Friday, May 23, 2014

Small Pleasures



When I want a special treat, I head to the Cafe Errel in Perigueux, about 30 minutes from my home in France.  It is there that I have a cup of the most delicious Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.  If you know it, you will probably agree to its deliciousness, if you don't please try it as it is so special.  I love coffee but can't stand the bitterness, this coffee does not have it.

Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is a classification of coffee grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. The best lots of Blue Mountain coffee are noted for their mild flavour and lack of bitterness. Over the last several decades, this coffee has developed a reputation that has made it one of the most expensive and sought-after coffees in the world. Over 80% of all Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is exported to Japan.[1] In addition to its use for brewed coffee, the beans are the flavour base of Tia Maria coffee liqueur.



Click here for the Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee beans


For those of you with Keurig coffee machines, they now make Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee for your machine.




 Click here for Keurig Blue Mountain Coffee Pods

I think you will love it.

In addition to this coffee the Errel cafe specialises in the best of the best.  I also love their Kusmi Tea.

They have many varieties but this is the one that caught my eye so I bought it today.  I came home and tried it and can truly say it is absolutely delicious and full of exotic spices. 



Click here for the delicious tea bags

It is a smooth and spicy blend of black China tea, liquorice roots, spices, guarana seed and pink pepper
Ginseng and guarana bring you energy and vitality, spices aid digestion, liquorice delivers a smooth taste.

It's the little things that count and find what pleases you and indulge.

Until next time.

A Bientôt

Audrey







Monday, May 19, 2014

A Beautiful Day In Brantome France the Perigord


When I want to experience a beautiful day in the French countryside I frequently go to the village of Brantome, about 30 minutes from my home in the Perigord.

It is a real living village with the beautiful Abbye, lots of shopping, restaurants and gorgeous views.

We went this morning and it was very hot but with my camera in tow and a hat on my head, I enjoyed every moment.


There is a beautiful house on the river that I adore.



We stopped for lunch on the terrace of the lovely Relais and Chateaux Hotel Le Moulin De L'Abbye and had a gorgeous meal.



 photo by tripadvisor.com

I love shopping at this antique linen shop in a cave on the main walking street.


Don't forget to bring the essentials, like a great tote to carry all your new treasures in.

French market tote

Darling Ann Taylor straw hat



Come to the Dordogne and enjoy all the beauty it has to offer, you won't be sorry. There is so much more to La France than Paris, Provence and the Cote D'Azur though I love all of them too.

A Bientôt

Audrey

Monday, May 5, 2014

From France with love


Another day, another market.  That's what we do in country France almost every weekend.

I am frequently asked what I do in La Tour Blanche so I thought I would just mention a couple of the things that fill my days.  

This market was in Aix en Provence a simply beautiful place to be.


There is nothing like the open air food markets where you can get local produce all spring and summer long.



The roses are in bloom in my garden and though I don't really do much gardening, thanks to my gardener I have the most beautiful roses ever.


Nothing is better than inviting friends over for lemonade and little cakes.  

We do a lot of entertaining in rural France.  Going to a friends home and having friends come to your home is how we spend many evenings here.

So we shop, we eat and we travel.  Not too different from what I do when I am in the US.

I have two web sites that keep me busy.  There are some different things on each of them. On www.frenchvintagehome.com  I can put new French items while on Etsy it is only vintage.

Thanks to all of you who follow French Vintage Home, I am thrilled and excited to see the number of you who have signed on to get my blog and newsletter.

Natural washed linen tote


The Flea markets of France


A visit to a flea market can be the highlight of a trip to France: a lively encounter with everyday French culture, an exciting way to spend a few hours, and a chance to pick up a unique souvenir or add to a collection. The Flea Markets of France is the indispensable tool for getting the most out of your visit. 

I hope you come to visit.

A Bientôt

Audrey