Latest Articles
Simplicity: Black and White Flower Stamens
Poetry written by Naad Kaur, when in Le Robert, Martinique, France. On SimplicityHaiku/Haïku 2 versions: English & French
Beaujolais: The French Wine Region You Thought You Knew
This is not an article about Beaujolais Nouveau, the marketing phenom that took the world by purple storm several decades ago, when c’était la fête (it was party time) in restos and bars celebrating the “new wine” from one of France’s lesser-known regions that really needed a publicity boost. Its about the “Real Beaujolais” — wines of character and charm, beloved by other vignerons (winemakers) and wine insiders.
French Recipe: Fondant Potatoes with Duck Fat and Thyme
Fondant potatoes: In this land, duck is king. And of course, I haven’t mentioned duck confit in which duck legs are submerged in duck fat and gently cooked until melt-in-the-mouth tender. So, I took that duck confit and replaced it with a potato.
Features
How to experience France beyond the cliché.
Start here with this constantly refreshed selection of featured articles and series; all from our archives of more than 3,000 articles, and all written for Francophiles.
This is where you can immerse yourself in Guides to France, covering an enormous range from champagne, shoes, art, and literature, music, and philosophy, plus a focus on Paris and other amazing locations and so much more…
Dive in by making a selection – Amusez vous
Arts + Culture
Simplicity: Black and White Flower Stamens
Poetry written by Naad Kaur, when in Le Robert, Martinique, France. On SimplicityHaiku/Haïku 2 versions: English & French
Interview: Emmanuel Fillion, The art of cutting stone — Speaking Materially with Sarah Monk
Emmanuel Fillion: Born in Soissons, France, he went to trade school at the age of 16 to learn how to renovate historical monuments by hand, specialising in granite.
French Music: Jacqueline Taïeb “Le coeur au bout des doigts”
Jacqueline Taïeb was popular at the time, but in recent years, Taïeb's experienced a bit of a resurgence as the 1960s French pop scene has been revisited and celebrated among collectors and aficionados of the period.
Escapades
Le Var: Le Brusc — My favorite fishing village
Le Brusc: I usually ride my bike and make my way into the village. The beaches are beautiful, the atmosphere is very local and it feels like it’s been untouched. There is an authenticity about this place and I believe that this is why I like it so much.
Paris: The Old Charm of Les Halles — A brief look at the old ‘belly of Paris’
Les Halles: In the 20th century, Paris became busier and more crowded. The grand market at Les Halles remained unsanitary and it took up prime real estate in the center of Paris. So, authorities decided to tear it down in 1969.
Carennac: One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France
Carennac: a village where history, culture, and nature converge. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings make it a unique destination that offers a deep sense of connection to France's past while providing a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Dordogne Valley.
Gastronomie
Beaujolais: The French Wine Region You Thought You Knew
This is not an article about Beaujolais Nouveau, the marketing phenom that took the world by purple storm several decades ago, when c’était la fête (it was party time) in restos and bars celebrating the “new wine” from one of France’s lesser-known regions that really needed a publicity boost. Its about the “Real Beaujolais” — wines of character and charm, beloved by other vignerons (winemakers) and wine insiders.
French Recipe: Fondant Potatoes with Duck Fat and Thyme
Fondant potatoes: In this land, duck is king. And of course, I haven’t mentioned duck confit in which duck legs are submerged in duck fat and gently cooked until melt-in-the-mouth tender. So, I took that duck confit and replaced it with a potato.
La cuisine Toulousaine: what and where to eat in Toulouse
As any other region in France, Toulouse has its own specialties and traditional cooking, and there is a vast array of dishes to sample and top class restaurants to try. Here is a list of our favorites.
Mode + Beauté
The ultimate guide to the best pharmacies in Paris: become an expert!
Read our guide to the best pharmacies in Paris, and how to become an expert French pharmacy shopper
Yves Saint Laurent: 6 extraordinary exhibitions 60 years on
Celebrating the 60th anniversary of his 1st collection, a vast exhibition named 'Yves Saint Laurent aux musée' is being held in 6 Parisian museums
Where do French women buy shoes in Paris? – Insider Guide for shoe addicts – top 13 stores
Discover my top 13 shoe stores in Paris! Stop wondering where French women buy their shoes?
Reportage + Société
QDN? The secret language of French acronyms
Nothing makes you more of an insider than acronyms, those multi-letter abbreviations for things big or small, physical or conceptual, long-lasting or ephemeral.
French Political System Exploration: How & why it’s different to the United States of America
Exploring the French Political System: The long delay seen in France was not a failure. It was just how the French system was designed to work in uncertain situations. It doesn’t just allow the President to govern—it practically demands it.
Striking: a way of life in France — what should we expect during the Paris Olympics?
In the US, we often hear about strikes in the news. By contrast, in France, strikes can impact day-to-day life.
Vie Française
Cote d’Azur: Our Olive Tree Harvest
Our Olive Harvest: There is something quite magical about the taste of olive oil fresh from the press. The rich aromas, the grassy, buttery flavor, as you dip your baguette into the thick green-yellow oil, savouring the peppery, spicy aftertaste—it is an experience you will never forget.
Tell your story: A French village memoir writing workshop experience
Tell Your Story: Most of the tales told by the local seniors were not written down. It was storytelling in the true oral tradition of the “conteurs” (storytellers), an activity still happening today in France.
Female Agents Behind Enemy Lines—Diana Rowden: Part 5
Diana Hope Rowden had a privileged background. Born in London in 1915 she spent her early years at Cap Ferrat and the Italian Riviera where her mother rented a villa and yacht. Coincidentally, the yacht was named the Fearless One, it was a name that would later describe Diana perfectly. After boarding school in England, she returned to France with her mother, embarking on a career in journalism at the Sorbonne.
