True Confessions - I am a Francophile!

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I love everything about France!  I have a pinterest board set up just for this reason - All Things French - link.   I also follow a number of blogs that I want to share - ones that have given me lots of pleasure and inspiration.  There are a LOT of French-oriented blogs out there!

Here's a good Wikipedia definition of "Francophile" and its, opposite (I know some people who at least claim they loathe all things French)!

A Francophile (or Gallophile) is an individual who has a strong positive predisposition or interest toward the government, culture, history, or people of France. This could include France itself and its history, the French language, French cuisine, literature, etc. The opposite of a Francophile is a Francophobe (or Gallophobe) – someone who dislikes all that is French.

We are planning a trip this May to the Normandy area of France for a week at a chateau near Caen.  We take a bi-annual trip with a group of four couples (including my sister and her husband from Chicago) to a  "destination" well scoped and planned by our group leader who is very good at finding great places to stay (villas, mansions, chateaus) and organizing trips to learn about the area.  We have been to Provence with this group as well as non-France locations.  This is our first trip to Normandy.  My husband and I have spent time in Paris and are looking for an available MONTH to try to rent and apartment and pretend we are Parisians - but that is another story for another time.

One of my favorite blogs is "My French Country Home" link - the writer actually lives in the Normandy areas and posts breathtaking photos of her home and surroundings on her website.

From her Site - WELCOME TO MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME.

We love our old French house. It's a joy to entertain here, to fill the house with family and friends. Good food, beautiful countryside, bits and pieces found in local brocantes, children, dogs, horses, all this in a deep green valley in the heart of Normandy.

Another great blog is called "French Essence" - link.  It also features great images and discussions of travel in the area.  Recently, it posted a "ten wardrobe essentials for French women" which I shared liberally with my facebook friends (and fellow travelers to France).

I am an Australian writer who lives between London and Saint Rémy de Provence in southern France. I adore everything to do with life in France and especially the olive farm I call home.

Top Ten French Wardrobe Essentials from French Essence Blog

Another great blog focuses primarily on the Provence area of southern France and is called "The Provence Post" - link to site.  Here's a blurb about the post and the blogger/writer:

The Provence Post, published since late 2008, is designed to celebrate all that is special about the South of France. Whether you live here, travel here for pleasure or business or are just dreaming of "some day," I hope you'll find plenty to interest you.  I started the blog because I had trouble finding the information that I wanted in English. Plus, I kept coming across marvelous things, people, stories and places in Provence that I simply had to share.

About me: I'm a freelance food and travel writer living and working in Provence on and off since 1999.

Finally, in following these and more French-oriented blog sites, I found a French-oriented shop in my own back yard - I have yet to visit but plan to do so soon called:

BELLE FRANCAISE INTERIORS @ DUPRE'S ANTIQUE MARKET 

Visit my shoppe in DuPre's Antique Market in Marietta, Georgia for a collection of antiques and accessories that are enchanting and eclectic! Belle Francaise Interiors' treasures are white, chippy, old, European and sparkly.