Bess Piergrossi lives with her husband on a small farm in Eliot, Maine, where they grow flowers and raise ducks, geese and chickens. They live in an old farm from the 1740s. Bess's life is simple: tending their gardens, picking flowers which she sells at the end of her driveway, reading, sewing and cooking. It's a simple and gorgeous life that thousands of people follow on her Instagram. After a first life in New-Jersey and New-Hampshire where she studied Health Management in Policy in school and started a career in health care, Bess found herself yearning for a career with more creative freedom. She spent several years working in restaurants to make ends meet, while pursing creative passions on the side, which is where she discovered her love for farming, and met her husband. She has spent the last 6 years or so working on farms- vegetable, dairy, flower farms, and the like. She currently has a corporate job in merchandising, but fill her free making bouquets out in the garden, tending to the ducks and chickens, and farming our their own land. Interview Bess, can you describe your county? Maine is an amazing place to live- we’re about ten minutes from the beach, close the mountains, about an hour away from two major cities. We live in a perfect corner of the state, where industry and opportunity is close by, yet the quiet country is short drive down the road. It’s not very remote, but there’s corners of our county that feel like you're a million miles away from the rest of the world. We’re lucky enough to live in one of these corners. Why did you choose this house? When we moved to Maine, I got a job working early mornings at a local dairy farm down the road before going to work. Luckily, or call it fate, the farmhouse on the dairy farm went up for sale a few years later, and I knew there was no other place I’d rather live. I fell in love with the location, the view, the history— everything. All I wanted to do was live closer to the cows, and that opportunity opened up for us. It was magical, really. What is your favorite object in the home? My favorite object in the home is probably the central chimney if that counts. Its in the center of the home-- we have two fireplaces coming off of it, one in the living room, and one in the dining room, and a wood stove in the kitchen. It offers a sense of warmth and grander that I find so welcoming. What is your favorite brand? I’m a sucker for ARQ underwear. The colors, the shapes, the fabric— its all so luxurious, yet simple. Its underwear, its a pajama, its my uniform in the heat— I just love the way it hugs my body. I also love Babaa sweaters. The smell of sheep, the timelessness of the designs, the quality—— I hope to collect more of them throughout the years. What is a typical day in Bess’s Country Life? As mentioned I do work 9-5 from my home, which is a luxury due to the pandemic. I often don’t leave the home for days, if not weeks at a time. On the weekends, I indulge in simple activities like baking, washing and sorting our eggs, making bouquets to scatter around the house, weeding the garden, or doing something creative like a puzzle or sewing a new dress. At night, my husband always cooks us a decadent meal, and I keep him company at the kitchen Island as we talk about our day, our dreams, and our future. . What are you inspirational Instagram Accounts? There are so many to mention. I love @RudyJude, @DevolKitchens, @farmandfolk, @homesweethomestead et @jerseyicecreamco. Those are some of my favorites. Why would you recommend our French readers visit Maine? There’s nothing like Maine. It’s such a unique experience— the rocky beach landscape, the salt water lobsters, the farmland and farmhouses yearning to be rescued— much of Maine remains untouched, although that is changing rapidly. No matter where in Maine you go, you’ll find beauty. There’s so much to be had! What is your favorite French Inspiration? If I had to choose a person ( I don’t know many in France) it would be Rachel Bakers and her home, @3_sources. She lives in the most beautiful home in the village of Provence, and I yearn to visit, go antiquing, and roam the cobblestone streets. French antiques are really my greatest inspiration though. I’d love to find the best secret spots and flea markets in France.We stopped in Paris for our honeymoon, which is just lovely, but I’m craving a visit to the countryside as well. I’d love to return someday soon. Thanks to Bess, who we will be delighted to welcome in Burgundy to show her the French countryside! ↘ Instagram @besspier I @hitchfootfarm crédit photos © besspier

