The Local Project (December 15, 2024): Located in the Wakatipu Basin on New Zealand’s South Island, Kārearea House by RTA Studio, which takes inspiration from the region’s majestic native falcons, is the most breathtaking home shaped by nature.
00:00 – Introduction to the Most Breathtaking Home 01:12 – The Location Centred Brief 02:36 – Approaching the Home 03:09 – Walkthrough of the House 04:11 – Restrained Interior Styling 05:44 – The Kitchen Design and Appliances 07:21 – A Balanced Material Palette 08:29 – Curating The Views 09:21 – Proud Moments
What defines it, however, is the site’s staggering 360-degree views to The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and the Crown Range, and the architects’ response to these multifaceted aspects. “We’ve done a few houses in this area and, over the years, we’ve developed an approach that’s firstly about identifying the significant views,” says Richard Naish, founder of RTA Studio.
Though Naish acknowledges that the perspectives are a gift, he believes good architecture is more about the control and release of views. This philosophy underscored RTA Studio’s approach to crafting the most breathtaking home shaped by nature. The roof lines played heavily into this idea; designed to follow the contours of the land and echo the surrounding topography, the roof dips in parts and soars in others, creating views both vast and precise.
DW Travel (August 11, 2024): Loads of tourists go to Amsterdam. The real residents are frustrated with crowded streets, party noise and folks who come mainly to get drunk and/or stoned. We show you creative concepts the city and its people have come up with to master the situation.
DW Travel (August 4, 2024): Mallorca experiences a constant flood of tourism. While it’s a major boon for the local economy, many locals resent the Spanish island’s growing popularity.
Now, they’re demanding a cap on tourists. How mass tourism become a blessing and a curse for Mallorca.
France-Amérique Magazine – March 1, 2024 – The new issue features ‘Francophonie Month’ – The French-Speaking Cowboys of Louisiana.
Meet Drake LeBlanc, the French- and Creole-speaking cowboy, filmmaker, and cofounder of Télé-Louisiane; read our interview with Harvard professor Claire-Marie Brisson on the North American Francosphere; and discover why “Molière may be dead, but his language is alive and well.”
CYRIL DEWAVRIN – The American Dream of a Serial Bookseller
Founding a French neighborhood bookstore in New York City was the madcap challenge undertaken by this avid reader and busy entrepreneur. The Frenchman has just opened La Joie de Vivre near Chelsea, a space offering books in French and English, coffee, and pastries.
By Benoît Georges
Also in this issue, Albert Camus travels to America; former ambassador Gérard Araud analyzes the White House race and its potential consequences for France and Europe; and French soccer star and LGBTQ+ advocate Marinette Pichon discusses her U.S. career and her fight for equality in women’s sports.
France-Amérique Magazine – December 30, 2023 – The new issue features ‘The Peak of French Chic’; A Century Ago – Inventing the Winter Olympics in Chamonix…
From Washington D.C. to New York City and from New Orleans to Paris, many philanthropic organizations continue to nurture the bonds connecting France and the United States through history, politics, economics, language, and culture.
France-Amérique Magazine – December 1, 2023 – The new issue features the foundations that are keeping the French-American friendship alive, from New Orleans to Washington D.C. to Paris, and pay a visit to the newly renovated Cartier Mansion – the Fifth Avenue palace where Pierre Cartier mingled with celebrities, titans of industry, and U.S. presidents. Also in this issue, read about the success of Rémy Martin in America as the iconic Cognac house is turning 300, and discover why, since the pandemic, so many Americans are putting up the “For Sale” sign and hopping on a plane to Paris, Lyon, or Marseille!
AU REVOIR, AMERICA
Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side of the Atlantic?
For ideological, financial, or health care reasons, more and more Americans are moving to France (12,200 first-time residence granted in 2022, up 9,214 on 2021). But la vie is not always en rose.
By Anthony Bulger
RÉMY MARTIN
A French-American Heritage
Three hundred years after it was founded, the Cognac house renowned for its flagship Louis XIII sells half its bottles in America while continuing to uphold its tradition of excellence.
By Benoît Georges
THE FOUNDATIONS – of French-American Friendship
From Washington D.C. to New York City and from New Orleans to Paris, many philanthropic organizations continue to nurture the bonds connecting France and the United States through history, politics, economics, language, and culture.
By Roland Flamini
PIERRE CARTIER – The Man Who Made Jewelry for American Presidents
In the early 20th century, the three grandsons of the founder of Cartier were busy building their family name. Louis was in Paris, Jacques in London, and Pierre in New York City. To sell his jewelry in the United States, the latter sibling mingled with celebrities, titans of industry, and presidents, and created a network of alliances.
DW Travel (November 26, 2023) – With its old town center, its castle and numerous romantic bridges, the city of Prague is a veritable tourist magnet. That’s why you’ll always find so many amazing photos of the Czech capital on Instagram – and it all looks soooooo gorgeous.
