When she had lunch last June with her cousin, French cellist Dominique de Williencourt, Béatrice Bouchacourt, our hostess, was horrified to hear that this great musician and composer had to cancel all his concerts of the summer, in Korea, China and most of Europe, because of the pandemic. She and her husband Hervé Couffin, invited him to play in their … Read More
Wandering around precious Brittany
There is nothing I love more than getting into my small car and driving around France, stopping over at dear friend’s houses. The Bottin Mondain (social register) started a new addition of castles listed by area, and it would be tempting to just try and tour France according to this list but I have not dared it yet. I just … Read More
What’s new this week? a new government…
I was quietly having a bath listening to the news that we had a new prime minister when suddenly workers in orange garb started moving around a crate, and a large glass window was lowered on the building under construction… there is never a moment of peace in our world. Prime minister Edouard Philippe, who was loved by 60 % … Read More
My first movie, my first museum, my first restaurant …
The first day restaurants opened I went out for lunch and dinner and I already have an overdose of mediocre food, noisy neighbors and drafts. Our confinement dinners were so cozy and perfectly planned! Thank God, movie theaters are reopening and some music events like the 40 th piano festival at La Roque d’Anthéron in August and Sir William Christie‘s … Read More
Deconfinement, Edouard Philippe, Emmanuel Kasarérhou and John Neumeier
Why would Prime Minister Edouard Philippe have breakfast at café Ballu, a few blocks from his apartment, if not for political reasons? We are getting ready to vote again for the municipals on June 28, and this young woman seen from the back could be 46 year old Delphine Bürkli, who is standing for reelection as mayor of the 9 … Read More
The lockdown is over, so what’s new?
More dogwood pictures are being sent to me, I realize how ignorant I was about their growing presence in France! I am told there is even one in the Jardins du Luxembourg next to the Statue of Liberty… And since it is the full season, don’t miss them, the gardens of Paris have just reopened. The saddest news of the … Read More
The day and the week after… “deconfinement”
The minute I stepped outside my house without an “Attestation de déplacement provisoire ” (authorization to walk on the street…) on May 12 th, I found new wonderful events taking place in the area. On place de la Madeleine, Mettez, the Austrian hunting shop, opened new luxurious premises which reminded me of the first Ralph Lauren shops on Madison Avenue, … Read More
“Deconfinement” and new habits
After Germany and Italy, and 55 days later, France is “deconfining” this week and this means that we better stay home, not use the public transports, not send our children to school, and shop shop shop so as to restore the economy. A friend of mine, a great art historian, who’s never stepped foot in her kitchen, bought a Magimix … Read More