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, you’ll find a treasure trove to connect you with me, Paris, and my travels in France.

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Autumn 2025

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Paris as literary muse for exploring how conscious daily choices compound into artful life

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Giverny

Giverny

Embark on a day trip from Paris to Giverny, where Monet’s house and gardens await at the end of a scenic bike ride. Explore Vernon’s 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.

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Bouillon Racine

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 city’s Belle Époque legacy while serving timeless conviviality.

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Rose : Route

Rose : Route

The Route de la Rose in Loiret invites travelers on a fragrant journey through gardens, villages, and historic sites. From Bellegarde’s rose heritage to Orléans’ floral parks, discover roses as symbols of history, art, and culture - woven into the fabric of France’s most romantic landscapes.

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Fleurie : Bouquets & Varietals

Fleurie : Bouquets & Varietals

From Provence’s 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 Verlaine’s verses to rose hip remedies-where beauty, fragrance, and heritage intertwine.

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The Paris Rose Line

The Paris Rose Line

Is the Paris Rose Line fact or fiction? From Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code to the real Arago medallions, uncover the fascinating history of Paris’s hidden meridians. Explore Saint-Sulpice, Notre-Dame, and the city’s secret markers through stories where myth and history converge.

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Art & Literature : History & Symbolism

Art & Literature : History & Symbolism

On a crisp February day, I wandered the Musée d’Orsay in Paris to seek out every painting adorned with a rose. From Renoir’s tender Gabrielle à la Rose to Monet’s luminous Le Déjeuner, each canvas revealed the rose as muse. Explore these masterpieces and enjoy an exclusive video tour of the collection.

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Cuisine & Hosting : Warm Winter Recipes
Cooking and Food, Paris restaurants, Winter, Video Shannon Pratuch Cooking and Food, Paris restaurants, Winter, Video Shannon Pratuch

Cuisine & Hosting : Warm Winter Recipes

Raclette, the beloved winter dish of melted cheese, traces its roots to Switzerland before becoming a French Alpine tradition. Today, it thrives in Paris with new-wave spots like MonBleu and timeless havens such as Cloche à Fromage. Discover where to savor this cozy culinary ritual in the City of Light.

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Virtual Tour, Christmas at a Chateau

Virtual Tour, Christmas at a Chateau

Step into Vaux-le-Vicomte this Christmas for a festive journey through history. Experience Molière’s 17th-century world, immersive gardens, theatrical projections, gourmet treats by the fire, horse-drawn carriages, and enchanting holiday decorations for all ages.

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Roam : Strasbourg

Roam : Strasbourg

Explore Strasbourg and Colmar during the magical winter season. From the largest Christmas tree in Europe to charming Alsacian villages, discover festive markets, cozy cafes, and scenic streets perfect for a serene yet enchanting French holiday.

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Day Trip : Mont St Michel

Day Trip : Mont St Michel

Mont Saint-Michel in winter offers a serene escape from crowds. From scenic walks along the bay to exploring the abbey and hidden picnic spots, this iconic island blends history, magic, and French charm for an unforgettable day trip. Perfect for walkers, families, and literary travelers.

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Day Trip : Village Saint-Paul

Day Trip : Village Saint-Paul

Village Saint-Paul is a hidden Parisian gem in the Marais, offering serene courtyards filled with antique shops, artisan boutiques, and unique eateries. Step through its arches to discover historic streets, timeless craftsmanship, and an original shopping experience in the heart of Paris.

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LE REFLET

LE REFLET

Le Reflet in the Marais offers more than seasonal French cuisine-it’s a pioneering bistro run by a team with Down syndrome. Founded by designer Flore Lelièvre, this inclusive restaurant combines warmth, community, and fine food, creating a heartening Paris dining experience unlike any other.

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Where to Eat & Drink : Peloton

Where to Eat & Drink : Peloton

Le Peloton Café, nestled in the Marais, is more than a coffee shop—it’s a Parisian hub for cyclists, travelers, and locals. Founded by bike tour guides Christian and Paul, it blends cycling passion with warm hospitality, making it a beloved stop for community, great coffee, and lively conversation.

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Hôtel des Deux Iles

Hôtel des Deux Iles

Hôtel des Deux Îles, nestled on Île Saint-Louis, offers a poetic Parisian escape. With just 17 intimate rooms, locally sourced breakfasts, and elegant interiors inspired by the Seine, this boutique hotel blends bohemian charm with refined hospitality. A hidden gem at the heart of Paris.

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Six Floral Restaurants in Paris

Six Floral Restaurants in Paris

Discover six enchanting floral restaurants across Paris, each offering unique dishes and charming décor. Plus, indulge in exquisite rose-inspired recipes like rose petal sorbet and chicken with rose water, blending French culinary tradition with floral elegance.

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Travel Guides

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