One French phrase we all often hear is joie de vivre.
Cuisine & Culture
How to Order Coffee Like A Parisian
One thing I love about traveling is observing coffee culture, to experience the way people all over the world bring coffee into their day in taste and ritual.
The beginning of September in Paris is the time of la rentrée, the moment when Parisians come
back from their month of holidays to get back into the swing of normal life.
Leave it to the French to take a casual picnic to the next level...
Cuisine & Culture
Visit French Wine: A Summer Escape From Paris
One of my favorite things to do in Paris is visit my neighborhood wine shop, or cave à vins as we call it, to discover new wines for specific occasions.
Since love is in the air, most of all this week during Valentine's Day, I thought I would share with you my top picks for the most romantic places in Paris…
Cuisine & Culture
Bright Lights Paris: How to Shop, Dine, & Live Parisian Style
Here on Paris Rendez-vous, I try to give you some insights into the life of French women.
These warm afternoons stretch into magical summer evenings that seem to never end, drawing us all outdoors to spend time with friends.
Cuisine & Culture
A Wedding in Paris: Rendez-Vous with Fête en France
Ever wondered what it would be like to get married in Paris? Many couples make this dream a
reality each year with a destination wedding in the city of lights. Whatever festivities they plan,
Paris...
Paris is such a beautiful and romantic place, it's the perfect backdrop for any wedding
whether it be a small elopement or large event.
Cuisine & Culture
Paris à l'air libre: Discover Paris by Bike with Vélib!
À l’air libre…in French this means “in the open air”. In spring and summer there is no better way to experience the city than by bike. Paris is an incredibly friendly place to cycle in. Bike paths are
clearly laid out, the terrain fairly flat, drivers surprisingly courteous, and then of course there is Vélib!
Vélib has become one of the best ways for tourists to see the city affordably and efficiently.
Cuisine & Culture
Parisian Apartment Decor: Interior Design Tips to Achieve French Flare
Before I moved to Paris I found a little book at the store called The Paris Apartment. It sounded
interesting enough, so I found a spot to sit between the book shelves and flipped through every
one of its page filled with interiors of dreamy Parisian apartments and French inspired interiors.
From that moment on it was my dream to one day have a Paris apartment of my own to decorate
with such beautiful details.
Fast forward nearly a decade and that dream has come true. I have a little piece of Paris to call my
own and decorate. And yet another dream of mine came true.
Cuisine & Culture
French Paradise: A voyage from Paris to the South of France
If Paris is heaven, then the south of France is paradise. The Côte d’Azur has long been the iconic
getaway of all Parisians. When the weather warms up they flock to this gorgeous place for sea and
sun stretching from Cassis to Nice. Their getaways begin...
If this place isn’t
paradise I don’t know what is.
Cuisine & Culture
A Picnic in Paris: Let Spring Shine
♫ I love Paris in the Spring time!♫ Sing it with me! Yes I’m singing because the sun is shining on
Paris and spring is here! I love how much life in the city differs each season. Paris has a different
rhythm at each time of year as Parisians pick up their seasonal habits for enjoying the city.
With acres of gorgeous parks
across our city, it’s not easy to choose where to spread out the inaugural picnic.
Cuisine & Culture
French Cooking Classes with Le Foodist
A word to the wise…do not go to a cooking class hungry. Now that I’ve shared that tidbit of
wisdom with you I can let you in on my other latest and greatest Parisian tip…Le Foodist!
All classes are in English, which means all the easier...for you to try if
you make it to Paris.
Cuisine & Culture
PRINCESS FOR A DAY: A Visit to Versailles
What would it be like to be a princess for a day? A little trip to Versailles just outside of Paris may be the closest a girl can get. Walking through the great hall of mirrors…
Her charm
was not enough to make life at Versailles easy for the princess.
Cuisine & Culture
The Scenic Route
So often here during our rendez-vous, I say Paris is the most beautiful city in the world. It is in my
eyes at least. But I have to wonder, “Do I show you enough?"
This iconic French car has been around since it was created to replace horse drawn
carriages
Cuisine & Culture
CULINARY CLASS: How to Make Classic French Crêpes!
One does not need to attend the prestigious Cordon Bleu academy in Paris to learn how to serve
up a delicious dish from France! In every French chef’s repertoire is a classic crêpe recipe.
Paris’s passages, or arcades and galleries as we also call them, are the true precursors of the modern indoor mall. . . .
