I was born and bred in France and migrated to Australia in 2001 with my husband Scott. We fell in love with Australia the moment we arrived!

I had always been obsessed with clothing (all ages and sizes) and launched my label Mamapapa in 2003. It was initially a baby’s clothing label but has since grown into a brand that offers womenswear as well.

We moved to Avalon in 2011, after living in Darlinghurst for 10 years. We wanted to find an environment that was more open for our family.

Compared to where I grew up in Lille, in the North of France, surrounded by family and good food, Avalon is very different. But the beach culture is something I really love and which we didn’t have growing up; I couldn’t live without it now!

What I love most about the Avalon Beach area is that we now spend most of our time outside, enjoying the local beaches and parks as well as restaurants and cafés. 

Avalon Beach is only an hour from the Sydney city centre, and it is such a nice change of scenery. People should visit for Mamapapa (for starters!), plus the beaches that are so beautiful up here, and not to mention all the little, hidden treasures along the coastline!

There’s something to enjoy in any season. In winter, grab a great coffee to warm up in the morning and do the lighthouse walk. In spring and autumn, I recommend renting a boat at The Boathouse and taking it out on the harbour. Then in summer, it’s all about taking long picturesque walks and making the most of daylight savings!

Virgine Batterson moved from France to Australia in 2001. After 10 years in Darlinghurst, she settled in Avalon Beach. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Virgine’s tour of her area begins with an early-morning coffee from Classic Coffee Van. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

The Van was a tip-off from some local surfer friends. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Make it for sunrise if you can! Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

‘The baristas are friendly and everything on offer is great,’ tells Virgine. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Early morning on South Avalon Beach. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Looking out over the headland. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Virgine’s clothing and homewares store, Mamapapa. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Her label, Mamapapa, offers super cute children’s and womenswear. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Virgine also stocks homewares and other treasures from Australia and abroad. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

The store opened in late 2013. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Virgine (centre) with her team at MamaPapa, Maddie (left) and Leia (right). Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Store details. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Napery and other gift items. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

At Hungry Ghost. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Virgine and her son Liam at The Hungry Ghost. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

The hot chocolates are that good! Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Celine imports an incredible selection of food and wine from their homeland! Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Le Petit Marché. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

The produce store is run by Virgine’s friend Celine, also from France. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Family picnic at Snapperman Beach. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Family picnic at Snapperman Beach (left to right) Kenyon, Virgine, Liam and Ella. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Picnic envy! Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Le Petit Marché produce. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Inside Clareville Kiosk – Virgine’s go-to for a special dinner. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

The restaurant is hosted in a cute little cottage. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

‘The food is incredible as is the relaxed atmosphere,’ tells Virgine. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

Looking down from Clareville across Pittwater Harbour. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.

The Little Black Shack on Mackerel Beach. Photo – Luisa Brimble.

Inside the two-bedroom one-bathroom cabin. Photo – Luisa Brimble.

The cosy accommodation features an open fireplace. Photo – Luisa Brimble.

A fisherman’s shack handbuilt in the 1930s, it is now a private eco-retreat. Photo – Luisa Brimble.

South Avalon Beach. Photo – Jacqui Turk for The Design Files.