One year ago today, my cherished friend Cécile Spalding passed away. I met Cécile shortly after moving to Louisville, Kentucky. I had spent the prior six months in Lille, became fluent in French, and didn’t want to lose my language skills. Cécile welcomed students into her home and privately tutored…
Did you know the Luxembourg Garden was modeled after the Boboli Garden in Florence? Italian style became prevalent in Paris during Marie de Medici’s reign. The magnificent Medici Fountain is just one of many examples of that influence. Tucked away in the northeast corner of the garden, the fountain features…
Celebrating France is always a joy, but there’s something especially meaningful about Bastille Day—when people around the world come together to honor the passion, history, and ideals of this extraordinary country. From fireworks over the Eiffel Tower to village festivals and public concerts, July 14th is a vibrant celebration of…
The Festival of Lights or le Fête des Lumières, in Lyon, France expresses gratitude toward Mary, mother of Jesus around December 8th of each year. This uniquely Lyonnaise tradition dictates that every house place candles along the outsides of all the windows to produce a spectacular effect throughout the streets.…
It has always been my dream to attend a wedding in France. So, I was absolutely thrilled when my dear friend Michael reached out to confirm my mailing address. His daughter Elise was getting married, and I was being invited to the wedding. Instantly, I knew this wasn’t going to…
A happy occasion in Paris provided the perfect excuse to send a celebratory bouquet from my favorite flower shop. Eric Chauvin’s Un Jour de Fleurs is nothing short of incredible. With buckets of high-volume flowers like peonies, roses, and hydrangea, his boutique is like a secret garden. Chauvin’s clients include…
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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