Parchments Archives Antibes History
InspireJemma - French LessonsProvencal History & Traditions

The Archives in Antibes for a Look at History

It’s unlikely that a trip to the municipal archives in Antibes would be on many (or any) visitor’s to-do list. However, for me, the chance to see parchments dating from the 1300s was irresistible. When four parchments appeared in a British auction house two months ago, the city of Antibes …

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Chez Mirazur French Gastronomie
Jemma - French LessonsRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Chez Mirazur French Gastronomie Well-Deserved 3-Stars

Philippe and I knew how to pace ourselves.  We had dined at Mirzaur in 2015 when the restaurant had “only” two Michelin stars.  We’d received the celebratory email in 2019 when the owners shared, with émotion immense, news of their elevation.  Five months later the restaurant was voted the best restaurant in the …

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Shopping Staples Antibes Geoffreys of London
InspireJemma - French LessonsShopping & Gifts

Shopping for Staples in Antibes

By Jemma I recently ordered a music stand from Amazon for delivery in Antibes. Perhaps it was the shape of the box, but dispatch to the usual Amazon Locker being impossible, I scanned the available pick-up options. Geoffreys British Supermarket Geoffreys of London. My heart did an elaborate flip. What …

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Recipes for Figs Jam
Jemma - French LessonsProvencal RecipesTaste

Recipes for Figs: Jam, Tarts and Too Much of a Good Thing

This really is a Côte d’Azur heartache. When their fig tree produced fruit in huge quantities the whole family indulged in the bounty. Sadly, Jemma found out the hard way that too many figs, fig jam, fig tarts are not a good thing, in her case. The summer Philippe decided …

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Enjoying Living Antibes
Expat Living and Real EstateJemma - French LessonsLiving in Provence

Back to Enjoying Living in Antibes

By Jemma: It’s all about the ants. I’ve never forgotten the advice from one of my earliest writing teachers. You can go on a glorious picnic – the food, conversation, and the weather all perfection – but you have no story until the ants arrive. They invade your blanket and …

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Côte d'Azur Life Home Upkeep
Expat Living and Real EstateJemma - French LessonsLiving in Provence

The not so Glamorous Côte d’Azur Life of Home Upkeep

Contributor blog post by Jemma: I couldn’t write this post until things had been resolved – or mostly resolved, as the case would be. Even then, I didn’t know if I should bother. It’s France. Everyone expects home maintenance problems. And how can anything be a problem, really, if we’re talking …

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French Riviera Summertime
Expat Living and Real EstateJemma - French LessonsLiving in Provence

Living on the French Riviera our Summertime Vignettes

Contributor blog post by Jemma: French Lessons has survived a summer that one local friend dubbed “un agenda de ministre.” Even for us non-government ministers, the French expression seemed an appropriate way to characterize our schedule in a country where public spending(as a % of GDP) continues, shall we say, to …

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Music Lessons Cello
Expat Living and Real EstateJemma - French LessonsLiving in Provence

Music Lessons and Renting a Cello on the Côte d’Azur

Contributor blog post by  Jemma: French Lessons has stumbled on Hogwarts School of Miraculous Strings, and it’s right here in the heart of the Côte d’Azur.  How surprised and charmed – and humbled – we are . . . “The cello matter is more complicated than I thought,” a local friend emailed …

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Driving France Tips French Roads
Expat Living and Real EstateJemma - French LessonsLiving in Provence

Driving in France Tips for French Roads

French Lessons welcomes Rachael for the second year running as our annual guest contributor. Last summer, she explained how she dealt with her impounded car at the local fourrière (pound). This year her automotive theme continues, as does her – ahem – fast wit. A few months ago, I was …

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Swimsuit Shopping Juan le Pins
InspireJemma - French LessonsShopping & Gifts

Swimsuit Shopping Juan le Pins for a Teenager

Contributor blog post by Jemma: Lolo and I stand on a sidewalk in the easygoing town of Juan-les-Pins. We’re debating. The store sounds young to me, like the name of an aspiring rap artist. At last, we open the glass door of Banana Moon. “Bonjour!”  I say to the shop’s sole …

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