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.

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH BY CATEGORY

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 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.

MORE BLOG POSTS BELOW
 
A Cozy, Family-Friendly Christmas Market at Paris City Hall

A Cozy, Family-Friendly Christmas Market at Paris City Hall

Discover the family-friendly Christmas Market at Paris City Hall, set among sparkling fir trees, festive chalets, and a beautiful Belle Epoque carousel. With warm treats, children’s activities, and a stunning nightly light show on Hôtel de Ville, this cozy holiday village captures Parisian winter magic.

Read More
A Dazzling Christmas Glow at Galeries Lafayette, Paris

A Dazzling Christmas Glow at Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Step inside Galeries Lafayette for a stunning look at the 2023 Christmas tree and its full light show beneath the iconic Parisian dome. This wide-angle tour captures the magic, colors, and festive traditions that make the department store one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in Paris.

Read More
A Magical Christmas Feast at the Marché de Noël in the Tuileries Garden

A Magical Christmas Feast at the Marché de Noël in the Tuileries Garden

Wander through the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas market, nestled before the Louvre, in this festive food tour. From raclette and oysters to hot chocolate and artisan gifts, the market glows with lights, music, and holiday cheer - a Parisian winter dream.

Read More
A Snowy Christmas Escape at BHV Marais - Watch the Window Magic

A Snowy Christmas Escape at BHV Marais - Watch the Window Magic

It’s a quiet evening in Paris, and the department store windows of Le BHV Marais come alive with stories of winter magic. The Christmas windows are designed around a winter visit to the Swiss Alps, with each scene shimmering in delicate whites and silvery greys, capturing the charm of a snowy alpine holiday.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More

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.

Email Shannon