The past few days have positively swirled with Network Provence energy, and two major events have shown the actual value of connections made through our network, with upward spirals of collaborations in play all over the place.  

On Thursday evening, Ruth Ribeaucourt of Faire Press and founder of Mira Menerbes and Faire Residency hosted a book launch for her formidable collaboration on the Antoinette Poisson “A Year In the French Style” Interiors and Entertaining with Jean-Baptiste Martin and Vincent Farelly. This book, the papeteries and fabrics alongside as well as all the Antoinette and Poisson accessories, are heart-stoppingly beautiful, of course, but also unique and far away from the “look” we usually are served as French style, while all at once presenting such a marriage of antiquities and glorious colours and design of right now. Ruth captures magic in photographs and sends it straight to hearts like no other. The words, the images and the glimpse into the possibilities of their collaborative book are jaw-dropping.

They may become a bible of striving towards the ultimate beauty of living a French-styled life. The celebration at Mira was sublime, with sponsorship by Victoria at Maison Victoire to provide wine from Racines in Bonnieux, served up by Jess and Pierre with mini-lessons about their delectable vintages on offer. We had a sumptuous table of treats from the authors themselves. Many women of Network Provence were present, and the sparkling community of creatives and connoisseurs were an absolute delight. You can visit Mira Menerbes to see the world of Antoinette Poisson until November 26th. 

Following this on Friday, we met again at the vernissage of Janice Jaquet‘s exhibition “Landscapes in Chromatic Abstract” Ode To Provence, at Le St Hubert in Saint-Saturnin les Apt. Long-time member Janice presented her beautifully executed, ethereal and dreamlike paintings that graced every wall of the restaurant. The canvases in this collection represent Provence’s skyscapes, landscapes, and colours, echoing the rich glow of light that causes the viewer to see in paint the views we imagine we are looking at in the dawns and golden hours, which nature treats us to here. The turnout of guests was formidable, and the only negative was the brevity of time allowed before the restaurant hosted a private dinner with the artist. Again, many of the audience were NP ladies, always an inspiring mix of personalities and talents. One could have spoken for hours with all the guests; however, time was limited as we were seated to enjoy a delightful meal inspired by Janice’s Caribbean, Indian and Scottish heritage. St. Hubert did a fantastic job interpreting this fusion to make the meal delicious. Ode to Provence will be showing at Le St Hubert through December 24th. As Lise has recently announced new hours (and menus!), we highly recommend visiting to view Janice’s heavenly paintings and experience the restaurant’s hospitality.

We are fortunate to have this community and these outings to meet our fellow Provence lovers in person. Even at such high-profile events, it is certain that you will feel not only inspired but included with Network Provence. Of course, not everyone can attend the daytime meetings, but going out together allows us to speak, dream up future collaborations, and see what is happening in the region.

By Maryna Fontenoy for Network Provence