Cuisine & Culture
Habitudes: Simple Parisian Pleasures for Your Daily Life
The Parisian habitudes I’ve adopted allow me to savor little joys throughout each day. Wherever you are, try out a few aspects of the Parisian way of life and see for yourself…
As seductive as all of its glitter and glamour can be, it wasn’t what sold me on living here...
Cuisine & Culture
Modern French Cuisine
The mere mention of French food conjures up images of fine dining with white table cloths and
indulgent dishes with no shortage of butter. Traditional French cuisine boasts some of my all
time favorites on the menu…
Hip bistros once popping up in the edgier east of Paris, are now culinary landmarks for foodies
Cuisine & Culture
New Year’s in Paris: Bonne Année!
Excusez-moi if I sound a bit sentimental today but I tend to get this each approaching New Year.
It reminds us that time flies and is above all precious. Some years are more challenging than
others…
This year the holidays are extra special for me. I’ve decided to forego the annual trip back to the
states and stay in town for my very first Parisian Christmas!
Each arrondissement is responsible for decorating the quartier for the holidays
Cuisine & Culture
French Lesson: Season’s Greetings & Conversation Starters
I can’t believe it’s been almost a year of Paris Rendez-Vous with Lancôme. In that time we’ve
explored so many amazing highlights of the French Capital in food, fashion, beauty, and
more. I hope by now you feel a little closer to the City of Lights…
It takes time and good practice to be well-equipped to converse in any language.
Cuisine & Culture
OYSTER BARS: PARIS’S CULINARY PEARLS
The first oyster I tried was in Paris late one night at a Brasserie called the Pied du Cochon. It was my first several months in France, and thus it was important to be in the spirit of trying new things.
I follow the oyster rule and refrain in the months that don’t end in 'R'.
Cuisine & Culture
THE ART OF FRENCH GIFTING
Waking up in Paris everyday for me feels like a gift in itself. It seems my favorite ones I have
received here over the years are intangible, as many of the best gifts in life are...
In France, even the average corner bakery will rarely disappoint.
Cuisine & Culture
DRESSING UP FOR THE OPÉRA GARNIER!
How often do you have the occasion to dress up and do something glamorous? It seems in the modern age these occasions are less and less. But one of the things I love about living in Paris is...
Opera Garnier…is one of the most beautiful and ornate buildings in the world.
Cuisine & Culture
NUIT BLANCHE: Up All Night In Paris for the Annual White Night
Normally I would advise you all to be in bed by midnight. Beauty sleep is so essential to looking and feeling good. But now and then it’s okay to break our beauty rules, and the annual Nuit Blanche is the perfect occasion…
Nuit Blanche translates to “white night”, and more than ever on this Saturday, Paris earns its title as the City of Lights.
Cuisine & Culture
HAPPY HOUR IN PARIS
You know how the saying goes…it’s five-o-clock somewhere! Throughout my travels I’ve found one of America’s most popular exports is the afterwork tradition of Happy Hour. Not surprisingly…
Not surprisingly, unwinding with colleagues or friends after a successful day of work is a universal joy.
Cuisine & Culture
LES BALLERINES: Beauty Inspiration from Degas’ Beautiful Ballerinas!
What do the Parisians do on an off day in Paris? When I have several days free in the city, one of my favorite things to do is buy an all access museum pass and revisit my favorites. With much of Paris away...
The Musée d’Orsay is where you’ll find a gorgeous selection of Edgar Degas’ famous ballerinas.
Cuisine & Culture
"An Antique Table"
After sharing some of my tips for being the perfect Parisian hostess on our last Paris Rendez-vous, I thought you might be ready to do some entertaining à la française of your own! For your next soiree, check out some amazing dinner party recipes I've handpicked to share with you from Gourmet Magazine. Bon appétit!
Reprinted with permission from Gourmet: “An Antique Table”
Every time my father comes to visit me in France, he makes the same silly remark without fail: “I know why all women love Paris—there’s so much shopping!” He’s right, but by now after many Paris Rendez-Vous we all know there are so many more reasons to love this city, like macarons, flea markets and beautiful parks to name just a few.
The word 'souvenir' actually means 'memory' in French.
Cuisine & Culture
"The Insider’s Guide to Paris: Where to Eat"
When in Paris, you won't want to miss one of France's greatest attractions, its mouthwatering restaurants. In this haven for foodies, it's hard to keep up with all the hippest new places to dine, though. Thankfully, Bon Appétit has us covered with its article on where to eat with the “cool kids” in Paris. Enjoy!
