When better to celebrate the best in French living than on Bastille Day?
July is traditionally 'le mois Français' in the VKH household, with Le Tour being the highlight of our summer but when this month's issue of Homes & Gardens magazine dropped on to my door mat, full of beautiful French style, I couldn't resist it any longer. One phone call and a £100 later and I was on my way to the stunning Cantal region (I didn't know it was stunning until I arrived, but it wasn't a big surprise!) and a stay at Lagarde, handily owned by my cousin.
July is traditionally 'le mois Français' in the VKH household, with Le Tour being the highlight of our summer but when this month's issue of Homes & Gardens magazine dropped on to my door mat, full of beautiful French style, I couldn't resist it any longer. One phone call and a £100 later and I was on my way to the stunning Cantal region (I didn't know it was stunning until I arrived, but it wasn't a big surprise!) and a stay at Lagarde, handily owned by my cousin.
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| The heavenly lavender pathway at Lagarde |
Since studying the novels of Marcel Pagnol for my French A-Level I have fantasised about my own French idyll: long, hot summer days spent eating cheese and drinking wine, the sound of nothing but the odd buzzard overhead and the trickle of a nearby 'source'. This short holiday pretty much epitomised my dream.
Lagarde is near the small town of Montsalvy, about an hour's drive from the nearest airport at Rodez. Situated at approximately 1700ft above sea level, amongst the rolling hills and forests of chestnut and pine, it is the perfect base to explore this southerly region of France with Limoges, Toulouse and Montpellier all around a three-hour drive away.
English owners Gary and Denise Stephens made the life-changing move 3 years ago and have never looked back. Although both admit it is not an easy way to make a living, running a house and maintaining two large gites, the job satisfaction more than makes up for it. Bookings have risen steadily as word spreads, with guests bowled over by the stunning views (particularly from the fabulous pool). A recent addition is the small arts and crafts shop where Denise sells her own work as well as vintage French brocante picked up on their travels.
Visitors can also buy fresh eggs (courtesy of chickens Bluebell, Hyacinth and Petunia!) and homemade produce - the onion marmalade is particularly divine.
You can book the perfect escape to 'la campagne' direct through the website, gites4rent.com. Prices start from £525 per week.
If, like me, you're easily seduced by the classic beauty of French interiors there are plenty of ways to bring it in to your own home. From small touches, like vintage perfume bottles in the bathroom, to decorating a whole room, I've compiled a list of some of my favourite independent boutiques offering the best of French style:
Little Paris
Parisien industrial chic brought to North London by Hélène Allen. Two stores, in Islington and Crouch End.
Cachette
Not at all shabby, but most definitely chic. Modern home accessories from artisans across Europe.
The French Bedroom Company
The ultimate in boudoir elegance. C'est tout!
Best of the rest:
The French House
Melody Maison
Sweetpea & Willow
Where once the English fought for the kingdom of France, now the French are winning the battle, at least where style is concerned.
I say 'Chapeaux' to that!
If, like me, you're easily seduced by the classic beauty of French interiors there are plenty of ways to bring it in to your own home. From small touches, like vintage perfume bottles in the bathroom, to decorating a whole room, I've compiled a list of some of my favourite independent boutiques offering the best of French style:
Parisien industrial chic brought to North London by Hélène Allen. Two stores, in Islington and Crouch End.
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| L'authentique: Soaps, £6 - Little Paris |
Cachette
Not at all shabby, but most definitely chic. Modern home accessories from artisans across Europe.
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| Beaux Rêves: Lace detail linen pillow case, €54 - Cachette |
The French Bedroom Company
The ultimate in boudoir elegance. C'est tout!
 |
| Voulez-vous dormez avec moi? Versailles bed, from £1846 - The French Bedroom Company |
Best of the rest:
The French House
Melody Maison
Sweetpea & Willow
Where once the English fought for the kingdom of France, now the French are winning the battle, at least where style is concerned.
I say 'Chapeaux' to that!