Retail Therapy: The Power of Love

First published: February 1, 2021 by Rhiannon Rees 3

Dreaming up gift ideas for La Saint-Valentin? We’ve cherry-picked the best of France’s sweet (and sensual) offerings…

FOR GOURMANDS

Maison Fouquet has long been synonymous with gourmet confections. Its special Valentine’s box is packed full of glossy dark chocolate balls for couples to sink their pearly whites into. From €32.

Photo © Opinel

SLICE OF LIFE DESIGN

Hailing from Savoie, Opinel is synonymous with high-quality kitchen and pocket knives. We’ve fallen head over heels for its ‘Édition France’ series, including this sweet collab with artist Ale Giorgini.

Photo © Savon de Marseille

THE LOVELIEST LATHER

Drawing on Savon de Marseille fame, this petal-pink liquid soap will leave your partner’s hands clean, refreshed and smelling like roses. €5.99.

Photo © Parfums de la Bastide

JUICY SPRITZ

Fruity notes of fig and tangerine blend with Bourbon vanilla to make up this divine 100ml bottle of Exquise. Mark it up as a gift online and receive seven additional perfume samples for your other half! Purchasable at Parfums de la Bastide. €95.

Photo credit © Bonne Maison

NO MEAN FEET

We fell head over heels for these fun chaussettes from Bonne Maison. Made from double-thread cotton with elastane, with all the sandy hues of a beach, they’re an invitation to get snuggly. €19.

Photo © Made in Design

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE…

With a statement table lamp and cast a rouge glow over your romantic dinner for two. Designed by artist Ingo Maurer, this light is more than a little wacky with its twisted wires and, erm, crocodile supports. Head over to the Made in Design website. €499.

Photo © Lola James Harper

POSITIVE VIBES

The Just Say Yes fragrance is all about the romantic, idealistic part in all of us. Scented with rose, cardamom and musk, it’s an uplifting aroma with an air of playful sweetness and mild spice. €60 (50ml).

Photo © Atelier Paulin

LOVE LETTERS

Weave words of romance around your special someone’s neck with this elegant 14-karat rose gold necklace, by Atelier Paulin. It’s customisable, so you can pick your own word – whether it’s a name or a fond sentiment. €480.

Photo © Lola James Harper

ROOM IN BLOOM

Candles are the bread and butter of French collective Lola James Harper. The brand knows how to capture a moment – or feeling – in a smell, and the First Morning of Spring is a timely edition, anticipating the season’s fresh roses. €35.

SENSU-OIL

Seductively packaged in tropical hues, Hei Poa’s Elixir d’Amour is a treat from the inside out. Pineapple, sandalwood and floral whiffs create an intoxicatingly fragrant oil for baths and massages. €13.40.

BAKE FOR YOUR BEAU

For all you romantics, this Ruffled dish from French bakeware specialist Emile Henry brings a little love back into cooking. Why not woo your special someone with a heartshaped cake? €29.90.

From France Today magazine

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By Rhiannon Rees

Fuelled by croissants and cafés crème, Rhiannon Rees has an insatiable appetite for travel, nature and all things veggie. Between fond childhood memories in the south and recent trips as a (sort of) grown-up, she’s always dreaming of her next trip to la France profonde.

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Comments

2021-02-07 09:00:37

Henri

I dream of my dreams, The world still closed in this pandemic, but to dream, there must be no limit. Dreaming one flight to Paris, on Valentine day, Chocolate and Champagne, Flowers and perfumes, In Paris, In my dream, That is my Valentine day. Henri, Nassiri, Los Angeles

REPLY
- 2021-02-16 19:22:59
  
  RAYMOND FLUTA
  
  Dear Mr Nassiri, What a wonderful sentiment you wrote in The Best of France Today about "dreaming one flight to Paris." We would go to Paris at least once a year for three weeks at a time and now the yearning to go is stronger than ever. Ah, chocolates and champagne and flowers in Paris---to live again!! Ray in San Diego
  
  REPLY
2021-02-04 00:21:06

John

Fantastic ideas! Thank you. Wish more where available in the US!

REPLY