France Through
Jess' Lens
Photographer Jess Ruscoe shares behind-the-scenes of our La Crème campaign in France, her local favourites, and tips from her time living in Paris and Lille.
What made the shoot location so special?
Camellas Lloret is tucked away in the picturesque town of Montréal, just outside of Carcassonne in the south-west of France. It’s like a sanctuary. Each room is unique and cosy, and every time you re-enter, you notice something new about the space. It’s full of texture and character.
Shooting in early spring—the air was perfumed by the jasmine beginning to bloom, while the surrounding area opened up with greenery and wildflowers. In the morning, the light comes streaming through that gorgeous sunroom, enveloping you in the warm rays and the fragrant southern air.
If you were to describe the energy of the shoot location it would be…
Romantic, nostalgic, grounded and warm.
What are some hidden gems you discovered while in France?
I have a soft spot for Lille, a northern city I lived in for over two years. Paddo (an Australian-inspired coffee shop) is one of my favourites —tell them I sent you if you visit.
Square Georges-Cain is a tiny dog park in Le Marais that I used to take my dog to. It’s a great place to take your lunch and watch all the Parisian pups play. Around the corner is Joseph Migneret Garden, another lovely spot to sit and enjoy the sun.
Classique in the 9th is my absolute favourite cocktail bar. The staff are lovely, the small menu is delicious, and the cocktails are incredible.
Liquiderie, in the 11th, is a local staple for natural wine.
My favourite places to stay in Paris are either Le Pigalle or Hôtel des Grand Boulevard.
There’s an incredible beach called Plage Saint Laurent just outside of Eze in the South. It’s stunning; there’s next to no parking, so you have to go early. If you’ve got a car, I recommend taking the time to visit.
Gourdon and St. Paul de Vence are two stunning hilltop towns I also highly recommend visiting if you’re doing a South of France trip. They’re absolutely breathtaking.
Tips for visiting the area?
Though you can forgo a car, I highly recommend you drive when visiting. BUT, be warned, the roads of Montréal (and most villages) can be particularly tight and prone to one-way streets that you have to squeeze through. So, smaller is better here!
Camellas Lloret is the perfect long weekend stopover on your road trip through the south, or, if you’re driving to/from Spain or the west coast, it’s a fabulous place to rest and enjoy the local cuisine and bountiful wineries in the region.
Golden hour in France is best spent…
Look, you can’t go past a glass of wine and some cheese and bread. It’s a stereotype for a reason.
The perfect day in France looks like…
When I lived in Paris and Lille, a Sunday morning would start with a walk to get coffee with Roux, my dog. Then I was off to the local market to pick up flowers— freesias, my favs—and a chicken gozleme to sustain the morning’s shopping. I’d flirt with the cheese monger, who would kindly forgive my lack of French despite seeing me every week, and pick up an assortment of veggies and fresh pasta to make a late lunch. And, of course, a bottle of wine.
I would then spend the afternoon sewing, reading, or aggressively voice-noting my friends with every thought I’d had that day.
As a tourist? Lots of walking, resting, good wine, and one meal out a day.
Favourite place in Paris to…
EAT/DRINK:
Kodawari Ramen (Tsukiji) – hands down the best ramen I've ever had
Early June – Tapas style restaurant hosting travelling chefs- changes every 6 weeks
Caché Paris – Seafood restaurant
Classique – Cocktail bar
Les Œillets – Natural wine
SHOP:
I buy a lot of fabric from Tissus Reine. But for clothes and homewares, Merci is lovely and fun.
STAY:
Le Pigalle – beautiful interiors, good vibes, good tapas food and in a great location
Hôtel des Grand Boulevard – stunning rooms, good food and a cocktail bar
Hôtel Amour/Hotel Grand Amour – great for drinks
