Belle Époque

With every action there’s a reaction. And so, on a Parisian gastronomic landscape that has undergone rapid transformation of late, with cool new cafés and bars ever popping up, there’s now somewhat of a swing back to the old, the traditional, the authentic. A trend back to serving up nostalgic Gallic comfort food (snails, egg […]

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Paris created the concept of the café as well as the restaurant, of fine dining along with the picnic, so it’s little surprise that in this city each type of eatery has come to have a fairly set definition. A brasserie is not a bistrot, for example, and a bar another thing altogether. Some distinctions […]

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Paris is the capital of the fashion industry, so it’s no wonder that movies set in this city celebrate all things sartorial so well. Here are twelve to add to your viewing (and dream-wardrobe) wishlist … Gigi (1958) Leslie Caron plays an adorable Belle Époque courtesan-in-training; the frilly, feathery finery was confectioned by legendary photographer […]

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The macaron might have had most of the sweet spotlight these past few years, but that other classic French treat, the madeleine, should not be underestimated for its powers of satisfaction. The madeleine is a little sponge in the shape of a scallop shell. Writer Marcel Proust transformed it into a cultural icon when he […]

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