In collaboration with MilK Magazine
Landes is a region in the Southwest of France, known for its untamed nature, pine forests and beaches by the Atlantic Ocean. The great outdoors, but à la française. It’s there that Julie (@julie.eye.see on Instagram) lives together with her husband Franck and their two boys, Lonis and Marlow. Seeing her juggle family life, a career, a successful blog and frequent travelling made us very curious to discover her story and luckily Julie had no issues answering our questions.
What do you do for a living and how did you end up in that field? Also, how did you get started on Instagram?
It’s quite straightforward: I wanted a job that was geared towards helping others, while keeping my strong need for freedom and independence in mind. This is why I became a private nurse. It’s a very demanding job, but it allows me to have free time during the day, which is great considering we live close to the ocean. This made me want to share my daily life on Instagram and to find out about other people’s lives as well. It’s a great passion of mine!
Why did you decide to live in the Southwest of France? What did you like about it?
My partner and I both share a strong need for freedom and the outdoors. We both used to live in cities (Clermont Ferrand and Montpellier) and felt like we were missing out on something. Nowadays, when I leave for work, I always get to take a big breath of fresh seaside air and I drive through the woods. This helps me stay motivated and makes me forget about my obligations or daily struggles.
The spirit and the atmosphere of the Southwest obviously also play a big role: its people, its counterculture, its creativity… This is what makes the region so charming to me, and that’s also the reason we never left!
Julie : BEEKY sweatshirt
Marlow : HONZO jacket - PHAREL pants - KENNO t-shirt
Lonis : HOWWY coat - BEANO sweatshirt - HANI hat
Marlow : PHAREL pants - KENNO t-shirt
How do you spend your winters? What else does nature offer here?
I spend them the same way most working people do here… Free time becomes extra special. The off season has a lot of advantages: it’s easy to meet friends for coffee in the artisan area, we have brunch outside in the shade, have drinks by the lake or picnic on the beach… Nature is very good to us year-round, we tend to enjoy the beach in the summer and travel to the nearby Pyrenees mountains in winter. We always get to be outside a lot!
What three words would you use to describe the atmosphere of the region?
Cool, exhilarating, authentic, and there for anyone who wants it.
If you had to move, where would you move to?
Good question! We actually ask ourselves that fairly often. Maybe just over to the next street?
A trailer turned game room, a pool… How did you design and decorate your home? What were your main inspirations?
We were dreaming of a space that would be easy to live in. The house might seem big, but it actually isn’t that big. It’s very functional and fits our requirements regarding warmth and comfort. Even if we had to compromise because of our current means and needs, it still resembles us and truly makes us feel at home. It showcases souvenirs we’ve brought back from our travels and reflects our four personalities. Everyone is free to add to it. The space’s interior and decoration are always evolving. Nothing ever stands still for very long—just like us!
Any tips to share for shopping vintage decor?
You need to stay curious and to get lucky. I tend to visit flea markets and vintage shops while travelling. My curiosity often allows for great discoveries. Last year, I found a lot of amazing pieces at a village bazaar in the Moroccan countryside (Berber rug, jewelry, baskets) and recently, while having a stroll in Venice, California, we stumbled upon a garage sale where we found old posters, a flag and old metal toys… Search without searching and you won’t be disappointed!
Franck : Franck : DASKIA knitwear - PORTHS pants
Julie : BEEKY sweatshirt
Marlow : PHAREL pants - KENNO t-shirt
What is your family’s style? What are your favorite Bellerose pieces and the items you could wear all year round?
We like things that are easy to wear. We like clothing that feels good in our daily life, seasonal basics (especially for kids) and super soft fabrics. I am really into “less is more” myself, but I like to add key pieces in a statement color, material or texture to my outfits. I love pairing Bellerose jumpsuits with an oversized coat, for example. And in my daily life, I often wear loose pants and a fleece sweatshirt. Cool but stylish!
You live with your husband and your two sons, aged 7 and 10. How are you able to pass your feminine style onto them?
My partner and I try to teach them some of the values we deem essential, such as respect or equality. We teach them to feel grateful about what surrounds them: nature, the people they meet and even the material goods they own.
Therefore, my role as a woman, partner and mother isn’t really dissociated. Everyone is expected to act the same in terms of efforts, the way we help each other and the way we behave and express ourselves.
Who are the women that inspire you?
Women who accomplish things… Bold, curious, brave, fearless women. Some are famous (Françoise Dolto, Simone Veil, Marie Curie), but I get a lot of inspiration from the women who surround me. Those who dare to take decisions, to express themselves freely, to share difficult experiences… I think about them and it makes me feel motivated.
You often travel as a family. What was your best memory so far and where are you going next?
It’s not about a specific location, but about a feeling. I remember the first time the four of us travelled together, I think the boys were 5 and 8 at the time. I remember their amazement and their sudden fascination for the world around them.
Our next trip? I would love to discover Scandinavia, but we don’t have any concrete travel plans at the moment. We tend to be like “oh, why don’t we get away next week!”
What other place reminds you of the atmosphere of the Southwest of France?
Generally speaking, I feel like the seaside has a very specific atmosphere. I remember watching the sunset in Bali, in California, in Costa Rica, in La Réunion… This feeling of freedom… Everyone is smiling, watching the horizon and paying attention to the passing of time and how important it is to enjoy life. Living by the sea tends to soothe the mind—this is something I’ve often noticed.
Julie : PACHA overall - BEEKY sweatshirt
Franck : HAVE jacket - DASKIA knitwear
Bonus question: what are your favorite, kid-friendly places in the Landes region?
Chez Loulou: for kids who love to eat, before and after swimming, right by the Hossegor lake.
Tante Jeanne: for delicious ice cream (and freakshakes for the parents) in a sunny patio in Hossegor’s city center.
Loulou in The Wood: a pretty shop to get gifts or souvenirs.
Jack’s Burger: in the artisan area of Pédebert. After having fries, you can head to Le Park, a skate shop with a bowl.
Louvine: in the Estagnots area. Great for dinner, they have a special poké bowl for kids and delicious homemade iced tea.
On the beach: Couleur Locale (Bourdaines beach) or Lou Cabana (Culs Nus beach); to have a hot-dog at sunset!
Ocean Shelter: a pretty guesthouse in Seignosse, right by the forest. It has a pool and a trampoline under the pine trees!
Le village Naturéo: in Seignosse, close to the Bourdaines beach, and surrounded by nature.
Le Slow Village: similar to Naturéo, but in Bicarosse.
Julie : BEEKY sweatshirt - PACHA overall - PECQ coat / Franck : HAVE jacket - DASKIA knitwear - PORTHS pants
Pictures : Oliver Fritze
Interview : MilK Magazine
