Avenue Lucienne

“A centenarian’s view,” I began, “that’s what Avenue Lucienne in Colombes, France, offers a glimpse into.” Just beyond the gates of this quiet community lived Madame Lucienne Frey, a woman who had seen a century unfold. Avenue Lucienne isn’t just a street; it’s a pathway to a remarkable life. Mme. Frey, as she was known, celebrated her 100th birthday with the mayor himself. She lived on Avenue Lucienne, a place that held her memories and treasures. Her apartment, overlooking neighboring gardens, was a jewel box of photos and collectables. Each item whispered a story of a life well-lived. She recalled her war years spent in New York, escaping the shadow of World War I with her young mother. She returned to Paris with an American accent, a testament to her formative years across the Atlantic. She spoke of meeting her first husband on a train, a chance encounter sparked by a pink shirt. He encouraged her to buy the fanciest shoes she desired on the very day World War II was declared. She cherished those shoes for years. Mme. Frey’s connection to Antibes began just after the war. An estate agent suggested her husband buy a house there. She vividly recalled the pine-filled garden of their Garoupe home. The house was magnificent, comfortable, and filled with the warmth of Christmas trees that touched the ceiling. Later, the family relocated to a house on Chemin de Mougins, where the view stretched all the way to St. Tropez. After her first husband’s death, she met her second husband, Pierre Frey, at a dinner. He was the founder of the luxurious French fabrics house. Mme. Frey’s contribution to the family business? Choosing the season’s colors, a testament to her impeccable taste. Her apartment on Avenue Lucienne reflected this. Her lipstick, necklace, and shoes were a carefully curated symphony of salmon and grey. Avenue Lucienne housed not only Mme. Frey’s memories but her present joys too. A small, white piano blended seamlessly into the corner of her salon, a gift from her son-in-law, the famous Robert Charlebois. A Scrabble board lay waiting, two games played simultaneously, a testament to her sharp mind and playful spirit. Mme. Frey shared her secret to a long life. Good genes, yes. But also, a positive attitude, a fierce independence, and a touch of good taste. Avenue Lucienne, more than just an address, is a testament to a life lived fully. It’s a reminder that within ordinary streets reside extraordinary lives.