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.
Autumn 2025
My Most Recent Posts
Paris as literary muse for exploring how conscious daily choices compound into artful life
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While I completely understand that certain content creators charge for access, their time and knowledge,
I believe that dreaming shouldn’t come at a price.
It’s 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.
Val de Marne
The Roseraie du Val-de-Marne in L’Haÿ-les-Roses, founded in 1894 by Jules Gravereaux, is the world’s 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.
Travel France : Day Trips & Rosé Routes
Just beyond Paris lies Château de Malmaison, a sanctuary of roses and romance shaped by Empress Joséphine. Explore the historic estate where French imperial dreams blossomed among rare blooms, neoclassical folly, and the private world of Napoléon and Joséphine. A timeless Parisian day trip.
Living History : Roseraie DUCHER
Discover Roseraie Ducher, Lyon’s iconic rose garden, where six generations of the Ducher family cultivated rare and historic roses. From hybrid tea creations to the famed ‘Never Forget’ rose, explore a floral legacy that intertwines history, artistry, and global admiration.
Herbalists, Gatherers, Distillers
In the heart of Provence’s Verdon Gorge, Verdon Roses & Arômes preserves the art of organic rose farming. Under Yann Potié’s care, ancient methods meet sustainable practices, yielding roses, lavender, and herbs distilled into wellness treasures, rooted in France’s floral legacy.
Culture and History : Petit Trianon & Marie Antoinette
Step into winter at the Petit Trianon, exploring Marie Antoinette’s rose-filled gardens, elegant apartments, and iconic portraits by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun that capture the grace of France’s last queen.
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.
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.
Paris & the Rose: History & Symbolism
The rose has long symbolized beauty, love, and resilience in France. From ancient myths to royal gardens and revolutionary ideals, explore its timeless presence in Parisian culture and how it continues to inspire art, literature, and horticulture today.
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.
Les Créations Messagères : William Amor
Explore the world of William Amor, a Parisian artist transforming discarded materials into poetic works. From urban inspiration to French craft traditions, his creations celebrate life, provoke reflection, and turn everyday waste into objects of beauty and meaning.
Winter in France
Discover the magic of winter in France with destinations beyond Paris. From Chamonix’s vibrant winter events to Lyon’s Festival of Lights, the French Pyrenees’ scenic hikes, Saint-Malo’s dramatic coast, and Reims’ Champagne delights—these escapes offer culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes.
Books to Read
Curated for cozy winter nights, this Parisian reading list spans memoirs, art reflections, and biographies. From Elliot Paul’s interwar Paris to Martin Gayford’s lockdown insights, discover books that illuminate history, creativity, and literary elegance.
Mélodies Graphiques
Nestled in the Marais, Mélodies Graphiques invites lovers of paper and beautiful writing to explore handmade notebooks, vibrant inks, and artisanal calligraphy tools. Giacomo and Hitomi’s elegant Parisian shop blends timeless craft, creativity, and literary inspiration.
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.
Arts & Literary : Good Reads
Delve into Alfred de Musset’s winter poems, uncover Paris’ secret ghost metro stations, and wander literary walking tours that reveal the poetic and sovereign side of the City of Lights. Perfect for readers seeking artful Parisian experiences and hidden histories.
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.
Holiday Traditions in France
Experience the magic of holiday traditions in France, from regional customs and festive markets to iconic foods like Bûche de Noël, blending heritage, warmth, and timeless Parisian charm.
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.
Creator Corner : TRUDON
Since 1643, Trudon has crafted exquisite candles, perfumes, and diffusers in Paris. Each piece embodies centuries of artisanal mastery, from gold-accented beeswax candles to seasonal scented collections, offering a fragrant journey through history, elegance, and timeless French craftsmanship.
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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