Beaune is a charming town, walkable, manageable, with good little shops, and a bustling Saturday market. Good food too of course. And wine, which you know.

One of my favorites was Laronze-Decor, managed by the charming and gracious Nicolas, whose family owns the shop, and come to find out a kitchen shop and bed and bath boutique as well. It is such a delight to stumble on a place that has things you haven’t already seen everywhere else, which, says Nicolas, is exactly his aim.

They carry a range of housewares, including the wonderful Jacquard Francais linens, which you do see elsewhere, but not everywhere.

One chandelier in particular was very cool, and it held votive candles. It was about $200 I think. Why didn’t I get it? Not easy to pack but I would have found a way. But wait, they ship… Dang… Maybe I will call them…

Could not resist, for research purposes of course, the superb Alain Batt chocolate shop.

The French do have a way with display, non?

I once sent a Valentine card to His Grace the Cowboy that had a drawing of a snail on the front and said “Slow and steady our love does grow. I sure so love you, my escargot.”

Tomorrow, Saturday, is Market Day…

Photos by Frances Schultz for FrancesSchultz.com/