Bonjour à Tous,

It's a telltale sign that summer is well on its way when the biggest traffic jams of the year build on the French autoroute. Since many businesses close for the first two weeks of August, some for the entirety of the month, people hit the ground running toward summer homes and vacation nooks. Needless to say I'm not looking forward to the drive but at least I’ll be going against the flow.

Here’s what I’ve been up to…

++Fashion++
Madame Grès - Paris Couture from the 1930's
Madame Grès' intricately worked, asymmetric designs accompanied by their sketches and fashion photographs present the timeless output of her Paris workshop. They are on display amongst the sculptures in Paris' Musée Bourdelle.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172525.asp

++and Festivals++
I've gotten a taste of the South of France during the busy season and it hasn't been nearly the headache forebode. The non-stop festivities to contrast lazy beach days make it an easy lifestyle to embrace.

I unexpectedly caught this festival in the main square of my little town...
The Bataille des Fleurs Parade
Marching bands serenade showers of carnations and roses at Antibes’ Battle of Flowers.
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art172021.asp

The Jazz festivals, first in Nice and shortly thereafter in Juan les Pins, have just come to a close. At the Jazz à Juan I relished Jamie Cullum's long set that fused sinatra-style jazz with popular R & B. http://www.deezer.com/fr/#/music/jamie-cullum

Aside from Santana who had the largest crowd, the chouchou (pronounced shoe shoe) or favorite of the festival seemed to be Ben l'Oncle Soul who has several popular songs on the radio. http://www.deezer.com/fr/#/music/ben-l-oncle-soul/ben-l-oncle-soul-543824

I also appreciated Erik Truffaz's electic trumpeting in his set with Manu Katche and Sly Johnson. http://www.deezer.com/fr/#/music/erik-truffaz/paris-avec-sly-johnson-302624

Passe une très belle été,
Have a beautiful summer,

Melissa Demiguel, French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com