My Life in Paris and Travels Around France
I fell in love with Paris by walking around around and taking everything in. I think it’s the best way to see the city and discover which part of it speaks to you. There really is something for everyone in Paris. With the imminent arrival of spring, I’ve been thinking about Paris gardens and the return of leisurely walks. There’s something about walking through Palais-Royal and its garden that remains a personal perennial favorite.
The weeks continue to fly by here. I’m trying to take every opportunity possible to do things I wouldn’t be able to do in Paris, like driving a tractor and testing out the best croissant in Normandy. This week’s Five Friday Finds from France is largely about different types of learning and discoveries (for example, it’s not easy to find tequila everywhere in France).
On the last day of week five of confinement in Normandy I slipped on my sweatpants for the very first time since we’ve been here. It’s something I’ve wanted to do basically since day one, but I’ve never really had the right opportunity. Funny since confinement in the countryside seems in and of itself a perfect excuse to wear sweatpants every day. But when I think about wearing sweatpants in France I think of Karl Lagerfeld’s declaration: “Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
As of now, the confinement in France will continue until May 11th. That seems like a pretty good date that’s not too far away. Spring is in full force here in Normandy with bright green leaves and a whole new set of flowers blooming in the garden. I haven’t left the house since Sunday morning for my croissant (other than to run), so today’s Five Friday Finds from France are things discovered at home.
My favorite cake that Romain makes is the Pierre Hermé Gâteau Suzy recipe, a cake created by Pierre Hermé’s friend Suzy Palatin. I’ll be the first person to admit that I’m an occasional dessert eater. I much prefer savory foods to sweet, but this cake is addictive – it really is one of the best French chocolate cakes ever.
