Fall has fully arrived in the French countryside, bringing with it grey mornings, gentle light, and the calm rhythm of slower days. In this week’s video, I share snippets of simple autumn life at home — preparing the kitchen for a fresh coat of paint, tidying the garden before its winter rest, harvesting the last of the roses, and making a soft chestnut mousse from our recent foraging.
We also visit the beautiful Château de Crazannes in Charente-Maritime, its gardens filled with elegant topiaries and sweeping views over the hills.
This film is a quiet celebration of simple pleasures — creating, tending, and taking joy in the gentle transitions of the season.
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In this video :
✦ Château de Crazannes, Charente-Maritime
✦ velvet vest : vintage found on Vinted
✦ denim pants : old Zara
🌰 Chestnut Cream Mousse
– Ingredients:
500 g (about 1 ¾ cups) sweetened chestnut cream (such as Clément Faugier)
200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream (you can add an extra 50–100 ml / 3–6 tbsp for a lighter, less sweet mousse)
2 egg whites
A small pinch of salt
– Instructions :
Whip the cream:
Chill the cream in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then whip it with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Keep it in the fridge while preparing the rest.
Beat the egg whites:
In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Combine the chestnut cream and whipped cream:
In another large bowl, gently fold the whipped cream into the chestnut cream until smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the egg whites:
Using a wooden spoon or spatula, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites in two or three additions, keeping the mixture light and airy.
Chill and serve:
Spoon the mousse into small ramekins or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
30 Comments
Me encanta!!
🥰🇨🇦
This was absolutely beautiful.
Thank-you for sharing with us.
So peaceful. ❤🎉❤🎉❤
this was sooo lovely – merci beaucoup!
What a marvelous place ❤thank you so much Audrey. I really enjoyed your videos🙏💐💐god bless.
Have you visited New Zealand since you left?
Beautiful ❤ thanks
Dear Audrey, the autumnal tasks seen by your sensitive eyes feels so captivating..And the chateau looks so beautiful! I also made a beeswax napkins or covers inspired by you and they are perfect! Have a good time!❤
Soft, gentle and a soul soothing vlog 💓 every moment feels beautiful. Sending wings and wand from The Pixie Tales 🧚🪄
Lovely as always Audrey. I’m so happy when I see you have posted another video. There is such a peaceful feeling when we get the garden ready for the season of rest. Picking those last few roses, a dahlia or two. I look forward to see which color you choose to paint your kitchen .
Coucou Audrey, quel magnifique endroit que ce château de Crazanne, c'est paisible 😊.
Je fais aussi de la mousse de marron, que c'est bon. Je rajoute par dessus des amandes émondées que je fais revenir dans du beurre avec une pointe de fleur de sel de… Ré 😊. Je mixe le tout pour avoir de petits morceaux et je mets par dessus la mousse…wahouuuu, c'est cro cro bon…voir additif 😅
Bel automne à toi ❤
As always a joy. A form of meditation for me , I am lost in your videos and the time goes so fast. Thank you 🎉🎉🎉
Oh the mousse looks delicious! Happy autumn…looking forward to
experiencing a glimpse of the season through your gentle world.
Beautiful 🍂
Autumn does not say goodbye, it teaches us how to change beautifully and remain silently. Thank you for this subtle story. With gratitude, Jola.❤🍁
Thank you for sharing your lovely life.❤️
Your videos are exquisite. You have such beautiful, refined taste. When I grow up I want to be just like you. I'm 35 y.o.
Jolie visite à bientôt
Beautiful video ❤
Lovely….thank you.
C est du papier ou du tissue ca en fleur que vous avez mis sur le bol ?
Dear Audrey..is it a year?!..watched your first video again💖..so we all found a home here, with you & the lovely chickens..Thank you for the wonderful moments through the seasons🍂🌰✨Lots of Love for you & your family🎇
Thank you once again for another wonderful video, filled with beauty, peace and elegance!
Ah ah, sweet to see 6:26 a basket handmade by my father; he is the last craftsman to master this technique. Thank you for appreciating this little basket!
My favourite on utube. Thanks Audrey. You are so special. Look forward to your videos. Your decorating and cooking enspires me.
Thank you for letting us to be with you again. I hope you are ok. I can't help but feeling something is not right. XOXO
Oh Audrey, quel bonheur! Je pensais ces jours à ce dessert qui s’appelle le Marron’suis et dont je me délectais enfant. Je m’étais mise en tête de trouver une recette pour essayer de le faire maison et voilà ta vidéo ! Alors merci pour ton partage 🙏🏻 Belle semaine à toi et à ceux que tu chéris
I am so glad you are painting the kitchen as the white is too stark and cold and your white porcelain will come alive with a background colour. I still think a touch of colour in a back door full length curtain would look lovely and complete the mood and also provide warmth and privacy. So look forward to your elegant and refined videos. We need more of it in life.
I also think some colour in the white bowls on your mantle in the study area – red baubles perhaps – some sparkle as it is the season of sparkle and I am going to wear jewellery with some sparkle a la Ralph Lauren to cheer the darker days. Would you consider a muted painting to the right of the fireplace or a wall sconce? I have similar colours in my upstairs sitting room ie the dark grey and white and the touch of red warms it all up. I love the fire log container and the rug gives warmth. You need some light on your desk too. You have immaculate taste and love your ideas and home – always great to see and to see your finds. I bring in berries at this time of year and soon it will be holly and ivy. Ordinary flowers don't cut it for me in the Winter until of course January when the bulbs come into their own – Amaryllis and hyacinths and small narcissus and Christmas roses.
You suit the maroon jeans and I have bought some also and love the richness of the colour. Love the last roses and the chestnut mousee – how decadent. You always come up with such lovely ideas.