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…

With the current travel and world uncertainties, I am thinking it’s an opportune moment to share a few best French book recommendations collected over the 35 years of my French life. I have my thoughts about the current virus crisis but will leave it to the experts and government officials to communicate their expertise, recommendations…

As many French Affaires readers know, I am from Texas originally and have made France my passion and my profession… or some might say my obsession. Some days it does feel like that – in all good ways of course! My hometown newspaper in Dallas is running a feature on my career with the French…