The feeling of
July
We met in the hallway and, in this incredible heat, it took us 30 seconds to establish that he sleeps naked—as do I—and that even for a full French-blooded man and his family, this heat is simply too much. And if the days are still bearable, the nights have been the worst—a constant gamble over whether one will sleep soundly or end up desperately searching for a non-humid spot on the bed, only to be hunting for another one 30 minutes later.
But it’s interesting how different the world can be. In some places, the heat is unbearable and fruit and vegetable harvests come much earlier, while elsewhere people are still waiting—and praying—for the rest of the strawberries to ripen, as the cold and rain have been far too comfortable lingering in places they were never invited to.
These days, coffee shops and cafés have become purveyors of ice with drinks, rather than drinks with ice. No one craves a cup of hot coffee anymore (well—just me, and a few patriotic espresso drinkers), and ice is now the main ingredient in everything people consume. Shops have shifted their marketing strategies: instead of pushing fish and BBQ meals, they’re offering ice cream deals—the second one for 50% off, or sometimes even more.
My oven has gone on holiday—baking only in moments of extreme necessity—and hasn’t seen a proper sponge or a roast in far too long. (Paula made a chocolate cake two weeks ago, and I did a Latvian dish on the 23rd—that’s it.) I haven’t had the strength to torture myself or the family by turning it on. The last time I did, the usual yeast batter rose in 20 minutes instead of an hour, and rolling it out was more like begging the dough to stay together long enough to make it into the pan. It did, miraculously.
As I write this, I’m looking at the weather forecast—it’s the 1st of July—and I’m holding out hope for this coming Saturday, when the temperatures might finally show us some mercy, and the rain will arrive with lightning and thunder, though I’m well aware that might not happen. Because I don’t just miss feeling clean and crisp all day—I miss sleep, I miss baking, and I miss long hours in the kitchen.
Make
That dream come true
Step into the unforgettable
Have you ever read a book, seen in a movie, or seen on social media how someone sets the most adorable and divine French dinner table? How can someone whip up the most incredible French dishes with such ease that it is almost unbelievable, not only during festive seasons but all year long? Have you ever tried a light and airy chocolate or berry tart, wondering how the pastry can be so incredible, the same as admiring every bite of the salad someone has made for you? And then biting into that piece of succulent chicken, wishing you could make that. And have you ever dreamt of being in a place you have seen in a movie, wishing you could be one of those people eating on the terrace of that stunningly renovated French house, drinking wine, eating and laughing? I have good news for you. All of that and even more you will experience here in La Manufacture Royale de Lectoure, all you need is to book your place to make your dream come true. Discover and book
Travel
September cooking weekend menu
As September approaches, so does the joy of gathering with everyone and cooking these recipes together. Here is the menu for these three days. Discover
RECIPES
From simple appetisers and dinner dishes to easy-to-make cookies, tarts and more laborious cakes. But, mostly, all French and seasonal. Visit
HOME
From essentials like the softest and best-made duvets and cleaning materials to scents, candles, interior design accessories and all that makes your home the best place to live in. Visit
Drinks
One can pretend that a meal without wine is the best. But one can also be honest and say that it lacks that excitement of discovery. Some may say that coffee is the worst thing ever, exchanging it for tea or a chai latte, while others say that one cup of coffee is such a pleasure that it even times stops. And there is no right or wrong, as long as the product you use is made with respect, love and, preferably, a sustainable approach. Visit
BEAUTY
No matter the beauty rituals we have, we do have some. Some get by with a simple wash with soap. Some need four different products. Some crave an SPA visit every day, and some do not wish for anything annoying to their perfect, natural skin. I like to have a bit of everything, yet, as long as it is natural, clean and makes my mind and body happy. Visit
My latest recipes
Featured
EVENT
Cooking weekends in Burgundy
April x May 2025
