the banks of the Sorgue River in the Aveyron, an abandoned glassworks has been transformed into a dreamy residence. A Provençal farmhouse once immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh is now home to a designer who has infused it with color and her own artistry. In Normandy, the Château de Bailleul stands as a testament to sensitive restoration — with Renaissance grandeur preserved while modern life finds its place within ancient walls.
Inspiring Artists and Their Work
We also explore the people who keep beloved regional traditions alive. In Arles, Joanna Maclennan captures the pageantry of the annual Fête du Costume, where history is worn with pride. We meet Elsa Lenthal, who transforms fragrant lavender wands into refined contemporary craft, as well as Joseph Bayol, a painter in Saint-Rémy who, at 95, continues to distill the luminous spirit of his region with quiet devotion.
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Garden: Serenading the Senses
Stroll through the garden that graces this issue’s cover! For close to three centuries, the elegant manor of Le Grand Courtoiseau has graced this quiet corner of the Loiret region, welcoming a parade of creators, intellectuals and dignitaries. Today, its six hectares (nearly 15 acres) of meticulously designed gardens are the main attraction, weaving history, artistry and botanical excellence.
Interior: Southern Flow
Chasing a dream rarely follows a straight path. The quest often unfolds over months or years of quiet persistence. For Marion and Didier Bernaud, the journey to their perfect Provençal holiday home was marked by false starts and rising doubts, until one unexpected discovery in 2021 changed everything. Tour this glassworks building-turned-residence on the Sorgue River.
Artist: A Life Painted in Provence
There are artists who discover painting — and there are those for whom painting is simply life itself. Meet Joseph Bayol, who, at 95, belongs firmly to the latter. Brush in hand since the age of 17, he is still at work every single day. Discover his work and studio in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Antiquaire: Caring for Copper
From her idyllic Normandy home, the cookbook author and photographer Cat Bude has long championed the enduring beauty of antique copper cookware. Here, she shares her expertise on sourcing authentic pieces, spotting quality craftsmanship and caring for these heirloom pots so they age with grace.
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As France reawakens, we hope this issue inspires you to notice and embrace the small transformations blooming around you.