15.26 - Discovering France's Hidden Pleasures: Butter, Wine, and Beautiful Gardens
In this FREE edition of le Bulletin we immerse ourselves in mysterious French butter habits to blooming château gardens—discover France's charm.
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 find lovely personal stories to cause you to salivate and imagine yourself lolling in the garden.
Watch out for the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin this weekend: “ 15.26.a - Your Family, France, and a Story Waiting to Unfold:
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À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 28.6.2025
1.MyFrenchLife™ Magazine new articles
“There are many talented contributors to MyFrenchLife Magazine and I thank all of you for sharing your experiences with us in such an engaging manner.
You take us right across France & deep into many worm-holes. We delight in discovering
and learning more about France beyond the cliché”
Merci
Judy
a) →Who’s eating all the butter?
by Debora Robertson
I’ve been here three years now, and I still haven’t figured it out.
At 8.2kg each per year, the French eat more butter per person than any other nation – the Americans consume a paltry 2.6kg, and the British manage a noble 3.17kg – but for the life of me, I’ve no idea when they’re eating it. There are possibly butter parties going on to which I’m not invited, and if this is the case, then I’m going to kick off.” writes Debora Robertson.
b) →The Loire Valley Uncorked: Wine Missions, Saints, Soldiers and Sips
by Eveline Chartier
Learn about key characters influencing the Loire Valley as a wine region. From the saints who shaped the region’s development to one of today’s importers, this diverse region has much to offer.
c) →Chateau de la Ruche: May Garden Notes
by Rebecca Jones
“From my notebook on nature and the garden - May 2025”
If colour comes back to the garden in April, then it’s May that sees the return of the scent. The first sweet cloud of Lily of the Valley as I walk past the bed at the end of the gîte, the heady notes of the wisteria, thrown into each room as the vine tries to climb through every window, and the bright floral scent of the elderflowers at the mouth of the woods, their pollen dusting everything as we pick them to make cordial.
Then comes the musky, citrusy perfume of the roses as they slowly open in the sunshine, light and gentle at first, almost tentative, but then as every flower uncurls their scent sweeps into every corner…” writes Rebecca Jones
2. Are you interested in what our PAID subscribers enjoy? AND How well do you believe you know Paris?
Last week in the ‘15.25.a le Bulletin’ newsletter for paying subscribers, I asked them how well they thought they knew Paris and provided some wonderful articles to remind them of their knowledge (or lack of it :) )
Now, I’m going to ask you the same question (but without all the article prompts -sorry). Still, I’d appreciate it if you’d respond.
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Judy
3. Merci mille fois
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’ the newsletter of MyFrenchLife Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Chers amis (dear friends)
I hope you’ve enjoyed this little slice of France this week, from the buttery mysteries of French kitchens to the fragrant notes of a spring/summer blooming garden. My goal is always to bring you stories that inspire and connect you more deeply with the France you love.
As you know by now, PAID subscribers of le Bulletin get to explore even more. This weekend, they'll be delving into a fascinating new segment on family ancestry and French connections, all thanks to a “mighty Supporter” reader's incredible story. This is just one of the many exclusive adventures waiting for you.
If you’re ready to go beyond the postcard view and uncover the hidden stories and unique corners of France, consider joining our wonderful community of paid subscribers. It's where we dive deeper, share more, and truly celebrate our shared passion for all things French.
Irrespective of your subscription level, thank you so much for being here and for being a part of this journey.
Warmly,
Judy
judy@myfrenchlife.org
P.S. If these stories sparked your curiosity about French life, why not forward this newsletter to a friend who shares your passion for authentic French experiences? And don't forget to leave a comment about which mystery of French life you'd love us to investigate next—from culinary habits to garden secrets, to learning about wines from the Loire!
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Lovely articles as always Judy! I think, and this is just a guess, in reply to Deborah Robertsons question about the butter, c'est dans les croissants au beurre! Stay cool lovely lady!