Photo by © Patrick Sordoillet
Welcome to the July/August 2026 Issue!
This edition leans into the beauty of summer in France — long evenings outdoors and the simple charm of gathering friends together.
Here, summer entertaining is less about perfection and more about creating moments that linger. The French have developed this into a fine art, turning even a basic meal into an occasion to celebrate the pleasures of the season in style.
These are a few bits of inspiration you can look forward to finding among the pages:
Outdoor Dining Ideas
We’ve got fresh recipes that we hope will encourage you to bring a festive spirit to the everyday. Franck Schmitt and Mélanie Masarin have each contributed delicious ideas for no-fuss dishes that can be shared at your next backyard brunch or riverside rendez-vous. Food stylist Elise Dumas shares her creative take on the summer bouquet, reaching into her vegetable garden to create a true conversation piece.
Colorful Gardens and Contemporary Interiors
This is the time of year when so many French gardens are at their floral zenith, so we are delighted to present two stunning estates in Brittany that have flourished under the care of their passionate owners. Meanwhile, we visit a series of elegant homes in Cap Ferret, Grasse and the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, each a blend of local traditions with contemporary chic.
Creative Women in Provence
We meet two fascinating Provençal women who have inspired us with their creativity and energy: Caroline Beauzon, a gifted painter in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, and Maryse Bérard, a sought-after antique dealer from Roussillon. We also hear from an expat who started a glamorous picnic service in Nice, expanding on what it means to find luxury in simplicity.
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Discovery Guide: Escape to the Sea
For those eager to explore, we bring you to one of our favorite parts of Normandy, the Cotentin Peninsula. With its sweeping beaches, azure coves and charming seaside towns — not to mention some of France’s best seafood — it makes a perfect backdrop for a summer holiday.
Portfolio: Layers of Love
In the Cévennes mountains, in south central France, there is a growing renaissance. The small villages that cling to the steep hills and terraced slopes have sprung back to life, houses long since abandoned are once again inhabited and schools reopened to a new generation. The unlikely force behind this recent wave of industry: a small, sweet onion, whose unremarkable look, but extraordinary taste has brought a fresh layer of prosperity to the region.
Interior: Among the Pines
Tucked within lush greenery on the serene Cap Ferret peninsula near Bordeaux, this newly renovated wooden home reflects a designer’s deft touch — balancing seaside charm with lively touches of color. Behind its modest exterior lies a warm, intimate retreat, shaped by family history and a deep sense of belonging.
Recipes: Picnic Party
When the sun finally coaxes everyone outdoors, the best thing you can do is pack a basket and find a patch of shade. These recipes are built for relaxed, convivial eating where the food is as good cold as it is fresh from the oven. Every dish is designed to travel well and look beautiful on a blanket spread in the grass. Just add a cold glass of rosé and you’re set!
SHOP THE NEW ISSUE
Wherever this summer may take you, we hope these pages encourage you to slow down, gather often, and savor the beauty around you.