15.19 - Memories: St Tropez, Discovering Ingredients, Parisian Secrets & Symmetry
In this FREE edition of le Bulletin we travel across la belle France through the eyes of our talented contributors - from the sun-drenched coast of Saint-Tropez to the majestic Mont Saint-Michel.
Today at a Glance: Your FREE weekly newsletter
Bonjour mes amis !
It’s wonderful to have you back here with me today! Bienvenue !
In this newsletter, you’ll:
- Meet a new MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor, Nick Garnett, and read his first contribution about music in the South of France and the joys of his early life.
- Next, Pierre Guerier examines the Monuments, Mysteries, and Masterpieces: Another Great Journey Across the Grand Perspective of Paris.
- And then finally, Keith Christiansen talks about the importance of fabulous ingredients.Watch out for the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin this weekend: “15.19.a - Revelling in France: en français et en anglais—French life, alcohol, sobriety and more - It’s not too late to subscribe←
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À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 10.5.2025
1. Let’s explore & read the new articles in My FrenchLife Magazine
Thank you to all the talented Contributors to MyFrenchLife magazine. I love that your articles take us from one end of France to another and constantly remind us of the rich culture of this wonderful and diverse country.
Merci.
Judy.
Introducing New MyFrenchLife Magazine Contributor Nick Garnett
I am pleased to introduce Nick as a new Contributor to MyFrenchLife Magazine and look forward to hearing from him regularly. Here is Nick’s story:
Short story: A freelance writer since the 1980s, initially in music journalism before transitioning to digital content. I purchased a French home in 2007 and have visited 86 times (every school holiday bar 4) with my wife Charlotte (a teacher) and daughter Reana. My writing focuses on French travel experiences. You'll also find me here: https://fiftyfrance.substack.com/
Longer story: “…Since we bought our French house in 2007, our love for France has grown every year. Charlotte, my wife, is a school teacher and I’m a freelance writer, which has enabled us to spend as much time as possible in this wonderful country. I’ve never added up the times we’ve visited, but I’m going to do it now, hang on…
86 times, that’s 90 school holidays minus only 4 times we haven’t been, which have generally been half-terms in February. And we’ve explored, either with friends, or on our own (with daughter Reana), boy, how we’ve explored:
Off-season Chamonix, remember the free trains?
Canet, where we first discovered river swimming.
Cessenon sur Orb, where we developed our river swimming habit by spending whole days building underwater cities with the massive river stones (we took some home and used them as door stops).
And, of course, Le Petit Plage at Cap D’Agde, a little snorkelling heaven amidst the French tourist centre.
I’ve been writing since the 1980’s. I worked in music for many years and cut my teeth on press releases for punk bands. I worked as a copywriter for regular advertising agencies until the Internet appeared out of the depths and I was smitten.
I had my own digital agency, still writing, worked for Amazon, still writing, and now writing about France and enjoying writing more than ever as it combines everything I enjoy: travel, France, writing, and being a busybody. I hope you enjoy my writing as much as I do, writes Nick”.
Now, let’s enjoy Nick’s introductory article:
a) →Le Papagayo: A nightmare in St Tropez
by Nick Garnett ←
Le Papagayo: A nightmare in St Tropez - Mike booked a gig in the South of France. No one knew why or how he got the gig, but this was before the Internet, so no one could check what the club was like, what type of music it played, or who else had played there...” writes Nick.
Read the article in MyFrenchLife Magazine←
b) →Self-Seasoning Lamb: The Salt-Marsh Sheep of Mont Saint-Michel
by Keith Christiansen←
Recently, I visited Mont Saint-Michel with my wife and a friend from New York. The journey across the Brittany peninsula is a beautiful arrival to the awe-inspiring sight of the mount. Having been there multiple times, always during the off-season - I can't imagine the place with summer tourist crowds. The landscape is ever-changing, and the location, though impractical, has adapted over time…” writes Keith.
c) → Secrets and Symmetry: Discovering the Paris Historical Axis (Part 2)
by Pierre Guerier←
Walking the Historical Axis of Paris is like walking through time. Every step reveals a new chapter, from the royal ambitions of Louis XIV to the revolutionary fervour of the 18th century, from Napoleonic triumphs to the bold modernity of La Défense. It’s more than an alignment of monuments—it’s a thread that ties Paris’s past, present, and future together.
Next time you’re in Paris, take a moment to follow this line.
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’ the newsletter of MyFrenchLife Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Chers amis (dear friends)
As the sunshine streams through my window (reminding me of those perfect May afternoons in Provence), I find myself reflecting on the beautiful tapestry of French experiences shared in this week's newsletter. From Nick's musical misadventures in Saint-Tropez, to Pierre's thoughtful exploration of Paris's grand design, to Keith's appreciation of Mont Saint-Michel's unique culinary heritage, each story captures something essential about the French experience.
Pour être honnête (to be honest), I keep a little notebook beside me filled with your comments and questions about past newsletters. Your enthusiasm for these French stories fuels my own passion for sharing them!
Some of you have written to share your own experiences visiting the salt marshes around Mont Saint-Michel, while others have asked for more details about Paris's historical axis for your upcoming trips. This exchange of ideas and experiences is what makes our community so special.
Whether you're a longtime Francophile or just beginning your French journey, I hope these stories have transported you, if only for a few moments, to the France we all cherish. Which place mentioned today calls to you most strongly? The glamorous Riviera? The architectural wonders of Paris? Or the mystical island of Mont Saint-Michel with its unique culinary traditions?
Please do share your thoughts by replying to this email. Connecting with fellow France-lovers is truly one of my greatest pleasures. And remember, our weekend edition for paid subscribers offers even more intimate glimpses into French life and culture. If you've been considering joining us, there's no better time than now!
Je vous souhaite une belle journée et à bientôt!
Warmly yours,
Judy
judy@myfrenchlife.org
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Pré salé lamb is one of the most delicious meat I've ever tasted. Great memories of vaccinating cows in the area around Avranches in the middle of winter; I got to taste some of the best home-made calvados too, generously offered by local farmers when the vaccinations were completed. "il est plus vieux que notre grand-mère !" (It's older than our grandmother!) When I finished my stint there with the local vet, I did a little tour of completely deserted Mont St Michel (how cool is that?!) and finished the day with a meal of pré salé in a local restaurant. it was lovely. 🙂🇫🇷
There was a lot here, but I was really interested in the story of "pré salé" lamb. I had heard the term but didn't really understand it.