Last night, standing on the Pont de l’Archevêché, with Notre-Dame glowing against the dark sky and the moon hanging low in the sky, I could not help but think of Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune.
There are certain pieces of music that feel inseparable from our consciousness, and Clair de Lune is ...
A “Refreshing” Table
A rafraichissoir is a essentially beverage table with ice buckets built in. These charming tables were often placed in the dining room, allowing hosts to refresh dinner guests without the assistance of domestic staff. ...
Ordering Coffee in France: More Than Taste, It’s Timing
I once assumed that the variety of coffee drinks in France came down purely to personal taste: if you like milk or cream, order a café crème; if you don’t, order an espresso. Simple enough—n’est-ce pas?
Not quite. Like many everyday French customs, coffee culture follows an unspoken logic rooted ...
Happy Blogday to Me, Happy Blogday to Me…
Today marks the one year anniversary of my blog. Coincidentially, today also marks the 50th wedding anniversary of my parents - a much more impressive milestone.All the same, I'm happy to celebrate both occasions and take stock of my effort.I began writing French Style for a few reasons. I wanted to ...
Parquetry de Versailles
Sometimes, while writing my blog, I become frustrated. My frustration stems from feeling as if I am failing in my effort to capture and express what I experience. I am having such a moment right now. It is impossible for me to express the magnificence of the Chateau de Versailles - everything in it ...
Restoration Work at the Palace of Versailles
Visiting the Chateau de Versailles with Julia, marked my first return to the interior of this magnificent palace in a few years. Since my last visit, considerable restoration has taken place.
To honor architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and commemorate his work on the 300th anniversary of his death, ...
