During my last trip to Paris, I was up and out touring the city before six o’clock every morning. While it sounds exhausting, it was really great. For nearly two hours, I had the city to myself - to capture beautiful images, take in architectural details, and read historic plaques I had previously ...
Culture and Tradition
The Inspiration and Origins of the Luxembourg Garden
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 ...
The Bleu, Blanc Rouge of the French Flag
Celebrating France is always a good idea, but it’s especially fun on Bastille Day when so many around the world join the celebration. The flag itself always warms my heart - for me, it’s a symbol of all that I love about this beautiful country.
Designed by the painter Jacques-Louis David, the ...
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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 ...
The Festival of Lights: A Lyonnaise Tradition
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 ...
French Wedding Style: A Memorable Day at Les Vaux de Cernay
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 be just any ...
