The word “Advent” is from the Latin adventus, or “coming”, and usually refers to the four weeks of preparation for Christmas—the weekly lighting of candles on a wreath at church was a big part of my childhood. Even if you’re not particularly religious, Advent calendars are a fun way for anyone to count down to Christmas Day. If you’ve never had one, a door or … Continue reading 6 Advent Calendars for the Francophile
Hello friends! This post originated as an email that I’ve sent to many people going to Paris for the first time, so instead of having to email this list out, I’m putting it here for posterity. Bear in mind that these recommendations are based on my own experiences in Paris and my preferences as a woman who often travels to Paris alone, and on occasion, … Continue reading Paris Visitor’s Guide (Updated for 2025)
For some people, summer in France sounds like a dream—the idea of wearing cute sundresses as you pick up seasonal fruits from an outdoor market, sitting at a café wearing the chicest of sunglasses watching people go by, or if you’re on the Côte d’Azur, lounging on a beach or boat deck working on your suntan. It’s a reality for many people, but there’s another … Continue reading How to Survive a Visit to France in the Summer
What kind of Francophile would I be if I didn’t talk about Emily in Paris? Even with all the over-the-top cliches, the unrealistic chambre de bonne, and the garish fashion choices (sorry, Patricia Field), I found Emily in Paris to be the perfect anecdote to an otherwise dreary and depressing lockdown period. You just have to be willing to suspend your disbelief, especially if you … Continue reading netflix et chill: emily in paris
I don’t know that I can describe Allard as anything but a portal into old Paris. This historic bistro is tucked away on Rue St Andre Des Arts in the 6th arrondissement, in the famous district of St.-Germain-des-Pres. The dining room is decked out in floral wallpaper and dotted with framed etchings and other antique memorabilia, the tables are set with pristine white tablecloths, and … Continue reading Restaurant Allard (6eme)
First things first: I’m not trying to write another “How To Dress Like a French Girl” manual here. There are dozens of books and articles on that topic already, and frankly, there isn’t one standard uniform of what a French girl dresses like. But what I can tell you is that—as with skincare—French women have had the upper hand for years, benefitting from some of … Continue reading french clothiers you should know about
It’s been a while since I’ve been truly excited for a French series to come out, but while scrolling through the “Coming Soon” suggestions on Netflix a week or so ago, I spied the trailer to LUPIN. If you’re like me, and did not grow up French, the character of Arsène Lupin was unfamiliar to me, but my husband was obsessed with the Lupin stories … Continue reading netflix et chill: Arsène Lupin avec Omar Sy
Drama. Romance. Mistaken identity. Called “Le Bazar de la Charité” in French, this series focuses on the fates of three women after a devastating fire in 1897 Paris – an actual event that happened at a charity bazaar, killing 126 people (mostly aristocratic women) and injuring many others. Fans of the movie “Les Intouchables” will recognize Audrey Fleurot, who plays high-society lady Adrienne de Lenverpré … Continue reading Netflix et Chill: The Bonfire of Destiny
I have been listening to Aya Nakamura on repeat, even though I sometimes struggle to catch the translation of some of the slang in her songs. Born in Bamako and raised in France, her real name is Aya Danioko and her Malian background shines through in the Afro-inspired beats in her music. She burst onto the scene in 2017 and is best known for her … Continue reading Music Monday: Aya Nakamura
On my second ever trip to Arcachon, we ended up getting on the ferry that transports you from the Arcachon side of the bay to Cap Ferret, a little town situated at the souther tip of the commune of Lège-Cap-Ferret. While we glided across the water, there are a couple of things that are common sights – first and foremost, the little sticks jutting out … Continue reading Word Wednesday: pinasse
l a f r a n c o f i l l e ♥ 
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