May Newsletter
May in Montfort: Slow Days & Soft Light
May’s arrived quietly—longer days, softer light, and that gentle hum of things waking up again in the garden. The first Happiness roses are starting to bloom, elderflowers are popping up in the hedgerows, and the morning sun has that golden, no-rush kind of glow. This month I’m sharing a few favourite French finds, a bit of seasonal inspiration, and one small, timeless ritual for welcoming May.
May Inspiration— a quick-fire hit list of things I’ve seen and loved
The Bow Handle. I love these Bow Handles by Beata Heuman. They’d be perfect for transforming a tired old chest of drawers or for your next kitchen renovation.I’ve got them earmarked for a project I’m designing so please don’t buy them all.
A Film – Ridicule (1996), a visually stunning period drama set in 18th-century France, filled with wit and decadent interiors.
Artisanal Writing Supplies – Écritoire in Paris, is one of those shops you want to linger in all afternoon. They sell handcrafted inks, fountain pens, and old-world stationery for those who are still drawn to the romance of handwritten notes. I love their rose flower wax seal. This new offering from Cai Fahrel is in my basket. I love to write notes for all manner of things, so this tea time Cup and Saucer card is perfect for any occasion.
Anduze Pots – Classic, weathered Anduze urns from Les Enfants de Boisset in the Cévennes are ideal for framing a grand entrance in French style. They’ve been in production since 1610!
Pot pourri d’Apothicaire – Check out Mad et Len, a French artisan brand making small-batch candles and potpourri in beautiful iron vessels. They’re perfect for an old-world touch.
A Book – The World of Atelier Vime, A Renaissance of Wicker and Style
Published by Flammarion, with words by Marie Godfrain, Benoît Rauzy and Anthony Watson, this book tells the story behind one of the most beautiful design revivals. When the founders of Atelier Vime discovered that their 18th-century hôtel particulier in Provence had once housed a basket-weaving workshop, they didn’t just restore the building—they brought the craft back to life. Willow was replanted, old techniques rediscovered, and new work began, in collaboration with local artisans. Today, their rattan and wicker designs are found in homes by Pierre Yovanovitch, Kelly Wearstler and anyone else with an eye for quiet elegance. The atelier has become a destination in itself—a place where history, material, and making come together in the most grounded, graceful way. This book captures the story beautifully.
A Home to Admire – I loved watching this country house tour of Antique Dealer Will Green produced by Cabana Magazine
The Sartorial Season
The seasons are shifting—quietly, without ceremony—and with them, the way we dress. This month’s fashion notes aren’t about trends so much as touchstones: pieces with staying power, well-made things that feel good to live with. French classics, a few new discoveries, and the sorts of details that catch the eye without shouting.
1. ME&EM Wide Brim Hat 2. Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Parfum 3. Zara Gold Bracelets 4. M&S Ballet flats 5, Sissel Edelbo Astrid Top 6. Zara Denim Blouse 7. TOAST Floating Print Cotton Bandana 8. Jones Road Miracle Balm, Pinky Bronze 9. Alex Mill Standard Zip Jumpsuit in Herringbone 10. TOAST Floral Ribbon Print Cotton Bandana 11. Zara suede jacket 12. Boden Liv V-Neck Linen T-Shirt Warm Ivory/ Soft Lavender Pink 13. Momoni Caiana skirt in Striped cotton & silk. Cream/red 14. ME&EM Cheesecloth Frill Detail Crop Jumpsuit + Belt 15 Zara Hair Scrunchie, burgundy 16. Russell & Bromley WHITLE Lattice Fisherman Sandal
1. ME&EM Wide Brim Hat How romantic is this hat. I love the brown ribbon! Its made for an afternoon stroll in the French Countryside.
2. Aesop Marrakech Intense Eau de Parfum One of my favourite fragrances. I find the combination of woody, spicy and fresh florals work beautifully in all seasons
3. Zara Gold Bracelets A pop of gold for sunny spring afternoons!
4. M&S Ballet flats. These fast are becoming a bit of a cult classic. So perfect with a skirt or capri trousers.
5, Sissel Edelbo Astrid Top Heart-shaped pockets with ruffle edges and an oh so French country gingham check.
6. Zara Denim Blouse A lapel collar and puffed, below-the-elbow sleeves make this the perfect blouse for May in the SW of France.
7. TOAST Floating Print Cotton Bandana. another month, another scarf. The colours of this one are so sublime.
8. Jones Road Miracle Balm, Pinky Bronze My new addiction. A soft-focus wash of moisture that perfects and enhances your skin. It’s magic comes from the light-reflecting super powers. Some days I wear it alone and others, layer it over foundation for an instant, fresh boost. Trust Bobbi Brown, she’s a genius.
