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Bastille Day, formally la Fête Nationale or the National Celebration, is a French national holiday that celebrates the anniversary and symbolic victory of the storming of the Bastille, a grand medieval fortress turned state political prison, on July 14, 1789. Much like America’s Independence Day, le quatorze juillet or le 14 juillet (as it’s commonly referred to in France since they don’t use the term "Bastille Day”), is a holiday filled with cheerful revelry... it is France, after all... and celebrations of French culture and national pride.  Built in the 1300s, the Bastille Sainte Antoine, as it was formally known, was originally designed to protect the city of Paris in case of an attack by the English during the Hundred Years’ War. The 100-foot-high fortress, surrounded by an 80-foot-wide moat, went through many changes over the years. It began functioning as a prison in 1417 while continuing to function as a royal castle and home to the royal treasure. It was during the reign of Louis XIII that the role of the Bastille saw its greatest changes. Louis XIII (with the help of Cardinal de Richelieu) was the first to use the Bastille as a state prison... for wealthy, upper class felons... many of whom were activists. These upper class prisoners were able to have gourmet meals, visitors, warm baths, specialist doctors, books (and libraries built for them if necessary), their own furniture, and even their own servants! Pretty impressive privileges for a prisoner! Louis XIV continued this practice of housing wealthy convicts, especially those accused of spying on or embezzling from the state. He was also fond of imprisoning those that opposed or simply irritated him, like French Protestants with religious views that differed from his. Under the reign of Louis XV, there began a decline in the number of prisoners sentenced to the Bastille, and the majority of those imprisoned under Louis XVI were social misfits instead of upper class members of French society. The Marquis de Sade, the writer and philosopher Voltaire, Nicolas Fouquet, and the "Man in the Iron Mask" were among the most famous inmates of the Bastille during the reigns of the Fab Four Kings.  La prise de la Bastille, Jean-Pierre Houël, 1788  Liberty Leading the People, Eugène Delacroix, 1830, Louvre, Paris, France By the late 18th century, the French people, discontent with King Louis XVI’s abuse of royal power, were desperately poor and suffering from the hardships of famine (caused by two decades of poor harvests), drought, cattle disease, and soaring bread prices. Fighting for liberté, fraternité, and égalité, an armed mob of about 1000 Parisians expressed their desperation and resentment toward the tyrannical Bourbon monarchy by rioting and storming the Bastille to steal weapons and ammunition, as well as free the seven French citizens (four forgers, two crazy twits, and a count convicted of sex crimes) that were imprisoned in the notorious royal prison — supposedly for speaking out against the powerful monarchy? Hmmm... That historic bloody encounter marked the start of the French Revolution and the end of the Ancien Régime — and also led to the beheading of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The demolition of the Bastille began almost immediately and by November of the same year there was hardly anything remaining. Individual stones were taken away as souvenirs with a good bit of stones used in the construction of the Pont de la Concorde bridge across the River Seine.  Bastille Day military parade on the Champs Élysées, Paris, Jérémy Barande, July 14, 2010 Today, Bastille Day is celebrated all over France, not just in Paris. A patriotic day filled with plenty of pomp and circumstance, traditions include feasts with friends and family, music, dancing, fireworks, and the signature event — the grand military parade that marches down the Champs Élysées with Air Force jets flying overhead. A tradition that dates back to 1880, the parade is the oldest and largest military parade in the world and is led by the President of France. It starts at the Arc de Triomphe and ends at the Place de la Concorde.  Nine Alpha Jets from the French Air Force fly over the Champs-Elysées, Joe deSousa, July 14, 2017 While the grandest parade takes place in Paris, many smaller towns host their own and families and friends gather afterwards for a midday feast worthy of a king. The menu is lighter compared to winter holidays and includes quiches, salads, and crusty baguettes instead of raclette or beef bourgonion. Classic steak frites paired with frisée salad and haricots verts are also favorites. A tarte tatin is often served for dessert, along with blue, white, and red macarons. Wine and champagne flow freely. Firemen of many small villages host dances known as Bals des Pompiers (Fireman's Balls) in town squares to raise money for their fire stations, and le drapeau bleu, blanc, rouge flies proudly as people gather to dance the night away. At nightfall, spectacular fireworks shows light up the skies across the country, especially the Parisian night sky. This year's theme is Liberty.  Bastille Day fireworks, Yann Caradec, July 14, 2017 Though Bastille Day is a French holiday, Americans, French expats, and Francophiles across the US (and other parts of the world) will gather together to celebrate France's freedom from tyranny. So get out your berets and bubbly, and join in the celebration! I'll drink to that! Joyeux Quatorze Juillet! 
