Bonkers about Brocantes

The reason I like to drive to France is because I hate to fly. The reason my husband likes to drive to France is so he can pile the car high with wine from the local vineyard (the most delicious blush rose you’ve ever tasted) and all kinds of “tat” from the flea markets and brocantes which litter the Gard. The first thing we do when we arrive is make a calendar of all the local markets and stick it to the fridge – this maps out our holiday and if he misses a single one, then on my head be it. There’s a website called Vide Greniers which lists them all by type and region and at this time of year, thank goodness, they are quite literally everywhere.

He’s gone to Nimes this morning. Yesterday it was Uzes and Anduze. We went en famille to the one in Uzes as I’m quite partial to a market bargain too and in past years, we’ve found some pretty good stuff from this one in particular. We generally like the same kinds of things which helps the hunt and are quite good at spotting objects that the other will like too. I tend to go for lovely old crockery, interesting things for the kitchen and linen and fabrics. He goes for an eclectic mix of kitsch needlepoints (don’t ask), vintage enamel and tin pots and interesting old tools, swords and tractor grills. So you can see, we come away with quite a bundle of stuff we don’t really need but with which it was love at first sight.

I bagged the best bargain yesterday, in fact it could just be the find of the holiday. A fabulous wooden board or “planche” about 5 cm thick and used to perfection. After trying to haggle my way down from 12 to 10 euros, I realised the seller was in fact saying “deux” – “are you mad???” I wanted to shriek, but didn’t. I quietly handed him the 2 little coins and tucked it under my arm and walked away, rather quickly and, no doubt, looking a little smug. Here’s a picture of it in full use earlier today. Isn’t it lovely.

So, as I write this, who knows what treasures he’ll come back with but lets just hope it isn’t another bloody needlepoint of Johnny Halliday on a Harley.

Fonvielle Bleu Part Deux

So many blues so little time.

Absolutely Nothing To Write Home About – Fonvielle Bleu

I can’t stop thinking about the wonderful Little Brown Pen blog I wrote about a few days ago. The Paris Colour Project have had quite an effect on me and so I dedicate this post to them. I only wish my photographic skills were half as good.

We’re currently in the South of France. At my father in law’s house near the wonderful town of Albi. The house is called Fonvielle and is set in a valley surrounded by fields. It’s beautiful and quiet and teaming with nature, all of which is being somewhat disturbed by our children.

My father in law, an artist, loves blue. All shades. There is blue everywhere you look, inside and out. From the painted shutters to the bathroom tiles and even the perfect hand made playhouse….blue on the outside, pink on the inside to keep all the grandchildren happy! So I thought I’d share some french blues through a few afternoon pictures, taken when all is quiet.

The big blue egg contains a baby dinosaur, says my 3 year old, just in case you were wondering.

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Absolutely Nothing To Write Home About – Le Clos De La Prairie

The ability to both eat and enjoy a five course dinner accompanied by two children under the age of 3, is somewhat of a rarity but I can happily tell you that I’ve found somewhere you can do just that.
We’re on our family holiday to France. Something we do every year and something we look forward to more and more now that the boys are becoming real people – if you know what I mean. We like to drive. All the way from Oxfordshire to the South of France. Well I say we, what I really mean is I like to drive as I hate to fly. Will do anything in my power to avoid it. So off we go, car laden with more clothes and belongings than I ever realised we owned, through the tunnel (not my favourite part) et voila, France. With 2 little ones in tow, you have no choice but to break up the journey and after the traditional numerous stop offs in London to off load things like the dog and pick up things like forgotten Mac chargers, we were never going to make it much past Calais. Where to stay always provides us with a bone of contention. I just want the children to sleep so that I can sleep and my husband wants to drink a bottle of rose, enjoy a fabulous meal and then go to sleep. These things rarely go in tandem – until NOW!
Le Clos De La Prairie is the most wonderful hotel and restaurant about an hour from Calais in the small village of Gouy Saint André. It has been open as a restaurant for the past 6 or so years and more recently added an 8 bedroom “hotel” wing which could not be a more perfect addition in a more idyllic setting. The architecture in this part of France shows itself through low long barn like buildings of which Le Clos has 4, one used as the owners’ home, another which forms the restaurant and kitchens, a more modern version which houses the accommodation and finally a beautiful old stable building decorated with pink hydrangeas. It’s a little bit like Daylesford but without the pretension.
The rooms have been done both tastefully and cleverly. Farrow and Ball grey covers the walls, mushroom linen tied with white muslin hang the length of the floor to ceiling windows and crisp white bed linen is softened with french eiderdowns and cushions. It’s exactly what you would hope to find with everything you need. The bathroom was big and modern and beautifully finished with an open, stone tiled shower and lots of towels – very important I’m sure you’ll agree.

We stayed in the family room – a long room with the bathroom in the middle and double bed with french windows at one end, plus cot for the little one, and a single child’s bed at the other end. Far enough away to feel spacious but not too far to feel separated.  It was the first time my not quite 3 year old has slept in a bed and probably one of the best night’s sleep he’s ever had.
So, on to the main event which was dinner. We chose to sit outside – the smart choice when dining with children – and had the garden and terrace to ourselves for the entire evening, the other diners opting to eat in the restaurant. Perhaps the sight of two small boys put them off the alfresco option, who knows. I’m not going to write about each course crumb by crumb, I’m not a critic and it will just end up being long winded and dull. I’ll let a few photographs speak for themselves.

Needless to say it was one of the most enjoyable dinners we’ve had since becoming parents and we went to sleep very happy indeed. Where else can you enjoy crab and langoustines whilst being entertained by your one year old with a bread basket on his head, your 3 year old picking daisies and all in the company of the hotel family dog wearing nothing but a baby grow.

Absolutely Nothing To Write Home About – radio silence

After 2 whole days of radio silence we’re back. Well almost.

For now here’s a round up of yet another wonderful week doing Absolutely Nothing….

Lots more to come.

Absolutely Nothing To Eat – Hoxton Burgers

Absolutely Nothing To Dance To – Electric Dreams

Absolutely Nothing To Read – Little Brown Pen

Absolutely Nothing To Wear – Tallulah and Hope Summer Sale

Absolutely Nothing To Wear – Fashion Confusion and the Maxi Dress

Absolutely Nothing To Watch – Californication

Absolutely Worth Smiling About – In Appreciation Of Pink Peonies

Absolutely Nothing To Smile About – Peonies