Five Cult French Pharmacy Finds

Travelling to France? Plan on packing an extra tote for your beauty haul as you're headed to skincare-lover paradise! With cosmetics sections that rival any department store, French pharmacies are veritable treasure troves of skincare wonders where beauty buffs flock for coveted products that promise radiant, flawless, French-girl peau*. 

Renowned for their minimalist approach to makeup and unwavering dedication to skincare, the French prioritise healthy, glowing complexions above all else. So, do as they do next trip and stock up on these five cult French pharmacy finds to elevate your skincare routine to new heights.

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil: A multi-purpose dry oil beloved by beauty enthusiasts worldwide, NUXE Huile Prodigieuse is a luxurious elixir that nourishes, hydrates and illuminates the skin and hair. Infused with precious botanical oils, this cult favourite is suitable for all skin types, delivering a radiant glow and delicious fragrance with each application.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water: Seen backstage at catwalk shows, this holy grail skincare staple is a gentle yet effective cleanser that removes la maquillage*, impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier. Ideal for sensitive skin types, the dermatologist-recommended formula soothes and calms irritation, leaving the skin clean, refreshed and balanced.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré: Loved by makeup artists, models and celebs alike, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré is a luxurious moisturiser that doubles as a primer and makeup remover. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera, this iconic cream hydrates, softens and smooths the skin, creating the perfect canvas for makeup application while promoting long-term skin health.

A313 Vitamin A Cream: A cult classic in French skincare, A313 Vitamin A Cream is a potent retinoid treatment renowned for its transformative anti-ageing benefits. Formulated with retinyl palmitate, a gentle derivative of vitamin A, this powerhouse cream stimulates collagen production, reduces the appearance of fine lines and les rides* and refines skin texture for a youthful, radiant complexion.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5: A soothing and reparative balm for the face and body, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 is a must-have for addressing a myriad of skin concerns, from dryness and irritation to minor wounds and burns. Enriched with panthenol, the rich, dermatologist-tested formula provides immediate relief, accelerates skin regeneration and restores comfort to even the most sensible* skin types.

Happy shopping!

*skin | * makeup | *wrinkles | *sensitive

SWOON: Nouméa

Fancy practising your French with native speakers but not thrilled about a long-haul flight? Look no further than the tropical haven of Nouméa – just a short 2-hour flight from Brisbane in the heart of the South Pacific.

The capital city of New Caledonia, Nouméa offers warm temperatures, abundant sunshine, and pristine beaches with turquoise waters and coral reefs loved by snorkellers. Blending French sophistication with authentic island charm, it’s the perfect place to explore lively markets and historical museums, savour the fusion of French and Melanesian cuisine, relax, unwind and pratiquer un peu* with the friendly locals.

And we have some bonnes nouvelles* – we still have a few spots left on our April Nouméa trip. We’d love to see you there!

*practise a little | *good news

Photo credits (L to R)

Top line: joel-t, Mlenny, Stephanie Monot, Krittakorn Phongvijitsoph
Middle line: Franc-Comtois, Daniiielc, Caroline Hernandez, Julie Modeste
Bottom line: Sébastien Jermer, Julie Modeste, Bon Vivant, Nick Sarvari

Le Travel Planner on Cap Ferret

This month, Le Travel Planner Xavier Amouroux est de retour*, giving us his hot take on Cap Ferret in the South of France.

A hop, skip and a jump from Bordeaux, this laidback seaside resort is well worth a sun-soaked side trip on your next trip to France.

And, in case you missed it, Xavier has also provided some inside tips on the fabulous destinations of Bordeaux and Biarritz. Enjoy!

*is back

Le Travel Planner on Biarritz

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next trip to France, Le Travel Planner, is back with the latest instalment of his travel tips series. This time, Xavier's turning his attention to the beautiful beachside resort of Biarritz with some fabulous advice for getting the most from the region. 

Hear what Xavier has to say about exploring this glamorous destination and the Basque Country in the short video below. And n’oubliez pas* to check out his tips for Bordeaux aussi*!

*don’t forget | *as well

Have You Seen Our Travel Vlog?

Are you tempted by our summer school in Paris or keen to join us in Nouméa next April? Then make sure you check out the Lingua Franca travel vlog, where we document all the highlights of our trips.

From une dégustation de fromage* in the capital to un tour de dromadaire* in Morocco, there’s plenty of content to whet your appetite. And perhaps even inspire you to join us on our next overseas French adventure!

*a cheese tasting | *a camel ride

Le Travel Planner on Bordeaux

If you’ve been coming to le nid* for a while, you’ll no doubt have heard mention of un homme français* named Xavier. Un vrai ami* of Lingua Franca, Xavier is passionate about travel, having lived and worked in Paris, Bordeaux, Copenhagen and Brisbane.

With a bespoke travel consultancy, aptly named Le Travel Planner, Xavier is just the man to turn to for a curated itinerary for your next Euro adventure. To give you a taste of his talents, we’ve teamed up with Xavier to create a series of short videos covering five fabulous French destinations.

