House Beaucarne, nestled in a picturesque village, has been stewarded by one faithful family since its construction in 1748. For centuries, successive generations have called this place home, with residents having esteemed reputations and holding imp

The tale of Château Moissac de Bellevue—constructed centuries ago overlooking the idyllic villages of Haut Var—continues today, with thanks to an impassioned pair who were determined to preserve its story. Originally built for a wealthy Provençal fam

Storybook charm abounds in this edition of French Cottage, offering inspiration for creating a romantic home. Within the showcased dwellings, exquisite mouldings call attention to stunning architectural details, from curving staircases to soaring win

When one thinks of Burgundy, the immediate impression is of its thriving vineyards brimming with dew-kissed grapes, but the famed French region is also the site of the vast Morvan Regional Natural Park, where scenic forests, rivers, and lakes are hom

Few people are blessed to live in the same beloved home for all of their lives, but Marianna can count herself as one of the fortunate souls. Built in 1905 on the foundations of the first headquarters of the renowned Bormioli glassworks, the dwelling

When Hilde and Dirke stumbled upon an ad for an eighteenth-century mansion just outside the city center of Bruges, Belgium, they knew the house was a dream come true. Having searched for a property with ample space and a gorgeous garden in an ideal l

Anna and Dirk de Glee’s cottage in Venhuizen, North Holland, peeks out from beneath a cascading profusion of snowy climbing roses. When they first saw the home, the pair were immediately captivated by its fairy-tale appearance, with the red-tile roof

Dancing among pelargoniums, delphiniums, fruit trees, and ferns, blossom-laden hydrangeas bow down like ballerinas performing perfect pliés in Willy Koppenol’s lush garden. Not only does this pretty plot enhance her residence’s curb appeal, but it al

ELENA AUGIER: pages 87–94 KAREN CALLAWAY: pages 9–20, 43–54, and 79–94 MIRJAM ENZERINK: pages 31–42 GERALDINE NESBITT: pages 65–78 MONIQUE VAN DER PAUW: pages 9–30 MIEKE VENDEL: pages 79–86 ELENA AUGIER: pages 6 and 87–94 TON BOUWER: pages 6, 8, and

The first question Frances Jaarsma asked when inquiring about Le Presbytère was whether the house had a view. “Madame,” the previous owner answered her, “I had been looking for such a place myself for many years when I finally found this house—it has

At victoriamag.com, discover French recipes inspired by tastemakers featured in our pages. SEE RECIPE INDEX, PAGE 105, FOR RECIPE INFORMATION.

Isn’t it amazing to consider how inspiration begets inspiration? As an exchange student, Writer-in-Residence Jennifer L. Scott gleaned lessons in the art of living from her Parisian hosts. Years later, memories of preparing meals with Madame Chic inf

Pages 13–14: Jennifer L. Scott authors the popular blog and YouTube channel, The Daily Connoisseur. Her New York Times best-selling books include Lessons from Madame Chic, At Home with Madame Chic, and Polish Your Poise with Madame Chic, all of which

Embraced by the strength and structure of the loom and guided by the wisdom of the weaver, thread after thread is wrapped into a remarkable tapestry filled with color, life, and imagination. This art of making fabric by hand can sometimes seem lost t

When summer sunlight falls on the Loire Valley, it almost seems like a golden beam of blessing, carrying abundant peace in the warmth of its glow, as if bestowing a gift directly from heaven. Situated in the heart of the French countryside, this regi

Begins on page 35 Makes 6 servings 4 cups water2 cups rhubarb, chopped1½ cups granulated sugar1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped1 cup fresh lemon juiceGarnish: lemon curls, sliced strawberries 1. In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water, rhubarb, su

Visit our website to read this issue’s online stories and to find more of the content you love. May/June features: Centuries after the young heroine lived, the legendary courage of Joan of Arc continues to intrigue and inspire, drawing visitors to si

Cradled by ancient ramparts, Dinan rises on a hilltop in the northwest corner of France. Clusters of half-timbered abodes accessorized with vibrant shutters and blossoming flower boxes mingle with medieval relics, from an array of military towers to

As dawn breaks over the Loire Valley, waves of rose-hued clouds drift across the sky, and a pale gold band emerges on the horizon. Below, gossamer mist rises from the surface of a lake christened “The Mirror,” upon which a small boat rocks gently as

One could easily mistake the streets of a French city for a fashion show catwalk, as the natives have a worldwide reputation for their impeccable taste in haute couture. If there is one itinerary item not to be missed on a trip to France, it’s shoppi

My fascination with Gallic culture began when I was eighteen years old. Freshly graduated from high school, I had the unique opportunity to spend the summer in the South of France—Cannes, specifically, as my father was employed there for the summer.

SEE RECIPE INDEX, PAGE 105, FOR RECIPE INFORMATION. Find creative May Day ideas at victoriamag.com.

Delftware is one of the most unique styles of pottery to have emerged from Europe, with striking blue-and-white designs that have become truly iconic. It is a symbol of pride for the Dutch, and more than four hundred years of history can be traced th

In the verdant farmland of northeastern France, life should have been peaceful, but as England and the House of Valois grappled over territorial rights and claims to the French throne in the fifteenth century, the village of Domrémy felt the strain.

It is said that one should first approach Château de Chenonceau from the water. After all, it is rare indeed—even in the Loire Valley, where hundreds of castles rest along the river’s path—to behold a grand façade rising from within the waterway itse

Château de Troussay began its life as a manor house, likely built around 1450 and enduringly surrounded by active farmland. At the end of the sixteenth century, its owners came into the king’s service and were thus able to expand the dwelling into a