What is your favorite hue of blue? That is the question that French people having been asking themselves this week, when one intrepid reporter noticed that French President Macron appears to have changed the color of the French flag: https://twitter.com/bevmalta_/status/1459990979927236612?s=20…

So my cher readers, once again we are filled with dramatic headlines about international politics and France. Yippee! This time, the France and the UK are preparing battle stations over approximately 50 fishing licenses that were supposed to be granted to French fishermen…

The earth-shattering news in the French media this week is that our beloved favorite, the fromage camembert, has been outsold in France for the first time. By an Italian cheese upstart no less: the ubiquitous mozzarella (link in French). If you…

The big scandal in France this week involves that oh-so-hoity-toity prize, the Prix Goncourt. It is the equivalent of the Nobel prize and the Pulitzer for Literature, all rolled into one, version française. And the big issue this year is that one…

So in case you haven’t heard, the U.S. has agreed to sell nuclear submarines to Australia. (I do realize you have probably already heard this, because the French have loudly made their feelings extremely clear!) The diplomatic sandstorm started when…

The rentrée is here! Also known as “back to school”! I should note however that the rentrée in France is not just for kids. It is for the adults too, even if you don’t have any children. Of course for parents there are new schedules…

Oh look, the end of August. Also known as that time of the year in France when you you turn on the TV and notice that every newscaster, journalist, and commentator has that sunburnt look that is a couple of…

Well I can finally report, in mid-August, that summer has finally come to Paris. The word of the day is “canicule”, meaning “heatwave” where temperatures are finally over 85F (30C)! Yes, it actually has been grey and rainy all this…

Bienvenue à l'ete in France… where nothing much happens! I have to say, I struggled writing this week’s newsletter because there is not much happening at the moment, everyone is on holiday. That is, other than those few protesters who are…

Happy fête nationale! Also known as Bastille Day! No not really, no serious French person ever calls it Bastille day, it is just 14 juillet. However, there is a parade and fireworks! Petit bémol​, if you do want to see that military parade on…

Well, it is the day after that giant hangover. Defending World Cup champions France lost on penalties to Switzerland on Monday night, a shocker that no one saw coming. Certainly not this football (aka soccer) fan. The Group of Death…

The sun is out, the café terraces are open, and the Euro 2020+1 is finally here! Ok, most of us were not actually waiting with bated breath for the Euro, but it is on and a welcome distraction from all…

Time flies when you’re having fun! Or stuck in lockdown. Either way, here we are and it is June! The sun is finally shining in Paris, the restaurant terraces and museums are open, and the vaccine rollout is swimming along.…

Whoo hoo, It is the 19th of May!   Which may not mean anything to you if you don't live in France, but for us it is the day that France officially starts to end its lockdown. The museums and cinemas are…

It is spring in Paris!  The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and everyone is vaccinating.  Not fast enough for some, but at least finally there is some progress.  As I mentioned in my last email, schools have been…