The herb trolley is on its way, Madame

You know that you’re in good hands in a restaurant when the head waiter tells you that the staff had a meeting before you arrived to discuss whether they thought your table would be large enough or not. We were a party of nine, celebrating a birthday in the Michelin-starred Le Chantecler in Nice, and… Continue reading The herb trolley is on its way, Madame

Paris with the YouTube generation

Last week I took my goddaughter to Paris for a few days as a 21st birthday treat and it was refreshing to see it through the eyes – and screens – of a new generation. It’s no longer the rose-tinted city of Amélie Poulain, one of my all time favourite French films. Emily in Paris… Continue reading Paris with the YouTube generation

Matisse, the cactus and the chasubles

What inspires a lifelong atheist to turn to religion in his 77th year? It could very well be a fear of impending death, but in Matisse’s case it was entirely due to a pretty young woman. In 1941, when Matisse was based in Nice, he had an operation and advertised locally for a ‘young and… Continue reading Matisse, the cactus and the chasubles

Admiring the rubbish bins on the French Riviera

You know you’re in a classy place when they have bespoke rubbish bins. When we arrived in Eze on the first leg of our garden tour of the Côte d’Azur, it was no surprise to find a series of very tasteful designer bins, showcasing the highlights of the village. Apart from the bins, Eze is… Continue reading Admiring the rubbish bins on the French Riviera