WELCOME
WELCOME to the October/November issue of France Today. We couldn’t resist Renoir for our cover this issue. The quintessentially Impressionist Bal du Moulin de la Galette gives us a beautiful glimpse into the popular Sunday afternoon pastimes of ordinary Parisians in Montmartre in the 1870s. It is such an iconic, romantic image and perfect to introduce our piece on the recent resurgence of the very same popular dance craze, Les Bals Populaires (page 62). People visit Paris to savour that special atmosphere and to taste those fl avours that only the French can create – right? Mais non! Changes are afoot – a younger generation of Parisians have welcomed a new wave of international foodie entrepreneurs and seemingly the locals can’t get enough. Our Paris based Web Editor, Mary Winston Nicklin, met some of these energetic expat trendmakers (page 26).
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“We couldn’t resist Renoir for our cover”
Meanwhile, down in deepest Burgundy, I eschewed the temptations of the wine trail and headed to the Auxois region for a tour of three beautiful Burgundian destinations (page 36). I simply loved the area and I genuinely meant it when I kept repeating to my friendly guides, “Je reviens”.
Thirza Vallois has been tirelessly treading the summer streets of Paris and is your well-informed guide to the up-and-coming Haut Marais district (page 42). Elsewhere in the city, she had a Brief Encounter with wartime leader and former French Prime Minister, Georges Clemenceau (page 34). Fashion afi cionados and monarchists should look out for Jennifer Ladonne’s carefully woven words (page 70) as she reveals the heritage and history of France’s greatest artisan lacemakers, Sophie Hallette, the creators of the very same dentelle which adorned Kate Middleton’s dress at the Royal Wedding.
With its numerous spa towns and early adoption of thalassotherapy, France has a long history of promoting wellness and today there is an incredible choice of options. To help your search for le bien-être, we have brought together a round-up of some truly outstanding spa resorts (page 85). Relax and enjoy!
À la prochaine!
Guy Hibbert Editor-in-Chief
COMING SOON...
THE GARDENS OF PARIS Garden tour specialist Amy Kapec-Laruen provides and insider’s guide to the best times of the year to visit each of the City of Light’s most special green spaces.
JULIETTE BINOCHE We interview the celebrated fi lm and stage actress, ahead of the US release of the Cannes-acclaimed movie, Clouds of Sils Maria.
WRITERS ON THE RIVIERA Local resident and literature buff Lanie Goodman delves into the fact and the fi ction behind the revered writers of the Côte d’Azur – their lives, loves and inspirations.
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