Behind the Bite: Madeleine

Chocolate madeleines from La Pâtisserie des Rêves.

This post is part of our Behind the Bite series: deep dives into the dishes that we can’t stop thinking about. The beautifully ornate pâtisserie lined up in Paris’ pastry shops will definitely catch your eye. But it’s none other than the humble madeleine which has become one of France’s favorite sweet treats.  The simple […]

How to Order Coffee in French Like You Know What You’re Doing

Not sure how to order coffee in French? A tip: refer to how "tight," or "serré," you want your coffee, not how "strong."

It seems like an easy task: ordering a coffee. But as with many things in France, there’s a right and a wrong way.  French coffee culture is guided by a number of spoken and unspoken rules. There’s the somewhat confusing nomenclature, unique coffee shop dynamics and a strong tendency toward over-caffeination.  As a visitor to […]

Everything You Need To Know To Navigate A French Market

One important Paris market tip to keep in mind: if you're not sure which stall to buy from, see where the locals are going and get in line there.

Open air markets are one of the great joys of life in France—and occasionally confusing for some visitors to navigate.  Food markets are still an enormous part of French culture, as they offer both seasonality and real value. They are often less expensive and usually far better quality and selection than what you’d find at […]

Are Macarons the Best Pastries in the World?

woman holding macarons

Macarons are created with high-end ingredients through a delicate process. The French-born, cream-filled confection is an international icon and symbol of the sweet life in Paris, thanks in part to the Paris-based pastry giant Ladurée. Sure, you can always have a flaky croissant, or perhaps a few buttery madeleines to start your day. But when […]