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Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.  BONNETIÈRE
bonne·tière [ buhn-tyair; French bawn-tyer ] noun, plural bonne·tières [buhn-tyairz; French bawn-tyer] French Furniture. 1. a tall, narrow wardrobe of the 18th century, found especially in Normandy and Brittany. Origin: <French: literally, hosier Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.  CHARCUTERIE
char·cu·te·rie [ shahr-koo-tuh-ree, shahr-koo-tuh-ree; French shar-kytuh-ree ] noun, plural char·ct·te·ries [shahr-koo-tuh-reez, shahr-koo-tuh-reez; French shar-kytuh-ree] 1. cooked, processed, or cured cold meats and meat products, originally and typically pork products, as sausages, pâtés, hams, etc. 2. a store where these products are sold. Origin: 1855–60; <French; Middle French chaircuterie, equivalent to chaircut(ier) charcutier + -erie-ery Mother’s Day is just around the corner. In two weeks we’ll be celebrating all the wonderful mothers, mother-in-laws, and mothers-to-be in our lives by letting them know just how much they’re loved and appreciated. Finding the perfect Mother's Day gift that fully shows your love and appreciation might seem more difficult this year. If you’re not quite sure where to start and need a helping hand, take a look at Lolo’s Mother's Day 2021 Gift Guide. It’s full of gift ideas — with a French twist — that are as unique and thoughtful as the important mother figures in your lives. With gifts ranging from inexpensive to luxe that will both surprise and delight, we hope to make your job of selecting the perfect present easy breezy. Our 20 picks include gifts for every mom — from green thumb gardeners to gourmand goddessess, and even the wonder women who already seem to have it all.  1. Large 18th Century Rustic Country French Cutting Board or Chopping Block with Well 2. Early 20th Century French Country Guillotine Style Bread Cutter with Board 3. Mini 19th Century French Alsatian Terracotta Kouglof Bundt Cake Mold 4. French Art Deco Period Ladies Mirrored Vanity 5. Faustine 100% Organic Amber Candle by Apis Cera 6. L'Ami Provençal Savon de Marseille - Traditional 7. 19th Century French Rococo Style Red Tortoise Shell and Gilt Bronze Footed Vanity Mirror 8. 19th Century French Terracotta Amphora or Olive Jar with Green and Yellow Glaze 9. 9th Century French Pot de Confit or Confit Pot with Light Green Glaze 10. Champagne Colored Six-Light Murano Chandelier 11. Vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian Lounge Chair and Ottoman 12. Nina's Paris Fete de Versailles Loose Leaf Tea in White Gift Tin, 2.82oz 13. Nina's Paris L'Original Marie Antoinette Loose Leaf Tea Tin, 3.5oz 14. Small 19th Century French Terracotta Biot Pot or Jar 15. Fine 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Mahogany and Fruitwood Tea Table with Removable Tray. 16. Vins de France Tea Towel by Torchons & Bouchons 17. French Jacquard Herbs or Aromates du Jardin Tea Towel by Coucke 18. Herbs de Provence Tea Towel by Torchons & Bouchons 19. French Art Deco Period Bistro or Cafe Table with Marble Top 20. Antique French Painted Iron and Marble Top Bistro or Garden Table For the past year, moms around the world have been working extra hard to keep everyone healthy and happy, and the love and compassion they've shown hasn't gone unnoticed. They’ve had to wear many hats while learning how to balance life as parents, teachers, employees, and often caregiver to their own parents. There's no right or wrong gift to give these wonderful women in your life. Just remember the best gift of all is to tell them how much they're loved all year round! Cheers to all the Moms!  À Bientôt!  Ever wonder whether it's a Rococo or Régence? Louis XV or Louis Philippe? A Bergère or Fauteuil? Each week, we will highlight a word, term, or phrase to help identify antique furniture, periods, and styles.  CABRIOLE cab·ri·ole [kab-ree-ohl; French ka-bree-awl] noun, plural cab·ri·oles [kab-ree-ohlz; French ka-bree-awl] 1. Furniture. a type of furniture leg, a curved, tapering leg curving outward at the top and inward farther down so as to end in a round pad, the semblance of an animal's paw, or some other feature: used especially in the first half of the 18th century. 