|
A Tour around La Provence - written by a journalist who visited the business earlier this year
La Provence is quite simply one of those places you just have to visit! Situated in Sawbridgeworth’s Bell Street, in a wonderful 14th Century collection of cottages, it is joy to meander from room to room, and experience the unique atmosphere that this French themed business has to offer.
Caroline Williams, who, together with her husband Paul bought the business at the end of October last year says. “Our aim is create a warm, friendly environment, where our customers feel that they can relax and not feel pressured”, “We have expanded the range of goods on offer and the menu in our tea room and garden, adding home made cakes and “daily specials” that I make myself”.
The Tour….. written by a journalist who visited "La Provence" earlier this year.
We started our tour around the rooms, six in all, as we entered the shop; an enormous array of perfumes, body and hand creams, and hand made soaps filled the air with a perfume that just has to be experienced.
After ducking our heads, as the ceilings are very low, we entered a room that was packed full of French crockery, glassware and a lovely range of ceramic wall art. The air was filled with that unique aroma of freshly ground coffee. Up the stairs and we entered the tearoom. This time the air was filled with sound! French of course!
We could not resist any longer and sampled a freshly ground cafetier of coffee and a toasted tea cake with melted butter and cinnamon, followed by one of Caroline’s home made cakes! Wonderful!
Across the hallway, we could see an enormous and colourful array of silk flowers.
Down the stairs again, through the crockery room, minding our heads, through the smell of perfumes and soaps and into the back room. Another room packed full of goods, table lamps, brightly coloured Provence linen and a lovely range of baby gifts. Up another flight of stairs and we entered what Caroline calls her linen room. French mirrors, a quaint bed that her son made to display the bed linen and shelves full of her new range.
Our La Provence tour was over. We recommend you take the tour!
|