THE BEGINNING
January. And all that comes with it
January. The time of rest, new beginnings, new goals or, for some, just a continuation of life as it stood. For me, specifically in the middle of the month, after Epiphany and a good dose of galettes des rois eaten, there comes a touch of sadness as we take off the ornaments from the tree, neatly packing them in boxes to be unpacked after 11 months. The joy of celebrations with the gay happy meetings as sung in songs is gone, too. But then, with the crispier mornings and more sun arriving in Lyon, that sadness vanishes, and the joy of Chinese New Year comes with it. It is a strange part of the year when some take the well-deserved break from wine, some believe that their fitness schedule so dense this month will rest in the same manner all year, and some believe that they will be able to munch on those healthy foods like never before. What happens after is unknown, yet no one can deny that there is nothing like the excitement of those first weeks of the year.
Make
That dream come true
Have you ever read a book, seen in a movie, or seen on social media how someone sets the most adorable and divine French dinner table? How can someone whip up the most incredible French dishes with such ease that it is almost unbelievable, not only during festive seasons but all year long? Have you ever tried a light and airy chocolate or berry tart, wondering how the pastry can be so incredible, the same as admiring every bite of the salad someone has made for you? And then biting into that piece of succulent chicken, wishing you could make that. And have you ever dreamt of being in a place you have seen in a movie, wishing you could be one of those people eating on the terrace of that stunningly renovated French house, drinking wine, eating and laughing? I have good news for you. All of that and even more you will experience here in La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure, all you need is to book your place to make your dream come true. Discover and book
Travel
On the banks of the Charente River
Five days were not enough. Not here. The tranquility of this place begs you to stay longer. Life stops here. It has a slower pace, as if there was no other world around you. It freezes time, time so precious to us. We left, but the moment we got into the car, I booked this place for the following summer. For a much longer time because there's no other way with a place like this. Discover and book
RECIPES
From simple appetisers and dinner dishes to easy-to-make cookies, tarts and more laborious cakes. But, mostly, all French and seasonal. Visit
HOME
From essentials like the softest and best-made duvets and cleaning materials to scents, candles, interior design accessories and all that makes your home the best place to live in. Visit
Drinks
One can pretend that a meal without wine is the best. But one can also be honest and say that it lacks that excitement of discovery. Some may say that coffee is the worst thing ever, exchanging it for tea or a chai latte, while others say that one cup of coffee is such a pleasure that it even times stops. And there is no right or wrong, as long as the product you use is made with respect, love and, preferably, a sustainable approach. Visit
BEAUTY
No matter the beauty rituals we have, we do have some. Some get by with a simple wash with soap. Some need four different products. Some crave an SPA visit every day, and some do not wish for anything annoying to their perfect, natural skin. I like to have a bit of everything, yet, as long as it is natural, clean and makes my mind and body happy. Visit
My latest recipes
Featured
EVENT
Cooking weekend in Burgundy
The evening of our "last meal", I sent one of them a message asking how they enjoyed the restaurant in Paris that evening when I received a reply that they did not go, as they were so full from the weekend that there was going to be no food for a week now. I took it as a compliment, as we ate and drank a lot that weekend in Burgundy. And many of us - walked as well.
