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French Girl in Seattle

Takes France!

Travel Essentials

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  • French Home Essentials
  • My Favorite Books, posters and cards
  • To make your French heart smile
  • Travel Essentials

  • Jambu Cherry Blossom Mary-Jane

  • Taos Women’s Crave boots: The boots that me crave colder temps (seriously!)

  • Rebecca Minkoff Julian Nylon Backpack: My favorite travel day bag!

  • Anker Powercore 10000 – Lightweight, lightning fast, compact power bank

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  • Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth speaker

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Bonjour, T’was a fun afternoon in beautiful Aza Bonjour, T’was a fun afternoon in beautiful Azay le Rideau, Loire Valley. Check out what I found at the local brocante before heading to one of my favorite local chateaux. What a fun (impromptu) time! This one definitely falls under “les petits bonheurs.” Did I mention the sun was shining? Véro #francewithvero #loirevalley #azaylerideau #chateauazaylerideau #brocante #roadtrip #virtualtours
Bonjour, When I say I share exclusive content an Bonjour, When I say I share exclusive content and events with France with Vero patrons, I really mean it. Check out the 20-page PDF they just found in their inbox a few days ago. Much more than a list in a traditional guidebook. Written by a local who loves sharing her city with visitors. Planning your next trip to the Loire Valley has just become a lot easier. Joining “la Bande de Véro,” our fun, friendly, well-traveled community, might very well be your best move until your next trip to la Belle France. The fun starts here: http://Patreon.com/Francewithvero #francewithvero #tourscity #toursmaville #tours37 #toursetmoi #loirevalley #loirevalleytourism #traveltips
Bonjour, Carrefour Vavin, Paris, 6th (or is it 1 Bonjour, Carrefour Vavin, Paris, 6th (or is it 14th?) arrondissement. The famous boulevard du Montparnasse is nearby, lined with iconic cafés and brasseries where memories of “les Années Folles” still fascinate visitors and locals in the know. Ghosts of parties past have haunted the neighborhood since the Roaring Twenties. After Montmartre and before Saint Germain des Prés, they flocked here, artists, poets, political refugees and revolutionaries. Le Dôme (the oldest establishment) faces la Rotonde and its corner “terrasse,” the perfect spot to see and be seen. Further down the busy boulevard la Coupole and its spectacular Art Deco room faces le Sélect. Of all these legendary cafés, le Sélect remains my go-to choice whenever I am in the neighborhood for breakfast or for lunch. More intimate than its counterparts, le Sélect has multiple personalities and can accommodate any mood: One can sit “en terrasse” and watch the world go by or claim a table inside by the windows on chilly days. For business meetings or a quiet time away from chatty customers, the small salons in the back provide privacy. Le Sélect is “dans son jus:” The decor and ambiance remain authentic without trying too hard. From the tiled floors to moleskin “banquettes” or wrought iron railings, it never fails to take us back in time, a time we never knew, but wish we had. It is said “les habitués” (patrons) enjoy hanging out by the bar early in the morning before the entire world rushes by along the boulevard. Prices can be stiff, yet there’s always a way to enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate or a “plat du jour” (Special) without breaking the bank. Did I mention service? Parisian, certainly, efficient, professional but with a refreshing friendliness from the staff (waiters feature the traditional “garçon de café” attire) that never feels superficial. I like it here, au Sélect. Several of the tours I’ll be leading for Rick Steves Europe this season start in a nearby street. Guess where I will be reviewing notes and enjoying pre-tour apéros? Véro #francewithvero #parismyway #myparis #parisiancafes #montparnasse #theselect Cafe Le Select Montparnasse
Bonjour de l’Ile Simon, Tours. This is a short Bonjour de l’Ile Simon, Tours. This is a short virtual tour “en français.” Level: Intermediate. Let me know if you enjoyed it in the comment section below. Bon dimanche! Véro #francewithvero #tourscity #toursmaville #loirevalley #speakfrench #virtualtour
Bonjour, Bienvenue à la rue Saint Denis, Paris. Bonjour, Bienvenue à la rue Saint Denis, Paris. So ancient Romans once traveled on it. So long it crosses three distincts arrondissements. There’s a lot of history there! It was once a prestigious street, the first to be paved, and a former royal entrance into Paris. Then came the sex shops and peep shows… Today, gentrification is transforming the area, like the rest of Paris. You never know what you are going to see there… For all you know, it could be two officers of the prestigious “Garde Républicaine,” a branch of the Gendarmerie Nationale, patrolling on their horses. Never a dull moment along rue Saint Denis (though thrills may have slightly changed ;-)) Véro #francewithvero #parisfrance #myparis #parismyway #rightbank #ruesaintdenis #parisstreets
