You may be aware of the American Friends of Versailles—the extraordinary organization that helps preserve one of France’s most iconic landmarks—but are you aware of its deep connections to Chicago? Today, I share this post in tribute to Catharine Cline Hamilton, the remarkable Chicago philanthropist and Francophile who founded the…
Every once in a while, I have the good fortune to see the same—or almost the same—exhibit in two cities. It’s always fascinating to notice how differently curators in different parts of the world interpret the same artist. That’s exactly what happened with Gustave Caillebotte: The Painter’s Eye at the…
Ah, France – the land of croissants, Eiffel Tower selfies, and… barricades in the streets? If you’ve ever tuned into the news and seen Parisians clashing with police over everything from pension reforms to fuel taxes, you might wonder: why do the French seem to protest so much? It’s not…
During my spring trip to Paris, one of the things I was most looking forward to was visiting the Worth: Inventing Haute Couture exhibit at the Petit Palais. As someone fascinated by the history of fashion, this exhibition was high on my list of must-sees, and I’m so glad I…
As someone who has traveled to France for decades, I’ve had the privilege of watching the country’s tourism scene evolve over the years. One thing that has become more and more evident is the increasing number of international travelers. It’s always exciting to see France’s popularity continue to rise, but…
Every May, I’m gifted bouqets of joy—lush, fragrant bouquets of peonies from my mom and sister-in-law. Their gardens are bursting with blooms, but these aren’t just any peonies. These plants have history. They once grew in my grandmother’s yard, and over the past 50 years, their roots have journeyed from…
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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