FOR THE LOVE OF.......A FRENCH MARKET!

I am, and always have been, a little obsessed with markets, and especially food markets.

 Since childhood, the array of interesting stalls appearing like magic in the early hours to start market day, has fascinated me.  The gathering of interested shoppers from far and near, the various stall holder characters, the smells and sights and buzzing atmosphere, have all been a curiosity and draw.

Here in the UK, my favourite destination has to be Borough Market in London for foodie heaven and on a much smaller, simpler scale, our little Friday market here in our local Kent market town is part of my favourite weekly ritual, to stock up on beautiful fresh produce, fish, meat, olives, cheese and flowers for the week ahead.   This is of course by far a more enjoyable way to shop than in the supermarket, which I use only for basic essentials, and supports the local community too.  There is a buzz in the atmosphere as everyone flocks to buy from the market, and in turn, our lovely selection of local shops and cafés are rewarded with more custom.

Market square - Aix-en-Provence

When on our travels, the local markets are a priority on my itinerary, even if I don't plan to be cooking at all.  There is so much to be gleaned from local culture by visiting them.  A feel for the people and what they are putting in their baskets tells us so much about their lifestyle. 

Followers of my Instagram @sophiahomelifestyle will know that we have recently been in Aix-en-Provence, visiting my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, at their beautiful home just outside Aix.  

Our few days there fortuitously coincided with market day....perfect timing!

Well, on my 'market barometer' I have to say that Aix's market scores highly indeed!  Stretching out across this beautiful university city, a visual feast unfolds.  A breathtaking array of the freshest produce, brought in from the surrounding Provence region, along with many wonderful local artisan products, including hand made soaps, lavender bags, biscuits, chocolates....I could go on....the list is endless!  Also many clothes and accessories stalls, of which many were selling some very nice quality things, and not just the usual tat!  My lovely neice Zöe (who was our shopping companion) and I, could not resist these fun suede and cotton 'Star' bags!

Aix's beautiful architecture...

Delicious artisan breads....

 A wonderful array of heritage tomatoes...

An amazing selection of different flavoured saucisson...

Oils, vinegars, herbs and spices...

One square alone, showcases the stunning flower market....I could have bought it all,  if my suitcase and BA would have allowed!

We ran out of time on this visit, but look forward to exploring the beautiful city of Aix more in the future.  It is the home of one of my favourite post impressionist painters 'Cezanne', and a visit to his childhood home and studio are most definitely on my list for next time.  

Do you have any favourite markets around the world?  If so, I would so love to hear from you!

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Bon journée!

Sophia xx

BON ANNIVERSAIRE!

If you are looking for the perfect little get-away amidst beautiful countryside with good food and wine, history and beautiful architecture and a friendly French welcome, then do as we did the other week, and pop over the channel and make the short hour's drive out of Calais to the beautiful historic town of Montreal-sur-Mer.

Followers of my Instagram will know that a couple of weeks ago, 'Mr. Sophia Home' and I headed to this gorgeous town for an overnight stay with a day either side, to celebrate his birthday.  Two lovely days that felt more like a longer holiday, when we returned refreshed and inspired....if not a little overindulged and spoilt with wonderful seafood and wine.

Montreuil is a beautiful fortified town which dates back to Roman times, when the sea which is a number of miles away now, used to run up the estuary as far as the city walls.  With its charming cobbled streets, imposing ramparts, beautiful historic houses and churches, and lovely selection of restaurants and hotels....it is a perfect weekend get-away.  

The setting to 'Les Miserables' and more importantly in my husband's opinion, it is also the French home of 'The Wine Society'....our car boot was pretty full when we left!

By chance, my research brought me to the attention of 'Maison 76' which was a booking that far exceeded our expectations.  Housed in a stunning 18th Century former 'Apothecary's Mansion', this special B & B has more the feel of a luxury boutique hotel.

With its charming walled garden and relaxing terrace, the warm welcome from English owner Tim and the caraf of Rosé on the house....our arrival could not have been more perfect.   

Tim has restored 'Maison 76' meticulously over the last seven years and now offers three beautiful rooms or the entire house for larger parties which includes an extra suite, which on this occasion, we were lucky enough to have which was a particularly lovely surprise.  With power showers, roll top baths, beautiful bedding and towels, the stylishly decorated bedrooms could not be more comfortable.  There is a stunning drawing-room for the use of guests too, and a charming dining room where breakfast is taken.  Elegant and stylish and with absolute attention to detail throughout, the interiors are inspiring.  With a keen artistic eye and an eclectic taste for the quirky and eccentric, the art and interesting accessory details made 'Maison 76' a very unique, homely and special place to stay.

Dinner that evening was in one of Montreul's many lovely restaurants, after a stroll through beautiful streets lined with historic houses, leading in to pretty flower filled squares.   

The next morning, we woke to a fabulous breakfast prepared by Tim.  Home made yoghurts, fresh fruit, deliciously fresh croissants and home made jams, along with hand pressed apple juice from a friend's orchard.  Fuelled for the day, we said our goodbyes but promised to return to this lovely sanctuary.

