What we dig: French Connection
From the French issue, number 78
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Citroën Mehari. From 1968 to 1988, 150,000 of these vehicles were made. Can’t we have at least two of them? Named after a fast-running camel, the Mahari is making a bit of a comeback due to its simplicity and the availability of spare parts for complete rebuilds. In the 1980s, a four-wheel-drive version was introduced in case you want to include a bit of overlanding in your family Sunday drives. If you have one of these, please contact us immediately.
Aigle. We’ve undoubtedly mentioned this French shoe and bootmaker before, but it bears repeating. Known for its elegant and functional line of work and gardening boots, Aigle also has quite a great selection of other shoes if you want to keep your feet French. Get a version of its hunting boots (even if you will never hunt) and meander around your local farmers market. Someone will begin to speak French to you, or better yet, you will be thrust into an afternoon of romance and revelry (or gardening). frenchfootwear.com
Tartine et Chocolat. One unforgettable aspect of France is the care French parents take in dressing their children. It makes our basketball-shorts-and-T-shirt regime for our kids look a bit lazy. If you want to try a different approach, check out Tartine et Chocolat for kids under 10. Founded in 1977 by designer Catherine Painvin, the clothing features classic French looks and details. melijoe.com
Domaine Tempier Bandol. “On a possibly morose day, this single glass was capable of producing literary ecstasy.” Writer Jim Harrison believed—as did chefs Alice Waters and Lulu Peyraud—that Bandol, or more specifically Domaine Tempier Bandol, was the ultimate red. There are 59 producers in the Bandol region of southern France, so we highly suggest you do your best to sample at least half of them. “I’ve been through at least fifty cases of their [Tempier] Bandol, so you must trust me.” domainetempier.com
Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Made famous in the U.S. with the 2001 film “Amélie,” French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet (right) has written and directed a list of great films around the theme of French poetic realism. Check out “Delicatessen” from 1991 or “The City of Lost Children” from 1995. Finish with “A Very Long Engagement”…then keep going. His most recent art film is “The Young and Prodigious T.S. Spivet.”
From issue 78. Buy it here.