9. Alex Mill Standard Zip Jumpsuit in Herringbone I have one in black but Spring is calling and it’s telling me I now need one in cream. They are so comfortable and look great with a little French neckerchief.
10. TOAST Floral Ribbon Print Cotton Bandana In love with this one. It’s destined as a companion for number 9, above.
11. Zara suede jacket Zara are making some lovely leather and suede pieces at the moment. This suede jacket has my name on it!
12. Boden Liv V-Neck Linen T-Shirt Warm Ivory/ Soft Lavender Pink. Pair with the skirt below!
13. Momoni Caiana skirt in Striped cotton & silk. Cream/red Such a perfect skirt for Spring.
14. ME&EM Cheesecloth Frill Detail Crop Jumpsuit + Belt I have a few of Me&Em’s jumpsuits so I can attest to their versatility, particularly when packing for a holiday. They’ll take you from breakfast to dinner. I have this one in black but the blue version is now in my basket.
15. Zara Hair Scrunchie, burgundy. I love the way the layers frill and form a beautiful flounce in your hair.
16. Russell & Bromley WHITLE Lattice Fisherman Sandal I have a natural leather pair of their fisherman’s sandals from last season. SO comfortable and so so serviceable!
What's in Season: May in France
🍓 Strawberries – Gariguette and Mara des Bois. So fleeting but so fragrant and sweet.
🥬 Asparagus – The last of the white spears from the Les Landes and tender green asparagus from Provence.
🫛 Peas & Broad Beans – Fresh and perfect for quick blanching or tossing into salads.
🌿 Wild Garlic & Fresh Herbs – Chervil, tarragon, and basil make their first appearance.
🧅 New Potatoes – Ratte du Touquet or Noirmoutier potatoes, simply boil or steam, then toss in herby, salted butter.
🌸 Elderflowers – The hedgerows are filled with delicate blossoms, ready for syrups and cordials.
🐟 Spring Seafood – Sardines, sea bass, and fresh anchovies from the Atlantic coast, just an hour’s drive from Chateau Montfort.
🧀 Goat’s Cheese – Spring chèvre, young and creamy. I buy mine from a lovely shepherdess at my local market.
Recipe Ideas From My May Market Basket
A punnet of Gariguette strawberries The Gariguette is a beloved French variety, known for their vibrant red colour, delicate shape, and exceptional sweetness. With a slender, slightly conical appearance, they’re often smaller than the ubiquitous gigantic strawberries found in supermarkets, but their flavour is incomparable—juicy, aromatic, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle acidity. Grown mainly in the sunny regions of Provence, Gariguettes are a true sign of spring in France. I love to eat them for breakfast, fresh from the punnet or pop them in a freeform tart, served with home-made custard ice-cream. Other favourite desserts are Fraise Melba and Charlotte aux Fraises. Fraise Melba is a variation on the classic Pêche Melba, created by Auguste Escoffier in honour of the Australian soprano, Dame Nellie Melba. The strawberry version is just as lovely: ripe berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of raspberry coulis or purée, and, I insist, a generous dollop of Chantilly cream. Served cold, in a coupe or glass dish, it’s the kind of dessert that comes together in minutes and disappears just as quickly.
Charlotte aux Fraises, on the other hand, is more of a centrepiece. Traditionally made with ladyfingers (or sponge) lining a mould and filled with a strawberry mousse or bavarois. It’s chilled until set, then turned out and topped with more berries. More structured, more effort, but still very French in that quietly celebratory way.
A bundle of asparagus to roast. Pan fry in butter or steam and finish with smoked Maldon salt, lemon zest and olive oil. White asparagus is such a treat so as soon as it arrives at the markets you can be sure to see the long queues of shoppers patiently waiting their turn to buy a precious bunch.
A basket of new potatoes—tossed in butter and fresh herbs—is my favourite way to enjoy their freshly dug flavour. Just before serving, I finish them with a sprinkle of coarse grey salt from Guérande for a salty crunch.
A bag of broad beans, boiled, shelled and topped with torn burrata a drizzle of honey, salt flakes, chilli flakes & torn mint.
A bottle of elderflower syrup for spritzers or drizzling over cakes.I make my own with flowers I forage from the hedgerows. This is a great recipe if you’re after one btw.
A whole wild sea bass (often called bar de ligne in French) cooked over wood coals on the BBQ and served with a simple fennel, red onion and olive salad.
The May Edit: An Interior Mood Board
Here’s a little edit of what I’m loving right now—treasures I’ve spotted online, pieces turning up in the brocantes, and a few things I’ve bookmarked for the chateau (or wish I had). Nothing too precious, just beautiful, useful things with a bit of soul.
