Life Between the Pages
My blog posts are free to access, and articles are categorized like a bookstore! From architecture and art, to food and history, travel and video tours, youβll find a treasure trove to connect you with me, Paris, and my travels in France.
Autumn 2025
My Most Recent Posts
Paris as literary muse for exploring how conscious daily choices compound into artful life
My Content is Free
While I completely understand that certain content creators charge for access, their time and knowledge,
I believe that dreaming shouldnβt come at a price.
Itβs an honor, blessing, and privilege to share my experiences with you. I hope my work inspires you to chase what makes your heart sing, what brings you pure joy, and what fills you with love and gratitude.
Giverny
Embark on a day trip from Paris to Giverny, where Monetβs house and gardens await at the end of a scenic bike ride. Explore Vernonβs lively farmers market, the medieval mill, and peaceful countryside lanes before arriving at the iconic gardens. A journey woven with art, nature, and timeless French charm.
Seven Great Picnic Spots in Paris
Discover seven of the most enchanting picnic spots in Paris, from the lawns of the Eiffel Tower to the hidden charm of Parc Monceau. Each destination pairs perfectly with a nearby patisserie or bakery, offering the essence of Parisian leisure and elegant outdoor dining.
Bouillon Racine
Since 1906, Bouillon Racine has embodied the Parisian Art Nouveau spirit, blending culinary tradition with architectural beauty. Restored to its former glory in 1996, this historic restaurant offers beveled mirrors, stained glass, and mosaics that honor the cityβs Belle Γpoque legacy while serving timeless conviviality.
Spring rains in Paris
Since 1884, Maison Piganiol has crafted umbrellas blending tradition with innovation, while Marais BΓ©ret reimagines Parisian headwear. From the elegance of the Fantasmagoria parasol to chic berets in silk, denim, and wool, discover the timeless artistry of French accessories for spring.
Rose : Route
The Route de la Rose in Loiret invites travelers on a fragrant journey through gardens, villages, and historic sites. From Bellegardeβs rose heritage to OrlΓ©ansβ floral parks, discover roses as symbols of history, art, and culture - woven into the fabric of Franceβs most romantic landscapes.
ChΓ’teau de Villandry
ChΓ’teau de Villandry, a jewel of the Loire Valley, tells a story of Renaissance rebirth through its terraced gardens, architectural heritage, and organic cultivation. From vegetable checkerboards to labyrinths and sunlit chambers, Villandry remains a living harmony of history and artistry.
Val de Marne
The Roseraie du Val-de-Marne in LβHaΓΏ-les-Roses, founded in 1894 by Jules Gravereaux, is the worldβs oldest rose garden. With over 11,000 roses, it unites history, horticulture, and artistry. Restored with care, it continues to enchant visitors with festivals, research, and timeless floral beauty.
Fleurs-Flowers
Studio Maison Ciero in Paris brings timeless French artistry to floral design. Founded by Romain Pilato, the studio creates fresh and dried arrangements using local blooms, including roses from top French producers. Each creation, from bouquets to the innovative Cube, celebrates beauty and creative renewal.
Travel France : Day Trips & RosΓ© Routes
Just beyond Paris lies ChΓ’teau de Malmaison, a sanctuary of roses and romance shaped by Empress JosΓ©phine. Explore the historic estate where French imperial dreams blossomed among rare blooms, neoclassical folly, and the private world of NapolΓ©on and JosΓ©phine. A timeless Parisian day trip.
Fleurie : Bouquets & Varietals
From Provenceβs fragrant fields to the symbolic Rosa Canina, French roses embody centuries of culture, perfume, and poetry. Explore the history, varietals, and enduring allure of these blooms-from Verlaineβs verses to rose hip remedies-where beauty, fragrance, and heritage intertwine.
Living History : Roseraie DUCHER
Discover Roseraie Ducher, Lyonβs iconic rose garden, where six generations of the Ducher family cultivated rare and historic roses. From hybrid tea creations to the famed βNever Forgetβ rose, explore a floral legacy that intertwines history, artistry, and global admiration.
Herbalists, Gatherers, Distillers
In the heart of Provenceβs Verdon Gorge, Verdon Roses & ArΓ΄mes preserves the art of organic rose farming. Under Yann PotiΓ©βs care, ancient methods meet sustainable practices, yielding roses, lavender, and herbs distilled into wellness treasures, rooted in Franceβs floral legacy.
Cuisine & Hosting: Cooking with Roses
Explore the elegance of cooking with roses in France, from their centuries-old medicinal uses to fragrant culinary creations. Discover recipes, rose-scented desserts, and the timeless allure of this iconic flower in French culture and cuisine.
Poems : Roses
Discover the beauty of roses through poetry in both French and English. From Robert Burns to Paul ValΓ©ry, this curated collection includes links to view each poem online, offering a literary journey for readers and language learners alike.
THE IDEAS : memories & DESIRES of childhood& TRAVEL
Nestled in Haute-Savoie, Les Jardins Secrets is a hidden French gem where nature, art, and family passion converge. With lush gardens, fountains, and poetic spaces inspired by global traditions, it invites visitors into a timeless escape filled with beauty, biodiversity, and quiet wonder.
Culture and History : Petit Trianon & Marie Antoinette
Step into winter at the Petit Trianon, exploring Marie Antoinetteβs rose-filled gardens, elegant apartments, and iconic portraits by Γlisabeth VigΓ©e Le Brun that capture the grace of Franceβs last queen.
The Paris Rose Line
Is the Paris Rose Line fact or fiction? From Dan Brownβs Da Vinci Code to the real Arago medallions, uncover the fascinating history of Parisβs hidden meridians. Explore Saint-Sulpice, Notre-Dame, and the cityβs secret markers through stories where myth and history converge.
Books to Read: A Rose in Every Page
From timeless novels to practical gardening guides, this curated collection celebrates the rose in literature and life. Explore English works like The Language of Flowers and French selections such as Les Roses de Verdun. A reading list for lovers of roses, history, and literary beauty.
A Rose TO REMEMBER
Follow the story of Rosemary "Rose" Wines, whose love for gardens, the ocean, and cherished family shaped a French journey of home, memories, and artful living. From California to Bretagne, explore her influence, Sunday rituals, and an itinerary inspired by her elegant spirit.
Finding Home in Brittany
From pandemic house hunting to finding a storybook cottage in Brittany, follow a journey of country living, gardens in bloom, welcoming neighbors, and creating a French home full of charm and history. Perfect for lovers of literature, travel, and garden inspiration.
Digital Downloads
Travel Guides
This space is currently under construction as I move my guides over from a different platform. I appreciate your patience! If you are looking for something in particular, send me an email using the button below.
