My French Country Home

MFCH is a luxurious bi-monthly publication which features the greatest elements of French life. Join us as we explore lush gardens, bustling brocantes, the elegance of baking from scratch, and living simply but well. Our pages will transport you not only to the glamour of Paris, but to the sweeping lavender fields of Provence and the rolling hills of Normandy.

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTRIBUTORS • We are delighted to have the following talented writers, photographers and artists contribute to this issue.

Layers of Love • In one lofty corner of France, a sweet and humble onion has become the region’s unexpected savior

Quoi de Neuf ?* • * What’s new ?

Among the Pines • Tucked within lush greenery on the serene Cap Ferret peninsula near Bordeaux, this newly renovated wooden home reflects a designer’s deft touch — balancing seaside charm with lively splashes of color. Behind its modest exterior lies a warm, intimate retreat, shaped by family history and a deep sense of belonging.

Coastal Color • Recreate the warm, coastal feel of Marie Uzeel’s family home in Cap Ferret with wicker, airy textiles and splashes of color.

Enduring Essentials • In Salon-de-Provence, where light-filled walls hold centuries of history, one factory has been solidly preserving an age-old craft for over a century: traditional Marseille soap. At Marius Fabre, time moves slowly, techniques are passed down and raw materials become something more enduring.

The Art of the Pique‑nique • A basket, a blanket, an indulgent spread of cheeses and charcuterie — these are the basic ingredients for a simple, splendid ritual beloved by French and foreigners alike.

Picnic Party • When the sun finally coaxes everyone outdoors, the best thing to do is pack a basket and find a patch of shade. These recipes are built for relaxed, convivial eating where the food is as good cold as it is fresh from the oven. Every dish is designed to travel well and look beautiful on a blanket spread in the grass. Just add a cold glass of rosé and you're set!

Bon Voyage… Biarritz Edition • Notes from the MFCH address book

Whispers of Water • On Brittany’s northern coast, the medieval fortress of La Roche-Jagu presides over a remarkable park, reborn from a deadly cyclone that struck the region nearly 40 years ago. Today they are a mecca for admirers of creative garden design.

Southern Source • There are people who collect objects, and then there are people who truly understand them. Maryse Bérard, a brocanteuse in the sun-drenched village of Roussillon, stands apart.

Drawn from the Archives • Buried in the reserves of France’s National Archives, a set of aerial drawings of the Marly Gardens — created at the end of Louis XIV’s reign and rarely seen since — have spent centuries out of sight. Maison Pierre Frey’s latest collection has given them new life.

Provençal Proportions • Two young architects reimagined a traditional Provençal bastide to suit contemporary family living while preserving its southern soul. The result balances restoration and expansion, opening the interiors to light and creating fluid, welcoming spaces that connect seamlessly with the surrounding landscapes.

Our Picks from the MFCH Boutique • Craft a perfect outdoor dining setup with French tableware, cutlery and condiments from the MFCH Boutique!

Savoring Summer • Mélanie Masarin is a culinary enthusiast and entrepreneur with roots in the south of France. Here she shares with us selected recipes from her vibrant new cookbook, Riviera: Recipes from the Coast of France and Italy, which celebrates bold Mediterranean flavors and unfussy techniques. Mélanie’s creations translate sun‑drenched dishes into approachable meals, perfect for effortless summer entertaining.

Eden by the Sea • It takes...