From snowy Paris to sunny Wellington

The 2024 French laureate has just taken up residence in Randell Cottage.

Julien Blanc-Gras and his son were welcomed at Wellington Airport by representatives of the Randell Cottage Writers Trust and the Embassy of France.

Airport welcome: Eric Soulier (French Cultural Counsellor), Julien and son, Trustees Gordon Stewart and Christine Hurley. Photo by Nick Hurley

On arrival at the historic Cottage in Thorndon on a sunny Wellington afternoon, they were quickly settled into their new home, leaving behind memories of Parisian snow.  Julien’s partner is due to join the family in a few days’ time.

Arrival at Randell Cottage: Trustee Melissa Ludlow and grandson, Julien and son, and Trust chair Christine Hurley. Photo by Nick Hurley

Julien expects to spend a busy four months in New Zealand researching the background of his next novel.  His programme includes calls on Alliance Française groups in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North and Auckland.