Dear French Affaires Friends, Elizabeth New Seitz passed away on 23 September 2021. It was a tragic loss for me, her husband, and all her many French Affaires friends, among others. She fought bravely, just as she did with everything in her life. Elizabeth and I married in 2009 and shortly thereafter, with my enthusiastic…

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…

Bonjour France friends! What unusual times we are living in. With the latest lockdown in France, it seems like some inspiring French fall color is a good idea. I love France in all seasons but fall is at the top of my list year after year. Autumn all over the country is divine for so…

Bonjour France friends! I am thrilled and honored to be featured in this year’s Victoria Magazine French issue out on newsstands now! Un grand merci to Victoria Magazine, editor Jordan Marxer, stylist Marie-Paule Faure, photographer Marcy Simpson, writer Karen Callaway and the entire Victoria team for their wonderful work. Below are a few photos from the…