http://www.completefrance.com August 2019 French Property News 53
The essence of a French country kitchen is its
equipment. Rather than being hidden away,
the pots and pans, knives, chopping boards and
mixing bowls that make up the batterie de
cuisine are displayed on open shelves. These
often wellworn items are made from natural
materials such as stoneware, wood and
terracotta. Dishes and utensils may be stored in
an armoire – the large wooden cupboard,
originally used as a linen store, found in nearly
every French country home. Glazed doors or
doors with chicken-wire panels allow the
contents to be kept in view. Among other
storage options is the ubiquitous buffet, or low
sideboard. The sink is usually made of stone or
ceramic and set into a wooden surface, with
cupboards or open shelves beneath it.
Objects and the food itself add colour. There
will be rich tones of French pottery, woven
baskets and metalwork, sometimes polished
copper and brass, but above all there will be
fruit and herbs, bread and wine. This is an extract from
La Vie est Belle by Henrietta
Heald. FPN readers can buy
a copy for the special price of
£14 (RRP £19.99). To order
go to rylandpeters.com and
use code LAVIEFPN at the
checkout. Offer valid until
1 April 2019.The heart of the French homeCool copperware
on full showShow off your homeware
with chicken wire panelsWhy not make a feature of your utensils?EXPERT ADVICE