Vacancy at Versailles

Visiting Château de Versailles is a magical yet exhausting experience.  You can't possibly see it all in one day, as much as you may try.  While there are lovely hotels in the town to extend your visit, there is none that will be as conveniently located as the proposed Hôtel du Grand Contrôle which is actually part of the Versailles complex.  The mansion was built in 1684 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and traditionally housed the treasury.  It will be renovated by the Belgian company Ivy International SA who has a lot of work to do on the deteriorated building.  Once open in 2011, the 23 room hotel will overlook the Orangerie and ornamental lake and might just make you feel like Marie Antoinette.  Just don't tell the staff to eat cake!

La Bastide de Marie

Remember that fabulous Provence farmhouse where Marion Cotillard was languishing in the July 2010 issue of Vogue magazine?  Well, turns out that it's really a hotel called La Bastide de Marie.  Not only can you languish there but you can also relax at the spa, walk the gardens and enjoy the haute cuisine.  We not be able to look like a French movie star but it's nice to know we can at least feel like one! 

Les Toiles du Soleil

It's been hotter than Hades in New York lately which makes me want to go to Les Toiles du Soleil and buy everything in their cool summer colored French fabrics. The company has been in business in France for over 150 years but only available here for two. Their shop in Chelsea is almost as good as a trip to France too! I especially love the espadrilles and deck chairs. Definitely check them out!

Les Toiles du Soleil
261 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-229-4730
www.lestoilesdusoleilnyc.com

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

July in Provence

I am swooning over the photos of Marion Cotillard in the July 2010 issue of Vogue! Mario Testino shot the stunning French star and Oscar winner in La Bastide de Marie in the South of France and both Marion and Provence look stunning! Makes me want to book a trip immediately. To see more, check out the behind the scenes video online or pick up the new issue of Vogue! C'est magnifique!

Photos by Mario Testino

Chic Château Boucéel

I came across these photos of Château Boucéel near Mont Saint Michel in France and thought they were so pretty that they must be shared. The home was just opened up to guests as a bed and breakfast so now you can stay there too in the main house or one of the cottages. C'est si bon!