2. Ballet. a leap in which one leg is raised in the air and the other is brought up to beat against it. Also called cabriole leg. Origin: 1775–85; < French: from cabrioler to caper, leap like a goat; so called because modeled on leg of a capering animal (see cabriolet)  Printed in 1897, Bibliographisches Institut Leipzig Germany, as an illustration for the 5th edition of "Meyers' Konversations Lexikon". Furniture legs come in all shapes and sizes, and nothing symbolizes 18th century French furniture more than the iconic cabriole leg, a stylized representation of the rear leg of a leaping goat. This sinuous, double-curved form used in legs (and feet) of furniture, features the upper portion curving outward and the lower portion curving inward in a gentle "S" shape. Because of the double-curved form, cabriole legs are more difficult to make than straighter furniture leg and must be made from a solid piece of wood.  While used extensively in French furniture, especially the Louis XV period of furniture design, the cabriole shape originated with the ancient Chinese and Greek furniture makers. It really became en vogue during the late 17th century when the English, Dutch, and French furniture makers introduced smoother, more curvy furniture styles than those used in medieval times. One of the most popular styles of legs, the cabriole leg has been used on a wide variety of furniture for the last several centuries. Found on chairs, tables, commodes, and even large, heavy armoires, cabriole legs vary in height and length depending on the piece.   There's no mistaking the signature "S" shaped cabriole legs on Louis XV furniture. Besides being very attractive, the graceful, curved lines of the cabriole leg are also very practical. They create the balance needed to support heavy pieces of case furniture on slim legs without the use of stretchers, and can be used in formal or informal settings in both modern and traditional homes. Size most often determines whether pieces with cabriole legs have a chic and refined look or a more rustic feel. Provincial pieces such as farm tables with heavier or larger scale legs have a more casual, charming feel while pieces like small side tables with delicate, slender legs and ormolu ornamentation appear more sophisticated.   Furniture historians often determine the origin of an antique based solely on the form and detail of its legs. Whether shapely or straight, legs provide important clues to the style and period of a piece, and French cabriole legs most often terminate in elaborately carved scrolled french toes, known as whorl feet, or pieds de biche, also known as hoof feet. What shape are your favorite legs? And do you like them all dressed up with ormolu and sabots? Or plain and simple with no decoration? Let us know! À Bientôt!  post originally appeared on Lolo's French Bloguette
Copyright Lolo French Antiques eet More - All Rights Reserved March Madness is back! Not just for the throngs of college basketball fans across the country, but also for antiques and collectible fans around the world. The two-week antique craze known as Round Top Antiques Week, like the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, is now in full swing. Upwards of 100,000 designers and decorators, pickers and junkers, and collectors and hoarders are descending on the tiny Texas towns of Burton, Carmine, Round Top, Warrenton, La Grange, and Fayetteville through April 3rd to experience the spectacle that’s Antiques Week.  Round Top Antiques Week Map ©Lolo French Antiques
"So this is Christmas, for weak and for strong. The rich and the poor ones, the war is so long... A very merry Christmas and a happy new year, let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear." These well-known lyrics from John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1971 Christmas song ring true once again. We're fighting a different battle now for sure, but it's a battle nevertheless. And though much has been cancelled throughout 2020 and this holiday season because of Covid-19, Christmas has not been cancelled. We may have to celebrate in different places, different ways and break with some traditions this year to keep healthy and safe, but we can still celebrate Christmas in ways that promise yuletide cheer, laughter, and time well spent with loved ones both near and far.  There's something so magical about Christmastime... when treetops are glistening, lords are leaping, and chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. We may not be mixing and a-mingling in large groups this year, but we can still create plenty of magic for ourselves and our families, for no magic lasts longer than that which we create together. 