Author: Elizabeth New Seitz

Dear Friends of French Affaires, It is that time of year to warm up our “Joyeux Noël” as Christmas approaches. I trust you are all well and ready to enjoy the approaching Holidays. For French Affaires, 2023 has been a busy and productive year. I am just back from the popular “Paris at the Holidays”…

How the time has flown! The last French Affaires newsletter went out in March, now 5 months ago. Maud and I had been in the Côte d’Azur for a trip planning session. I then headed off to Aix for some days of holiday and memories. Elizabeth and I know every lane and route in this…

Dear Friends of French Affaires As you know, I am excited to be able to continue Elizabeth’s fine work at French Affaires. Two successful trips took place in Burgundy and Lyon in September and October 2021, followed by the popular “Paris at the Holidays” offering. These are being offered again in 2022. You can see…

Bonjour France friends! There is lots of good news and other news coming from the Hexagon these days including the French government’s four-part plan to reopen to both residents and visitors over the next several weeks. Keep reading to find out these details as well as discover the latest new museum openings in Paris, a…

Tucked away on a quiet street near the Tuileries gardens and just a stone’s throw from the raucous Rue de Rivoli is one of Paris’s best restaurant treasures – and one of my regular hangouts. It’s also home to my favorite Parisian neon sign. Located at 36, Rue du Mont Thabor in the first arrondissement,…

It’s Easter Monday and an official holiday in France, the culmination of le Carême (Lent), and also the last day of the long French holiday weekend. Le lundi de Pâques marks the end of la semaine sainte (Holy Week) which starts with Palm Sunday – le Dimanche des Rameaux. My favorite Palm Sunday in France…

If there were ever a perfect spot on earth, the Château and Gardens of Brécy in Normandy would come very close. Situated in the rolling green countryside near Bayeux not far from the English Channel, this extraordinary estate fuses several epochs and several garden experiences into one magnificent locale. While Brécy can trace its roots…

Dear France friends – With this unusual year coming to a close, the holiday spirit – French or otherwise! – seems especially important. Even with masks and limited gatherings and curfews, the French are readying their holiday plans and their gourmet Christmas eve and New- year’s eve dinners – arguably the most festive meals on the…

When I was living in Paris in the early 1990s long before American Thanksgiving in France had become trendy, I remember opening the pages of the International Herald Tribune* on my first Thanksgiving Thursday in la Capitale. As I flipped through, a particular column caught my eye: “Merci Donnant.” Now, anyone who can speak French knows…