Five Friday Finds from France: October 22nd

The pace of my work schedule is maybe finally starting to normalize a little bit…which I’m very ready for. I can’t wait to visit museums and mostly just incorporate some leisurely walks around Paris with my camera. My creative batteries are ready be recharged ahead of the holidays. Speaking of the holidays, this week’s Five Friday Finds from France features Ladurée’s 2021 Advent Calendar that’s available for pre-order, how the French do fall decor, and where to find a good spicy margarita in Paris for good measure!

The 2021 Ladurée Advent Calendar

I’ve been in full on Christmas planning mode with content and walks (details coming very soon!), which has gotten me into the spirit earlier than usual. Most of the 2021 Advent Calendars have already been announced, including Ladurée’s annual calendar. I can tell you with certainty that this is one that will sell out long before December, so if you are interested I recommend pre-ordering it now. It’s not filled with macarons because those are best fresh, but it is filled with plenty of other sweet treats from Ladurée. Click here for a full list of French Advent Calendars available online.

FIAC in Paris

If you’ve seen modern and contemporary art popping up throughout Paris it’s because of the FIAC art fair, happening through October 25th. Galleries will be showing at the Grand Palais Éphémère and there are also installations “hors murs” in the Tuileries, Place Vendôme, in front of the Institut de France and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Hotel Costes’ Spicy Margarita

I’m going to generalize here, but French people don’t like spicy foods, and they definitely don’t like spicy drinks. Which is why every time I see a spicy margarita on a menu I’m always excited and pleasantly surprised. It’s even more exciting when it’s actually spicy. So, if you’re looking for a spicy margarita in Paris, head to Hotel Costes. We sat in the new Castiglione portion of the hotel and it was lovely.

A French Take on Fall Decor

Now that it’s the end of October, the French are starting to get a little bit into fall decor. It’s definitely not as big of a trend as it is in the US – the French tend to cook with pumpkins and not decorate with them. Since living here I’ve noticed Halloween becoming more prominent year after year, and today even noticed a Franprix grocery store with cobwebs and witches in the entrance. I love a little seasonal spirit so I’m all for it!

Parismonade: Paris Lemonade

It seems like overnight I’ve started seeing Parismonade and La Limonaderie de Paris products everywhere – from restaurants to Monoprix. I’m not a soda person at all, but I did try the Parismonade mostly because I thought it would be like what I call a lemonade. It was in fact more like a Sprite, but I like the concept of 100% local products. They even have organic versions of the drinks without preservatives, dyes, or additives. If you see a Parismonade or Paris Cola at a restaurant or café try it!

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Five Friday Finds from France. I’ll be back tomorrow with Weekend Links!

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