A “Très Français” Home

French Address is the next best thing to having a home address in France - it’s a resource to help bring French style into your own home! The online boutique offers a curated list of the 25 best French home decor brands with stories about the artisans. The online shop also has a selection of home decor accents with tips on the art of French living.

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Mathilde, founder of French Address, to learn more about her venture…

1. Tell us more about French Address! When did it start and what are your goals?

I had always wanted to start my own business. In the end, the global health pandemic gave me the push I needed to pursue my dream.

Since I was a child, every time I traveled across France, I’ve always brought back French craftwork. I started my “French collection” when I was around ten with a mini copper bell from a foundry in Normandy. A lovely souvenir! Since then, I have brought home hundreds of lovely French creations, from decor to accessories to kitchenware.

Last year, I finally decided to share my abiding love for French things with connoisseurs from around the world… you know, all the Francophiles and French style enthusiasts who live outside of France and are looking to add some French touches to their everyday life. With French Address, I aim to bring greater awareness to lesser-known brands recognized in France for time-honored craftsmanship. So I travel all around France in search of brands and artisans making items with distinctive French charm!

2. You compiled a list of top 25 stores in the US to buy French Decor. What prompted you to create this shopping guide?

It all started when I was talking to long-time US friends on Skype. Among other things, they mentioned that they were missing France and that they were compensating by buying some French-inspired items. I asked them where they were making these purchases, and they mentioned Amazon, Target, Anthropologie… but no French stores. I was quite disappointed. Then I sent messages to friends on WhatsApp and Facebook asking the same question. I had almost the same answers.

How is it possible that Francophiles don’t know even one store where they can buy authentic French products? I’m enthusiastic and enterprising, so I turned my disappointment into a challenge: let’s create a guide with the list of the best stores. If Francophiles do not know where to shop, let’s help them discover stores with authentic French products and a purposeful and distinctive experience! And let’s honor the small stores that are passionate about France, as I am!

3. How did you narrow it down from 300 French-inspired stores to just 25?

My intention was to build a trustworthy and comprehensive list. This is why I determined objective and fair criteria to assess the 300 stores. The three most important criteria were the following: the authenticity of the products (items made in France and French brands), the uniqueness of the collections, and the story of the store owners.

With these criteria, I narrowed the list down to 63 stores. But I wanted to be even more selective, I wanted to list “La crème de la crème.” So, I set up a jury of five French and US shopping experts and long-time enthusiasts of French decor. Our objective: discuss and choose the very best stores among the 63. After passionate debates, we reached a list of 25 exceptional stores. Et voilà!

4. What was your favorite part about the whole experience of compiling this list? 

Once the list was finalized, I contacted the stores to announce that they had been chosen to be part of the list of the 25 best stores for French decor. I had the opportunity to chat directly with them and it was so enjoyable. I loved talking about our stores and all things French. Like you at Les Fleurs, we promised to meet in real life with some of them when they come to France!  

Another thrilling thing is the reaction of the readers. It confirms that such a guide was really necessary. I couldn’t be happier than when I hear that the guide is helpful for finding unique French gifts.

5. You’ve talked about traveling to different regions of France as a child. Do you have a favorite memory from your trips? 

I have great memories from Normandy where we have a family farmhouse. Visiting Mont Saint Michel is a yearly tradition for us and I have a special memory of a great food experience… As an authentic French person, I obviously love French gastronomy!

I remember tasting the famous omelet from La Mère Poulard restaurant: absolutely delicious but quite big for a child! What struck me even more was when I left the table with my father to see the cooks preparing the omelet. The kitchen is open so the guests can see the whole cooking process. So impressive-- I can tell you that preparing this omelet is real physical exercise!

Photos courtesy of French Address

We are honored that Les Fleurs has been selected to be included in this “crème de la crème” list!
We hope you enjoyed learning about this wonderful resource for Francophiles. For more information about French Address, visit the website or follow them on Instagram.

xoxo,
The Fleurettes