living the quiet life

by Sharon Santoni

I’ve always admired people who take their own individual path through life. Who live on their own terms, and fix their own rules. It takes a certain strength of character to trace a path that is slightly off the conventional route.

My friends Magali and René are just such people. They are kind, creative, hard working and self sufficient. They live the quiet life in a small farmhouse in southern France. They grow their own food, entertain their friends joyfully and to earn their living they follow their creative inspiration.

Magali comes from a family of master ceramicists. Her father created his pottery and ceramics in the village of Biot, famous for the tradition. She inherited hundreds of moulds from him, and learnt all about clay and glazes at his side. Today she creates at her own rythym in her atelier. She sells a few pieces in her little store in the garden, and now and again she receives an order for an entire service or a special design.

René in the meantime is a basket maker. He is never happier than when weaving a basket with a couple of his friends sitting beside him, chatting and putting the world to rights.

This summer while in the South, I was very happy to have been able to purchase some of Rene’s bread baskets, and also to have ordered some of Magali’s white jugs for our MFCH Boutique.

We only have a limited number of each product, they are for sale today in our boutique. Each jug is signed by Magali, and the wicker trays or baskets are just perfect too.

The jugs come in three sizes. A small milk jug, a slightly larger version in the same style, and a taller water pitcher. Each piece has been moulded and hand glazed by Magali in her atelier, and she signs each one ‘Celestine’, the name of their farm.

René’s wicker trays come in two sizes, and are perfect for a few slices of baguette or, or a couple of croissants. I find them handy for keeping garlic or onions close to hand in the kitchen.

We are also carrying his mini baskets with a handle, which are ideal for presenting teaspoons, or candies, or a few fresh eggs.

To find these products simply pop over to the MFCH Boutique, where you will also be happy to know that we are about to commence our summer sale! Don’t miss out on some very special offers.

16 comments

Kim July 21, 2021 - 12:58 am

Oh I’d love this life – love your stories

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Sandra July 21, 2021 - 4:32 pm

Life is truly what we make it no matter where we live or what we do … celebrating each day for where it leads us …. Carpe Diem!!!!! Seize the day❤️

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david terry July 21, 2021 - 1:26 am

Oh, those creamer pitchers are really lovely and gratifyingly simple. It’s difficult to find such-sized things in the USA….the sort of small pitcher you would set on table, filled with creme anglaise or some other sauce for a dessert course.

—-david terry

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Carol July 21, 2021 - 2:18 am

I LOVE MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME!

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Vicky from Athens July 21, 2021 - 2:40 am

What lovely trays, baskets and pitchers! Such talented artisans!

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Rhonda Reeves July 21, 2021 - 3:11 am

I have a basket from their shop hanging in my laundry room with dried lavender-it reminds me every day of our lovely trip to Provence. I also have many photos taken while we were there that always make me smile.

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Sharon Santoni July 22, 2021 - 2:16 pm

Thank you Rhonda, that trip was such fun 🙂

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Christine Webb-Curtis July 21, 2021 - 3:37 am

Cut me a slice of that. I’m going to their site to see if I might buy something. I’d certainly rather buy a piece of ceramics on line instead of risking buying in person and then trying to get it home in one piece. Thanks for the post.

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Sharon Santoni July 21, 2021 - 10:31 am

Hi Christine, thank you for your comment. Magali and René don’t have their own website, but you are very welcome to see the jugs and the baskets on our website here https://myfrenchcountryhomebox.com/product/artisanal-jugs/ and here https://myfrenchcountryhomebox.com/product/wicker-trays-or-bread-baskets/
happy shopping! 🙂
Sharon

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Sharon E July 21, 2021 - 4:41 am

Love the shapes of the ceramics and the pure white color. Just so lovely.

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Sigrid July 21, 2021 - 2:13 pm

Is it possible to visit them for buying a basket? I searched a basketmaker in the Provence last year but didn‘t find any.

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Gretchen Lott July 21, 2021 - 3:30 pm

Thank you for sharing these stories, photos and the possibilities of a quiet life.

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Kristeen A July 21, 2021 - 4:17 pm

I’ll never forget my visit to their shop and studio with you in 2018. I use the beautiful items I bought every day. Such a wonderful memory.

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Sharon Santoni July 22, 2021 - 2:15 pm

Thank you Kristeen, their place is very special 🙂

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Rakhinationwide July 26, 2021 - 11:49 am

Looks great. Thanks for sharing.

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Giftbasketworldwide August 18, 2021 - 8:15 am

Thank you!! Loved your idea and aesthetic.

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