Bonjour. They are the shopping centers of yore. Bonjour. They are the shopping centers of yore. “Les passages parisiens” (covered passages) once were a favorite way of enjoying the city and its many pleasures while staying protected from the cold, wet Parisian winters. There were more than 70 in the French capital. A handful survive today, mostly in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements There are “Star passages” (Galerie Vivienne, anyone?) and then there are a few, a little harder to find, where discoveries await. Businesses may have changed yet many of the old shops “devantures” (storefronts) survive. One foot in the present. One foot in the past. I love strolling along le Passage du Bourg l’Abbé (built in 1828) and continue on to le passage du Grand Cerf (its glorious glass and steel “verrière” dates back to 1845.) Make sure to add a couple of “passages” to your next itinerary. They are as Parisian as “un café en terrasse” or a stroll in the Tuileries gardens. Véro #francewithvero #parisfrance #parismyway #myparis #passagescouverts #passagedubourglabbé #passagedugrandcerf #parisshopping
Bonjour. My favorite Parisian “neo-bouillon" i Bonjour. My favorite Parisian “neo-bouillon" is le Petit Pharamond. What’s not to like at this fun eatery located behind a historic façade near les Halles (1st arrondissement?) There, visitors enjoy traditional (and affordable) French classics surrounded by a “magnifique” Belle Epoque decor. Problem? Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, seems to have found out about le Petit Pharamond. Even at 2:30pm on a weekday, long lines of locals and tourists (with their bags!) await outside. There are no reservations and with "le service continu" food is served all day. On a recent visit I was bummed to find yet another line. It was a cold, windy day. After a few minutes, I decided I wasn’t desperate enough to wait along drafty rue de la Grande Truanderie to sample “oeufs mimosa” and “boeuf bourguignon.” I made my way towards Metro Etienne Marcel along rue Pierre Lescot and walked past “l’Annexe du Pharamond.” Same owners as the restaurant. Originally a grocery store offering food specialties from Normandy, l’Annexe was assigned another mission last fall: It became a place to enjoy a quick lunch with a limited entrée selection prepared daily at le Petit Pharamond and delicious cold and grilled sandwiches. After 6:00pm, l’Annexe turns into a wine bar (the cellar downstairs is worth a visit!) At under 12 Euros, “La Formule” (the lunch prix fixe meal) is pretty affordable, as local well know. “Le cadre” (the environment) is cozy too. L’Annexe is perfect for lunch on the go, whether you claim one of the bar stools or order “à emporter” (to go.) There’s more: If you decide to eat at the “très populaire” Petit Pharamond around the corner and find a long line, put your name down with the host; step off the line then tell them you’ll be waiting at L’Annexe. On a cold, damp Parisian evening, you might enjoy a chance to wait for your table indoors, a glass of wine in hand, before a delicious meal at le Petit Pharamond. I know I would. Véro #francewithvero #Parisfood #paris75001 #parisianlife #parismyway #bouillonparisien @lepetitbouillonpharamond
Bonjour et bienvenue chez moi! Impromptu chat wi Bonjour et bienvenue chez moi! Impromptu chat with Véro… unpacking errands and sharing a slice of her French life. Hope you like it here. Bon week-end. Bonne année. Véro Erratum: mercredi et samedi = Wednesday and Saturday 😉 #francewithvero #toursmaville #tours37 #loirevalley #errandrun #frenchfood #frenchmarket #virtualtours
Bonjour. La Parisienne. It’s another grey, da Bonjour. La Parisienne. It’s another grey, damp Paris winter day. “La grisaille” holds the entire city in her arms and won’t let go until spring. To make things worse “le crachin” the fine, mist-like rain typical of coastal areas in other parts of France, has decided to settle in for a while, messing with hair, glasses, and smart phone screens. C’est midi, l’heure du déjeuner. Lunch time. A wee bit early for many Parisians who tend to show up around 1:00pm. In front of me, I see her. La Parisienne. She is on a mission, her gait even and determined. Her outfit is two-tone perfection in shades of black and grey, timeless, elegant, practical yet not sloppy, stylish yet not ostentatious. With a small cross-body bag, a black leather tote and a matching nylon bag she’s ready to take on the city streets. Why leave “bérets” to tourists and enamored fans of that silly Emily girl? La Parisienne shows them all how it’s done. She’s not playing a part. She *is* one of the stars of the show unfolding daily along the elegant boulevards in the French capital. As I cross the street behind her, I spot the famous Closerie des Lilas, a former guinguette, iconic literary café and restaurant. As I walk past the restaurant window, I see her again. La Parisienne has reached her destination. “Une table pour une personne.” It will be a solo lunch today. Her back to the street, facing the beautiful room, she’s already perusing the menu, a waiter discreetly dressing the table next to hers. She will keep “the béret” on during lunch. A bad hair day is entirely out of the question. Véro For more exclusive content and live events, join “la Bande de Véro” on Patreon. Annual membership = 2 months free. Upcoming events: Zoom Patron live chat on Sunday January 8 (Topic: Planning a fun French vacation in 2023) AND a special Patron GiveAway (featuring Made in France Paris-themed stationery I picked up this week.) Join the fun on Patreon. Link in Bio. #francewithvero #parisfrance #parisianlife #parisrestaurants #parisiensinparis @parisiensinparis @paris.street.style

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