Latest news with #Francophile
LeMonde
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
The death of Edmund White, the American writer who put the 'gay novel' at the heart of his work
Susan Sontag described him as "one of the outstanding writers of prose in America." A trailblazer in gay literature, American novelist, biographer and literary critic Edmund White died at his New York home on Wednesday, June 4. He was 85 years old. Unflinching and without taboo, White made the "gay novel," as he called it, the epicenter of his body of work. "What I aim to do is explore facets of it that have not yet been addressed," he told Le Monde in 2013. At the time, he was in Paris for the French release of Jack Holmes and His Friend, the story of a friendship between a gay man and a straight man – a visit that delighted the renowned Francophile. From 1983 to 1990, he lived in France and often pointed out that he had "met everyone," from Yves Saint Laurent to Catherine Deneuve and Michel Foucault. He chronicled this cherished period in Inside a Pearl: My Years in Paris (2014). Born on January 13, 1940, in Cincinnati, Ohio, White was the son of a Texas businessman and a psychologist. In A Boy's Own Story (1982), he recounted his childhood in the Midwest and described his father, "who'd been a Texas cowboy as a young man." As a teenager, he realized he was gay and confided in his mother, who sent him to a psychoanalyst claiming he could "cure" him. Isolation and self-loathing marked those years, as White described in the second volume of his autobiography, The Beautiful Room is Empty (1988). When he learned he had been admitted to Harvard, the young White chose not to attend so he wouldn't have to leave his therapist. Prolific body of work The 1960s marked a liberation for him. In New York, he discovered the antithesis of family values, haunted the underbelly of the Village, reveled in sex and became the great chronicler of the "life among men." He described it with a precision whose boldness fascinated some and repelled others. With a wealth of detail, he depicted the frenzy that consumed him, describing it like an itch: "The more we scratched the more we itched (...) For us, there was nothing more natural than wandering into a park, a parked truck or a plundering body after body," he wrote in The Farewell Symphony (1997). His writing blended rawness, violence, ugliness and beauty. About Lou, a character in The Beautiful Room is Empty, he wrote a line that summed up the essence of his approach: "But through some curious alchemy, he'd redeemed our illness by finding beauty in it. He loved Baudelaire and like Baudelaire he searched out beauty in whatever was foul, artificial, damned..." With more than 20 books to his name, White's body of work unfolded like a polyptych – a shifting tableau of what he called the social and sexual history of three decades of gay life in the United States. He sought to recount this history as a witness, as lived by his generation: "psychoanalyzed and oppressed in the '50s and liberated in the '60s and exalted in the '70s and wiped out [by AIDS] in the '80s." Also in 2013, and in perfect French, he told us how, in 1985, he learned he was HIV-positive and how he reacted. "I thought: I'm obviously going to die. So I challenged fate. I began writing a biography of [French writer] Jean Genet. Everyone thought I was crazy. In fact, I probably am." By chance, he was among those in whom the virus advanced slowly. Not only did White complete his biography (which came out in 1993), but he later turned his attention to Marcel Proust (1998), and above all to Arthur Rimbaud, whom he first discovered, dazzled, at age 14 in his Michigan boarding school (Rimbaud: The Double Life of a Rebel, 2008). At Princeton University in New Jersey, where he taught fiction writing, White was a colleague and friend of Joyce Carol Oates. The writer paid tribute to him on the social network X, praising his "boldly pioneering subject matter" and "astonishing stylistic versatility."
