Category Archives: francophilia

the francophiles anniversary

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Time flies when you’re having fun – Bastille Day marked the one year anniversary of @thefrancophiles! I founded the Instagram community with the purpose of inspiring, informing and uniting Francophiles around the world. I’m so proud of how the community has grown in the past year…the response has been exciting and heartfelt. It’s “fleurishing” thanks to your support and participation. A huge MERCI to mes amies Lindsey Tramuta + Kirsten Alana, without whom this passion project may never have gotten off the ground. What does being a Francophile mean to you, and how and where do you get your “fix”? Wherever you are in the world, join the community (and have a chance to be featured), by tagging and/or hashtagging your French-inspired images #thefrancophiles. Stay tuned for some exciting new developments!

bastille day in nyc

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If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we surprised the kids with an early birthday trip to NYC (much like we did last year). They’ve been asking to go back, and we feel very fortunate to live within two hours driving distance! We packed a lot of activities into less than 48 hours, but our favorite and most-anticipated part of our stay was attending the FIAF Bastille Day Block Party. It’s the biggest Bastille Day event in New York – twenty years strong. And before you start to wonder – no, this is not sponsored by FIAF, but the kids do look très français thanks to Saint James (more on that soon).

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bon weekend

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Can you guess what I’m excited for this weekend based on this incredible illustration by Eleanor Grosch? If you guessed the Tour de France then OUI you are correct – it begins tomorrow!! If you’ve been following my blog since it’s inception, you are well aware of my TDF obsession (exhibit A, exhibit B, exhibit C). I am not a cyclist – I’m just a devout Francophile who long ago decided to watch for the scenery. The rest is history, and I’ve been hooked to the sport (and the soothing sound of Phil Ligett’s voice) since 2006. Of course a lot has changed since then (ahem) but I still can’t stop watching. If you’re just not that into it…here are some links that have inspired me recently, for your holiday weekend reading!

BON WEEKEND

fourth of july recipes

parent like a minimalist

bounce back from burnout

the best of pardon my french

how to stay sane while sick or injured

musée rodin paris

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The Musée Rodin in Paris is situated in the seventh arrondissement in a stunning mansion, surrounded by three acres of gardens. I made it a point to see it during my last trip, and was joined by my family who drove in from the Loire Valley. It had been pouring rain prior to our visit, and as soon as we arrived the clouds parted and the blue skies and sun returned. I’ve said it before but will say it again – the weather in Paris can be so temperamental, especially in the spring. However, it was such a gift that day – the gardens were gleaming and the combination of these huge lilies and the dewdrops took my breath away. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Rodin’s work, the mansion (known as the Hôtel Biron, where Rodin once resided), gardens, and unique perspective of the nearby Les Invalides will make it worth your while.

 

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la fête du muguet

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Today is La Féte du Muguet, a French holiday which dates back to the Renaissance. The tradition is to give your loved ones Lily of the Valley for happiness, good luck, and to welcome spring! While it’s a bit hard to find in the states, I stumbled upon these beauties last spring in Milford, PA at Grey Towers, the home of Gifford Pinchot. A few fascinating facts about him: he traveled to France to become the first American trained in forestry, helped to develop (and lead) the U.S. Forest Service and was a renowned conservationist, and became governor of Pennsylvania in 1922. I’m always happy to stumble upon links to France like that, especially in my own state. Bon #1ermai, as they say, and if you’re looking for even more of a (daily) Francophile fix, join the global community of @thefrancophiles on Instagram!