16.22 - They Came, They Stayed, They Wrote
FRANCE AS IT HAPPENS — Suzanne finds Matisse on the Côte d'Azur. Shelby's toddler finds another virus. Eveline finds the perfect excuse to open something sparkling.
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Bonjour mes ami(e)s !
It’s wonderful to have you back here with me today. Bienvenue !
A New Chapter for MyFrenchLife™ Magazine Contributors
In this newsletter, you’ll find these wonderful fresh articles taking you to France beyond the cliché.
Don’t miss the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin in your inbox: “16.22.a - The Light Changed Everything - It’s not too late to upgrade & read it←
À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 6.6.2026
1. A New Chapter for MyFrenchLife™ Magazine Contributors - check out these profiles
Profile #7 - Victorine Lamothe
To Find THE LIST of MyFrenchLife™ Magazine CONTRIBUTORS:
[https://myfrenchlife.org/p/contributors-myfrenchlife-zine ]TO FIND Victorine’s WORK:
[https://www.myfrenchlife.org/t/victorine-lamothe ]
Victorine in MyFrenchLife™ Magazine: Can be found here→
CONNECT WITH Victorine Lamothe - Blue Paris→
2. 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
Our list of valued Contributors →
A reminder that ‘The Writers Room’ now resides here →
Introducing new Contributor, Suzanne Rietmeijer
My name is Suzanne Rietmeijer, a Dutch writer who swapped Amsterdam for Paris over ten years ago. Growing up, I spent all my holidays in the Var, in the South of France, but the dream of moving here came much later.“
I have a master’s degree in history, and in the end it was French history that got me hooked. Okay, in all honesty, it was French history, food and wine.“
By day, I’m editor-in-chief of the Dutch glossy magazine Côte & Provence, covering, you guessed it, the Côte d’Azur and Provence. I write about French culture, food, art and history. In addition I write my Substack: Baguette Gazette.”
When I’m not on the Parisian Rive Droite, you’ll find me with my dog in an old cabin I’m renovating in the mountains behind Nice.” writes Suzanne as she introduces herself.
Please help me introduce Suzanne as a new member of our Contributor team and enjoy reading her wonderful first article→
a) Matisse’s new lease on life, 1941-1954
by Suzanne Rietmeijer
Matisse, Chagall, Renoir, Picasso: just a few of the many celebrated artists who settled in the South of France for a time, and whose museums you can still visit in Nice, Cagnes and Antibes. I love visiting them, but if you’re used to the grand exhibitions of Paris, the South of France does require a slight adjustment. It happens, for instance, that the handful of star works are all out on loan, and you’ve turned up for what feels like very little. Then again, not for nothing exactly, because half the pleasure is in soaking up the atmosphere, and to catch a glimpse of what these artists once found in the light, the landscape and that unhurried rhythm of life.”
The exhibition at the Grand Palais covers the years 1941 to 1954, a period Matisse spent entirely on the Côte d’Azur. So as I wander past his works inside the beautifully restored Grand Palais…” writes Suazanne Rietmeijer.
b) Paris Parenting Pros and Cons and Cons
by Shelby Chambers
Is it hard raising a child in Paris? Yes! Is it also wonderful, interesting, and beautiful? Yes!”
I had an idea I’d been meaning to write about for several weeks now. I thought this week was going to be the week; all signs pointed to it being the week. Only one consulting project due. No meaningful rain in the forecast. Fridge was stocked, so I couldn’t use “errands” as an excuse. It was going to be a very productive writing week.”
But I have this child, you see. He’s 21-ish months, a number that only means something if you also have a child, otherwise it’s just annoying to read/hear. Okay, okay, he’s one-and-a-half. And that kinda baby/kinda toddler loves a virus, he can’t get enough of them. And any time I have ambitious plans like “work” or “wash my hair,” he gets sick…”
c) French Wine: Les Bulles aka French Bubbles
by Eveline Chartier
1/4 - A series about French Wine. Each of the four articles comprises ~ 3 other articles. This first one is about French bubbles in which you can immerse yourselves
LES BULLES aka FRENCH BUBBLES!
French bubbly wines have not always been as we know them today, but they are very much an appreciated part of what makes France, France. Read about how to enjoy sparkling wines as well as their different styles.
Why Bubbles Matter – Les bulles sont importantes!
Learn the tricks of the trade – by respecting the bubbles! The key to enjoying sparkling wines is preserving their bubbles, from cold bottles to seal tops. Contrary to the belief that a bottle must be finished once opened, sparkling wines can be kept for several days! Here are some rules to live by!
Champagne – Truly Special
Dive into the history of Champagne, touching on its early mishaps and the breakthrough discoveries that shaped its production and developed its distinctive styles. The Champagne region grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier grapes, each contributing to unique flavors and characteristics. Explore this iconic sparkling wine!
Crémant de Bourgogne
In past articles, I have been less than kind to Prosecco. I’m extending an olive branch to Prosecco fans by exploring a traditional method sparkling wine that could appeal to Prosecco lovers too. Medium-dry traditional method sparklings pair perfectly with seafood dishes like crab cakes and tempura shrimp with a spicy sauce. Dive into this sparkling experience!…
Read the full article → a real immersion in French bubbles.
3. Merci mille fois
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’, the newsletter of MyFrenchLife™ Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Merci mille fois d’être ici, mes ami(e)s. Thanks for being here.
New contributor Suzanne Rietmeijer joins us from Paris — by way of Amsterdam and a mountain cabin behind Nice. Shelby Chambers reports from the coalface of Paris parenting. And Eveline Chartier begins a wine series that may cost you money.
And that, perhaps, is FRANCE AS IT HAPPENS this week
À bientôt,
Judy
judy@myfrenchlife.org
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