If you believe most American shops and greeting card companies, the next major holiday to follow Christmas and New Year’s is Valentine’s Day. But here in France, another holiday sneaks its way into the fray in early February. The holiday in question is Candlemas, or La Chandeleur, and the appropriate way to celebrate it is […]
Bordeaux Blog
How to Navigate a Meal in France (Menus, Tipping & More)
With a café on every corner, Paris is a prime location for gastronomic delights, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, settling in for a three-course meal, or sampling Michelin-star tasting menus.
Behind the Bite: Madeleine
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 […]
Cassoulet: The Rags to Riches Story of Southern France’s Most Famous Dish
This post is part of our Behind the Bite series: deep dives into the dishes that we can’t stop thinking about. Battles have been won—literally—on the shoulders of cassoulet, a hearty ragout from southwestern France. And to be honest, we can understand why. Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty serving of cassoulet, especially […]
How to Order Coffee in French Like You Know What You’re Doing
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
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?
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 […]