2020 has certainly been frightful, so we're here to help make your holiday season a bit more delightful!   1. Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Style Carved and Painted Hall Tree by Louis Chambry 2. Nina's Paris L'Original Marie Antoinette Loose Leaf Tea Tin, 3.5oz and Nina's Paris Fete de Versailles Loose Leaf Tea in White Gift Tin, 2.82oz 3. 19th Century French Restauration Period Walnut Settee or Bench 4. Les Anis de Flavigny All Natural Lemon Mints and Ravissant Organic Honey and Beeswax Lip Balm by Apis Cera 5. Antique French Louis XIII Style Bleached Oak Normandy Buffet 6. Favols Strawberry Marshmallow Jam, 9.2oz and Favols Apricot Jam with Lavender, 9.2oz 7. Famille Perronneau Maritime Lavender Honey, 4.4oz 8. 1930s French Art Deco Period Walnut Armchair or Lounge Chair 9. Large 9-Light French Painted and Parcel Gilt Two-Tier Chandelier 10. Laguiole Jean Dubost 3-Piece Boxed Cheese and Wine Set 11. Herbs de Provence Tea Towel by Torchons & Bouchons 12. Antique French Louis XVI Style Painted Medallion Back Side Chairs, Set of Four 13. Ambroise Handcrafted French Beeswax Pillar Candles from Provence, Box of 2 and Faustine 100% Organic Amber Candle by Apis Cera and Lucienne Hand Rolled French Beeswax Alter Candles from Provence, Box of 9 14. 18th Century Painted French Louis XVI Period Commode or Chest of Drawers 15. Aux Anysetiers du Roy Dark Chocolate and Pistachio Fondue 16. 19th Century Country French Louis XIII Style Walnut Side Table with Drawers 17. Famille Perronneau Orange and Lemon Honey Sweets 18. Large 20th Century Handmade French Artis Flora Tapestry One of the best ways to create a little magic is to deck the halls with French antiques and inspired gifts. From one-and-done presents that make the whole family happy to tasty stocking stuffers and Secret Santa surprises, Lolo's elves will find the perfect gifts for the naughtiest to the nicest on your 2020 list. Let us make things merry and bright with a beautiful painted and parcel gilt chandelier. Or help you stay cool under the mistletoe with lemony fresh French mints as you await that first Christmas kiss. We can spice up the kitchen for the cook who spends more time there than ever before. And you can get comfy with jolly old Saint Nick in an Art Deco chair as he reads Christmas stories to all. Covid has taken much from us, but it can't steal our holiday season or Christmas cheer. This year, spend more time rocking around the Christmas tree while Lolo decks your halls! Joyeux Nöel Unlike the strictly decorative vases d'Anduze we discussed in the previous post (Part 1) that served no real purpose during the 17th and 18th centuries except to bring joy and beauty to the homes and gardens of those lucky enough to afford them, the famous earthenware jarres de Biot did in fact serve a utilitarian purpose. Before the beautiful earthenware jarres de Biot became popular as jarres pour le jardin, they were originally used to store grains and flour and were later used to preserve and transport olive oil.  Jarres de Biot, Cote d'Azur Villa
I miss France, Provence in particular. Traveling in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Cézanne to discover the unexpected, stopping for a picnic lunch and a glass of rosé along the roadside, and snapping selfies in a field of sunflowers with the hot yellow sun beating down sounds dreamy right now. Summertime in Provence is especially beautiful — with its gardens, meadows, and even forests filled with a profusion of colorful blooms. But there’s something magical about the gardens of Provence. Classic or contemporary, cottage or formal, these fairytale-like gardens conjure up scents of fragrant lavender and citrus, sounds of babbling brooks and bubbling fountains, and sights of tree lined paths and manicured shrubs and mazes. Layered with pea gravel or crushed limestone and filled with vases d’Anduze and jarres de Biot, they seamlessly connect the inside to the outside.  |
Mimi Montgomery
When this self-described Francophile is not reading or writing about all things French, she's dreaming up charming new ways to showcase Lolo French Antiques et More or traveling to France with Lolo to buy delightful treasures for their store. Mimi, Lolo, and their new French Bulldog, Duke, live in Birmingham, AL. 
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