L'Île de Ré on Christmas Day

L'Île de Ré is just a 15 minute drive across a 2.9km long bridge from La Rochelle. It is a picturesque little island where many spend their holidays. Whenever we are in town we always take a couple hours to stroll along the quaint streets and stare out at the cold and beautiful sea. It really must be one of my favorite places in France.

Our favorite crêperie, L'Ilôt, happened to be open Christmas day and we decided to escape the cold for a crêpe beurre sucre and une bolée de cidre. My daughter waited anxiously, but it was well worth the wait.

Christmas

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. We had wonderful weekend with my husband's family in La Rochelle. I'll post some more pictures tomorrow. I am always surprised at how quickly the 25th gives way to the 26th. All that Christmas anticipation and then the quiet return to the normal. The kids do make everything magic again, however. It's like I'm in my footed pyjamas waiting for Santa all over again. I love it!

Here's a picture of my 4-year-old son enjoying his first oysters at this year's Christmas dinner. He must surely be French. I didn't touch the things until I was married to a Frenchman.

La Bûche by Christian Lacroix

In France, "la bûche" (the log), is the traditional Christmas dessert. It's considered a bit tacky in the States, but here is France it is not only a dessert, but an œuvre d'art. Here is la bûche interpreted by Christian Lacroix for Lenôtre. A lucky 700 people will be picking up their limited edition yuletide log this week for 125 euros. I hope it tastes as good as it looks. Chances are, yes. And there is a little miniature Christian Lacroix standing gaurd!

Small Gifts and Stocking Stuffers

Gifts 15 euros and under

Tampons flacons de neige, 13.50 euros Muji

Puzzle Oiseaux, 15 euros Smallable

Puzzle 2D, 11 euros Bianca & Family

Balloon Animals, 11 euros Le Bon Marché

Chabada 12,50 Niou

Ruban adhésive Autoroute13,50 euros Bianca & Family

Gifts 10 euros and under

Marionettes doigts Makié 10 euros Smallable

Cherche et Trouve Chacha 10 euros, Smallable

Lapin en coton recyclé, 10 euros Muji

Mini cartes Nathalie Lété 7.50 euros Bianca & Family

Robobox 9 euros Bianca & Family

Gifts under 5 euros

Autoballon, Filament 10 rue Lesdiguières 75004

Baby animals schleich, Selection under 5 euros

Mibo Christmas Creatures (print at home), 4.15 euros Mibo Studio

Crazy Bands, Available at Monoprix

Little Fashion Gallery Giveaway

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