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Tag Archives: francophile
bastille day in nyc
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that we surprised the kids with an early birthday trip to NYC (much like we did last year). They’ve been asking to go back, and we feel very fortunate to live within two hours driving distance! We packed a lot of activities into less than 48 hours, but our favorite and most-anticipated part of our stay was attending the FIAF Bastille Day Block Party. It’s the biggest Bastille Day event in New York – twenty years strong. And before you start to wonder – no, this is not sponsored by FIAF, but the kids do look très français thanks to Saint James (more on that soon).
bon weekend
Can you guess what I’m excited for this weekend based on this incredible illustration by Eleanor Grosch? If you guessed the Tour de France then OUI you are correct – it begins tomorrow!! If you’ve been following my blog since it’s inception, you are well aware of my TDF obsession (exhibit A, exhibit B, exhibit C). I am not a cyclist – I’m just a devout Francophile who long ago decided to watch for the scenery. The rest is history, and I’ve been hooked to the sport (and the soothing sound of Phil Ligett’s voice) since 2006. Of course a lot has changed since then (ahem) but I still can’t stop watching. If you’re just not that into it…here are some links that have inspired me recently, for your holiday weekend reading!
la fête du muguet
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!
the new paris
Today is an exciting day for mon amie Lindsey Tramuta – today is the official launch date for her book, “The New Paris”. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and devoured it as soon as it arrived. As a devout Francophile and frequent visitor to Paris, I have a great appreciation for her refreshing perspective on the city I hold so dear. Lindsey thoughtfully and masterfully navigates the creative class (along with photographer Charissa Fay), and introduces the thriving talents and places of the moment. It’s thrilling to know a few of them personally, but there are so many that I have yet to discover! I now have a longer wish list of experiences to have, people to meet, and places to see, along with a renewed appreciation for the future of the city. Admittedly, I may be a bit biased, but I can promise that you will look at Paris with new eyes after reading this book – it’s a must-read for any Francophile. Order your copy, find it at your local bookstore (in stores today), and don’t miss her book tour – she’s coming to many U.S. cities (including her hometown of Philadelphia)!