I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
Apparently we blinked…Marie and Henry (our Bastille Day babies) are ten! Time is accelerating at shocking speed these days – at least, it feels that way to us (the adults). I try to remind myself that it’s only a construct but I’m not sure that fact offers much comfort. We spent their birthday week visiting family down south, and stayed at a luxe home thanks to the generosity of a good friend. We barely left the house and it felt like a five star vacation. We usually try to head north this time of year and avoid the scorching temps, but it was impossible to say no to a private pool. Next week we’re hosting a birthday party with their friends at home which feels like such a treat after years of isolation (and yes, we’re still being careful). Needless to say, we’ll be taking the month of August to recover, lol. You can see more on this post, and below…
I never miss an opportunity to visit Albertine Books when in New York City. The “best bookstore in France” is tucked away inside the historic Payne Whitney mansion, just down from the MET on Fifth Avenue. Since it’s located within Cultural Services for the French Embassy, you’re technically standing on French soil while browsing for books. Within the two-story structure you will find carefully curated English translations of French literature, French language publications, and more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from thirty French-speaking countries. Rare books, elegant leather chairs, busts crafted by the ateliers of the Musée du Louvre, and a mesmerizing hand-painted ceiling mural of constellations add to the myriad of reasons why it is a sanctuary and delight for any Francophile, or bibliophile!
This gift guide is for the Francophiles in your life (hopefully there are many). May this list inspire your holiday shopping and perhaps even a little something for yourself! For a list of favorite French-inspired books (there are simply too many to narrow down), look no further than this dedicated bookshop.org page. Their site helps support authors and independent bookstores, which is more important than ever. Happy shopping and merci mille fois for supporting @thefrancophiles!
1. this set of puzzles by French artist Nathalie Lété for Vilac is perfect for les enfants.
We all know this lady…or at least, we think we do. Her origins are lesser-known, and go beyond the fact that she was a gift from France (a fact that delights many Francophiles). Her little sister (shown above) recently made the trek from Paris to NYC at Ellis Island, and now rests at the home of the French Ambassador in Washington D.C. – you can learn more about her journey here. Did you know that there are over thirty copies in and around France?! Talk about a fun treasure hunt!
Lady Liberty became an icon of freedom and of the United States, yet many don’t realize that her original purpose was to commemorate the end of slavery. French author and anti-slavery activist Édouard de Laboulaye (who was a firm supporter of Abraham Lincoln and his fight for abolition), first presented the concept in 1865. In an early model by sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, she held broken shackles in her left hand, however he decided this would be too divisive in the days after the Civil War. He gave her a tablet instead, invoking the concept of law, and shackles at her feet.
Ellis Island didn’t open until six years after she was first unveiled, and the symbolism and original intention was sadly co-opted, lost and long-forgotten…so many of us were taught a different story in our textbooks. Thankfully, this fascinating and culturally significant history was finally given a well-deserved spotlight at The Statue of Liberty Museum (read more about that here). As Americans, it is imperative that we acknowledge and share this history. It is representative of the continued struggle of so many, both stateside and beyond–anyone who is “yearning to breathe free”.
I must say I do enjoy curating these gift guides every year, and I almost always discover something new for my own wish list (which is both a good and a bad thing, lol). While this is dedicated to les mamans, it can of course can serve as inspiration for any special friend in your life. Mother’s Day is upon us in the states and fête des mères falls at the end of the month in France. This guide does contain some affiliate links which help support the work that goes on behind the scenes here and @thefrancophiles. Thank you et merci for your community love and happy shopping mes amis!
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1. this 14k gold “maman” necklace is the result of a cool collaboration between friends Maya Brenner + Clare V.