Reprinted with permission from Bon Appetit: “The Insider’s Guide to Paris”
The French have a special talent for entertaining. I’ve taken some cues from them over the years on the art of the dinner party. After recently throwing my own little dinner soiree, I decided to share some tips for being the perfect Parisian hostess!
Dinner should have at least three courses—a main course, cheese plate and dessert.
Cuisine & Culture
"Paris: City of Light & Love"
With so much to offer in this city, even I need to be reminded of some of my favorite places and can always use new tips to discover new ones. From where to eat, to where to sleep, and some shopping in between, this article has got us covered.
Reprinted with permission from Brides: “Paris—City of Light and Love”
A friendly, Paris rendez-vous is typically proposed in one of two forms; an apéro or a café, meaning a cocktail or a coffee. Either one is perfectly conducive to meeting to talk fashion, share beauty tips or even do a bit of business.
They have a beautiful green room with a living wall of plants…
Cuisine & Culture
"The Insider’s Guide to Paris: Where to Stay"
Since starting my blog, Making Magique, the most common question I receive is "Where should I stay in Paris?" The city has some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels, big and small. However, you can also rent a Parisian apartment…
Reprinted with permission from Bon Appetit: “The Insider’s Guide to Paris”
After introducing you to the joy of treasure hunting at Paris' brocantes and flea markets in my last post, I thought I would share with you Gourmet's favorite spots to do just that.
Reprinted with permission from Gourmet: “An Antique Table”
Thrifting at Paris’ Best Spots for Antique and Vintage Treasures
I like my cities with a bit of history. Perhaps I didn’t get enough of it growing up in Southern California. Everything there seems so new compared to Europe. Now in Paris, history is abundant. You’re surrounded by…
Between rue de Rivoli and the Seine, rue Saint Paul is lined with tiny shops stuffed with treasures.
Cuisine & Culture
Fact and Fiction: A Few of My Favorite Books Set in Paris
In Paris, the imagination reacts sooner than one can stop it—especially if you’re a writer. For this reason it’s certain the city will never fail to go down in history, in not one, but hundreds of versions. Its splendor sets the perfect scene…
Whether you’re in France or America, there is no dispute that brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s an event…There are plenty of places ranging from casual to chic, and popular to well-kept secrets, that I frequent.
Shakespeare & Company: A place that reminds me of home…
It seems a paradox that such an iconic Paris landmark as Shakespeare & Company would remind an American like me of home. Nothing about the bookstore’s antique façade, view of Notre Dame or stone-walled interiors say America. The familiarity is stacked upon its shelves as it houses the greatest words...
The more years I spend in Paris, the more it feels like home.
Cuisine & Culture
“The Insider’s Guide to Paris: Food of the New France”
The next generation of great bistros is about bare-bones spaces on untouristed blocks (this is the address…right?), where you’ll find brief but desirable, shockingly affordable menus prepared by bed-headed chefs in jeans.
It seems like an anecdote fit for France, but indeed I was in California the day I met a boy in a coffee shop who taught me all I needed to know about Paris’ geography. “You live in Paris? I’m moving there!” I exclaimed, as if it was fate to find this rare breed on my side of the world...
In Paris, your arrondissement says a lot about who you are and what you like.
Cuisine & Culture
Paris Pratique! Language of Love: Introduction and tips to becoming a Francophile
It is often said that French is the “language of love,” appropriately so because beyond the romance, it is truly a labor of love to learn. While I had some lessons before moving to France, it took much more than a bit of studying to become fluent...
It is often said that French is the 'language of love'
Cuisine & Culture
“Paris—City of Light and Love”
A pair of lovers is strolling along the River Seine when 20,000 twinkling bulbs jolt the Eiffel Tower to life, illuminating the night sky. A couple share a kiss as they glide beneath the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, aboard a Bateaux-Mouches sightseeing boat. In this glorious city, romantic things happen everywhere, virtually every second of the day.
When my American friends come to Paris, I see it as my ambassadorial duty to show them the best the city has to offer. After seeing the usual landmarks, no visit to Paris is complete without...
Lesser known patisseries have managed to impress on occasion, but not all macarons are created equal.
Cuisine & Culture
Paris: Outdoor spaces to enjoy in any season…
The first time I visited Paris, I was asleep. I was also only 7, but you might still wonder how that’s so. It was mostly planes, trains, and automobiles getting there and finally a big bus, which, for a tiny tourist like me at the time, was the perfect place for a nap. As we passed Notre Dame, I opened my eyes only for a minute and felt so lost. But on my second visit just before my 19th birthday, everything changed...
