EXPERT


soon became known as ‘jeans’. ‘Denim’ came in when French weavers combined wool and silk, both produced locally, to create ‘toile de Nîmes’ another hardwearing material that in turn became known as denim. Recognising a nice little


earner, Nîmes merchants saw their cloth as having huge potential and started exporting it by the tonne to England knocking Genoa’s trade for six. Of course, later on a chap named Levi Strauss came along – but thanks to those merchants it’s still called denim.


SUNSHINE STYLE Using southern France as inspiration, Provençal fabric seems to reflect sunshine and vibrant colours, a reminder of sun-drenched holidays under clear blue skies with local produce like lavender and olives thrown into the mix. However, these gorgeous fabrics didn’t originate in Provence, they were imported from India and Persia. Known as Indiennes, the


printed fabrics first arrived through the busy port of Marseille becoming an immediate hit, so much so that their popularity led to the decline of the local silk and woollen industries until a silkmakers’ lobby in the 17th-century convinced the king to ban their imports and manufacture in France. So, their makers simply moved to Avignon, then a papal state, and there they remain. Echoing the countryside,


the fabric evolved. Colourful stripes are mixed with flowers and fruits in patterns and each region seems to have a specific pattern such as Carpentras, Côte d’Azur and Lubéron. Still manufactured here, you can visit Souleiado, Les Indiennes de Nîmes and Les Olivades in St-Étienne-du-Grès and become dedicated followers of Provençal fashion! ■


Joanna Leggett is the Marketing Director at Leggett Immobilier Tel: 08700 11 51 51 (UK) 0033 (0)5 53 60 84 88 (INT) leggettfrance.com


€355,000 €247,311


LACE TOWN LONGÈRE It’s an easy drive from the Eurotunnel or ferry to this charming four- bedroom longère in Rollancourt not far from Calais. There’s a large timbered salon/dining room with views over the gardens and access to the traditional cellar. A beautiful gallery with original staircase overlooks the kitchen. You’ll find two bedrooms on the ground floor, with two more upstairs. Outside there’s a paddock. Visit the lace museum at Calais, explore wonderful beaches and eat the freshest fish-market catch of the day.


DENIM DREAM HOUSE Set in an idyllic and lively village, this spacious stone house near the Pont du Gard, is close to Uzès, Nîmes and Avignon for your denim and Provençal fabric needs. It even boasts its own atelier on the ground floor – perfect for an artist, designer or someone with business aspirations. Downstairs, there’s also a kitchen and dining room; head upstairs to the living room along with four bedrooms and potential for a roof terrace.


€632,000


STYLISH CHARMER IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY Charm abounds at this fabulous seven-bedroom maison de maître, which would be ideal as a large family home or to create a B&B. Surrounded by greenery, it provides privacy and isolation yet it’s very close to the village with all its amenities, and the Basque country. There’s a stunning swimming pool to relax in and the terrace boasts orange and lemon trees, as well as cherry trees in the orchard.


MORE ONLINE READ MORE STORIES TO WHET YOUR APPETITE FRENCHENTREE.COM 50 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: September/October 2023


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