What makes shopping in Paris special is its specialty stores. Sure it has wonderful markets, well-stocked supermarkets, and elegant department stores with fabulous food halls, but the best produce is always to be found at the shops that specialise in a particular produce. But we still need to buy the essentials so below is a Paris … Read more
Spring has arrived in Paris and with it the celebration of the spring vegetables and fruit that define the season far more reliably than the weather. While the sky might still change from beautiful, crisp and clear in the morning to offering a drizzle in the afternoon, the sight of plump, wildly red strawberries, bright … Read more
The charismatic location of our latest home away from home in Paris is in Montmartre-Pigalle, in Paris’ 18th arrondissement. It’s a captivating area that, with its population of artists, bohemians and travellers, little old ladies and ladies of the night, simultaneously manages to be charming and cool, gritty and vulgar. And that’s why it’s such … Read more
Céret’s scenic Saturday markets are one of the highlights of a visit to the French Catalan village – people come from far and wide to browse the markets – and as our last weekend in Céret was the first time the place had really experienced fine spring weather, the whole village was simply buzzing. We … Read more
This classic Toulouse cassoulet recipe makes a hearty stew of haricot beans, pork, sausages, and duck confit, one of countless versions of cassoulet. I made this in Ceret in Southern France, including making it one evening for a Toulouse-born local we invited for dinner. Although I almost didn’t pull it off as the Catalan butcher … Read more