1. Lawfords 20th Century French Champagne basket, 2. Louisa Longstaff-Scales Painting, 3. TOAST Splatter Enamel Pendant Lamp Shade, 4. Selency Pot vernissé ancien vert, 5. Birdie Fortescue Round Jute Placemat, Set Of Four - Light Blue, 6. TOAST Nila Hand Woven Patchwork Quilt, 7. TOAST Poterie Barbotine Marbled Plate, 8. Emma Lacey Everyday Mug Pink, 9. TOAST The Braided Rug Company Organic Jute Rug, Ink, 10. Lawfords Early 20th Century Howard & Sons club armchair, 11. Lawfords antique French deep blue painted zinc watering can, 12. Birdie Fortescue Handwoven Rattan Tray - Red, 13. Lawfords 19th Century Italian tree of life-preserving pots
1. Lawfords 20th Century French Champagne basket A great decor piece for adding texture and some French authenticity to a room. They make a great place to store pine cones for the fire. I keep Sarments, Grape vine prunings in mine. FYI Sarments are brilliant for imparting flavour to grilled meat, In Bordeaux they are famous for their entrecôte aux sarments (steak with sarments) Just place a few twigs on the coals and let the sweet smoke infuse the meat or veg.
2. Louisa Longstaff-Scales Painting. I recently bought a beautiful piece from Louisa that she painted at her parents old farmhouse in Northern France. Louisa’s colour palettes are utterly sublime and so reminiscent our our big skies here in the Pyrenees.
3. TOAST Splatter Enamel Pendant Lamp Shade. I have my eye on this for an upcoming bathroom renovation.
4. Selency Pot vernissé ancien vert. I collect these. Their green or yellow glaze is a great way of building a colour in a room. Colour pops don’t always need to be in the form of paint or fabric. A collection of glazed pots on a central table or mantle piece are a wonderful way to colour block in interiors.
5. Birdie Fortescue Round Jute Placemat, Set Of Four - Light Blue. I love Birdie’s homewares. I met her last year at London in Design and I can assure you she is just as adorable as her lovely wares.
6. TOAST Nila Hand Woven Patchwork Quilt. Can one ever have enough quilts? This one has my name on it. I LOVE those colours!
7. TOAST Poterie Barbotine Marbled Plate As a food stylist, I’m always on the lookout for fabulous plates. This one would be the perfect backdrop for shooting peeled prawns or langoustines.
8. Emma Lacey Everyday Mug Coral. Emma’s mugs are so beautiful to hold. They have a little dimple for your thumb and forefinger, in just the right place. The range of colours make them perfect for creating a personalised collection—one for each member of the family.
9. TOAST The Braided Rug Company Organic Jute Rug, in Ink. I recently bought this rug for our blue toile bathroom. Carpets make bathrooms feel much more homely and less clinical. My advice? If you have the space thrown one down!
10. Lawfords Early 20th Century Howard & Sons club armchair Howard & Sons chairs are synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and timeless design. They’re easy identified by their trademark ticking, originally used as a protective covering for the chair’s padding. It’s since become a signature design feature but originally they would have had loose slip covers to hide the ticking. These chairs are not just pieces of furniture—they’re a true investment in style and history, hence the price.
11. Lawfords antique French deep blue painted zinc watering can. I love an old French watering can. This little pop of blue outside a kitchen window would be so lovely, particularly sitting beside a drift of daffodils.
12. Birdie Fortescue Handwoven Rattan Tray - Red. I love a good tray and this one’s a beaut!
13. Lawfords 19th Century Italian tree of life-preserving pots. You might have noticed, I’m a sucker for old preserving pots.
And a few other goodies I’m loving at the moment…
For some Spring scent indoors, I’m loving the geranium, cardamom and woody notes of this Dyptique candle.(1) It sings of sunlit balconies, blooming with geraniums.
Daylesford have launched a Spring Garden Tabletop collection. Standouts for me are their cutlery their collaboration with French brand Sabre (10) and their weave glass jug (9), perfect for ice tea on the terrace.
If you haven’t come across the mother and daughter duo Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini, you absolutely must visit their swoon-worthy website — or better still, their charming shop and cooking school in Beaune, France. Their newest book, French at Heart (8), is a beautifully written blend of seasonal menus, personal stories, and reflections on their life in Burgundy — part memoir, part cookbook, and entirely irresistible for anyone who dreams of slow, soulful French living.
Of course, their debut book, The Cook’s Atelier, is still a go-to for recipes that will have you salivating as you flip from Sole Meunière with Beurre Blanc to Chocolate Mousseline and Lemon Soufflés. And…drumroll… I’ll be tapping into all their best cooking tips and French culinary inspiration in an upcoming interview — so stay tuned!
I’m IN LOVE with Colours of Arley’s stripy Shower Curtain in Gold Leaf & Lemon Sorbet - Cocktail, earmarked for a project I’m working on soon.