30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez, in the Massif des Maures, perches La Grande Maison des Campaux. A family home hidden in the heart of nature, transformed into a guest house by Joyce Naveau and her mother who are opening their Provençal jewel to the rest of the world. At the very beginning, La Maison des Campaux was a vacation home where the Naveau family welcomed their friends for festive and memorable moments. How can you not be charmed by this large old building which overlooks nature as far as the eye can see; 170 hectares of vineyards and forests in the Var hinterland flooded with sun and Mediterranean light. Laurance and Joyce, mother and daughter, set about renovating La Grande Maison which now welcomes large tribes all year round. La Maison invites you to spend happy and calm days, and to taste the Provençal lifestyle at any time. Its natural and refined decor, composed of a profusion of wicker baskets, large cozy sofas, linen fabrics, soft lighting, local ceramics and raw wood furniture, revisits traditional southern country interiors. And you leave the estate to stroll through the typical markets, take long walks through the holm oak forests, play pétanque or drink a pastis under the century-old chestnut trees while the children play in complete peace and quiet... And the Table d'hôtes brings together guests and outside customers who enjoy the chef's organic cuisine. Jean-Claude concocts dishes with Mediterranean influences whose ingredients are locally sourced, from eggs from the henhouse to fresh produce from the Cogolin market without forgetting, of course, the property's organic wine. " A road between the vineyards, a hill, a Provençal building: thirty minutes from Saint-Tropez, in the heart of the Massif des Maures, stands La Grande Maison des Campaux. An elegant hideaway, nature as its only neighbor, shared by an entire family." In My Bag Our "must-have" selection for a stay at La Grande Maison des Campaux. Long striped dress Arielle en coton organique, Soeur Une Année en Provence, Peter Mayle Natural raffia basket Jude, Sézane Rope sandalsWillow, Jonak Summer body oil, Rowse Amélie grenade sunglasses, Aude Herouard La Grande Maison des Campaux 6987 Rte du Dom 83230 Bormes-les-Mimosas ↘ lagrandemaisondescampaux I Instagram @la.grande.maison.des.campaux Fares rooms from 200,00€ / night, breakfast 25,00€ picture credits © stéphanie davilma