The Independent
27-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
The best driving detours in France – off the beaten track and all the better for it
Our love affair with France shows no sign of abating. As a signed-up card-carrying Francophile, I can fully understand why L'Hexagone has retained its crown as the most popular holiday destination in the world. It is a country of glorious contrasts. Driving to France couldn't be simpler. And indeed, many of us do it. But often when travelling, there's an insatiable rush to get to your destination. Whether it's frantically rushing to the airport or pounding your way down a motorway, it's often exhausting and unsettling. But what if you took a different approach, and indeed a different route? As someone who regularly drives through France with my partner and our young son, I have fully embraced the journey as part of the experience, and I'd encourage you to do the same. What could be better than arriving at your destination more relaxed and invigorated, having extended that holiday by discovering somewhere entirely new? On a recent trip via Le Shuttle, I criss-crossed France and discovered four easy detours that only slightly extended our trip, but offered a collection of micro-adventures to off-the-beaten-track destinations that I'd return to in a heartbeat. They're all suitable for solo, couple or family travel, and I've outlined them here, so you can weave them into your next journey. Who knows, you might just discover your new favourite French destination. Best for: nature lovers Sitting on a bend on the river Dronne, Brantôme en Périgord is a small town in the northern Dordogne with medieval city confidence. It's a perfect diversion if you're travelling along the A20. Leave the motorway behind in Limoges, and rejoin in Brive-la-Gaillarde, or in reverse depending on your direction of travel. You'll be driving through deeply wooded forests of ancient oaks and chestnuts, interspersed with hedgerows dividing small-holding agriculture, medieval villages and historic châteaux. Known as 'the Venice of Périgord', the river Dronne encircles most of the town. The Bendectine abbey, founded by Charlemagne in 769, stands as a stunning centrepiece, with a forested cliff-face rising behind it. Take a relaxing walk along the weeping willow-lined riverbanks to the town centre, admiring both medieval and Renaissance architecture. And then, why not take a blanket to the Grand Jardin on the banks of the river and lie in the dappled shade, enjoying the tranquillity of this former trading crossroads? Conveniently nearby are two unmissable sites: the prehistoric caves of Les Grotte de Villars and the Château de Bourdeilles. As well as a display of jaw-droppingly beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, some original cave paintings date back 20,000 years. It seems our desire to create beauty is innate. A different, but no less impressive site can be seen in the intricately decorated wooden panels, walls, ceilings and tapestries of the Renaissance Château de Bourdeilles. The site also boasts a 13th-century fortress you can climb, from which you can appreciate the verdant landscape of Le Périgord Vert. Where to stay Hôtel Restaurant Le Jardin des Chouchoux A small, welcoming family-run hotel and restaurant where you're greeted by the owners with the words: 'welcome home' Lyons-la-Forêt Located east of Rouen, the enchanting village of Lyons-la-Forêt is an easy diversion off the A28. We approached from the north, via a pit-stop in the town of Neufchatel-en-Bray where we sat in the sunshine eating baguettes generously slathered with the famous heart-shaped cheese of the same name. It's equally accessible from the west if you exit the motorway closer to Rouen. From both directions, it's an easy drive of less than an hour through the Normandy countryside, taking you through an undulating landscape dotted with animals grazing on spring-green pastures, orchards and small half-timbered hamlets and Norman churches. The road leading down to the achingly romantic village takes you through France's largest Beech forest, which is best explored by a gentle stroll on any of the numerous trails, all close to town; we particularly enjoyed forest bathing in the nearby Arboretum des Bordins. The village is centred around the lively 'Place Balthazar', whose 17th-century timber-framed market hall is a striking centre-piece. The tables and chairs of the local bars and restaurants (all of which are enticing and will leave you sated) make it a perfect place to people-watch. You may struggle to resist filling your boot with French objets from the handful of charming brocantes and homeware shops surrounding the square; I'd have had to jettison our child to make room for all the treasures I spotted. A short stroll around the town will take you down to the old mill where you'll discover La Huchette, a fairy tale-esque wattle and daub house that featured in Claude Chabrol's famous adaptation of Madame Bovary, much of which was filmed on location here. Every building in the town is immaculate, with flower boxes in bloom against a backdrop of pastel-painted, half-timbered buildings. It's a medieval masterpiece, now oozing laid-back country chic. Where to stay: Hotel du Grand Cerf Ask for a room overlooking the town square S ancerre You may associate Sancerre as something you're more likely to buy and drink than a place to visit, but the wine of the same name comes from this charming small town in the Loire Valley in central France, and it's easily accessible from both the A71 and A77. Approach from the westerly side (A71) via the village of Menetou-Salon and then drive on the smaller D59 via Morogues, and you'll be rewarded with glorious views across the sauvignon-blanc dominated vineyards, and an expansive ever-shifting sky. The Horse-Chestnut-lined road into Sancerre is yet another straight and purposeful example of Napoleonic engineering, and makes driving off the motorway in France such a pleasure. Despite the commonly flat vistas of much of the Loire Valley, this corner has some of the most beautiful wine-growing countryside in the world, with Sancerre perched like the great overseer of this kingdom of sauvignon blanc. Limestone buildings dominate the steep, narrow roads leading up to the attractive centre, which is filled