Inspired by the exuberantly colourful shops in historic and much-visited French towns like Sarlat in the Dordogne or Carnac in Brittany this idiosyncratic retail outlet is a must-see of the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales.

Fronting the recently restored Art Deco Palace Arcade in the Scottish town of Maclean, it is easily reached from Byron Bay, Ballina and Lismore to the north, Coffs Harbour and Grafton to the south and its coastal neighbour Yamba to the East.

Packed with an ever-changing array of homewares, fashion and accessories there are countless beautiful objects at always reasonable prices to delight the eye. Many, such as the original and colourful jewellery, subtly printed silk scarves fine soaps and scents are brought directly from France. The quirky homewares may be bargains found in French markets.

Other items will be sourced locally but be chosen for their essentially chic or pure style, so typical of the French.

As the accordion plays in the background or Edith Piaf sings her heart out, your eye may alight on just the lavender tinted cosy fur throw you were looking for, just the right length of dramatically Mayan designed rug you need for the hall.

Quilted patchwork bedcovers can be opened out for you to examine, fabric flowers be gathered into a posy or bouquet for your vase.

Big handsome lamps or glittering chandeliers can be carried to your car. A profusion of beautiful mirrors, wrought iron decor, clocks and jugs and other paraphernalia hang on the wall waiting to be chosen.

Room diffusers create a pleasantly perfumed ambiance and draw you to the selection of pamper products so useful as gifts for others: soaps, lotions, creams, scented candles, eye pillows, heat pads, shampoo for you and for your pooch too.

The ideal place to give your home a treat when it needs a little uplift, you can at the same time treat yourself to anything from the occasion outfit you need or a fresh pair of earrings, try on a hat, change your handbag for one of the quality leather bags in the provencal-style dresser,  or add just a string of beads to your dress from the display boards all around.

The pared down lines of Honeysuckle Beach clothing are coolly welcome during the summer months, as is Naudic’s carnival-bright array of  easy-fit shapes. Add in the essential cotton from a variety of labels and the dress rails are every woman’s dream.

Separates in winter from Sunny Girl and many other labels  include natural fibres too.

A comprehensive display of collectable resin brooches by Erstwilder fills a retro dresser and hand thrown pottery by Robert Gordon is displayed on another.

Gloves for the races, or for walking the dog on cool mornings, woolly scarves, cotton scarves, even a large collection of the much sought after clip on earrings.

Gifts are wrapped for you and if you can’t choose we suggest a gift voucher.