If you want to escape and enjoy design, we have selected 5 dream hotels to add to your travel wishlist. Minimalist settings nestled in the heart of nature which offer an unforgettable stay. USA AMANGIRI RETREAT Located in the remote canyons of Utah, on the Colorado Plateaus, Amangiri is a luxury resort that plunges its guests into ataraxia. Amangiri is the pearl of the Far West for travelers looking for peace and quiet. Everything has been thought of to encourage guests to permanent contemplation. Open on all sides to the desert that surrounds it, its mineral architecture is integrated into the rock and blends in with the landscape. The hotel offers absolute comfort and sublime, simple elegance. Its spa aims to restore each person's Hozho, a principle of Navajo shamanic philosophy allowing beauty, harmony, balance and health to be magnified through a series of treatments and mind-blowing protocols. And the omnipresent desert offers numerous sporting activities, from rafting to horseback riding, hiking, via ferratas or yoga sessions on rocky peaks. Or, simply read a book by the extraordinary swimming pool and contemplate the breathtaking sunsets. ↘ amangiri MEXICO TERRESTRE HOTEL Created by Grupo Habita for travelers seeking an immersive experience, this brutalist-inspired all-villa resort invites guests to connect with the elements and admire Oaxaca's Pacific coast. The Terrestre hotel is a place of withdrawal into oneself and towards the outside at the same time. Each of the 14 independent villas, all with a garden on the ground floor, an upstairs terrace, an outdoor shower and a private swimming pool, open onto the world. The Mexican sun and vegetation invite themselves into every corner of the building and guests are continually invited to admire the omnipresent nature. Alberto Kalach and his TAX laboratory have created a unique hybrid universe, both futuristic and retro, inspired by pre-Columbian cultism and an imagination borrowed from science fiction. A sort of modern-day solar temple built with materials coming from within a kilometer radius or created on the property. The neighboring Pacific Ocean and its sublime beaches, the hexagonal spa, the fauna and flora observatory enhance the immersive experience. ↘ terrestrehotel GREECE PNOES TINOS Private swimming pools, organic gardens, stunning beaches and traditional Greek villages await you in this peaceful haven created by Aristides Dallas, one of Greece's most famous architects. The Pnoēs Hotel promise is simple: leave stress behind and breathe. The entire concept of the resort is based on an architecture and philosophy focused on luxury, relaxation and regeneration. Respecting traditional Cycladic architecture, the white villas with graphic lines stand out against the azure sky, swimming pools and sea in the background. All furniture has been custom made with particular attention to local craftsmanship. The decoration is refined and comes in neutral and warm tones where every detail has been carefully studied. The Pnoēs Hotel is an invitation to slow down, where you stroll, swim, walk and savor the weather and local riches. ↘ pnoestinos JAPAN SETOUCHI RETREAT by ONKO CHISHIN A pure gem from legendary architect Tadao Ando, ​​the Setouch Retreat by Onko Chishi is part of traditional Zen philosophy and offers a minimalist luxury retreat where the useless is non-existent. Getting rid of the superfluous to reclaim your true self. This is the concept of Setouch Retreat. Located on the island of Matsuyama in the middle of lush vegetation, the “smooth as silk” concrete cubes overlook the Seto Sea. The intimate hotel of seven rooms, enhanced by the works of art which adorn its bare volumes, offers a complete sensory experience: grandiose and immaculate landscapes everywhere, a table magnifying the local culinary culture and a zen spa area are the source of a great emotion. The Setouchi retreat invites contemplation of an exterior landscape and an ever-changing interior reflection. ↘ setouchiretreat ISLAND ION ADVENTURE HOTEL Live an unforgettable experience under the lights of the Northern Lights. The designer Ion Adventure Hotel offers eco-friendly luxury and an unparalleled opportunity to explore the best of Iceland. Innovative materials, sustainable practices and natural elements form the foundations of design at Ion. Former workers' hostel of a geothermal power station, the place has been transformed and reinvented by the Minarc design studio. The brutalist and austere style was retained to echo the harshness of the landscape and to reinforce the concept of a secluded retreat. Recognized by its series of pillars that jut the building dramatically up the slopes of Mount Hengill, the hotel houses its swimming pool and spa beneath the structure. Swimming under the Northern Lights, hiking through an ancient glacier or fly fishing in numerous icy rivers, Ion offers the opportunity to experience multiple sensations. ↘ ionadventurehotel

Zara Home celebrates spring in its latest Sunny Days story and illuminates children's rooms with sunny yellow and soft lilac. Children's rooms are inspired by spring gardens. They come in a sunny yellow and flowery lilac. A warm and soft harmony which is printed in liberty on bedroom linen and the baby clothing collection. A neo-Victorian ambiance complemented by the carved wooden furniture and flat ruffled cushions. ↘ zarahome pictures credit © zarahome

The architect and designer Isabelle Castanier is launching her second exhibition “A house in Saint-Tropez, tables and intimate stories” from July 4, 2024. In partnership with Hélène Aguilar from the podcast Où est le Beau? and around twenty talents, she organizes a scenographic walk in her childhood home in Saint-Tropez to discover sustainable convivial objects and furniture. For the second year in a row, Isabelle Castanier highlights the talent of emerging and established creators within her family house in Saint-Tropez. Her new exhibition reveals the work of around twenty designers, craftsmen and artists concerned about their environmental impact. The collective reconsiders objects and furniture on the theme of conviviality and the table. From manufacturing materials to coloring pigments, these conscious and visionary talents will offer furniture, painting, textiles, photography, sculpture and installation to contemplate, meditate on and adopt. " In a world in movement and in search of stability, the house becomes a refuge and the table, a space of reconciliation, a place of beauty, of good, of truth... The Table as a witness to our lives." The exhibition invites you to stroll through the house and the garden and to discover five scenes showcasing this artistic delight. You will be able to admire in particular the sculptures with Sicilian influences of Audrey Ballacchino, the woven straw furniture of Emma Bruschi, Léa Bigot's ceramics or Guillaume Blot's documentary photographs. A House in Saint-Tropez, Vol. 2 - Tables and intimate stories From July 4th to August 24th 2024 Hours: 10h-13h and 16h-20h By appointment Monday to Friday Free visit on Saturday and Sunday Nightlife & Private Events every Thursday evening Place des Lices, 17 avenue Foch 83990 Saint-Tropez → isabellecastanier picture credit © mathilde dehiley

