Tag: Provence

Uncategorized

Décontracté at Chateau de Pibarnon: a visual report

Yesterday we spent a relaxing day at one of the most prestigious vineyards in Provence: Chateau de Pibarnon. Listen to the previous sentence in French, just below, and don't miss the entire post and photos. First, today's word: "décontracté" relaxed, calm, serene Click the following link to listen to the French sentence (English version above) Hier nous avons passé une journée décontractée dans un des … Continue reading Décontracté at Chateau de Pibarnon: a visual report

Kristin Espinasse17 Comments
Recette / Recipe

Tarte Tomate : that seasonal French recipe you love and have been asking for!

I know this tomato picture is crooked. Just tilt your head and carry on. A good recipe awaits you! TODAY'S WORD: cocher (ko-shay) verb   : to check off, to tick (off); to score cocher la bonne réponse = to check the correct answer A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse (Note: The following story was written in the fall of 2007.) The … Continue reading Tarte Tomate : that seasonal French recipe you love and have been asking for!

Kristin Espinasse32 Comments
Health

Can you drink tap water in France? Readers comment about water safety, share tips, warnings

France boasts an abundant supply of water. But can you drink from the tap? Is it potable, or drinkable? Just where does tap water come from and, more importantly, What is in it? TODAY'S WORD: l'eau du robinet     : tap water ECOUTEZ/Listen to Jean-Marc read the following sentence:Download MP3 or Download Wav Eau du robinet. Peut-on boire l'eau du robinet en France?Tap water. Can we … Continue reading Can you drink tap water in France? Readers comment about water safety, share tips, warnings

Kristin Espinasse78 Comments
Uncategorized

Tirer sa reverence & Jean-Marc’s quiet tribute

Jean-Marc, watering 5,600 baby vines by hand. When I posted this picture on my Facebook, Jeanne Asakura wrote: Such a peaceful scene. There’s a reverence about it as well. Jeanne, your words couldn’t be more true. Read on in today’s story… Tirer sa révérence     : to go, to pass away     Beautifully renovated and decorated home in the Luberon. 4 bedrooms and a study … Continue reading Tirer sa reverence & Jean-Marc’s quiet tribute

Kristin Espinasse55 Comments
Plants

Doux: mild, temperate, sweet in French

Jouer à cache-cache means to play hide-n-seek. This was a favorite game of Smokey's when he was one-years-old (pictured), though his hiding places were a bit obvious. Now, at 4, he likes the classics: a good ol' game of catch is fine by him.  doux (do)     : mild, temperate; sweet, pleasant; soft; lenient Doux also refers to a gentle person–or how about a … Continue reading Doux: mild, temperate, sweet in French

Kristin Espinasse88 Comments
La Soupe au Pistou

bonne lecture + a newly-released memoir that will satisfy your hunger for France (and maybe even andouillette)

Today's story and photos are by Ann Mah, whose Paris memoir is out now! If you love France, language, and food, you will appreciate Mastering the Art of French Eating! Wishing you 'bonne lecture.' bonne lecture (bown-leh-ktewr)     : happy reading, enjoy the story or article or paper Audio File/Example Sentance: Download MP3 or Wav file En vous souhaitant bonne lecture.Wishing you happy reading.Exercises in French Phonics - read … Continue reading bonne lecture + a newly-released memoir that will satisfy your hunger for France (and maybe even andouillette)

Kristin Espinasse32 Comments
Fashion, French Destinations, Recycling, sustainability

How to say zipper + recycle or repair your shoes! + Comps-sur-Artuby

A cobbled path leading to church in the village of Comps-sur-Arturby. More photos at the end of this edition. Today we are talking about repairing or recycling clothing. Please join the discussion, sharing your experience and ideas for staying stylishly up-to-date–while minding ecology and the economy. Provence Villa Rental Luberon luxury home; 4 bedrooms, 5 baths; gourmet kitchen, covered terrace & pool. Views of Roussillon. Click here.   … Continue reading How to say zipper + recycle or repair your shoes! + Comps-sur-Artuby

Kristin Espinasse58 Comments
Renovation

How to say “to fall for it” in French? + the charming “door curtain” (photos)

If you thought the previous story was a bit fishy… it was! (Photo of the fishmonger’s taken in Brignoles.) Today’s word, an expression, really, comes from a comment following Monday’s post. Claudette Kunsay writes: Oh! Kristin, je suis tombée dans le panneau comme bcp d’autres !!! Et j’étais si fâchée contre ces hommes de loi!!! Je trouvais la situation ridicule mais, tout est possible. Oh, Kristin, … Continue reading How to say “to fall for it” in French? + the charming “door curtain” (photos)

Kristin Espinasse48 Comments
Birthdays, Heidi, Mailboxes

mailbox in French + mailbox photos!

One of the dumbest things about moving to France is leaving your sister behind. Today, mine celebrates a birthday and I won't be there to take her picture as she blows out her candles. But with any luck she'll have received the funny postcard I sent which brings me to the theme of today's missive: mailboxes! la boîte à lettres (bwat-ah-letr)     : mailbox, … Continue reading mailbox in French + mailbox photos!

Kristin Espinasse138 Comments
Heidi

La soeur – sister in French

My beautiful sister, and Mom's first-born, Heidi (right). Our mom, Jules, painted the quail and my mother-in-law, Michèle-France, gave me the owl (next to the rosary and the purse). Voilà… just another family photo. Do you sniff homesickness?  127 Things to do in Paris! Thanks for continuing to share your excellent tips on where to go and what to see in France's most beloved city. Click … Continue reading La soeur – sister in French

Kristin Espinasse66 Comments