netflix et chill: emily in paris

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

Restaurant Allard (6eme)

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)

french clothiers you should know about

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

netflix et chill: Arsène Lupin avec Omar Sy

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

Netflix et Chill: The Bonfire of Destiny

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

Heartbreaking French Films

French films have the reputation of being extraordinarily dramatic – and many of them are unnecessarily so. However, there are some that are so heart-wrenching, that I couldn’t bear to watch them again. Feel like crying? Grab yourself a box of mouchoirs and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Le scaphandre et le papillion) (2007) Based on a true story, this film … Continue reading Heartbreaking French Films

Paris Visitor’s Guide (Updated for 2021)

Hello friends! This post originated as an email that I’ve sent to many people who are going to Paris for the first time, so instead of continuing to have to email this list out, I’m putting it here for posterity. Bear in mind, I am not a Michelin Guide, these recommendations are based on my own experiences in Paris and my preferences as a woman … Continue reading Paris Visitor’s Guide (Updated for 2021)

Bordeaux: La Cité du Vin

There is probably no better place for a wine museum than in the city of Bordeaux. Surrounded by world-class vineyards in every direction, Bordeaux’s history as a busy trading port for wine places it at the center of the global wine world. True oenophiles consider Bordeaux as one of the greatest places on Earth, and they definitely aren’t wrong. Enter La Cité du Vin, a … Continue reading Bordeaux: La Cité du Vin