The new guard of fashion moves with the times and young designers make sustainable development the DNA of their branding. These emerging brands offer responsible and ethical fashion that uses organic, natural and/or local materials out of conviction. They also adopt a transparent approach towards consumers, and advocate thoughtful consumption by consciously producing in limited quantities. New York, Byron Bay and Copenhagen... a little world tour of slow fashion with three eco-friendly and very trendy labels. RODEBJER Founded in New York in 2000 by Carin Rodebjer, the eponymous brand boasts fashion created with heart and conscience, made to be worn every day and to last. The collections offer timeless pieces designed with an artisanal approach using rigorously selected materials. Fluid volumes, minimalist lines and remarkable prints give a very feminine and playful touch to the clothes. Human rights, feminist and ecological movements and counterculture are at the center of Robedjer's philosophy. A brand perfectly anchored in its time. rodebjer DEIJI STUDIOS Founded in 2016 by Juliette Harkness and Emma Nelson in Byron Bay, Australia, Deiji Studios bases its brand on social awareness and sustainability. The uniqueness of the label is to offer bed linen and a comfortable indoor wardrobe, as elegant as a line of outerwear. Linen, bamboo and Oeko-Tex certified organic cotton are their favorite materials. Member of 1% for the Planet, Deiji Studios donates 1% of its revenues to environmental associations. deijistudios SKALL STUDIO Founded in Denmark in 2014 by sisters Julie and Marie Skall, the landscapes of Jutland and family history inspire the brand's creations. Skall Studio has embraced the slow fashion movement from the beginning by designing its clothes in an artisanal way using only ecological materials: locally designed knitwear, GOTS certified organic cotton, wool, linen, organic cotton and recycled cashmere. A vegan wardrobe, without leather or fur, which offers simple, feminine and comfortable silhouettes. skallstudio

This season, long shorts are one of the it pieces of the wardrobe. We wear it in a clipped version which gives it a classic and elegant touch that we twist with cool and trendy accessories. Shop the look Here we wear long shorts in a cool chic version: classic long shorts and a navy sweater accessorized with colorful sunglasses and bag, and raffia babies. Sunglasses Cincinatti sunglasses, Off White 230,00€ Sweater Cable-knit wool sweater, Denimist 400,00€ Long Shorts East long shorts, Claudie Pierlot 225,00€ Mary-Jane Shoes Grosgrain raffia babies, Le Monde Beryl 460,00€ Handbag Fallow blue leather purse bag, Sezane 230,00€

On the occasion of the celebration of 150 years of the birth of Impressionism, the Musée des impressionnismes in Giverny, located a stone's throw from Claude Monet's house in Eure, is organizing, from March 29 to June 30, 2024, an exhibition dedicated to the sea and entitled Impressionism and the sea. The title of Claude Monet's marine work, Impression, Soleil Levant, is the origin of the name of the Impressionist movement. In 1874, the art critic Louis Leroy published a scathing article on the exhibition organized by the group of avant-garde painters who were then seeking to translate their impressions onto canvas rather than following the codes of Academic Art. “I was also thinking, since I’m impressed by this painting, there must be some impression in there!” Following this pamphlet, artists took up the term “impressionist” to assume and claim their non-conformism: “Yes, we are impressionists”. Impressionist painters, fascinated by maritime landscapes and the specific light of Normandy or the Riviera, treated the sea from different angles: the leisure activities of the first seaside resorts on the flowery coast, the life of merchant ports, the maritime industry, the storms... The exhibition brings together 80 works by Monet, Manet, Gauguin, Manet, Pissaro and Signac, including the masterpieces La Vague by Courbet (1870, Orléans, Museum of Fine Arts) and L'Évasion de Rochefort by Manet (1881, Paris, Musée d'Orsay). At the same time, the museum is celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Eugène Boudin (1824-1898) by including 25 of his works in the exhibition. Useful information Exhibition Impressionismand the sea From March 29 to June 30, 2024 Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny 99, rue Claude Monet 27620 Giverny mdig.fr