First on the list? Bordeaux – the location of this year’s Lingua Franca summer school (alongside Paris, bien sûr*). Enjoy!

*the nest | *a French man | *A true friend | *of course

SWOON: Saint-Émilion

Characterised by steep, winding cobblestone streets, Romanesque churches and ancient ruins, Saint-Émilion is un charmant* Medieval village in le cœur* of the Bordeaux wine region. A must-visit for oenophiles and history buffs, the UNESCO World Heritage site takes its name from a hermetic Breton monk, Émilion, who arrived in the 8th century and was known for performing miracles.

Home to Europe’s largest monolithic church, Saint-Émilion may no longer be a place of miracles. But, as you can see, it’s still quite magical. 

*a charming | *the heart

Pictures : whatoliviadid.com

Beyond Paris

As the world’s most visited city, Paris is undeniably magical. Toutefois*, it’s not the only ville* in France worth the plane fare (or TGV trip). From indulging in Michelin-starred gastronomy in Lyon to hiking in Corsica or catching rays on the Cote d’Azur, this article provides plenty of inspo for your next visit à l’étranger*.

*However | *city | *overseas

Fancy a home in Provence?

If you’ve been dreaming of buying or renting a bolthole en France*, today might just be your lucky day. A former Lingua Franca couple is looking to sell their share in a lovely holiday home in Provence!

Regarde* the description and images below and on the AirBnB listing here  – the property is also available à louer*. C’est un rêve, non*?

Home in Provence

Ever dreamed of a home-away-from-home in France? Our lovely terrace house in the Vaucluse Department of Provence is available for rent! It has two bedrooms (2 queen beds and one single) so can easily accommodate a family of five for a delightful sojourn.

Our house is situated in an historic town in the lands around Avignon once owned by the Popes when they moved out of Rome and lived for most of the 14th century in Avignon. It has a medieval wall around the town, and our house is built into the wall, next to the “new gate: Le Portail Neuf”. From the top-floor balcony, there are views of Mont Ventoux, often featured in the Tour-de-France.

The town is Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for its muscat wine (often found on the dessert-wine list of Australia’s best restaurants). This lovely little town is central to a beautiful area of Provence dotted with numerous small towns with markets and many historic attractions accessible for delightful daytrips.

À louer
The house can be rented either on AirBnB for $160 AUD per night, or through the owners, Jane & Tony, long-time Lingua Franca students, for only 120 euros per week.

À vendre
The house is wholly owned by 12 Australians through an Australian company, and we own two of those twelve shares. The house is valued at approximately 240,000 euros ($AUD360,000). We have found we don’t fully utilise our two shares, so if anyone is interested in purchasing one of the shares, please contact Jane to discuss on mob: 0414 842 199 or email: aocbdv53@gmail.com

*en France | *look | *to rent | *It’s a dream, isn’t it?

10 Unexpected Things You’ll Find in Paris

La tour Eiffel*, le Louvre*, chic French femmes* in les marinières* and une pâtisserie* on every corner. These are probably some of the things you expect to see in Paris. And you certainly won’t go home disappointed. However, the city is also sure to serve up some smile (or shiver) inducing surprises – if you know where to look.

Whether you’re joining us in the City of Light in September or planning your own trip in the not-too-distant future, this article ’10 of the most unexpected things you’ll find in Paris’ is worth bookmarking.

We can’t say we recommend numero deux* (pardon the pun), but to each his own!

*The Eiffel Tower | *The Louvre | *women | *striped tops | *a pâtisserie | *number two

Swoon: Jardins de Marqueyssac

High above the Dordogne river, surrounding an early 19th Century château, Les Jardins de Marqueyssac are among France's listed 'Jardins Remarquable' – and the most visited gardens in South-West France. Top of any amateur topiary artist’s bucket list, these verdant green gardens were designed by a student of André Le Notre – he of Versailles fame.

Faire une promenade* along more than 6 km of paths lined with 150,000 hand-pruned, century-old boxwoods, taking in waterfalls, rock gardens and breathtaking views of the valley.

Check out this website for a mini virtual tour. We think you’ll agree, c’est assez magique*.

*Take a walk | *It’s rather magical

Paris Plage

City of light, oui*. A gourmand’s go-to and shopper's paradise, bien sûr*. But did you know Paris also transforms into a buzzing seaside resort in summer as locals and tourists eat les glaces* and lounge in deck chairs on sandy beaches (or grassy stretches) along the Seine?

Run by the office of the Mayor of Paris, Paris Plage* first took place in 2002. The egalitarian initiative aimed to provide all city-dwellers access to a 'beachside’ vacation in summer. Including those without the means to join the annual exodus to the coast.

Initially setting up sand at just one location on the Rive Droite*, Paris Plages has grown in scale (hence it’s now plages, not plage). Taking place at three main locations – the Parc Rives de Seine, La Villette canal basin and the Trocadero gardens – it’s become a highlight of the summer calendar. 

