About

My Story

Bonjour! I’m Rochelle, the face behind Maple to Marais. Let me share a bit about myself and my journey to relocating and eventually retiring in France.

My love for vintage markets and antiquing runs deep. There’s something magical about finding that one piece that will sit on the mantle and tell a story for generations to come. It’s this passion for preserving history and creating nostalgia that fuels my soul.

Join me on this journey as I spend the next few years navigating the winding roads to sell my property in Canada, relocate, retire in France, share my love for vintage treasures, and embrace the simple pleasures of living. Together, let’s discover the beauty and magic of Maple to Marais.

Behind the Scenes

Travel is not just a hobby for me—it’s my life and my greatest passion. Having lived on three continents, I have had the privilege of immersing myself in different cultures and landscapes, but my heart has always belonged to France. Ever since I was 16, I have dreamt of calling this beautiful country home.

I’m drawn to the charm of old buildings, the vibrant tapestry of local markets, and the joy of experimenting with recipes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. My dream is to find a quiet countryside retreat in France where during my retirement I can refurbish old antique furniture and infuse my new home with a personal design that reflects my eclectic style. With a fondness for interior design, I find joy in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional.

In addition to design and antiques, I also have a love for gardening. I dream of creating a thriving garden in the French countryside, complete with wild flowers such as poppies, bluebells and buttercups and an abundance of vegetables with a hen house!

The Provençal lavender flower holds a special place in my heart and surely I will find a sunny spot to plant as many as will grow. It’s soothing scent effortlessly transports me to a place of tranquility. to me, it embodies the essence of France, much like the quintessential combination of baguette and cheese.

Lola

You will also meet Lola, my spirited boxer dog who brings endless joy and laughter to my life. She is my faithful companion on this adventure.

In 2024, I finally decided to embark on this exciting adventure, fuelled by a passion for French culture, a love for vintage treasures, and a desire for a slower, more fulfilling way of life. So come along as I navigate the winding roads of relocation and retirement in France, one vintage market find and countryside stroll at a time.

Together, let us celebrate the beauty of embracing change, taking risks, and daring to dream. Because, after all, life is too short to wait for tomorrow – the time to start living our dreams is now.