with wine producer houses, many of which are open to the public. But the best way to get a sense of this region is to visit La Maison des Sancerre, a visitor centre established by the region's 350 passionate growers, centrally located and adjacent to the church. The impressive display features interactive relief maps, a sensory garden overlooking the surrounding villages, and a ride-on simulator complete with 3D glasses, which sees you flying through the vineyards of Sancerre at harvest time, and of course, an opportunity to taste the local wines. This region also produces some of the finest goat's cheese in the world, and the harmony between a glass of Sancerre and a piece of Chavignol is unparalleled. After a pitstop in the simple, but charming chalk-cellared bar of La Taverne Sancerroise, you might want to learn more about this tasty cheese. If so, head to La Bete Noire, a Crottin Chavignol producer open to the public, and just a short drive from Sancerre. Where to stay: Hotel Panoramic Arras Best for: history buffs Exiting the A26, the drive into Arras, a large town located in the northern department of Pas-de-Calais, might not wow you with its drama and beauty. But this lack of expectation will make your visit to Arras all the more memorable. Arriving in the Grande' Place, one of two ancient market squares (the smaller Places des Héros is adjacent), you're immediately overwhelmed by a large square surrounded by offensively impressive seventeenth and 18th-century Flemish Baroque houses, all flaunting their gorgeous curvaceous gables with varying degrees of flourish and decorative details. What is especially remarkable is that over 80 per cent of the town was destroyed in the First World War, but was meticulously rebuilt following the original blueprints. Shops, bars, and restaurants bustle under the seamless arcade of these baroque beauties, including memorable rotisserie chicken at restaurant Silex. There are two ways to orient yourself. Take the lift and a small number of stairs up the belfry to get a sense of Arras and the surrounding area. Just don't forget to meet the Giants of Arras on your way out before leaving the town hall. Or, hop on and off the yellow micro-bus that you can ride for free (for journeys of less than ten minutes). Both will give you a real sense of the interplay of Baroque finery and exquisite Art Deco buildings in this impressive town. My visit wouldn't have been complete without experiencing one of the region's most staggering and sombre places: La Carrière Wellington. This vast network of underground chalk tunnels is where a group of New Zealand miners excavated during World War I, enabling them to access the German frontline. During this time, these former quarries housed over 24,000 soldiers, and the tour takes you to see their drawings on the walls, along with discarded food tins and beds. Whilst the war memorials of the region are solemn and contemplative places, Arras exemplifies the more beautiful elements of the human condition, where we yearn for lives filled with community, conviviality and pleasure. I can't wait to return to this unassumingly impressive town, not least to enjoy the butter croissants of Boulangerie Caudron. Where to stay:
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sacré bleu! These Paris-inspired style trends should be in your closet already
Ever dreamed of shopping at the gorgeous boutiques in Paris' Marais district but been brought back down to earth by your budget? Hoping to capture that effortlessly cool French style aesthetic, only to realize you don't know where to start? If you answered yes — or oui — to either of those questions, you have landed in the right place. I recently took a deep dive into the feeds of my favorite French fashion influencers, noting five must-have summer trends. Then I did what any selfless style writer would do, and I found those same trends for less. Think romantic boho blouses, billowy tiered maxi skirts and more — including some incredibly chic structured pieces — that'll grant you the je-ne-sais-quoi style clout you've been craving without giving your bank account a "mon dieu!" moment. Related: These are the 9 style trends everyone in Paris is wearing this spring While we Americans love to chill in our cozy loungewear sets, our friends in Paris know how to elevate the matching-outfit game with a touch more sophistication. Instead of comfy sweats, they opt for dynamic duos made from light-yet-structured fabrics in trendy silhouettes that feel fresh, urbane and never, ever frumpy. These sleek sets are a fantastic fashion formula for summer, but they also allow for endless mix-and-match possibilities with other pieces in your closet. Suiting is having a fashion moment right now, but the last thing anyone wants to wear is a heavy pantsuit when the weather warms up. Why not take a cool tip from some haute femmes and grab yourself an airy linen vest? Style it with matching shorts for a polished look or wide-leg jeans for an edgier ensemble. Or go full fashion-forward and pair it with another trend on this list — a sunny, tiered maxi skirt — for a hip and modern androgynous vibe. A classic white T-shirt or comfy button-down are key pieces in any wardrobe. But, if you're hoping to spice things up this season, why not take a free-spirited page from the Francophile stylebook and add some romantic boho blouses to the rotation? These softly structured, often-textured tops feature charming details like bows, ruffles and smocking that, when paired with a simple pair of jeans or tailored bottoms, can transform an outfit into something that feels curated and purposeful. French women know that once the weather gets hot and sticky, it's time to break out those natural-fiber MVPs, linen and cotton, to look and feel effortlessly crisp and cool. These dresses are chic on their own, but on chillier evenings can be styled with a layer — an oversized cardigan, say, or a tailored blazer — to add texture and structure (and warmth, of course). Solid white is a Parisienne classic, but a subtle print can add a touch of femininity for those who lean more ladylike. Tiered dresses and maxi skirts all over social media lately, and I'd bet a buck to a beignet that the trend originated on the streets of Paris. These flirty bottoms balance romantic femininity and a touch of drama — all that billowy fabric! — with a laid-back vibe. Styling-wise, a tiered maxi represents peak versatility. Pair one with combat boots and a leather tank for a punk-rock edge. Or go more casual with a simple white tee, denim jacket and your favorite flat sandals.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Merz, Macron seek restart of Franco-German ties
