Looking polished isn’t about having a closet full of designer labels—it’s about intention and perhaps that elusive je ne sais quoi—the subtle, indefinable quality French women seem to mastered. Women who appear perfectly put together understand how to make everything work in harmony.
Over time ...
Everyday France
Five French Novels Every Francophile Should Know
When I studied French in college, reading classics like Les Misérables and Candide felt more like an academic obligation than a cultural adventure. At the time, I didn’t realize how profoundly these books would shape my understanding of French culture, humor, and even the French way of seeing the ...
Five Women Who Shaped France’s Enduring Culture
A Reflection for International Women’s Day
France’s traditions, values, and unmistakable sense of style didn’t simply appear overnight. They were shaped over centuries—by bold thinkers, creative spirits, and determined women who dared to leave their mark on history.
From convents and ...
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 ...
