There is something quietly enchanting about Les Parfums (2019), a French film that invites viewers into the rarefied world of haute perfumery while telling a deeply human story about loss, resilience, and unexpected connection.
My first introduction to this world came not through film, but ...
Culture and Tradition
Bringing the French Alps Home: Classic Tartiflette
On a recent trip to the Alps, I tasted tartiflette for the first time—and it completely stole my heart. The rich, gooey cheese melting over crispy potatoes and smoky bacon was irresistible. I knew immediately that I had to recreate it at home.
That meant hunting down authentic Reblochon cheese, ...
How My Name Sparked My Love for France
My last name, Bergeron, has deep roots in France. It comes from the Old French word berger, meaning “shepherd,” and over time it came to mean “the son of the shepherd.” A name that traveled from the quiet French countryside to bustling towns—and eventually all the way across the Atlantic with my ...
How to Find the Best Brocantes and Vide-Greniers
There's something truly magical about the Parisian tradition of brocantes and vide-greniers – those enchanting second-hand markets where elegant vintage treasures await discovery. Imagine a delicate Limoges porcelain dish gracing your table, an ashtray from the legendary Ritz Paris as a ...
A Tribute to Catharine Hamilton: A Chicago Philanthropist With a Deep Connection to Versailles
You may be aware of the American Friends of Versailles—the extraordinary organization that helps preserve one of France’s most iconic landmarks—but are you aware of its deep connections to Chicago?
Today, I share this post in tribute to Catharine Cline Hamilton, the remarkable Chicago ...
My Tale of Two Cities: Following Caillebotte from Paris to Chicago
Every once in a while, I have the good fortune to see the same—or almost the same—exhibit in two cities. It’s always fascinating to notice how differently curators in different parts of the world interpret the same artist.
That’s exactly what happened with Gustave Caillebotte: The Painter’s Eye ...
