Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution

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On July 14, France celebrates la Fête Nationale, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the beginning of a revolution that would forever transform the nation. It is a day associated with the ideals of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité—the motto of the French Republic. Yet behind these grand ideals…

How to Host a French Apéro: The Art of French Entertaining at Home

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There’s hardly anything nicer than being invited for an apéro. I’ll never forget my very first one in France. At the time, I was living with a French family in Lille while teaching at the university. One evening, the daughter of the family announced that she was hosting an apéro…

French Philosophers Who Helped Shape America

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The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary, making this a fitting moment to reflect on the ideas and thinkers that helped shape the nation. Among them, five French philosophers stand out as both foundational and enduring. My introduction to political philosophy didn’t happen in Paris or in some grand…

What Makes the Marais So Special?

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Le Marais is without a doubt one of Paris’s most beloved neighborhoods — a must-see for anyone traveling to the city. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old mansions, chic boutiques, and cafés tucked beneath leafy trees — it’s no wonder travelers fall under its spell. Since it’s such a favorite destination, I thought…

How to Navigate Paris Like a Local

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I began traveling to Paris long before smartphones, when getting lost wasn’t a setback but part of the experience. There were no Google Maps, no blue dots tracking your steps, no instant recalculations—just intuition, memory, and a small, often-worn Plan de Paris par arrondissement tucked into a bag or coat…

Five Things I Love About Going to the French Open

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Tennis is my game! I love playing and watching matches. In fact, growing up, I played competitive junior USTA tennis and even managed to become a ranked player. Shout-out to my mom—who not only loved the sport but also coached college tennis and dedicated a tremendous amount of her time…

About-Jeannine
welcome to the blog

I began my blog in 2008 as a fun and creative outlet to share musings about my time in Paris, the things I love, making the most of your travels, and how to bring everyday France into your everyday life—no matter where you live.

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