MFCH is a luxurious bi-monthly publication which features the greatest elements of French life. Join us as we explore lush gardens, bustling brocantes, the elegance of baking from scratch, and living simply but well. Our pages will transport you not only to the glamour of Paris, but to the sweeping lavender fields of Provence and the rolling hills of Normandy.
Editor’s Letter
Contributors
Paris in the Snow • The most fleeting moments are often the most magical, precisely because of their brevity. It doesn’t snow often in Paris, but when it does, it feels as though time pauses.
QUOI DE neuf ? * • What caught our eye this month
Persistence and Polish • Following a complex, four-year restoration, this 500-year-old property near Uzès has reemerged as a stunning guesthouse where the warmth of an English cottage meets the sophistication of French design.
Get The Look • Step inside Maison Frédéric’s cozy French cottage interior: a refined play of intricate florals, tailored gingham, antique artworks and generously upholstered furniture. A sophisticated take on rustic living.
The Box MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME
Les Étrangères Julia Child • Mastering the Art of French Cooking, first published in 1961, is far more than a classic cookbook. It is an extraordinary guide that details the exceptional journey of an American Francophile who showed us how we, too, could learn how to authentically create delicious and authentic French meals.
Chestnut Crush • The chestnut —la châtaigne — has long been a staple of French country cooking, its soft sweetness and earthy richness lending quiet depth to savory dishes and desserts alike. Once a humble staple, now a seasonal treasure, it’s a welcome reminder that the most satisfying pleasures are often the simplest.
Suspended Sanctuary • Of the many stunning sights in the Dordogne region, few capture the imagination like the Jardins de Marqueyssac. Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the river valley, this 19th century estate combines romantic charm, sweeping views and meticulous horticulture.
Timeless Gleam • A decade ago, Odile Casset de La Chesneraie left a successful career in fashion and costume design to take over a historic Parisian silversmith, Maison Lapparra. With no prior training in metalwork, she revived the brand, blending centuries-old techniques with playful, practical design to create timeless tableware with a distinctive French touch.
Windows of Wonder • With their glowing lights, whimsical characters and ever-changing themes, the seasonal shop windows of Paris are more than festive décor — they are an established cultural ritual.
Once Upon a Time • In the heart of Burgundy, the 15th century Château de Montagnerot exudes rustic charm and timeless elegance. Once a fortified farmhouse, today it serves as a chic country retreat, rich in history and cloaked in classic French country style.
Festive Flavors • Christmas in France is as much about tradition as it is about indulgence: an array of delicate starters to awaken the palate, a golden poultry roast at the center of the table and a sweet, aromatic finale that feels both homey and festive.
the MFCH Holiday Gift Guide • Ho-ho … oh là là! There’s nothing better than ringing in the holiday season with presents picked out by Père Noël (with a little help from the MFCH Editorial Team). Treat your friends, family and loved ones to thoughtful gifts from sought-after French brands this year. Our annual Holiday Gift Guide includes a curated selection of the best French items for the special people, kids and fur babies in your life.
La Bohème • A muse to artists and haven to iconoclasts and revolutionaries, Montmartre has long been the most bohemian quarter of Paris. Perched on its famously steep hill, with ivy-clad...