This new book by Eric Karpeles is a visual companion to Marcel Proust’s monumental twentieth century work “In Search of Lost Time,” one of the most expansive literary creations ever written. It celebrates the close relationship between the visual and literary arts in Proust’s masterpiece. Author Eric Karpeles has combined his experiences as painter and writer to create a lavishly illustrated book that illuminates the winding corridors of Proust’s labyrinthine masterpiece. Continue reading “Paintings in Proust”
Trish’s French Kitchen
The French have an enormous passion for their food… for cooking it, shopping for it and eating it. This book written by Trish Deseine, who has lived in France for 20 years, is recommended for anyone wishing to pick up a little of that passion. It explores the fabulous edible heritage of France’s countryside, where every village seems to have its speciality. With recipes like navarin, a simple delicate lamb stew perfect for a springtime lunch, to pan bagnat, the famous fishermen’s salade Nicoise sandwich, this guide from one of France’s top cookbook authors brings readers a welcome taste of France.
Corkscrewed Adventures in the New French Wine Country
Camuto’s interest in wine turned into a passion when he moved to France and began digging into local soils and cellars. Corkscrewed recounts Camuto’s journey through France’s myriad regions-and how the journey brought about a profound change in everything he believed about wine. Continue reading “Corkscrewed Adventures in the New French Wine Country”
Guinguette Auvergnate…just like a Renoir painting
The Guinguette Auvergnate — located in Villeneuve Triage—is the perfect place to take visitors to Paris, who never fail to be charmed by its friendly relaxed atmosphere, the view of the Seine from its windows framed by potted geraniums and the unpretentious cooking from the Auvergne, the home region of the patron. If they are lucky, they will see their fellow-diners waltzing to the strains of the accordion, ‘just like a Renoir painting’, as a friend once whispered to me. I have arrived as late as 3 pm and still been fed, as Sunday lunch here can last up to 5 pm. Continue reading “Guinguette Auvergnate…just like a Renoir painting”
An Hour From Paris
Is it possible to be tired of Paris? Bored with it? Amazingly, it is, and at such times one may long for a brief escape, a short trip into the countryside. To the rescue comes Annabel, a Briton long resident in Paris who has obviously felt the same uneasy stirrings, because she has compiled a very attractive assortment of little breakaways, none of which takes more than an hour to reach, and deftly compressed them into her small but very useful pocket-sized book. Continue reading “An Hour From Paris”
“The Art of Lee Miller” in Paris
Autoportrait, 1932, Lee Miller, © Lee Miller Archives, England 2008. All rights reserved. www.leemiller.co.uk
From model to muse to war photographer Lee Miller’s extraordinary life is revisited with a major retrospective at Paris’ Jeu de Paume (to January 4, 2009). This retrospective presents the many facets of the career of this remarkable 20th-century artist who was by turns a fashion and artists model, then muse of the Surrealists (companion and assistant of Man Ray) and finally photographer. The exhibition Includes vintage prints, original copies of Vogue, drawings and collages, plus a short excerpt from the Jean Cocteau film “Le Sang du Poèt” (1931) in which Lee Miller plays an important part. Continue reading ““The Art of Lee Miller” in Paris”
Buying a Home (Old) in France
In terms of the fees associated with buying a property, an ‘old’ property is one that’s over five years old that has already had at least one owner. However, the term ‘old home’ usually refers to a building that’s pre-second world war and possibly hundreds of years old and which is either in need of restoration and modernisation or has already been restored.
If you want a property with abundant charm and character, a building for renovation or conversion, outbuildings, or a large plot, you must usually buy an old property. The advantages and disadvantages of buying a new home ) apply in reverse to an old home. Many old properties purchased by foreigners in France are in need of restoration, renovation or modernisation. Continue reading “Buying a Home (Old) in France”
Buying a Home in France: Prices and Fees
Apart from obvious points such as size, quality and land area, the most important factor influencing the price of a house is its location. A restored or modernised two-bedroom house might cost €100,000 in a remote or unpopular area but sell for two or three times as much in a popular location. The closer you are to the coast (or Paris), the more expensive a property will be, with properties on the Côte d’Azur the most expensive of all. A Charente farmhouse with a barn and land costs around the same as a tiny studio apartment in Paris or on the Côte d’Azur. Continue reading “Buying a Home in France: Prices and Fees”
Buying a Home in France: Dealing With Estate Agents
Only some 50 per cent of property sales in France are handled by estate agents (agent immobilier). However, where foreign buyers are concerned, the vast majority of sales are made through agents or handled by notaires (see below). It’s common for foreigners in many countries, particularly the UK, to use an agent in their own country who works with one or more French agents. A number of French agents also advertise abroad and many have English-speaking staff (so don’t be discouraged if you don’t speak fluent French). Continue reading “Buying a Home in France: Dealing With Estate Agents”
House Hunting in France
There are many ways of finding homes for sale in France; the main methods are listed below:
– Newspapers & magazines – including the English-language publications, weekly French property newspapers such as De Particulier à Particulier, Le Journal des Particuliers, La Centrale des Particuliers and La Semaine Immobilière, national newspapers in your home country and France (if you’re looking for an expensive property), local magazines, papers and newssheets (which may have private property advertisements), property magazines published by the French estate agent chains (e.g. ORPI), and general retail publications (e.g. Daltons Weekly and Exchange & Mart in the UK); Continue reading “House Hunting in France”
Buying a Home in France…Rent First!
Once you’ve considered possible locations for your dream home in France, you must decide on the type of property that will best suit your requirements, weigh up the purchase options and assess the fees associated with buying. Continue reading “Buying a Home in France…Rent First!”