the twins are ten

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Apparently we blinked…Marie and Henry (our Bastille Day babies) are ten! Time is accelerating at shocking speed these days – at least, it feels that way to us (the adults). I try to remind myself that it’s only a construct but I’m not sure that fact offers much comfort. We spent their birthday week visiting family down south, and stayed at a luxe home thanks to the generosity of a good friend. We barely left the house and it felt like a five star vacation. We usually try to head north this time of year and avoid the scorching temps, but it was impossible to say no to a private pool. Next week we’re hosting a birthday party with their friends at home which feels like such a treat after years of isolation (and yes, we’re still being careful). Needless to say, we’ll be taking the month of August to recover, lol. You can see more on this post, and below…

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albertine books

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I never miss an opportunity to visit Albertine Books when in New York City. The “best bookstore in France” is tucked away inside the historic Payne Whitney mansion, just down from the MET on Fifth Avenue. Since it’s located within Cultural Services for the French Embassy, you’re technically standing on French soil while browsing for books. Within the two-story structure you will find carefully curated English translations of French literature, French language publications, and more than 14,000 contemporary and classic titles from thirty French-speaking countries. Rare books, elegant leather chairs, busts crafted by the ateliers of the Musée du Louvre, and a mesmerizing hand-painted ceiling mural of constellations add to the myriad of reasons why it is a sanctuary and delight for any Francophile, or bibliophile!

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gift guide for francophiles

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This gift guide is for the Francophiles in your life (hopefully there are many). May this list inspire your holiday shopping and perhaps even a little something for yourself! For a list of favorite French-inspired books (there are simply too many to narrow down), look no further than this dedicated bookshop.org page. Their site helps support authors and independent bookstores, which is more important than ever. Happy shopping and merci mille fois for supporting @thefrancophiles!

1.  this set of puzzles by French artist Nathalie Lété for Vilac is perfect for les enfants.

2.  a gluten-free (lol) homage to the emblematic bread of France in pen form…so fun!

3.  limited edition holiday candles (speckled with real gold) by an iconic French brand.

4.  ultrawashable felt pens for the littles designed in the coolest Parisian studio. 

5.  for the culinary Francophile, this cast iron “la cuisine” sign would make a great gift.

6.  this French icon celebrated 60 years with a limited edition design for les bébés.

7.  colorful whimsy for your holiday designed by Nathalie Lété for Anthropologie

8.  just say “yes” to this nylon and mesh trucker hat – the perfect unisex accessory.

9.  achic + sturdy cotton canvas “Palais Royal” tote by a Paris-meets-Tokyo brand. 

10. customize this bestselling lip balm for a luxe gift, wrapped to Parisian perfection.

11. save 15% on a subscription to France-Amérique magazine with code: COUCOUFA

12. this ten-volume collection of Hemingway is super luxe ($$$) but wow…le swoon.

13. only Parisian artist Marin Montagut could make such a perfectly French décanteur!

14. this classic stoneware mug is the perfect addition to any Francophile’s kitchen.

15. made in France, this olive-oil based bath bar comes in a a cool vintage box.

16. a pictureque Parisian holiday scene is featured on this deluxe set of cards.

17. hands down (pun intended) this cream is one of the best…made in France, bien sûr.

18. a cheery gingham coin clutch for the “bon vivant” in your life…perhaps it’s you?!

*this guide includes affiliate links…thank you et merci for supporting this work*

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

gift guide pour les mamans

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I must say I do enjoy curating these gift guides every year, and I almost always discover something new for my own wish list (which is both a good and a bad thing, lol). While this is dedicated to les mamans, it can of course can serve as inspiration for any special friend in your life. Mother’s Day is upon us in the states and fête des mères falls at the end of the month in France. This guide does contain some affiliate links which help support the work that goes on behind the scenes here and @thefrancophiles. Thank you et merci for your community love and happy shopping mes amis!

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1.  this 14k gold “maman” necklace is the result of a cool collaboration between friends Maya Brenner + Clare V.

2.  an organic cotton “mère amour” tee-shirt by Sézane for the chic mom (check out their Mother’s Day gift guide).

3.  this luxe Carrière Frères (made in the Cire Trudon factory) Lily of the Valley candle is the scent of luck + happiness!

4.  celebrate le printemps and transport mom to the cherry tree-dotted hillsides of southern France with this set.

5.  say bonjour to a new skincare routine with this spray for both you + maman…this debut beauty brand is hot!

6.  Èclat chocolate and La Boîte spices marry in this gourmet chocolate bar (fun fact: we used to live above this boutique).

7.  a clever take on the French motto, this chic tote benefits Every Mother Counts, and the design is also on cute tees.

8.  designed by Hotel Magique, this mug is sure to delight the Francophile at heart (I’m a fan of the entire collection).

9.  a Francophile kitchen staple, The Cook’s Atelier is a mother/daughter duo who run a cooking school in France!

10. give notes from mom some French vibes with this fun striped baguette stationery (or these if she prefers croissants).

11. this soy wax (painted glass) candle pays homage to French blooms + Parisian style (and the box is equally stunning).

12. gift a subscription to the Francophile favorite France-Amérique magazine + save 15% by using the code: COUCOUFA

13. this glass duo (which says Je t’aime Maman) by Marin Montagut is colorful and hand painted in his Paris studio.

14. perfect for “mom”ogramming (ha sorry couldn’t resist), this coin clutch is a practical and French-inspired gift!