What is it about Paris that incites such strong feelings? With the exception of New York, no other city seems to have such an effect on people. Sharing the fact that I live in Paris tends to invite strong opinions. They range from those who have spent a considerable amount of time in France’s capital to those who have never set foot on French soil. People offer their impression on what Paris is, or specifically what the average French person is like. Some of the theories presented are well founded. Such as the acknowledgement that the French love their bread, a trait I admit has rubbed off on ..read more

Have you ever secretly thought of ditching your day job, moving to Paris and starting a business? It might sound like an impossible dream but not for Chicago native Jane Bertch who decided to quit her lucrative banking career and open a cooking school in Paris-the cuisine capital of the world. “What a great idea,” said absolutely no one! Two decades later, however, her creation, La Cuisine Paris is a huge success, attracting visitors from around the world. How did she do it? In her forthcoming memoir, The French Ingredient: Making a Life in Paris, One Lesson at a Time (order by April 8 for a f ..read more

Like the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre Museum is a must for most visitors to Paris. However, as with many of the heavily touristed main attractions around the world, the dining options right nearby can be rather bleak. Luckily a mere few blocks away you can have a delicious meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a restaurant with a Michelin star. Here are some of the best places to eat near the Louvre. Restaurants in the Louvre If hunger strikes while you’re touring the museum, below are some better options than the few takeaway stands in the museum’s foyer and the food court in the Carro ..read more

My high school friend, Ginger, was going to the French capital with her husband and asked me for suggestions. They had already planned an outing to the Big Stuff, and had another day in Paris to just wander on their own. Here’s your walk down through the heart of Paris. Through the Marais, over the Seine, and into the 6th arrondissement. Photo by Matthieu OgerFirst, some Paris etiquette. Say Bonjour For every single person (clerk, waiter, person-on-the-street you ask for directions, literally everybody) you encounter, make full eye contact and say Bonjour. This increases your chances of h ..read more

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to brush up on your French language skills, or are simply trying to find your Francophile fix, there is no better way to spend an evening than curling up with an episode (or binge) of your favorite French shows. We’ve rounded up our top picks of must-see French comedy and drama, available to stream in the United States on our favorite French streaming service France Channel. And as a special treat we have another free screening for you + one month’s free access to the service and 30% off an annual subscription. Read on to find out more. 11 French TV Series ..read more

Like most tourist sites in Paris (and around the world), the restaurants near the Eiffel Tower are some of the worst quality and value in the whole city. But you don’t have to end up at a tourist trap when visiting the Iron Lady. If you venture a few blocks away, there are loads of good places. From neighborhood bistros to cutting-edge contemporary cuisine to Michelin stars, here is a selection of the best restaurants near the Eiffel Tower, selected for you by a long-time local so you can avoid all the tourist traps. Gautier SallesRestaurants Inside the Eiffel Tower Le Jules Verne Situated in ..read more

Sometimes, I’m still intimidated by Paris. If the city were a person, it would probably be your elegant-but-somewhat-terrifying grandmother. She’ll help you become more refined, but might also scare the heck out of you in the process. This is especially true at mealtime, and when dining out in Paris, you’ll notice there’s an unspoken code that helps to keep order. If you haven’t quite cracked it yet, don’t be dismayed. Here are some restaurant dining rules to help you fit in with the locals. Top photo by Camille Brodard; above photo by Luis CortésSeating At many cafes and brasseries, seating i ..read more

Step into the heart of Parisian elegance with this breathtaking first-floor apartment for sale, located in the historic and highly sought-after Rue du Cherche-midi, nestled within the prestigious Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood of Paris’ 6th arrondissement. This property is not just a home; it’s a piece of Parisian history. It offers serene views and an ambiance that transports you to a tranquil oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. This apartment will be snapped up quickly so if you’re interested, contact us at info@hipparis.com for more information without delay. APARTMENT FACTS Pri ..read more

As an American who has lived in Paris for seven years, I’ve always marveled at how the French manage to stay slender and fit. ESPECIALLY with all the gloriously rich food and drink on every street corner. Maybe it’s the sumptuous red wine. Or the cheese to baguette ratio. Or the lack of chemicals in French foods? Whatever the reason it was a cause for curiosity and, if I’m being honest, a bit of envy on my part. photo by Alice donovan Rouse After overindulging during the holidays, and a dry January that didn’t go as planned, I began looking for an economical spa or hiking trip where ..read more

As an expat in Paris there is one question I am asked without fail when meeting a new person. “So what brought you to Paris? Was it love?” Oh man, do I wish I had a love-based story to explain my relocation to Paris! There is nothing more romantic to my mind than falling in love, throwing caution to the wind, and following your heart to Paris. I have lived that story in other cities. The reality is that I moved to Paris to follow a job. Slightly different. photo by Carlos Urrutia The other day I met up with a fellow-Australian friend living in Paris. At a certain point my friend, who ..read more