Madame Lucienne Frey: How to be ageless
August 30, 2022
Good genes, a positive attitude, and a formidable streak of independence – Madame Lucienne Frey offered the mayor and cardiologist alike these essentials for a long and beautiful life. To round out this season’s tête-à-têtes with people in Antibes, French Lessons celebrates the grande dame’s life and her enduring wisdom.
continue readingYoko the Poodle: The Trials of a Lady’s Dog
August 13, 2022
When our poodle’s teddy-bear cut began to wilt in the Côte d’Azur sun, we searched for a salon de toilettage offering a bit of necessary, canine pampering. But as Yoko’s human relishes the vision of walking a fluffy dog in Antibes’ streets, the pooch herself tries to scupper the dream.
continue readingJudy: Life behind Antibes’ Dreamiest Vrbo Rental
July 29, 2022
Judy never considered herself a Francophile. The American who found herself in Antibes by chance has turned a bleak situation into a blossoming one. She and husband Jonathan now host Place of Dreams, a best-loved Vrbo rental, where she welcomes the world and magics up their dreams.
continue readingL’encadreuse de fersen: the art of the frame
July 14, 2022
When a precious sketch, mottled and sullied with time, recently came into my hands, I knew just who to call. Caroline, known in Antibes as “l’encadreuse de Fersen,” could turn a forgotten relic into a masterpiece. She also teaches me, for a second time, about authentic, French ways.
continue readingChristelle of Antibes: The World from a Taxi
July 2, 2022
Bienvenue to the 16th season of French Lessons! This summer we answer readers’ requests to “meet” the people who populate our lives in Antibes. We test drive the new series with the fabulous Christelle in her red taxi – from a Présidential tête-à-tête to a dash of Stephen Colbert.
continue readingFRENCH IMMERSION IN ANTIBES: A TEEN’S EVOLUTION
August 27, 2021
As French Lessons bids readers au revoir from its 2021 edition, we review Lolo’s choice to immerse herself in real French life over the summer. Certainly our teen found the option more palatable than the alternative, an online French class, but with what results?
continue readingWhy is the Riviera razing its beach restaurants?
August 15, 2021
The Côte d’Azur has been bulldozing its beach restaurants. The demolition began a few years ago, wiping out celebrated haunts and their too-permanent installations. The image is shocking – but as ever, this coin has two sides. As the upheaval moves closer to home, French Lessons tries to understand.
continue readingDomotique: Small firms light up French life
August 1, 2021
Returning home from dinner late one night, French Lessons found our home worryingly dark. Somehow Bellevue’s electricity had been cut. An improvised gadget, a can-do spirit, and neighbourly ties eradicate our latest gremlin and cast light on the ongoing dilemma of local business owners.
continue readingLuck in Antibes: It’s not for the birds
July 22, 2021
When Philippe got plastered by a well-fortified seagull, we laughed over his dumb luck. After Lolo’s and my near-misses – and a couple four-leaf clovers in the garden – we wondered: Did these things mean bonne chance in France? And why did we need so much of it? We soon found out.
continue readingRebonjour: From my eclectic pandemic muse
July 11, 2021
We’re late, we’re late, for a very important date! The date? The first edition of French Lessons, version 2021, of course. We’re excités to say rebonjour – and have a good excuse for our tardiness: an all-consuming, slow-burn, pandemic passion.
continue readingLESSONS FROM A PADDLEBOARD: The Riviera’s 2020 Season
August 25, 2020
Gliding over Antibes’ bay on a paddleboard, French Lessons sizes up the unusual 2020 season. The pandemic may have deflated the Côte d’Azur’s legendary froth, but in these waters the spectacular and the princely still mingle among simple pleasures and a renewal of humanity.
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Chez Mirazur: French Gastronomie with a teen
August 13, 2020
Once we’d confirmed our flight to the Côte d’Azur this strange summer, our next call was to Mirazur. Miraculously – at least by last season’s standards – the world’s #1 restaurant had space. Two adults, and a teenager, pull up chairs at a celebrated table.
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