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Tag Archives: france
the francophiles anniversary
Time flies when you’re having fun – Bastille Day marked the one year anniversary of @thefrancophiles! I founded the Instagram community with the purpose of inspiring, informing and uniting Francophiles around the world. I’m so proud of how the community has grown in the past year…the response has been exciting and heartfelt. It’s “fleurishing” thanks to your support and participation. A huge MERCI to mes amies Lindsey Tramuta + Kirsten Alana, without whom this passion project may never have gotten off the ground. What does being a Francophile mean to you, and how and where do you get your “fix”? Wherever you are in the world, join the community (and have a chance to be featured), by tagging and/or hashtagging your French-inspired images #thefrancophiles. Stay tuned for some exciting new developments!
musée rodin paris
The Musée Rodin in Paris is situated in the seventh arrondissement in a stunning mansion, surrounded by three acres of gardens. I made it a point to see it during my last trip, and was joined by my family who drove in from the Loire Valley. It had been pouring rain prior to our visit, and as soon as we arrived the clouds parted and the blue skies and sun returned. I’ve said it before but will say it again – the weather in Paris can be so temperamental, especially in the spring. However, it was such a gift that day – the gardens were gleaming and the combination of these huge lilies and the dewdrops took my breath away. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Rodin’s work, the mansion (known as the Hôtel Biron, where Rodin once resided), gardens, and unique perspective of the nearby Les Invalides will make it worth your while.
french is beautiful
“Aucun pays ne profite aussi bien de la vie sur terre que la France.
No country does life on earth better than the French.”
Blackpoodles
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The author of this quote is unknown except for their pseudonym, but no matter – the message is poignant, and so very true. I’m deviating from my usual focus on language in this series, in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris. While many others have eloquently articulated their feelings on this subject better than my writing abilities would ever allow, I simply cannot remain silent. It’s no secret that France has my heart, and Paris is at the beating center of it. It hurts me deeply to see the French people, and the city, suffering so. And yet, while hearts are heavy, the messages and displays of strength, resilience, and hope shine brightly through the darkness. The city of Paris has a Latin motto: fluctuat nec mergitur, which translates to “tossed by the water but not sunk”. We have all felt the waves, around the globe. As “blackpoodles” stated so beautifully, “Paris, we love you. We cry for you. We know you will laugh again, and sing again, and make love, and heal, because loving life is your essence. The forces of darkness will ebb. They will lose. They always do.” Thank you Paris, for sharing your strength with the world. Take comfort knowing that we stand with you.
* french is beautiful is a regular series – browse the archives here *
abbaye de fleury
Abbaye de Fleury is a very special place for me. I’m not religious, but I find myself at this historic church every time I visit France. My brother introduced me to it upon my first visit to his town, Sully Sur Loire, as it is minutes away. It had me at Fleury. Founded in 640 (yes you read that correctly), this Benedictine monastery is incredibly peaceful and humbling…it captivates me. I’m sharing excerpts of my experiences there, via my travel journal…the full story is on steller.