At our host Tim's suggestion, we then drove south to the fabulous gardens of L'Abbaye de Valloires.  Set in the Authie valley, and dating back to the 12th Century, L'Abbaye de Valloire's stunning gardens are an absolute must visit if you are ever in this area of Northern France.  

The gardens were designed in 1987 by Gilles Clement, a landscape artist of international repute.  Stretching out over more than 8 hectares, five mood gardens showcase a collection of over 5,000 species of plants.

This beautiful wild flower meadow was so inspiring....and of course, always up for a new project, we have now returned with ideas of perhaps transforming our disused paddock!

Beautiful grasses...

And a fernery which I loved.

  So fresh and cool...

The weather became a little overcast late morning, but it did not spoil our enjoyment of these beautifully laid out gardens...some areas wild and natural, and others a contemporary take on the formal.

Love the mix of plants and vegetables...these Kohlrabi were such a beautiful colour!

Stunning Mint and Basil bed...

Some very happy ducks living here...

Les Jardins de Valloires....a beautiful French garden find!

Before heading back reluctantly to Calais to make our way home to Kent through the tunnel, lunch on the coast seemed to be the perfect idea.  A fabulous 'fruit de mer' in the sweet fishing harbour of 'Le Crotoy' in the 'Baie de Somme' was another lovely find.  

The perfect end to a perfect 'Anniversaire' weekend!

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Maison 76

Les Jardins de Valloires

(click for links...)

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Wishing you a very happy rest of the week!

Sophia xx

LA FÊTE DU MUGUET….

La Fête du Muguet….according to French tradition, on 1st May, give those you love a little bouquet of Lilly of the Valley (Muguet), to wish them happiness and good luck in celebration of the arrival of spring…..such a lovely tradition!

King Charles IX of France, who offered Lily of the Valley to all the ladies of his court on May 1st, 1561, decreed that on this day anyone in France can legally sell flowers without a license to sell, as long as they are a reasonable distance away from the nearest flower shop….another little fact for your day ahead!

ALL PHOTOS: SOPHIA HOME

So with this posy, picked fresh from the garden, I wish you all happiness and luck, and a 

very happy day!

Sophia xx

LES FILLES EN PARIS!

Bonjour!

I hope you are all well this Tuesday morning?

My daughter Georgie and I had a fantastic trip to  Paris last week.......a few days of very special mother/daughter time 

which I shall treasure. 

The sun shone and with temperatures up to 27 degrees, it was truly summer in Paris!

We walked the length and breadth of the city.....exploring the bustling Latin quarter, gorgeous St. Germain, through Les jardins Tuilleries and up to Concorde and glamourous Rue St. Honore, and spent much time in our very favourite part....the beautiful historic Marais.

Having been fortunate enough to visit this beautiful city on a number of occasions, and having seen most of the obvious 'tourist' sights before, we concentrated our time on the most serious of activities.......'le shopping!'

The prettiest sweet shop, found in Rue de Monge in the Latin quarter........

Roses, roses, roses.......at 'Le vie en Rose'.....one of the many beautiful shops in 

rue St. Germain......

Gorgeous fresh produce......

Delicious cheeses......

Stunning displays of flowers in the numerous florists and market stalls throughout the city.....

'Laduree's' lovely macarons window display.....always so pretty.....

The stunning 'Hermes' main store in rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore........strictly browsing!

Georgie standing on the Pont des Arts......the famous 'padlock bridge'.  Thousands of padlocks, attached and initialed by couples......

Who said romance was dead?......never in Paris!

A picnic and leisurely stroll through the gorgeous Jardin du Luxembourg.......

'Le Marais'......this historic district is without a doubt my favourite.  Stunning architecture.....and the 'Place des Voges', the oldest planned square in Paris....and some say the most beautiful.  It is where my husband and I stayed last year, in the wonderful 'Pavillon de la Reine', to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.... and it was wonderful to share this favourite of places with Georgie, that holds a special place in my heart.

All that walking, shopping and sight-seeing, certainly builds up the appetite.....so I introduced Georgie to the delights of 'Chez Janou' in rue Roger Verlomme, where we ate the most delicious crayfish and avocado salads, and drank rose outside in the sunshine......heaven!

G outside 'Chez Janou'.....

Another great restaurant find the following evening was 'Les Affames' in Rue du Roi de Sicille.....definitely one for my Marais address book.  Serving some of the best fillet steaks we had ever eaten....this stylish little bistro was another great discovery.  

Very cool 'butcher's block' style tables at restaurant 'Les Affames'.

We finished our last afternoon with a stroll around the delightful Ile Saint-Louis.....with its pretty boutiques, cafes and of course, the majestic Notre Dame on adjoining Ile de la Cite.......

Notre Dame.

As our Eurostar train swept us home that evening, we sat exhausted but happy.....and a little sad to be leaving.  We had enjoyed the most wonderful four days together......special mother/daughter time......sharing the delights of the beautiful city that I had first discovered at her same age. 

Georgie too is now hooked on the magic of this beautiful City......and like me, can not wait to return.   I have a feeling that this trip may well be repeated.....and could well become a little tradition! 

Bon journée!

Sophia xx