At some point in our life many of us have fantasised about moving to France to live la vie en rose; and many more of us know someone who is more immersed in that dream, and live their French fantasy back at home. For lovers of all things french, a gift honouring their francophilia is always the right decision.
For our beloved francophiles or for you (if you are that person) we are listing a few gifts ideas that will indulge in that love for the French Republic, from artwork evoking the gentle fields of Brittany, to French home decor accessories, to furniture that will create that Parisian style at home.
Without doubt one of our most popular gifts. These matchstrikers are a vintage reproduction of those found in bistros during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Back then, they had three purposes. First their shape allowed them to store matches on every table or bar. Second, the striated surface on the side or base was used to strike and light those matches. Finally, it was used as an advertising medium for many companies, who placed them free of charge in bistros and bars around France. Whatever the purpose, now they are lovely and practical. Place them on the mantelpiece, on a tray on too of a coffee table or wherever your French heart desires.
These small trinket dishes had a double purpose during the Belle Epoque. Apart from their function as coasters, they were also used to indicate the price of the absinthe served. The price printed on the bottom or the side of the saucer corresponded to a colour painted on the outer rim. This coloured rim was used to indicate to the waiter the amount to be charged to the customer by quickly reading the different colour of the saucers when stacked. When the bill was paid, the money was usually left inside the coaster.
Today we use them as small side dishes, coasters, jewerly trinkets or simply to add something interesting to any room.
Although this blanket is not French, but made in Scotland with the most wonderfully soft and warm merino wool, this is a must in any home aiming to create a Parisian apartment style.
Elegantly draped over a chair or a sofa, our ivory throw is an icon of understated luxury.
Locmariaquer, Brittay by John Piper
Most francophiles love art, because well, we easily associate art with France, after all many artists have left their own countries to go to this enchanted land to pursue their dreams. John Piper was no different and, although born in England, created this almost lyrical artwork in France. A beautiful mix media painting of a late summer afternoon in Brittany with a burst of colour and quick pen sketches that somehow depict a perfect summer afternoon in the French countryside.
Not other piece of furniture makes you think of Paris more than these iconic chairs. Rain or shine, we see them in or outside cafes and bistros around Paris, and so they have been for many years. Some of our range is produced in France by quintessential manufacturer Maison L Drucker, others are skilfully made in Indonesia, both are of super quality and of the best materials that the market has to offer. 
Trocadero and Eiffel photo by Siebe Warmoeskerken on Unsplash; Brasserie Bubillot Photo by Johan Mouchet on Unsplash; French angular building Photo by Louis Paulin on Unsplash; Parisian bistro chair images by Maison L Drucker and Sika Design.