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 ...
96 Hours in Normandy
Our vacation in France began in Normandy — we headed there directly from the airport, stopping in Rouen for lunch before arriving in the town of Audrieu near Caen in the late afternoon. I had visited Normandy years ago and was eager to experience the region again with my BF. We wanted to see the ...
Salade de tomates
Nothing says summer like fresh vine-ripened tomatoes. So, when a girlfriend offered some from her garden, I was thrilled to accept. This was the perfect opportunity to try a classic summer salad that I love, but have never prepared: a tomato salad. Refreshing, flavorful, and healthy, this quick and ...
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 ...
