Tag: life in france

Do French People Really Wear Berets? French Clichés Investigated

Do French People Really Wear Berets? French Clichés Investigated

Are French people all eating snails in their striped shirts while smoking? Well…oui and non. Every country has its stereotypes and France probably has more than its fair share. Let’s examine some of the most common clichés about French people.

Paris Dispatch #4: The Waiting Game

Paris Dispatch #4: The Waiting Game

As autumn took over Paris, my honeymoon period with the city continued. Five months in I’m still charmed by this city daily. But building a complete life is taking longer than I expected before boarding the plane in New York. Newsflash: It takes much more…

The Foreigner’s Guide to French Cheese Etiquette

The Foreigner’s Guide to French Cheese Etiquette

Cheese is so important in France, even the citizenship test includes a couple questions on fromage. French cheese etiquette involves correct times, orders and methods that as an American I never had to learn to operate in society. But cheese manners matter here, so if…

Très French Names You Won’t Hear at the American Playground

Très French Names You Won’t Hear at the American Playground

Some French baby names are very “en vogue” right now in America (Camille, Chloé, Olivier), and others are eternally chic (Juliette, Brigitte, Louis). But some interesting French names won’t be topping American baby name lists anytime soon.

The Secret to Ordering the ‘Best’ Baguette in France

The Secret to Ordering the ‘Best’ Baguette in France

It’s a common question I get from friends coming to visit: “Where can I find the best baguette in Paris?” My answer: Your nearest bakery. However, there is a very important trick to ordering the tastiest baguette at the boulangerie.

The Cliffs of Étretat

The Cliffs of Étretat

The Cliffs of Étretat (Les falaises d’Étretat), with their simple beauty, are a reminder of how elegant nature can be. The earlier in the day you arrive, the more solitude you will have to take in where the sea meets the sky.