5 ways to embrace your love of the outdoors the French way
From visiting vineyards to enjoying sweet treats in the sunshine, get ready to evoke the magic of southern France this summer with LU biscuits
When the British weather is kind to us, we’re all desperate to get outside and soak up the sun while it lasts. Whether you prefer visiting outdoor spaces around the UK or making the most of your own garden, it’s safe to say that sunny days often feel that bit sunnier when they’re spent with your favourite people. Like many family businesses, LU bloomed from these special moments of togetherness. So, here are a few of the brand’s top tips for enjoying the great outdoors the French way this summer.
1. Get a taste of the countryside with a vineyard tour
It turns out you don’t always have to fly to France to soak up the picturesque views of a sunny vineyard. British wine has come a long way in recent years and there are now a number of award-winning wineries across the UK, producing a wide range of sparkling and still wines. Plus, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them, from classic tastings and tours to restaurants, gourmet picnics and vine leasing schemes. Many of England’s vineyards are located in the southeast, with some even situated in the Kent Downs, which is an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' with a chalky terroir very similar to that of Champagne.
2. Dry out your lavender to make Herbes de Provence
Great for both French and Mediterranean cooking, Herbes de Provence is an aromatic mixture of dried Provençal herbs, which traditionally includes thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon, savory, marjoram and oregano. Naturally, you’ll probably associate Provence with its rolling lavender fields, which is why this herb blend often also includes dried lavender flowers. If you have fresh lavender to hand, you can hang it in bunches to dry, or simply place it in an oven or food dehydrator, along with any other fresh herbs from your garden that would work in this blend. Herbes de Provence is great for elevating a range of simple dishes, including chicken, grilled fish and ratatouille.
3. Enjoy Le Goûter with a loved one and LU biscuits
Similar to British afternoon tea, Le Goûter is the French tradition of sharing a snack in the afternoon. So, next time you’re having an afternoon lull, why not turn it into an afternoon LU? A small gathering in the garden is the perfect way to enjoy Le Goûter, and a simple spread of your favourite crockery on a classic gingham tablecloth is an easy way to impress guests. After that, you’ll just need to fill a couple of cake stands with your favourite LU biscuits. The soft sponge texture of Le Petit Citron offers an elegant alternative to lemon cake, while Le Petit Ganache is ideal for treating guests to an unexpected chocolatey surprise.
4. Visit a French-inspired formal garden
When you think of a classic French garden, you might imagine a perfect swirl of geometric greenery, like the gardens of Versailles. But did you know that these French formal gardens have also inspired some of our own outdoor spaces here in the UK? The Parterre at Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk was created in 1848 when a member of the Bedingfeld family supposedly visited a parterre garden in France and wanted to recreate it at Oxburgh. Today, it features a colourful arrangement of more than 6,500 bedding plants that bloom into an unmissable floral display every summer. You could even pack a picnic with a couple of packs of LU biscuits and make a day of it.
5. Elevate your outdoor space with rustic French touches
At the opposite end of the French garden scale, you have the more rural image of a country plot. This can be a great source of inspiration if you want to add a warm, rustic feel to your outdoor space. Think antique metal watering cans, weathered stone garden sculptures and Anduze planters, handmade using traditional pottery techniques in the south of France. A French bistro-style table and chairs also makes an elegant addition to any lawn, patio or balcony. Try decorating the table with a few of the traditional French tea mats that inspired the shape of the original LU biscuit, the Véritable Petit Beurre.
Want to learn more about LU?