It has been a little over 2 years ago since I took that glorious trip to France
with friends and fellow bloggers. It was a most memorable and fun trip.
I often think about the mornings there.
As I sit in a quiet place in my dining room sitting area
with my first cup of coffee to start the day.
And speaking of “mornings” I am joining 5 fabulous fellow bloggers today
on their perspective of a Country French morning.
I reminisce about the first morning in Normandy, France,
at the elegant bed and breakfast, Le Clos De Grace.
There was a beautiful sense of peace in the morning
as you gazed upon the glistening dew on the ground
as the sun rose to a glorious day.
We started off the day with a most amazing breakfast served on
exquisite china and Christolfle silver.
My mornings usually start off on the upper back porch, coffee in hand.
However, with the weather being quite cold, I sit in the next best place.
The sitting area in the dining room.
Where my vintage French enamelware pitcher and dwarf myrtle topiary
remind me of my days antiquing in France and traveling through the countryside
gazing at the beautiful landscape.
We changed hotels the second night in Normandy to another beautiful place.
Where the breakfast was served buffet style.
Love the silver 3-tiered tray.
So on these cold mornings, I sit in the chair with the beautiful wool wrap
that adorns the chair.
The wrap that I purchased at one of the amazing Paris markets.
Here I find myself reminiscing of the wonderful mornings of France.
Where I most enjoyed the fabulous croissants and amazing fresh yogurt
in cute jars that we all hoarded and took home.
The days always starting off on a beautiful note and with the anticipation
of a great day of antiquing, wonderful, wonderful food, and friendship.
Our very first morning in France we were picked up at the airport by our host and hostess
and taken to many iconic landmarks in Paris, including this one:
Where we truly meant, “you should be here”, enjoying the beauty
that surrounded us from the morning . . .
to the enchanting lights just before sunset.
I’m joining with 5 other bloggers to bring you this French Country Design Series.
Once a month we’ll post as a group our unique perspectives on a common theme, and this is the first of our three month series, “Morning, Noon and Night”. I invite you to enjoy the wonderful posts below evoking a French Country Morning…
Hope many of your mornings are reminiscent of beautiful places you have been.
Have a wonderful day!!!

Hi Shirley ~
I love you porch it is so inviting.
How wonderful for you that you were able to experience France.
I am a romantic at heart, and looking at all these beautiful mornings makes me want to do something of the same.
I was just looking at how to create a French Country home. I’m not ready to get rid of furniture quite yet, but in a couple of years I will want to change out the family room furniture.
I am getting wish boards ready for that change and French Country it will be.
Have a wonderful day.
Much love,
Rose
Thanks Rose…you can achieve the look by starting out with accessories….you can get such wonderful ideas to get this look from these great ladies that are here today presenting their beautiful French Country decor. Have a great day!
Good morning! Both of your morning spots are so lovely. This should be a fun series! I know you just loved that trip and all the places you got to see and the items you were able to purchase! Have a beautiful day! The sun is out here and a toasty 29 degrees:):)
What a beautiful post, Shirley! For a brief moment, I was in Paris with you! Lovely!
You have a wonderful spot to start the day and reminisce about your trip! I hope to make it to France some day……
~Des
Ahhhh! Your post brings back memories of when I was in Paris, Provence and Normandy in 2010! I think we all need to have French Country mornings more often!
Shirley, what a fabulous way to visit France! I’ve been there with my husband and I’ve been there with my daughter, and even went on a ski trip with the whole family, but I must admit it would be great fun to visit with like minded bloggers!! The spot you set up in your home is just perfect to evoke that same feeling… 🙂 Lovely!
What a fun new series idea, Shirley! And what gorgeous, gorgeous photos from your time in Paris. Thanks for sharing! XO, Christy
Shirley, I have such beautiful memories of two trips to Paris and one to the South of France! I loved sharing some of your highlights and memories this morning! I can just taste a French pastry right now, especially the flaky croissant! I love all things French, so this will be a delightful series! Happy Thursday, Pam
Oh wow oh wow! What an amazing trip it must have been!! lOve ! Love the French tutor !! I love the way you think! Get up everyday and go antiquing ! Ha!
Ah, la France est toujours dans moi! I one lived in France, and my memories are still so vivid. A friend wants us to take off and visit again, maybe with out daughters. Oh la la!
Loved reading about everyone’s morning rituals and yours reminiscing about your trip to France. One thing struck a chor with me, the little glass yoghurt pots. It’s funny, we live in France, we have lived here for years and yet I still collect the little glass pots! I still eat a plain yoghurt every morning from one and I still get a certain thrill everytime I buy them and that is at least once a week!!!
Sorry I meant to add, I hope you come and visit France again, it’s such a beautiful country:)
Oh yes, “Our French Oasis” I plan on it!…We all just loved those little glass yogurt cups and the owner of the Manoir in Normandie always obliged us taking the pots! Our lovely hosts were the couple of Sunday Brocantes.
Such a lovely setting and looks like you had so much fun in France with your blog buddies!
What a special trip that was for you and one that has left all of you with memories as well as some pretty wonderful decorative finds. I look forward to what you have to share.
Beautiful pics of France and your home!
Your porch looks so inviting and so does the setting area in your dining room. Thanks so much for the lovely tour in France. I am afraid that is the only way I’ll be seeing France is through the tours that the bloggers take.
Enjoy your mornings – the are truly beautiful.
Mary
Oh what great pictures to reminiscent. I love the look of the second place you stayed. Love eating outside with nature!! I am excited to read these blogs. Your breakfast area and porch is very pretty. I really LOVE that blue(serenity) on your porch!
Dear Shirley, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful memories of this wondrous trip to France!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Oh Shirley, I relate to your post so well. I adore France and experienced all those special feelings and experiences you did. Isn’t it amazing how they have yogurt in pretty glass jars? I also was blown away that at gas stations / truck stops with food they serve you in real dishes- no paper plates!!!!! I love the croissants especially chocolate ones and the coffee is wonderful. Fresh flower markets on street corners add such ambience! I wish our country would take a page from their book.
Love the pic of all of you. I know that trip was great.
I remember your wonderful trip to France. I love how it’s influenced your daily routine and decorating. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Thanks for the memory of our special mornings in France. They were unforgettable.
Très belle Shirley! I love your look back from your wonderful antiquing trip and adventure!
Lovely post, Shirley, as well as beautiful photography of French memories. Your cozy spot in your dining room is the perfect place to dream and reminisce.
Mary Alice
What gorgeous reminders… You can site and relax and look back at wonderful memories…
I so enjoyed reading about your trip Shirley. It must have been wonderful!!!
Hi Shirley, I remember that photo in front of the Eiffel Tower. 2 years sure went by fast-lol.
What a great trip and wonderful memories for you. Love all the pretty French-inspired touches you sprinkle around your home.
Always a pleasure to visit.
Happy day!
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