Milan is always at its best under the sun and when crowds arrive in heavy numbers for the Salone de Mobile. This week end was incredible, with tons of energy, smiling faces, sun beams and creative happenings, including KidsroomZOOM. Reportage…

This is one of the joys of being in Europe : having so many wonderful and diverse destinations at close reach. Our latest travel was to Rhodes where our friends Tim&Dixie got married. It took us nearly 4 hours to reach the island and the first great surprise was going off the plane and feeling that delicious hot air. Mid October and 28 degrees in the evening makes you wonder

Nothing like a sunny September weekend to visit the seaside. The emptiness gives a nostalgic feeling, the temperature is just cold enough to make it bearable and to bring a crisp clear light. Margate and Broadstairs were sought-after destinations in the 50′s, before plane tickets became affordable and people decided to go to warmer and more exotic places. The newly built Turner Contemporary Gallery brings a few week-enders

Provence is a wonderful place to visit and next year will be a particularly good time to head there as Marseille-Provence will be “Capitale de la Culture 2013”. Provence is already packed with fantastic festivals in normal times : Avignon (theatre), Arles (photography) Montpellier (dance), Aix-en Provence (opera). 2013 will transform Marseille and its region  into a

Everyone loves Italy, with its sunny weather, great history, gastronomy, and for the beach culture. For who prefers avoiding overcrowded spots, Umbria, Abruzzo and Veneto are great options, with green hilly landscapes, hidden little villages, amazing food and wine. A few years ago we explored the region of Treviso  in the Venetian pre-Alps, and we found it absolutely charming. It is on top of our list of Italian “must see” places.

How about unpluging yourself from the urban craze and enjoying the very best of the countryside ? Un Lit au Pré (« A Bed in a Meadow ») offers stays in small-scale French farms. A unique Art de Vivre experience on real active farms, where the farmer and family are passionate guardians of animals, landscapes, architecture, history and excellent local food too.

Travelling to Switzerland is like walking in a postcard. Cliches there are reality out there: green grass, white mountains, blue lakes, cows and bells, geranium & flags on balconies…We always have fun in Switzerland and there is so much to dbe seen in that tiny country : Therme Vals, Aletsch Glacier,

Visiting London in 2012? Take a look at this temporary postmodern sanctuary peeping out over the busy South Bank walkways.The project is part of Living Architecture founded by philosopher Alain de Botton

I had a wonderful time in sunny San Francisco, where I was able to catch up with children’s designers Jess Brown & to Dagmar Daley. Both recommended