Video timeline:00:00 Intro 00:42 Hradčany, Prague’s castle district 02:33 Charles Bridge 03:28 Trdelník 04:11 Old Town Square 05:30 Conclusion
But do these images reflect the true face of Prague? And is the city really worth visiting?
Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square, the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated hourly show. Completed in 1402, pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints.
France.fr Explore France (November 8, 2023) – With a projected 80 million visitors in 2023, France continues to be a popular destination for American and other travelers. In keeping with President Macron’s goal to make France the leading sustainable destination by 2030, travelers in 2024 will find eco-friendly innovation during their trip. Below are a few key reasons to head to the Hexagon next year.
France will be the ultimate Sporting Arena in 2024 with the Paris Olympics from Friday, July 26 – Sunday, August 11, 2024 and a few weeks later, the Paralympics Games which will be held, Wednesday, August 28 – Sunday, September 8, 2024. For the first time, the opening ceremony won’t take place in a stadium but rather in the heart of Paris along the Seine River. The objective is to cut by half the carbon footprint of the Olympics. 95% of the games will take place in existing sports venues or in heritage sites throughout the Greater Paris Region and other parts of France. Think skateboarding in Place de la Concorde or beach volleyball at the Champs de Mars at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and equestrian events at the Château de Versailles. Plus, the upcoming Olympics will introduce a totally new discipline: breaking. It will complement the previous game’s inclusion of sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing, which for France will take place on one of the beautiful Tahitian islands of French Polynesia. Be sure to follow the festive Olympic torch relay. The torch will arrive May 8 in Marseille from Greece aboard the tall ship Le Belem, for a 68-day whirlwind tour in mainland France and its overseas regions. Coincidentally, Toulon in Le Var will be the second city after Marseille to host the torch on May 10.
The New York – Vendée Sables d’Olonne is another major sporting event that will take place on May 29, 2024. It is the last qualifier race before the Vendée Globe—and is the only transatlantic race to leave from the Big Apple. Before embarking on a 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, the sailors will entertain the public with a spectacular show at the Statue of Liberty’s base, along with other pre-race celebrations on May 24. Then, on November 10, 2024, the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, a.k.a the Everest of Seas–a solo, non-stop, and, unassisted race around the world, will set sail from the Vendee’s Sables d’Olonne. About 40 skippers will depart this seaside town which boasts magnificent beaches and one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Cultural Happenings
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, the 2024 Normandy Impressionist Festival, scheduled from March 22 to September 22, 2024, promises to be truly exceptional with an unexpected American influence. This 5th edition will showcase a major Whistler exhibit in Rouen, and the 12th edition of Rouen Cathedral’s summer sound & light show will be curated by American theatre and multidisciplinary artist Robert Wilson. Normandy has also partnered with the Paris Region for this anniversary celebration, featuring a grand exhibit titled ‘Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment’ at the Musée d’Orsay from late March to mid-July. Following that, the show will travel to the National Gallery in D.C. for a late summer to winter exhibition, showcasing around 130 paintings, works on paper, prints, sculptures, and photographs.
Since 1965 Les Floralies de Nantes, a prestigious international horticultural event, will move to the nearby Vendée from May 17 to May 26, 2024. It will take place at the Domaine de La Chabotterie—an 18th-century estate spread over 118 acres of lush forest and meadows. Anticipating over 200,000 visitors, the event will showcase the imaginative creations of 200 participants hailing from France, the United States, and other countries. Aptly named ‘Flower Games’ for the 2024 edition, a nod to the Summer Olympics will feature five thematic areas: water, childhood, intellectual, physical, and garden games.
Anniversaries
These festivities and achievements would not be possible if it wasn’t for the bravery of Allied soldiers and veterans who took part in the historic D-Day Landings in Normandy. They will be honored during the 80th anniversary of this critical chapter of WWII in 2024. In addition to the June 6th landings in Normandy, it’s also the 80th anniversary of Operation Dragoon, a crucial Franco-American landing that occurred on August 15, 1944. The primary landing sites were located in Le Var County of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. After these landings, Allied forces advanced up the Rhone Valley, executing a coordinated pincer movement to cut off and engage retreating German troops. This strategic maneuver culminated in a historic meeting with D-Day veterans in Dijon on September 12, 1944.
Starting on October 30, Air France will operate three weekly flights from Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Raleigh Durham. Additionally, in the summer of 2024, American Airlines will offer seasonal and non-stop flights from Philly to Nice.
