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…
There’s something about Place Dauphine in Paris that never fails to capture my heart. As I stroll through this charming square, with its quiet ambiance and the soft play of light on its historic buildings, I can’t help but be reminded of another place I hold close: Lille, a city…
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…
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…
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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