This time last year I was in Nice, slaving away at research for my upcoming book. You have no idea how much writers have to suffer for their craft! All those bistros to check out; finding the perfect view of the blue Mediterranean, the perfumes of Grasse, the best local wines. Joking aside, I did spend a lot of time in local libraries, looking at books of old photographs and maps, making sure I got everything right for the 1930s. 
And the famous Negresco Hotel. Research there was a must. It's still a hotel at around $1000 a night so we didn't stay there. I was stopped by an impressive doorman, dripping gold braid, as I went up the front steps. I told him what I wanted and was escorted to the manager (or maybe it was the under, under manager). I handed him my card and told him that his hotel would feature in my new book.
And the famous Negresco Hotel. Research there was a must. It's still a hotel at around $1000 a night so we didn't stay there. I was stopped by an impressive doorman, dripping gold braid, as I went up the front steps. I told him what I wanted and was escorted to the manager (or maybe it was the under, under manager). I handed him my card and told him that his hotel would feature in my new book."Madame, feel free," he said. So I spend a fabulous morning peeking into all the hidden corners of the Negresco hotel. Once again I discovered that the word "writer" opens so many doors.
Now it's exactly a year later and I am awaiting the publication of the book. It's called NAUGHTY IN NICE and it comes out on September 6th. So I thought I'd spend the next month celebrating everything I like about France--French food recipes, snippets about fashion and Chanel, and scarves,.
So please join me and add your comments about what YOU like about France.
At the end of the month there will be a fun prize for the best comment.
And look for my new website, coming soon!
Rhys,
ReplyDeleteI have loved France since I was a little girl and saw the Madeline books. I studied the French language for ten years in school. When I was asked what language did I want to study, there was no contest. It was French, hands down. Then in Junior High School, I got a French pen pal. She invited me to her wedding a few years later. I didn't go. I think my family thought that if i went, I wouldn't come back, which was true! I wrote to this woman for over 30 years and then we lost contact. I still love anything and everything French. I do want to go there someday!
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com
What a lovely topic! Having recently been on a road trip through France, I find I have many things to add to the treasury of things I love. The glimpse of a Chateau across the golden fields, half hidden in lush thickets, the wind mills standing tall and massive, the scent of fresh french bread just out of the oven, the tart taste of cheese, and of course the mouth-watering delight that is Crepes. The history hidden in every corner of its lovely cities, the architecture that makes you want to take a picture of almost everything.. And last but not least, the tinkling notes of le langue Francais that are pure rapture to the to ear. Absolutely can't wait for Naughty in Nice! Georgie is a rare delight!
ReplyDeleteFor me, the main attraction is anticipation, as I've yet to get to France. (My husband and I have gone to England or Greece.) So, I shall add your book to my reference materials.
ReplyDeleteI've never been, but I've felt an affinity for France. I love every creamy, garlicky, bit of French food, though I know that what I cook or get in restaurants here in the States can't hold a candle to real French food made in the country itself. I love French wine, even the cheap (Is there such a thing?) stuff. I love all movies and novels set in France. I have French music cd's that I play when I want to spark creativity.
ReplyDeleteI am sad when I think that that might be the closest I'll get to the real thing. But I live in hope...
I have always been drawn to France - never knew why - then found out from my father when I was 38 that my great-grandmother was French. As you can tell, my father was not the chatty type. How many times had we as his children begged, 'Dad, tell us about yourself as a kid. Tell us about Grandpa.'? Well, thanks to my father's natural reticence, it took 38 years and a six-pack of Corona to pry out that little tidbit.
what I love about France:
ReplyDelete- the many many bridges over Seine. I could get lost standing on any one of them and looking at the skyline up and down the river. The bohemian in me loves the struggling artists and musicians who live under one of these bridges. Singing and cooking and generally loving life to the fullest even though they dont have a roof over their heads.
- Croque de Monsieur, which never tastes right if you get it anywhere outside of France.
- Pain au chocolate which melts in ones mouth. Love to nibble while I walk around.
- being able to touch buildings that "witnessed" horse drawn carriages, ladies in powdered wigs and even the Revolution! The thought that someone stood in the exact same spot where I was standing 2-300 years ago is so surreal.
- The richness of the Right Bank with their beautiful limestone buildings and th artsy, casualness of the Left Bank.
- The outdoor vendors who sell everything from delicious cheese and sausages to old copies of Paris Match.
- The subway station at the Louvre (Louvre-Rivoli)stop has replicas of famous artworks at the platform!
And of course, the latest of the Royal Spyness will take place there and I am addicted to Georgie and Darcy!!! Cant wait.