liberty 2021

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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”.

image courtesy of C. Cornuat for @franceintheus #liberty2021

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!

marché paul bert serpette

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I was 18 years old when I started working as an interior design assistant and caught the antiques bug, furnishing homes of discerning clients with vintage Parisian treasures. I’ve dreamed of going to the Paris flea market ever since then, and even though I started traveling abroad in my early twenties, I never made it there until my last trip! Thankfully, it lived up to the hype and then some. I was joined by my dear friend Amy Feezor, who is quite the expert when it comes to flea markets, and now lives in Paris! She collaborated with Lara Spencer (of Good Morning America fame) on her second book, Flea Market Fabulous, which provides tips and inspiration for decorating with vintage treasures. There is no better place to find those than at Les Puces. The problem is finding time for all of them, and unless you’re dedicating your entire trip to them, you won’t. So, you’ll be faced with the daunting #firstworldproblem of choosing which one. I’m sharing one of my favorites (and one of the most photogenic) – the Marché Paul Bert Serpette at the renowned Puces de Saint-Ouen.

 

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the wall of love

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We need more walls…of love. This one in Paris has become quite well-known since it’s installation in 2000. You’ll find le mur des je t’aime nestled inside the lovely Square Jehan-Rictus garden, adjacent to Place des Abbesses in Montmartre. Artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito created the mural using dark blue enamel lava tiles inscribed with “I love you” written 311 times, in 250 languages and dialects. The bits of red throughout represent a broken heart – the heart of humanity. The wall is a symbol of peace, uniting the globe with one simple phrase. Such a meaningful message, always.

 

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Le Mur Des Je T’aime | Square Jehan-Rictus 75018 Paris

the tower and a tease

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I’m back mes amis, coucou! My trip to Paris was such a whirlwind, whew – I’m still catching my breath. It was an exhilarating and exhausting eight days, but worth every second. I missed my family fiercely (it’s the longest I’ve ever been away from them), but returned home refreshed and excited! Soon I’ll be sharing posts about my adventures, my apartment in Montmartre, and more. But for now…I have a very special announcement to share with you! While I can’t reveal it fully just yet, I’ll soon be launching a new venture that has been in the works for some time now (and on my brain for even longer). I’m honored and thrilled to be joined by and collaborating with my incredibly talented friends and fellow Francophiles, Kirsten Alana + Lindsey Tramuta. We cannot wait to share our news with you…stay tuned!!