News and views from the South of France

News and views from the South of France. We have been here for nearly two weeks. The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Our village of Grimaud is buzzing. I would say maybe not so many foreign tourists more French especially Parisians. Well, it is the height of their holiday season.

There is definitely a joyous party atmosphere. The local wine bar and all the restaurants are full every evening. There is not the usual music and festivities in the village this year presumably because it would attract too large a crowd.

Grimaud village in flower

We will be spending most of our time in the village this year. St.Tropez and the beaches are just too crowded for us.

We made one trip into St.Tropez last Thursday. Again all the cafes were full and I did not see much self-distancing or mask-wearing. I went specifically to have my hair cut. You can see the new short “do” in the first image. It really feels fantastic to have my hair back to normal.

News and views from the South of France

Every Thursday there is a local market in the village. The usual fruit and veg, honey and local cheeses. My favourite jewellery stall was there. All the jewellery is made by hand. I have bought quite a few of her designs over the years. Her pearl earrings and necklaces are my favourites.

I was lucky to have a private cubicle when I had my hair cut. Masks were obligatory.

I normally take photos of the shop windows in St. Tropez. This year it was quite difficult as the streets were crowded. I did manage to take one photo of my favourite shop. I love the colour of this dress and it is so well accessorised with the colour coordinated scarf.

Sadly I don’t think that I will get to visit St.Tropez market this trip as it is just too crowded with not much chance of self-distancing. You can read about our visits last year here and here.

Photo of me wearing blue dress by the sea taken by Mr.P.

I am taking a bit of a break in the lovely sunshine so posts may not be so regular. Do follow me on Instagram where I will be posting regularly about life in the South of France.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

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View Comments

Laine says:

27th July 2020 at 16:12

I am isolated here in Indiana, US. quarantining myself as I am almost 80 years old and don't want to get sick. Am enjoying your photos of beautiful France and trying not to feel too envious. Alas, am failing that. Keep sending photos of your life which adds to mine. And thank you for doing so.
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  28th July 2020 at 08:08
  
  Dear Laine
  
  I am really glad to hear that you are enjoying my blog and hope that the posts are brightening up your week while you are quarantining.
Pru says:

27th July 2020 at 16:14

Love the blue dress you are wearing Josephine and thank you for posting the scarves to me just before you left!
Peggy says:

27th July 2020 at 16:35

Love your haircut Josephine! The style and length are very becoming on you.
Enjoy your time in France.
Becky Alexander says:

27th July 2020 at 16:39

Great haircut!
jenny says:

27th July 2020 at 18:58

Love the blue dress and the haircut, you look altogether fabulous.
Brenda Chell says:

27th July 2020 at 20:42

It looks so beautiful there and so do you, have a great holiday Josephine and thank you for the blogs which are very much appreciated.
M says:

27th July 2020 at 20:56

Hi Josephine, I love to see the photographs from France and see what you are wearing! I only found your site recently so I looked back at the blogs from last summer. That made me think of an old book I have read and re-read a couple of times, "The Scapegoat" by Daphne DuMaurier which is set in France, although the protagonist is a teacher from England. I can highly recommend it especially for people who love all things French. It would be ideal summer reading for anyone languishing at home because of the COVID situation. Thank you Josephine for a unique website among a welter of blogs for "women of a certain age."
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  28th July 2020 at 08:06
  
  Hello M
  
  I don't think that I have read that Daphne DuMaurier book, I will check it out thanks.
Kay says:

27th July 2020 at 21:57

I didn't get to do my semi-annual trip to Savoie this year to see the family. Your photos are a lovely reminder that the world is still out there. I love that blue dress on you.
Martje says:

27th July 2020 at 22:51

I would love to visit your favorite jewellery stall! Is it in Grimaud or in St Tropez? (I wonder because the St Tropez market is on Tuesday and Saturday...)
- Chicatanyage says:
  
  28th July 2020 at 08:01
  
  Hello Martje
  The jewellery stall is in the Grimaud market which is every Thursday morning. You can mention my blog if you get there I know the owner quite well.
Chicatanyage says:

28th July 2020 at 08:10

Thank you for all your lovely comments. I will tell Sandra, my hairdresser, that you like my hair cut next time I see her.