This Just In: Savon De Marseille

Just in time for the weekend, Savon de Marseille is back in stock! Fresh from the hills of Provence, these beautiful blocks of soap have been and always will be, one of our favorite soaps. It takes the Maitre de Savon (soapmaster) two weeks to make Savon de Marseille. The delicate mixture of olive oil, alkaline ash from sea plants and Mediterranean Sea salted water are heated for ten days in antique cauldrons, then poured into open pits where it hardens. Cut into cubes and stamped, the soaps are then set out to dry in the sun and mistral winds. Subtle and timeless scents like Lavender, Rose and Olive Oil make each block of soap the perfect cleansing product to have at home. And this weekend we're stocking up!

Currently Inspired: Petanque

There's no shortage of fun activities we like to participate in during the summer months. But, when the sun is shining and the air is warm, there's one game we look forward to playing above all else. Petanque first originated in 1907 in La Ciotat, in Provence, in southern France. Translated into English, Petanque means "anchored feet", as that is how one positions themselves during the game. The object of the game is to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a Jack. Two teams compete to get closest to the Jack, and the first to reach 13 points wins the game. Deceptively simple, we're always amazed by the skill required to play the game well. Despite its challenges, there's nothing more fun, nor summery, nor French then grabbing a few of our friends for a couple rounds of Petanque. See you in the park!

Petanque set available at The Paris Market and our Online Boutique!

A Table Tout Le Monde: The Provençal Life

It's finally that point in the year that we look forward to for months and months. It's that special period of time in the spring season when dining Al Fresco becomes a regular event for us. There's a narrow window of time in Savannah, just before the summer, when the weather is truly idyllic. The sun is warm, but a gentle breeze keeps you from overheating. Soon Summer will be here and unless you enjoy a side of sweat with your main course, eating outside in the intense southern heat is out of the question. Lately, we've been really hungering to lead more of the Provençal lifestyle. Home cooked meals with ingredients fresh from the market and a table full of friends, family and good wine is what we love most. And today we're ready for it! Incorporating our favorite olive wood utensils and seagrass vessels and pitchers into our latest tablescape, we're excited to take this feast outdoors! Bon Appetit!

Notes from Abroad: Provence Part 2 { Saint-Remy-de-Provence }

We pick up from where we left off two days ago. We all jump into the car together and make our way down the mountainside. Our destination is Saint-Remy-de-Provence and on our way we see nothing but the most picturesque landscapes shrouded in myst. Upon our arrival to Saint-Remy we were relieved to find the clouds had parted, allowing us to see a few glimpses of the famous Provence sunlight. The temperature was much warmer than in the mountains and immediately a stroll through town was on our minds. We navigated our way through narrow walkways that were lush with greenery until we reached the center of town. Brimming with excitement, Saint-Remy appeared to offer adventures for everyone to choose from, so we parted ways briefly, agreeing to reconvene later in the evening for a bite to eat. The sun set shortly, and our bones quickly began to feel chilled. After finding the quintessential French restaurant we agreed warming up with a glass of Rosé wine was exactly what our appetites were craving. Shortly after dinner, we decided to call it a night and get some rest for the next day. In the morning when we awoke we enjoyed an entire meal's worth of delicious croissants and coffee and began making our way to Saint-Paul de Mausole, the psychiatric center painter Vincent Van Gogh admitted himself in 1889. I've always loved Van Gogh's work and having the opportunity to see the room in which he stayed and the window he looked out only gave me a greater appreciation and understanding of him. Shortly after visiting the gardens surrounding Van Gogh's room we had to say goodbye to the Persimmon trees and make our way back to the German countryside. I'm told Provence should only be experienced in summer time and not during the winter. However, after seeing the region at "it's worst", I can say with honesty, despite the rain, cold weather and lack of sunlight, Provence is nothing but beautiful.

A bientôt,

Erik & Kelsey

Notes from Abroad: Provence pt. 1 { Hiking Sainte-Baume }

By far one of the most exciting experiences we've had abroad this year was our trip through southern France. As a family we decided to take a vacation together to Provence, a region of the country that is known for its natural beauty, exquisite light and peaceful way of life. Typically a dry and sunny area of the country, our arrival into the region was met with relentless rain, which is unusual for Provence even in winter.

When we awoke in the morning the rain had cleared, so we decided it would be a good idea to go for a hike and enjoy the landscape while we had the chance. Aix-en-Provence was our nearest point of reference, however we were staying outside of the city in a much more rural area. The trail we wanted to explore was a short drive away, however our journey almost immediately became delayed when our car was swallowed up by an unexpected herd of sheep. As we navigated our way through the herd and to the foot of our trail we quickly got out of the car and began hoofing it up the mountain. About halfway up Sainte-Baume's mountainside we stopped for quick respite to hydrate ourselves at a natural spring. The water was clean and crisp and replenished our energy for the last leg of the hike. Our final destination was a monastery located near the summit of the cliff. We passed several signs that asked for silence as we entered the monastic grounds, which only added to the tranquil atmosphere you felt as soon as you walked in the front doors. We couldn't believe our eyes as we scoured the hidden monastery that sat so peacefully on the side of a cliff. We kept quiet and enjoyed the serenity and beauty of such a place, while occasionally exchanging glances affirming the grandeur of our simple hike.

A Bientôt,

Erik & Kelsey

Sur le Marché

In Provence, every city and village has its own outdoor fresh market. In the morning, farmers, artisans and craftsmen all occupy the center of the town and present their local products. The "marché" is a place where people simply connect, discover new senses, live with the rhythm of the seasons around the cycle of life and then, they will be back tomorrow for something new! When I go back home, walking through the "marché"early in the morning gives me a total work out. Every stand tells me a story, reminds of a memory or offers me many many treasures!

A bientôt,

Isabelle