Quoi de neuf: French shopping in November 2018

The heart of glassware

The St Just glassblowing company began life thanks to a royal decree by Charles X back in 1826 and since 1921 it has been part of the huge Saint-Gobain group of companies, which was itself created by the Sun King in 1665.

St-Just, based in what is now St-Just-Saint-Rambert in the Loire department, was the first glassblower to flatten glass after blowing for architectural use and today it is one of the most esteemed suppliers in Europe of glass and stained-glass for historic buildings.

For example, it has supplied glass to the Palace of Versailles.

However, now you can add a little of its classy glass to your own little palace thanks to a new range of hand-blown, long-necked Bohème bottles and vases that are as much works of art as they are ornaments.

Each piece is unique and created by a master glassblower to provide a contemporary twist on coloured glass. Between 15 and 20 cm in width, they range from 70-90cm high, with prices from €542.

www.verrosaique.com

Sweet Christmas countdown

Treat yourself or a loved one during the Christmas run-up to a daily chocolate treat from a leading French chocolatier.

‘Parisian Nights’ is an elegant advent calendar composed of various refined delicacies including dark and milk chocolates, mendiants, hazelnut and almond options, plus caramels including the company’s famous salted butter caramel ‘C.B.S’, raspberry, fruit pastes and chocolate marshmallows.

Originally set up by Henri Le Roux in Douarnenez in Finistère, Maison Le Roux’s chocolates are today created by Julien Gouzien.

Priced €38, the calendar is available from November 17 both online and at various outlets including Paris and Quiberon.

www.chocolatleroux.com

Drink to Delamotte

The sister, more affordable Champagne to the Salon brand of fizz, Delamotte is made using grapes grown in the chalky soils of villages Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize and Oger (Marne).

Its Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Chardonnay is easy on the sugar dosage (see here for our Champagne guide).

Described as ‘heady but not heavy’, it is the ideal bubbly to serve at your festive (great with oysters) or New Year’s parties. €42 from all good cavistes.

www.salondelamotte.com

Hot desking, French-style

Personalise your home office or hallway with this tailor-made, solid oak bureau, part of a custom collection from 100% Made in France brand Junddo.

Made using wood from French forests, the desk comes complete with metal legs (71cm high) in a colour of your choosing – black, white or red.

The neat trick with Junddo is that for optimal comfort and integration of the furniture in your room, all orders are bespoke according to your space/usage requirements.

Model shown is Rio (the chair is not from Junddo), available at 100-170cm long and from 40-100cm deep, priced €434.

https://junddo.com