As France's summer sun encourages temperatures to soar, it is important to have spaces to keep cool and relaxed in your garden.
Whether jumping into a fresh swimming pool, swinging under the shade of a tree, or keeping an eye on your furry friends, we offer tips and inspiration for gardening projects to tackle this month.
In the French doghouse
Keep your four-legged friend cool, safe and secure this summer in your outdoor space with their own brand new niche (French for kennel).
TimbelaTruffaut
The model shown (cute dog not included), Timbela, is available from Truffaut for €130, and is suitable for small breeds.
It measures 76 x 99 x 80cm high and the wide entrance makes it easy to clean the inside and also gives your pet easy access.
Made from high-quality, robust, certified 19mm spruce and pine wood, it has a durable, waterproof bituminous coating.
Easy to assemble, guaranteed for two years and you can paint it whatever colour you like.
Swimming pool TLC
Our annual reminder for readers with a piscine to carry out some basic daily maintenance. Firstly, check the pH level of the water, which should be between 7 and 7.4; next, as well as the chlorine level, which should ideally be between 1.5 and 2 mg/l.
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Remove leaves, insects, and anything else that falls into your pool, either with a robot or by hand; check the water level and the the pool’s filtration system.
Readers owning a holiday rental property with a swimming pool can enlist the services of a specialist firm, for a fee of course.
Nothing could be more restful after a hearty lunch than a snooze in a hammock (called hamac in French).
This woven cotton one from Nature & Découvertes costs €24.90 and is suitable for one or two people and can support up to 200kilos.
All you need to do is find two fixing points in your garden (trees are the obvious choice) to enjoy the ultimate in relaxation.
Insta-jardins
Instagram is a brilliant place to enjoy other people’s gardens in France, with everyone from visitors to chambre d’hôtes owners posting seasonal snaps and quirky updates from their gardens (users can search using hashtags #jardins, #monjardin, #jardinage or #potager).
May saw the delightful Château de Chantilly welcome gardeners for the annual Les Journées des Plantes de Chantilly. Image posted by @incontournable.oise.valdoise
