By popular demand—after many requests (and a little goading) from family, friends, and readers—I’ve finally brought my Paris recommendations together in one place.
Paris is a city of neighborhoods. Not just monuments and museums, but cafés you return to, streets you learn by heart, and small ...
Culture and Tradition
La Fine Fleur: Petals, Passion, and a Touch of Magic
As I step into my garden with the promise of new growth all around and high hopes for my climbing roses to flourish, La Fine Fleur (The Rose Maker) feels like the perfect cinematic companion. This charming film is truly a breath of fresh air — one that blossoms with personality, warmth, and quiet ...
Pied-à-Terre or Boudoir? You Decide.
I’ve always referred to my in-town apartment as a pied-à-terre. It sounded chic and cosmopolitan—the perfect city base, a “foot-on-the-ground” for someone who mainly lives elsewhere. In my mind, it was a convenient little nest for errands, short stays, or easy escapes from the suburbs.
But my ...
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 ...
Les Parfums: A Beautiful Film About Memory, Aging, and Scent
There is something quietly enchanting about Les Parfums (2019), a French film that invites viewers into the rarefied world of haute perfumery while telling a deeply human story about loss, resilience, and unexpected connection.
My first introduction to this world came not through film, but ...
