Summer 2022

Bienvenue to the 16^th 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.