The 6th arrondissement, or as I like to call it, quintessential Paris-ville, is one of the most central neighborhoods in the city. It’s also one of the oldest — the Left Bank of the Seine has been inhabited since ancient … Continue reading
One Last Step Before Applying for Citizenship
I’ve been following forums and Facebook groups more closely in the last few years, knowing I was going to be applying for citizenship soon. There are some areas of the country that have notorious reputations for that process. Montpellier, for … Continue reading
Contemporary Art in Paris: Galleries
The association of art and Paris is well deserved. Beyond its exceptional art museums, Paris is teeming with a plethora of galleries. Any type of art can be seen in Paris’ galleries, from ancient Greek statues through renaissance works to … Continue reading
Paris Neighborhood Guide: the 16th Arrondissement
If you’re new here, the French capital comprises 20 “arrondissements,” a fancy French word for neighborhoods. They begin with the 1st arrondissement in the city’s center, and the others spiral out, resulting in what looks like a snail’s shell. It’s … Continue reading
My Journey to France Part 2
In case you missed Part 1, I’m sharing my unique journey from I’ll-never-live-abroad to nearly-10-years-in-France-and-counting. I’m often asked how I did it — and while several of my articles on TAIP touch on how I’ve been able to stay, I … Continue reading
My Journey to France, Part 1
I’ve lived in France on and off since 2014. I’m often asked, “How did you do it?” The short answer is a lot of determination and a refusal to take non as an answer. But, I know a lot of … Continue reading
Using Cookies to Learn More About the French
“If you give a mouse a cookie, he is going to ask you for a glass of milk.” Thus starts the children’s story, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, by Laura Numeroff, a story I have read dozens, if … Continue reading
Contemporary Art in Paris: Institutions
Once, when I had been asked to pick up the artist wife of a film-maker for “Festival America” (a biennial fair in American literature where numerous writers are invited to present their books and literary subjects in general), she asked … Continue reading
What is the Galette des Rois?
Those of you who have had the pleasure of visiting France in January have likely come across the galette des rois at a French bakery. Translating literally to “king’s cake,” it’s a specialty typically eaten on the Christian holiday of … Continue reading
How to Get a Ten-Year Residency Card in France
I had originally planned to write this article earlier this year, but with my focus on submitting my citizenship application (more on that soon) and the fact that I wasn’t even two years into my new four year card meant … Continue reading