Month: July 2013

  • One of the most beautiful expressions of urban French architecture is the hôtel particulier, or private mansion. Many cities all over France have outstanding examples of these prestigious demeures (dwellings) from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The hôtel particulier was often freestanding – not attached to adjacent buildings – and located on its property…

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  • One of my favorite travel destinations is grocery stores. That’s right, local grocery stores and supermarkets – outdoor markets are a whole other category. I love to wander the aisles not necessarily to shop but to see what’s central to eating life in other parts of the world. It’s fascinating to note which sections are super…

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  • Perhaps the most famous of all little black dresses was the one worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Created by French couture designer (and good friend of Hepburn’s) Hubert de Givenchy, the petite robe noire (little black dress, or LBD) attained such iconic status from the film that today it’s…

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  • This past week in Paris was cool weather-wise – I wore a sweater and jacket every day – but it was sizzling as usual in the culture department. No matter what time of year, there is always something interesting going on in Paris. So if you are planning to be there in the next few…

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