Maison Ceronne is a small hotel in Perche, Normandy, with minimalist elegance. Designed and managed since 2019 by the duo Vincent and Clément, it is a dream destination for city dwellers keen on design and nature. Parisians in need of greenery, Vincent the interior designer and Clément the entrepreneur have renovated an old farmhouse in the heart of Perche, 150 km west of Paris. Originally intended to become their country home, they eventually moved there and transformed the estate into a contemporary country hotel in 2019. La Maison To date, three buildings spread over a two-hectare park house twelve rooms, common areas, two heated swimming pools, indoor and outdoor, multiple additional facilities (sauna, hammam, outdoor Nordic bath, gym, cinema room, karaoke , dance machine, etc.), a restaurant and, more recently, a stable. And in a short time, the opening of Maison Ceronne 2, currently under study, will bring the estate to 90 hectares. The concept has been carefully studied to delight guests who love comfort and modernism: the raw, concrete architecture, the large open fireplace, all the furniture designed by Vincent or signed (DS210 De Sede sofa, Tanis desk by Pierre Paulin, Pierre Guariche, Haussmann lighting etc.), the black and white palette occasionally enhanced with colored tones, and the centerpiece of the project, the outdoor swimming pool clad in black marble which stands out from the green parterre, signature of the ultra graphic aesthetic of the house. The omnipresent nature and aesthetics invite continuous contemplation and relaxation. " All of the pieces that make up Maison Ceronne surprise with their unusual and even singular character. Waking up in one of the rooms of the house, with the birds singing, the sound of the wind in the ancient trees, this is the promise of this unusual journey into nature." La Table Maison Ceronne is also a table open to guests on weekends and every day during the summer period, but which can also be reserved for dinner without being a resident. The menu concocted by Clément is simple and mainly composed of products from local farms and producers which vary depending on the day. We have breakfast there and enjoy seasonal dishes in front of the large indoor fireplace or on the terrace, depending on the weather and the seasons. In my luggage Our "must-have" selection for a stay at Maison Ceronne. Long organic cotton dress, Ganni L'Amour Fou, André Breton Soli basket, Jacquemus Witney flipflops, Ancient Greek Sandals SPF50 Mineral Drops, Odacité Agatha denim jacket, Soeur Maison Ceronne La Gilberdière, 61380 Sainte-Céronne-Lès-Mortagne maisonceronne I @maisonceronne Fares room from 225,00 et 265,00€ per night, breakfast included. picture credits © maison ceronne

The season of mixed salads is officially launched. Whatever their compositions, from the simplest to the most elaborate, enhance your recipes and the decoration of your tables with stylish salad bowls and cutlery. Wooden salad servers Hammershoi, Kähler Design 27,99€ Handmade earthenware salad bowl, Rosi Mistou 245,00€ Salad bowl in green-gray gleaned earth made by hand, Potry 210,00€ Handmade twisted spoon, Maison Tala 32,00€ Bamboo salad servers, Sabre 83,00€ Salad bowl L Kauai in white ceramic, Nordal 121,60€ Green ceramic Shakti salad bowl, Bloomingville 67,90€ Wooden salad servers Os, Ferm living 55,00€ Mango wood salad servers, H&M home 14,99€ Sofia bowl, Amadeus 39,90€ Lola clay salad bowl, Perla Valtierra 137,00€ Wood salad servers Pinar, Bloomingville 24,90€