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"Insights" : Vincent Peters' house in Ibiza - "A potted history" of the Beetle -"Rising trends" : Open-air cinemas in Greece - "What to do with" broad beans ? - "Insights" : The hay-baled house

"Insights" : Vincent Peters' house in Ibiza
German photographer Vincent Peters started working in the fashion industry in the 1990s. Top magazines were quick to employ him for his talent and many a top model has posed for him. What makes his work so special is the sublime lighting he uses in his own inimitable way to glorify women. From madonnas to femmes fatales, women are the sole subjects of his work. Shooting all over the world, always plane-hopping, Vincent Peters wanted a place where he could relax. Two years ago, he bought a Finca in Ibiza. He has furnished it in a rather surprising fashion, in a North German style.

"A potted history" of the Beetle
Of all cars, it must be the most endearing. Yet it had trouble starting up. It was born during a cursed period, under the flags of Nazi Germany. It is hardly proud of its father, Adolf Hitler, who wanted to provide an inexpensive car for his people. Ferdinand Porsche designed the adorable little car, with its generous flanks and big, beautiful eyes. But early on, the Beetle went to war and it wasn't until 1945 that the Germans could make the most of it. When they finally did, the beautiful creepy crawly met with tremendous success. Although the Germans called it the Volkswagen, "the people's car", when the Americans discovered it, they renamed it "Beetle". Along with its change of name, the car took off, or nearly. When it landed in the United States, it became a character in a film - Herbie. Beetles now felt at home everywhere. In the 1960s, they had reproduced in 136 countries. Yet the car has many defects - its mechanics squeak, it drinks gallons of petrol, and it has a rather capricious braking system. But the cute little car had a solid body and in spite of its faults, it never harmed anyone. It never exceeded 80km/h and became the idol of the flower power generation. And it experienced a great destiny for such a small car, by becoming the most widely-sold car in the world. But all good things come to an end and in the 1980s, the Germans closed up shop. In 1998, the Americans revived it and the new Beetle is now back among us. It's just a pity no one has ever made a red model with black spots!

"Rising trends" : Open-air cinemas in Greece
During the Greek summers, people go to outdoor cinemas. The tradition has lasted nearly a century, creating a typical art of living, based around a good film.

"What to do with" broad beans ?
In Catalan cuisine, broad beans are used in soups or salads. Stéphane Jégo, chef of the "Ami Jean" restaurant and star in the galaxy of chic Parisian bistrots, cooks this ingredient he is particularly fond of. Generous Jégo prepares three little dishes in one.

"Insights" : The hay-baled house
Architect Sarah Wigglesworth is reputed for her convictions in favour of sustainable architecture. For her North London house, built in 2000, she has used salvaged, recycled and unusual materials such as straw bales, sandbags and padded fabric. She has also incorporated a vegetable patch, hens and a "vegetal" roof. She has also chosen to share her living space with her agency, giving some rooms a double personal and professional function. A veritable life-style choice and a vision of architecture that she shares with architect husband Jeremy Till.