Masters of the alfresco..
From gardens to terraces and from courtyards to balconies, the French are masters of making the most of their outside space.
No matter what the occasion, if the weather is warm and dry, no excuses are needed to gather together and eat and drink in the garden.
Whether it’s a picnic style lunch on a blanket under the shade of an olive tree or a sit down meal under a grape laden pergola, the French seem to make the art of eating and drinking outside absolutely effortless.
Garden furniture is strategically placed on terraces and under trees to take advantage of shady spots throughout the day.
The practicality of the summer kitchen…
The further south you go, the more likely you will be to find a house with a ‘summer kitchen’. A purpose built area complete with barbecue, fridge and a sink. Plates, glasses. cutlery and other kitchen paraphernalia will be within arms length on open shelves behind rustic linen curtains, so that lunches, apéros and suppers can be arranged at the ‘drop of a hat’
Pots, planters and pergolas…
The French love their gardens just as much as we do in the UK. No matter how small the space, maybe 
a window box or a courtyard, herbs, geraniums, oleander, hydrangeas and box are often planted in containers to add colour, interest and help soften hard landscape areas.
Much use is made of wrought iron to create stunning pergolas, either freestanding or against a wall. Jasmine, roses, wisteria or vines are trained up and along the pergola to create natural shade from the sun.
You might like to scroll through some of our images and look out for tips on our blog to transform your outside space.
Check out our source book for where to find French garden furniture