Love this set of springtime daffodil candles(11) this fabulously fun limited Edition Cherry Serving Platter (7) and this Gilbert Ruffle Cushion Cover in Blue & White (2) from Quinn Says.
There’s something very spring-like in this beautiful Late Afternoon White Basketweave Bowl (12) perfect for breakfast pastries.
With outdoor dining upon us, I rather love the idea of whiling away an afternoon under this Terracotta scalloped parasol with cream fringe (3)
And this portable Backgammon Roll (6) is great for picnics, atop a towel at the beach or simply rolling out on the grass under a tree.
Supporting Fellow Creatives!
If you’re heading to France this year, I’ve just heard about a new place to rest your head...
Tucked into the medieval heart of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, Maison Saint Antonin is a newly opened B&B where honey-hued stone walls and cool tiled floors meet the charm of brocante finds and handwoven linens. It’s the kind of place where you wake to birdsong, wander to the market for ripe peaches, and lose track of time under a trees by the Aveyron river.
They’ve kindly offered my followers a complimentary cheese & wine platter with every direct booking this year—a little taste of the region's rich terroir as you settle in and plan your brocante hunting for the next day!
Just contact Corrina ,qoute the code HOWTOFRENCHCOUNTRY and tell them Sara sent you 💌
Peek into their world here: maisonsaintantonin.com
P.S. If you're a creative or entrepreneur with a product that aligns with French country lifestyle—whether it's travel, interiors, food, or slow living—I’d love to hear from you. If it’s a good fit for my readership, I’d be delighted to support and share your work. Feel free to message me directly.
Where I’ve Been
The short answer? Not far. After spinal surgery, the doctor’s orders were clear — no driving, no gardening, and definitely no heavy lifting. But I did manage to lift my spirits with a little Easter weekend escape.
We jumped in the car and spent a blissful few days between Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France and San Sebastián in Spain — both charming coastal towns and both within an easy hour’s drive from home. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with its elegant Basque architecture and sun-drenched beaches, is the kind of place where time slows to a gentle rhythm, while San Sebastián is a true culinary mecca, famed for its pintxos bars and an impressive constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants set around the iconic La Concha Bay.
We dined at Zelai Txiki — a cozy hillside restaurant just outside San Sebastián, awarded a green star for sustainability in the Michelin Guide for its honest Basque cooking, home-grown produce and unbeatable views over the city. Husband was most impressed with his slow roasted suckling pig. This might sound like a concession, and it truly isn’t, but the standout for me was the green salad.Fresh from the garden, perfectly dressed and totally delicious.
And just across the bay from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in the picturesque harbour town of Ciboure, we discovered Ekatza, a two star Michelin restaurant headed by chef Guillaume Roget. It has the ambience of a contemporary Basque bistro but with all the refined elegance that is to be expected when you step into the den on a flavour alchemist the likes of Roget. The Michelin Guide offers the most fitting tribute to his magic.
‘His flair for deep, intense sauces will knock your socks off, illustrated by a stock of langoustine shells blended with foie gras, or fish stock perfumed with verbena and then reduced with sweet chestnut honey. A banquet of rich, gutsy flavours that nonetheless deftly sidesteps the trap of being overly cloying or starchy. Something of a culinary landmark on the Basque coast.’
This is one to pop on your bucket list. I’m still dreaming of this meal!
For more details, see my city guide for Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
For my San Sebastián city guide with all my personal favourites on where to stay, eat, and wander CLICK HERE, its updated annually. I’ve also posted the hotel review for where we stayed in San Sebastián HERE
A few French Rituals for May
🌿 La Cueillette du Muguet – On May 1st, it’s tradition in France to gift lily of the valley (muguet) for luck and happiness. Pick some from the garden or visit your local flower market. In France they’re often sold in lovely little terracotta pots.
🐞 Lady(bird) Luck – Spotting a coccinelle in May is a sign of good fortune—especially if it lands on you. Some say you should make a wish before it flies away, though I’m usually too distracted admiring its tiny perfection.
🍷 May Wine, Alsace-Style – In parts of eastern France, it’s traditional to steep white wine with sweet woodruff, a wild herb that gives a soft, honeyed aroma. It’s said to bring good health and prosperity, but at the very least, it’s a lovely way to toast the season.
🌳 Raising the Mai (The Maypole Tradition) – In some villages, particularly in Provence, a tree or decorated pole is raised to celebrate renewal and community. It’s a beautiful reminder that May is a month of growth—both in nature and in life.
☀️ "En Mai, fais ce qu’il te plaît" (In May, do as you please!) – This old French saying encourages embracing the energy of spring, throwing open the windows, and indulging in life’s simple pleasures. Which, let’s be honest, is the best kind of wisdom.
Until next month,
x Sara
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