Each year, millions of visitors beat the heat under palm trees and beach umbrellas as they enjoy free music and entertainment, join in games and quench their soif*. 

Which all sounds very lovely, but can you take a dip? While the Seine’s been off-limits for decades, the government promises it will be clean enough to swim in by 2025. (On verra*…)
For now, you can practise your laps in the pools at the Bassin de La Villette. Located in northeast Paris at the top of the Canal St Martin, this artificial lake is the place for boating and water sports enthusiasts. 

Or, if you prefer the lure of dry land, there’s always beach volleyball at the Hôtel de Ville*.

Paris Plages 2023 runs from 9 July to 22 August. Better pack la crème solaire*. 

*yes | *of course | *ice creams |*Paris Beach | *Right Bank | *thirst | *we’ll see | *City Hall |*the sunscreen

Swoon: Baie de Quiberon

Located in the Morbihan département* on the south coast of Brittany, this breathtaking bay has it all. A popular year-round tourist destination, Baie de Quiberon* was the scene of several historic battles, including the Battle of Quiberon Bay (1759). Mais ne vous inquiétez pas* – today the slice of paradise is beaucoup plus tranquille*. 

A popular destination for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers, the bay attracts hosts of tourists with its sandy beaches and charming Breton villages. And let’s not forget Quiberon’s famed niniches (sucettes*) and tinned sardines. We think you might need a bigger valise*!

Photography credit : https://www.destinationsdejulie.fr

*department | *Quiberon Bay | *But don’t worry | *Much more peaceful | *lollipops | *suitcase

Marchés de Noël

Dreaming of a Christmas that’s white rather than white-hot? Maybe it’s time to start planning a festive trip to France next December. While there’s no guarantee of a blanket (or even a dusting) of neige*, there’s no shortage of Hallmark movie-worthy Marchés de Nöel* that will have you feeling the joys of the season. 

Behold two lists of the best French Christmas markets to add to your itinerary. Le Figaro’s 2022 round-up is in French if you’re up for a challenge. But there’s also another option en anglais* if you’ve already checked out for the year – we can’t say we blame you!

*snow |*Christmas markets |*in English

SWOON: La Réunion

Looking to escape les touristes à Paris* in favour of a more exotic French-speaking locale? Un voyage* to the unique island paradise of La Réunion might tick all the right boîtes*. 

Located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Réunion is a UNESCO-listed island famous for its active volcans*, incredible biodiversity, and fragrant, colourful cuisine.

It's a haven for adventure seekers – mais faites attention!* This très belle* destination has the dubious honour of being home to the most requin* attacks of any island.

Pictures: hellolaroux.com

the tourists in Paris | A trip | boxes | volcanoes | but be careful | very beautiful | shark

Try this on for size

A return to travel means a return to le shopping* for many, so take note of our handy guide to French sizes to make sure your achats* don’t get lost in translation.

*shopping | *purchases

SWOON: Canal du Midi

With the help of its cousin Le Canal de Garonne, this feat of 17th century waterway construction connects the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.

Sail through rolling countryside and canal-side vineyards à l’ombre des platanes* that line the route.

La détente totale*.

Pictures : lavaliseafleurs.com

---

*in the shade of the plane trees | *Total relaxation

SWOON Gorges du Verdon

From the point de vue* of a particularly long and cold Australian winter (we know, it’s all relative, but come on, it’s been froid*!), this is looking like le paradis sur terre*.

Located a two-hour drive from La Côte D’Azur and with shimmering turquoise water, soaring falaises* and peregrine falcons on offer, it’s yet another coup de cœur* to add to your wish list.

*point of view | *cold | *heaven on earth | *cliffs | *favourite

Swoon Biarritz

Biarritz is located in the Basque Country which straddles France and Spain at the foot of Les Pyrénées and has enough on offer to warrant multiple visits.

Whether you come for le surf*, le cidre* or les crampottes*, be sure to leave plenty of time for lazing about on the beach before feasting on une piperade* and un bon verre d’Irouleguy*. Paradis*.

*the surf | *the cider | *the whitewashed fishing huts | *a local omelette-like dish made of espelette peppers and tomatoes | *a good glass of the local wine | *Heaven

Papier Tigre

For many, a love of language goes main dans la main* with an appreciation of fine stationery. There’s a sense of vast possibility in a blank page and a freshly-sharpened pencil that’s hard to replicate.

Imagine my excitement, then, when I came across the website of Papier Tigre*, une petite papeterie* in the heart of the Marais in Paris.

L’angoisse* soon followed, though, as I fretted that their gorgeous bloc-notes*, cartes postales* and crayons* would be unavailable to us, here at the other end of the world.

Happily, this micro-story has une fin heureuse* - Papier Tigre is available right here in Brisbane.

Bons achats*!

*hand in hand | *Paper Tiger | *a little stationer’s shop | *Anguish | *writing pads | *postcards | *pencils | *a happy ending | *Happy shopping!

*