The taxi to the airport arrived promptly at 7 AM. It is Sunday morning, it’s still dark outside and I don’t want to leave. I know this routine well. I’ve done it many times and it’s always the same: a sense of melancholy brought on by my impending departure, juxtaposed…

Fashion Week in Paris is coming to a close. Most major fashion houses have shown their Spring-Summer 2009 Collections on runways at the Grand Palais, the Carrousel du Louvre and in tents along the northern edge of the Tuileries Garden. The French magazine Madame Figaro has published video of the runway shows…

The weather has changed. Gray skies, wind and late afternoon showers occurred yesterday. The forecast indicates the same sort of weather for the remainder of this week. On the bright side, I will make the most of it with plenty of museum visits.

Years ago, my friend Michael recommended the best chocolate shop in Paris: Debauve & Gallais. He was absolutely right. Every chocolate I’ve tasted from this maison is rich, perfectly balanced, and utterly memorable. While they are a splurge, the high cocoa content makes every bite worth it. Nestled on the…

During the annual Fêtes des Jardins, when parks and gardens across Paris open their gates for concerts, guided tours, and special events, I returned to one of my favorite hidden corners of the city: the Le Parc and Château de Bagatelle. On my first visit, the château itself was closed,…

It’s beginning to feel a bit like fall. It’s still warm and sunny, but the leaves are changing color and chestnuts are falling to the ground. Throughout the city, I’ve noticed children enthusiastically running around like little squirrels collecting them. The other day, I went to my friend Cécile’s house…