When most tourists visit Paris, places like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Moulin Rouge are often on the itinerary. There’s nothing wrong with that — especially if it’s your first time in the City of Light. But, those … Continue reading
The Life of a French Pastry Chef
If you’ve been following my life here on TAIP, you know that I got married last year not once, not twice, but a whopping three times (you can read about the first two times here and here). Yes, all to … Continue reading
France’s Education Nationale
If I told a French person I would try to explain France’s Education Nationale to foreigners, they would probably reply “C’est tout un programme!” (That’s an all-out program!) But I will begin with a disclaimer concerning my subjectivity. With my … Continue reading
Paris Neighborhood Guide: the 10th Arrondissement
Ah, le dixième. One of my favorite Parisian neighborhoods (after my beloved Montmartre, of course), you’ll often find me there on a given weekend. It’s one of the least “touristy” areas in the city — I lived in Paris for … Continue reading
In Between Two Cultures: My Life as an American in France
There are those who expatriate for a determined amount of time for their work. Others decide to definitively expatriate for various reasons of their own. And others just drift into expatriation. Some expats return to their original country; others stay … Continue reading
How To Avoid Scams in France and the Most Common Techniques Used by Fraudsters
When you move to a foreign country, all you can think about is the excitement and the joy of starting a new chapter of your life. There are those that have the American dream and there are those that have … Continue reading
Free Cultural Activities in Paris
Are you new in Paris and wanting to visit its cultural heritages and emblematic places but are tight on a budget? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Firstly, we recommend that you visit regularly the website of the Parisian Tourism … Continue reading
Why I Love Living in Montmartre
I’ve lived in several different places in the Greater Paris Area since I began my French séjour. After close to eight years abroad, I’ve moved five times. Before that, when I was still living in the US I moved six … Continue reading
Is it Safe to Visit Paris?
Some months ago, at the height of the transportation strikes, several well-meaning acquaintances messaged me with concern or asked on behalf of friends who were considering travel plans whether it was indeed safe to visit Paris. These people didn’t need … Continue reading
Retirement, Strikes, and Spring in France
“Well, to understand these protests, you have to understand how the French see their life and work narrative,” I told a client last week. “They go to school, get a degree or certification, work until they are 62, and then … Continue reading