dpa Berlin/Paris Less than 24 hours after taking office, Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday, as the two leaders seek to revitalize relations and strengthen joint European leadership. Merz received a warm welcome by Macron at the Élysée Palace, with both leaders embracing and patting each other on the back, before disappearing into the president's official residence arm in arm. Merz, who needed an unprecedented two attempts to be elected chancellor by parliament on Tuesday, a historic stumble that some observers say may foreshadow potential discord within his own coalition, arrived in Paris eager to get to work. Embarking on the trip which will also take him to Warsaw, the conservative politician said he was aiming for 'a bit of a restart' with Paris and Warsaw, Germany's two biggest neighbours. In Paris, he and Macron, who is said to have struggled to get along with Merz's predecessor Olaf Scholz, were expected to set the course to strengthen their countries' leadership role in Europe in light of the radical change of course in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. 'We will give new impetus to the Franco-German friendship and we will further intensify our cooperation at all levels,' said Merz at a joint press conference shortly after his arrival in the French capital. Europe can only overcome its challenges if Germany and France work together, Merz said. 'That is why Emmanuel Macron and I have agreed on a new Franco-German start for Europe.' Macron, who addressed the German leader as 'dear Friedrich' and thanked him for granting 'me the honour of beginning your mandate here in Paris. 'We want action to be systematically developed together. We want to act together on the issues that we consider to be priorities: Sovereignty, security, competitiveness.' Merz, who considers himself a Francophile, is looking to restore relations with the French, and it was clear from the press conference that he and Macron get on well. Immediately tackling an issue shunned by his predecessor, Merz said he is planning to quickly begin talks with France and Britain on how to organize Europe's nuclear deterrence in the future. 'I see the fundamental need for us to discuss with France and also with the UK the question of how we can continue to provide such a response of deterrence together in future,' Merz said, while stressing that he envisions a supplement to the US nuclear defence umbrella, not 'a substitute.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'Dear Friedrich': Merz, Macron seek 'restart' of Franco-German ties
Less than 24 hours after taking office, Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Wednesday, as the two leaders seek to revitalize relations and strengthen joint European leadership. Merz received a warm welcome by Macron at the Élysée Palace, with both leaders embracing and patting each other on the back, before disappearing into the president's official residence arm in arm. Merz, who needed an unprecedented two attempts to be elected chancellor by parliament on Tuesday, a historic stumble that some observers say may foreshadow potential discord within his own coalition, arrived in Paris eager to get to work. Embarking on the trip which will also take him to Warsaw, the conservative politician said he was aiming for "a bit of a restart" with Paris and Warsaw, Germany's two biggest neighbours. In Paris, he and Macron, who is said to have struggled to get along with Merz's predecessor Olaf Scholz, were expected to set the course to strengthen their countries' leadership role in Europe in light of the radical change of course in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. "We will give new impetus to the Franco-German friendship and we will further intensify our cooperation at all levels," said Merz at a joint press conference shortly after his arrival in the French capital. Europe can only overcome its challenges if Germany and France work together, Merz said. "That is why Emmanuel Macron and I have agreed on a new Franco-German start for Europe." Macron, who addressed the German leader as "dear Friedrich" and thanked him for granting "me the honour of beginning your mandate here in Paris. "We want action to be systematically developed together. We want to act together on the issues that we consider to be priorities: Sovereignty, security, competitiveness." Merz, who considers himself a Francophile, is looking to restore relations with the French, and it was clear from the press conference that he and Macron get on well. Immediately tackling an issue shunned by his predecessor, Merz said he is planning to quickly begin talks with France and Britain on how to organize Europe's nuclear deterrence in the future. "I see the fundamental need for us to discuss with France and also with the UK the question of how we can continue to provide such a response of deterrence together in future," Merz said, while stressing that he envisions a supplement to the US nuclear defence umbrella, not "a substitute." En route to Paris, Merz also said he was hoping for a restart in relations with Warsaw, noting that his trip aimed to send a signal "internally and externally" that he was committed to good cooperation with both countries. Merz had previously announced that there would be a tightening of border checks and increased turning back of migrants from his first day in office. Poland is sceptical about the measures, however. Merz has met both Macron and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk several times. As leader of the opposition, he repeatedly accused his predecessor of letting relations with both of them slide. Merz is accompanied in Paris and Warsaw by new Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. In a sign that Merz wants the government's foreign policy to follow a clear line, the chancellor and foreign minister belong to the same party - something that hasn't happened in Germany for almost 60 years.
