In 1560, a certain Jean Nicot introduced tobacco to Catherine de Medici, raving about its various healing powers. The queen and her court were soon hooked — and the ambassador would go on to be immortalised in the word nicotine. The backstory of tobacco in France has long infused smoking with an air of nobility; […]
Paris in Spring
May Day in Paris (and a Pretty Perfumed Souvenir)
Labour Day in France, La Fête du Travail, is also known as La Fête du Muguet — lily of the valley being the signature bloom for today. On this much-loved public holiday, it has long been a ritual to give family and friends bouquets of this sweet bell-shaped flower, which is considered a lucky charm. […]
The Dress à la Parisienne
When most people think of Parisian style, they probably picture a woman wearing slim dark jeans paired with a striped top and navy blazer. All three items are perennial wardrobe classics, but a sexy dress is also a must, especially come spring, when Parisiennes start to venture outside in their floral frocks, to meet friends […]
I Love Paris in the Springtime …
‘April in Paris, this is a feeling that no one can ever reprise …’ So the song goes. Many have waxed lyrical about Paris in the springtime. As Henry Miller once noted, ‘When spring comes to Paris, the humblest mortal alive must feel that he dwells in paradise.’ And it’s true: there’s nothing like Paris […]