French Philosophers Who Helped Shape America

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The United States is celebrating its 250th anniversary, making this a fitting moment to reflect on the ideas and thinkers that helped shape the nation. Among them, five French philosophers stand out as both foundational and enduring. My introduction to political philosophy didn’t happen in Paris or in some grand…

What Makes the Marais So Special?

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Le Marais is without a doubt one of Paris’s most beloved neighborhoods — a must-see for anyone traveling to the city. Cobblestone streets, centuries-old mansions, chic boutiques, and cafés tucked beneath leafy trees — it’s no wonder travelers fall under its spell. Since it’s such a favorite destination, I thought…

How to Navigate Paris Like a Local

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I began traveling to Paris long before smartphones, when getting lost wasn’t a setback but part of the experience. There were no Google Maps, no blue dots tracking your steps, no instant recalculations—just intuition, memory, and a small, often-worn Plan de Paris par arrondissement tucked into a bag or coat…

How to Bring Cheese Home from France

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For as long as I can remember, bringing cheese home from France has been a cherished ritual of my travels. Somewhere between my final visit to the market and prepping my suitcase for the return voyage, I carefully select a few wedges of my favorite flavors to take across the…

Five Paris Chocolatiers to Know—Beyond the Classics

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Americans who love Paris often arrive with a chocolate checklist already in mind. La Maison du Chocolat, Debauve & Gallais, perhaps Jean-Paul Hévin—iconic names, elegant boutiques, and a sense of history that feels unmistakably French. But Paris’s chocolate scene doesn’t end with the grand maisons. Quietly—and sometimes deliberately—other chocolatiers have…

How to Find the Best Brocantes and Vide-Greniers

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There’s something truly magical about the Parisian tradition of brocantes and vide-greniers – those enchanting second-hand markets where elegant vintage treasures await discovery. Imagine a delicate Limoges porcelain dish gracing your table, an ashtray from the legendary Ritz Paris as a sophisticated trinket holder, beautiful damask table linens with intricate…

About-Jeannine
welcome to the blog

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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