When it comes to holidays, the French tend to embrace a certain je ne sais quoi—a balance of elegance and restraint that stands in contrast to the grand, often extravagant celebrations seen in the United States. Valentine’s Day (La Saint-Valentin) is no exception. While Americans might go all out with…
by Vicky Leah A sprig of le muguet is traditionally given to loved ones to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Long associated with spring, renewal and luck, lily of the valley is given as a gift in France on 1 May, a public holiday known as La Fête…
Do you know about this fun holiday the French celebrate by eating crepes? It takes place 40 days after Christmas on February 2, and it commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the temple. Like the Feast of the Epiphany, la Chandeleur began as a pagan celebration that came to be…
Do you know about this delicious cake? It’s called a Galette des Rois or King Cake, and it has been a French tradition since the 13th century – when the Church began to associate it with the Feast of the Epiphany. The cake originally dates back to the first century…
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…
As a former English major, with a focus on medieval literature, I thought I share a bit of history on one of my favorite holidays…. Saint Valentine’s Day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love…
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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