In 2024, the French National Railroads (SNCF) will introduce—starting on the Southeastern corridor of its network—a new high-speed train called the TGV M built by Alstom. The M stands for modular (number of cars.) The new train will offer 20% more seats, a compact, aerodynamic & energy saving locomotive (20% energy savings & 32% less carbon emissions.) & new high-tech lounge car. Explore France:
The Road Less Traveled
Provence’s Le Var county is famed for Saint-Tropez but also home to France’s Grand Canyon—the spectacular Gorges du Verdon, which is worth visiting year-round. Other breathtaking spots include the red rock mountains of the Estérel Massif and the must-see Porquerolles and Port-Cros islands. An Olympic torch stop on May 17, Toulouse, known as the Pink City, is notable for architectural heritage & museums and also the world capital of aeronautics. The unsung Vendée, and Charente-Maritime house the lush & biodiverse Marais Poitevin, France’s second largest wetland. Fittingly, Nouvelle Aquitaine’s Cognac region comprised of both the Charente and Charente Maritime welcomes visitors who wish to discover that there’s more to Cognac then just the drink.
If you think Dijon is all about mustard, prepare to be surprised. Not only will Dijon host the Olympic torch on July 12, but it is also home to the captivating Cité de la Gastronomie et du Vin. It serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the three new wine centers in Beaune, Macon, and Chablis.
Finally, check out two recent additions to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Roman-era Maison Carrée in Nîmes and the Volcanoes and lush forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Le Carbet on the island of Martinique.
France-Amérique Magazine – October 2023 – The new issue features a walk through France’s vineyards and observe the changing cultural landscape. An estate near Epernay is working to produce the world’s greenest Champagne, while other producers are turning to no- and low-alcohol wines to cater to to sober-curious generation. Welcome to the Age of Raisin. Also in this issue, read about “Wemby-mania” and the success of French NBA players; meet French-American composer Betsy Jolas who, at the age of 97, still creates with the same intensity; and discover a new art space near Paris – a former blimp hangar, masterpiece of Belle Epoque industrial architecture.
NOLO WINES – New Culture or Sour Grapes?
Sales of no- and low-alcohol wines soar in France amid deep-seated cultural change. Your correspondent keeps his true feelings bottled up.
By Anthony Bulger
LUDOVIC DU PLESSIS – Telmont, the Green Champagne Revolution
The contagiously enthusiastic “climate optimist,” a former executive for Dom Pérignon in the United States, is working to produce the world’s most environmentally friendly Champagne. In pursuit of this objective, he is working with an American investor renowned for his environmental activism, Leonardo DiCaprio.
By Clément Thiery
HANGAR Y – Outside Paris, a New Art Space Takes Flight
On the banks of a lake in the Meudon forest southwest of the French capital, a masterpiece of Belle Epoque industrial architecture is looking to become a hub of contemporary creation.
France-Amérique Magazine – September 2023– The issue features ‘The Little Prince in America’ – Did you know the Little Prince was born in New York? Antoine de Saint-Exupéry had found refuge in the United States during World War II when he published his best-selling novella, 80 years ago. Also, an interview with fashion queen Diane von Fürstenberg, whose iconic take on the wrap dress is turning 50; and meet Jean-Christophe Bouvet, the French actor who plays the extravagant designer Pierre Cadault in Emily in Paris!
NEW YORK CITY – The Little Prince’s Other Planet
By Clément Thiery
The Little Prince is from Asteroid B 612, but it was in New York City that he sprang from the imagination of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the French author and aviator who lived in the U.S. during World War II. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the tiny hero’s creation, a statue will be unveiled opposite Central Park in mid-September.
SWAINE – Hollywood’s Temple of Luxury Accessories
By Clément Thiery
What do Harrison Ford’s hat in the latest Indiana Jones and Gene Kelly’s umbrella in Singin’ in the Rain have in common? Swaine London! This brand has specialized in luxury goods for more than 270 years and was recently acquired by the French group Chargeurs.
Table of contents
FROM THE NEWSDESK
Anger at Plans to Relocate les Bouquinistes During the 2024 Paris Olympics. By Anthony Bulger
EDITORIAL
Tocqueville and Illiberalism. By Guy Sorman
INTERVIEW
Olivier Coste: Why There Is No French Google. By Guy Sorman
ICON
Jean-Christophe Bouvet: “There Is Something of Myself in Pierre Cadault.” By Jérôme Kagan
CAMPUS
Sciences Po, the Parisian School Teaching Future American Leaders. By Jean-Gabriel Fredet
ANNIVERSARY
New York City, the Little Prince’s Other Planet. By Clément Thiery
THE BRIEF
Diane von Fürstenberg: “The Wrap Dress Made Me an Independent Woman.” By Kyra Alessandrini
EDUCATION
Gladys Francis: Connecting the Caribbean and America. By Hélène Vissière
HISTORY
New York Fashion Week’s Transatlantic Heritage. By Diane de Vignemont
News, Views and Reviews For The Intellectually Curious
France.fr
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