At this time of year, Parisians are beginning to forgo “l’écharpe”, a heavier scarf they wear during the colder months, for “le foulard”, a more decorative and colourful scarf made from lighter material, such as silk.   Channel Your Inner Parisian; Wear a Scarf The scarf is an integral part of the French wardrobe, worn…

I don’t think any of you would disagree that our close circle of girlfriends is one of the greatest joys of being a woman. Women are experts in how to nurture and sustain female friendships, and their role in one’s life, I believe, becomes a stronger feature as we get older. So I want to…

Not that long ago, I  was pickpocketed on the subway in Barcelona. I was exhausted after a long day of sightseeing packed into crowded subway car when a woman, who, by the way,  desperately needed a bath, leaned up against me, unzipped my pretty silver handbag and took my change purse. It happened just like…

Lucky Suze McCart! She is heading to France in September to cycle her way around Provence!  How fortuitous that she is the WINNER of my most recent Giveaway Draw — Two Free French Lessons with Christine Camm of SimplyFrenchonline.com. Congrats Suze! Suze is from Collingwood, Ontario, a resort town on Georgian Bay north of Toronto,…

I have to say something about French bread. Because my love affair with Paris and France began with the bread. Like many people, I tend to watch how much bread I consume, and I never eat white bread anymore. However when I am in Paris, forget about it! If you are NOT going to eat…

I have always been fascinated by women who break new ground, especially in politics, where I spent a big part of my career as a journalist.  I know how difficult it is for women to find the time, support and funding to run for office, but I have also seen how much harder still it…

Another hidden treasure in Paris is VoulezVousDiner.com.  This is a website where you can arrange to have a home-cooked or gourmet meal with a French couple or family. Imagine — a way to interact with real Parisians! A real adventure.  I loved this idea. For the cost of a night out (I paid $$50 USD/$65…

Each time that I arrive in Paris, before doing anything else, I head right to my local bistro and order a coffee, and not just any coffee but my favourite one — un café crème. Now —  Paris is famous for its café culture but until recently it was not known for its coffee. Compared to…

I think I’ve read just about every personal memoir written about Paris, gobbling them up like cherry tomatoes ripe off a warm vine.  I especially love reading about women’s experiences in Paris as their stories reflect their personal journeys to find or redefine themselves, as if Paris were somehow the perfect conduit. Here are Three…

I have said this before but I believe Paris to be the most feminine city in the world. My French friends tell me that is because Paris not only respects women, it honours them. It unabashedly elevates them for their accomplishments, their sacrifice, their humanity, and their beauty.  And yes, I love that all women…