les chaussettes de l'Archiduchesse

Do not be fooled by the pretty blossom. It may be spring, but in Edinburgh today, it might as well be autumn, going on winter. Yes, more weather related complaints from me. Fear not, help is at hand, in the shape of warm layers, gloves, a scarf, hat and that all important pair of warm socks. I first heard about Archiduchesse chaussettes last week, whilst watching the lunchtime news on France 3. I only caught the latter part of the report, but having since done a bit of research, gather that their socks were recently ripped off by a company in China. Counterfeit versions of their beloved made in France socks were doing the rounds on the net. The bone fide site and blog is here, where socks in 4 different varieties and children's tights can be found; all colours of the rainbow are well represented. The owners tell the tale that when starting out with their sock venture, their goal was to produce socks to match their Converse. Nice USP. Mine are to match my photo.

All sock images are via archiduchesse.com

Golden Hook

All images via goldenhook.fr

I thought some shoehorning might be required to squeeze this into spring, but none needed. This is another post about knitting. Some may at this point think I have lost the plot, having just mentioned the +25 degree temperatures we were experiencing in the south of France a couple of days ago, but we have returned to Edinburgh. People, the weather here is a bit, well, rubbish. I have lost 20 degrees in 3 days, am wrapped in a few woollen layers and have been cold all day. So, I am telling you about this website I have just discovered. Those not in current need of knitted comfort, please store the info away for a time when you are feeling chilly and fancy some new knitwear. The Golden Hook are a brigade of self-proclaimed, talented knitting grannies, who will create your chosen item for you, in your selected colour scheme, from the Golden Hook catalogue. Childrenswear is to feature in the range, soon. If like me you are a fan of the home-knit, but quickly lose interest lack talent generally make a complete mess of it (when it comes to knitting), give these people a try.

allez

All images via storerolandgarros.com

I caught the start of Andy Murray in Monte Carlo, yesterday, which reminded me that my favourite tennis season is about to begin. Roland Garros kicks off in May, with its entertaining France 2 coverage and trademark close-ups of random details in the crowd. Closely followed by Wimbledon. If like me, you are not getting to go to either tournament this year, cheer yourself up by having a look at the rather good Roland Garros boutique online.

Musée PAB

Today, I am delighted and slightly ashamed, in equal measure. This afternoon was really lovely and we discovered a gem: the Musée Bibliothèque Pierre André Benoit (PAB), in Alès. This town in the Gard is minutes away from the house that once belonged to my grandparents and I have been coming here all of my life. I had however never been to the musée PAB, until today. This centre for modern and contemporary art is an absolute delight. In the grounds of the museum is a fragrant rose garden, as well as enormous peonies coming into bloom and a range of installations dotted around the place. We were lucky enough to drop by during a great photography exhibition, 'Monstres Sacrès du Cinema', about which a short documentary in French can be seen here. Large black and white photographs by Xavier Lambours of cinema greats throughout the years. The permanent collection is  also terrific and worth a visit alone, with works including those by Braque, Hugo, Picabia, Picasso and my favourites being the land art, with several pieces by Ian Hamilton Findlay and many more. I made several purchases, too, in their well stocked little museum shop. Beautifully produced catalogues and publications and many limited edition pieces are all for sale. There is no website at present, but contact details and current exhibitions can be found online. If you happen to ever pass by Alès, you really should go.

gentil coquelicot

Vibrant and beautiful poppies have just started appearing and are currently lining the country roadsides, here in the Gard. As if to mark the occasion, agnès b has just added this cheery skirt to her summer 2012 line for girls. Coquelicot: surely up there as one of the loveliest words in the French language.

Image via agnesb.fr

bleu de chauffe

Oh no, I am liking everything about Bleu de Chauffe. Really nice website alert: selling lovely bags, great back-story (Bleu de Chauffe is the blue workwear jacket that the steam train conductors wore when heating the water and making the pressure rise, but also the name still used today for workwear worn by French manual workers), photography that looks oh so French and it is all made in France. With each item individually branded on the inside you are owning not only beautiful craftsmanship, but a unique piece. Drawing inspiration from a vintage postman's bag or an electrician's holdall from the 50s and 60s, this eco-friendly company uses only plant based dyes and has a low carbon footprint. Fabrication Française at its very best.

All images via bleu-de-chauffe.com

an Easter break

Ahhh, now that's better. We escaped the latest dodgy Edinburgh weather almost a week ago. Nipping across the Channel last weekend, we were just in time to hunt for eggs in the sunny garden and eat our chocolate in the peace and quiet of the Languedoc-Roussillon countryside. It has been a mixed bag weather-wise, but generally warmer than Scotland and all happy to be enjoying proper family time in our French home-from-home. The media is all over the upcoming presidential election, now days away. Good to be here at this time. Highlights of our stay so far have included the following:

- +25 degree temperatures;
- a trip to Intermarché to check out the cheese counter;
- an electrical storm at night;
- a Vacherin (the dessert, not the cheese);
- enjoying our apéritif on the terrace (Panaché , Apéricube and Crackers Belin);
- a miel and pelardon pizza from the pizza van;
- le Grand and Petit Journal on Canal +.

Simple pleasures.

return of the mitts

Goodbye blue sky, hello grey. Bye bye sunshine, hiya snow. Off go the sandals, on with the down. This has been the fastest and most dramatic weather turnaround I think I have ever seen. My watch tan line from what, all of 4 days ago, is making me think that the K Jacques St Tropez were all a dream and I had actually been in about the St Tropez tan. Scenes above are ones of Edinburgh, yesterday (today is much the same). Large balls of hail, snow, battering wind and a two and a half hour power cut. There was much watching of this little guy, Didou, below.

You Tube: Didou dessine moi un cheval