JOIE DE VIVRE CLICK OF THE MONTH VIVINO
BÉCASSINE Bécassine is a French comic strip created in 1905 by Jacqueline Rivière and Joseph Pinchon. It’s one of the oldest and longest- running comic strips in existence and the character holds cultural signifi cance in France as a representation of a working-class Breton woman, symbolising simplicity and naivety, with a sense of nostalgia. The main character is depicted wearing
The Vivino app has a database of more than 15.8 million diff erent wines, allowing wine drinkers and collectors access to unbiased information about wine from a community of millions. Users can take a photo of a wine label or restaurant wine list, or search by the wine itself to instantly see its rating, reviews, price, tasting notes and suggested food pairings. Vivino also provides personalised recommendations and allows users to conveniently buy wine directly from the app.
a green dress along with a lace coiff e (head covering) and clogs, a typical Breton outfi t. Her name, Bécassine, a bit of a snipe in French, means fool, which fi ts with her clumsiness in the early stories, and perhaps the views of Parisian elites towards the Provincial peasants. In spite of this, she has gained a wide
following in France and has become a beloved character among readers of all ages. Her story has been adapted into books, animated fi lms and merchandise, further solidifying Bécassine’s status as a French icon. She is portrayed as a kind-hearted and
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hard-working young woman who is always willing to help others. Her gaucheness and naivety make her endearing and her early adventures oſt en involve humorous mishaps and misunderstandings. Later, she becomes more independent and adventurous, travelling to diff erent parts of France and even further afi eld to other countries. Despite her popularity in France, Bécassine
is not as well known outside of the country. However, her infl uence can be seen in other works of French popular culture, such as the
DFrench icon iscover some of France’s most fascinating icons
character of Amélie Poulain in the fi lm Amélie. Her adventures have entertained readers for over a century, and they serve as a reminder that the protagonist of a story doesn’t always have to be a superhero...
What to drink… Each month, we take a look at a diff erent French drink. This month, Vin de Noix...
IDIOM
“Prendre le melon” 1. To be big-headed
2. To have everything you could possibly need 3. To tease someone
answers p101
Vin de Noix is a traditional French liqueur made from green walnuts that are harvested before the shells start to harden. The walnuts are then steeped in red wine along with other aromatics such as citrus zest and spices. The result is a sweet, dark wine that is typically served as an aperitif in small glasses. It is not as sweet or thick as the Italian equivalent liqueur, nocino, which is steeped in vodka or a neutral spirit. Vin de Noix is oſt en made in June when
the walnuts are green, and tradition says you should always make sure you pick the walnuts before 14 July, Bastille Day. It’s a popular drink in France, especially in those regions where
walnuts are grown such as Isère in the Alps or the Périgord. It is also made commercially by some makers, including the Distillerie d’Haute Provence in Forcalquier. Aged cheeses pair well with the nutty fl avour of the wine, as does charcuterie, and as the wine is made from green walnuts, it also goes well with other types of nuts such as cashews, pistachios, and pecans.
FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: September/October 2023 99
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