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.
Spring rains in Paris
Since 1884, Maison Piganiol has crafted umbrellas blending tradition with innovation, while Marais Béret 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 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.
Château de Villandry
Château 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Let It Glow
Warm up in Paris this winter at six of the city’s most enchanting spots with fireplaces. From Auberge du Bonheur’s chalet vibe to Le Coupe Chou’s historic charm, discover cozy interiors, traditional French cuisine, and the best vin chaud around town.
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.
Paris Christmas, Antiques & Collectibles
Step inside Paris’s VerreGlass, where vintage glass ornaments shimmer like treasures of the past, and discover the city’s most enchanting department stores. From Bon Marché’s festive splendor to gourmet delights at La Grande Épicerie, explore the art of Parisian holiday shopping steeped in tradition.
Quote of the Day
Explore Parisian winter through Sacha Guitry’s remarkable legacy and the charming cafés near the Eiffel Tower. Discover literary inspiration, cultural gems, and hidden corners for sophisticated travelers seeking artful experiences.
Christmas in Paris, Where to Go
Celebrate Christmas in Paris with curated itineraries for Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette. Indulge in festive shopping, gourmet treats, iconic window displays, concerts, and winter strolls through the City of Light, all while experiencing the magic and elegance of a Parisian holiday.
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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Travel Guides
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