Search Results for: tory hoen
Do you remember the first time you realized “Wow, I am in Paris”? Those of us who have been lucky enough to visit Paris have all, I think, had that moment — a tingling, joyful, excited realization that there’s something about Paris that can make one happy simply to exist and observe. We have asked… …read more
Julien Hausherr – La Pagode theater’s Japanese style garden While this list might appear to be a whimsically chosen, feel-good assortment of Parisian places and experiences, I’ll have you know that I agonized over the decisions herein. For instance, I couldn’t bring myself to include two houses of taxidermy (for fear of revealing myself to… …read more
At 24, Tory Hoen moved to Paris with the dream of writing a book. Over a decade later, she is releasing her debut novel, The Arc. …read more
I would argue that there is no better energy than that of Paris in September. This moment is known as “la rentrée,” when the locals return from their summer vacations (many of which span the entire month of August), looking great and feeling even better. …read more
Here is one of the best Paris walks curated by a longtime local through the Marais, over the Seine, and into the 6th arrondissement. …read more
Here are some restaurant dining rules to help you fit in with the locals. …read more
While I lived in Paris, my French improved and stretched in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. But when I’m asked if I’m fluent in French, my answer is always the same: yes and no. …read more
French people are born with an innate sense of how to thrive in their natural habitat. Eating well, French fashion, and comporting themselves with general discretion are key elements in this survival strategy. Here are 7 cultural rules to live by. …read more
In the US, bigger is often equated with better, and mediocrity is sort of the norm. When something exceeds mediocrity, we’re often pleasantly surprised. Conversely, the French have higher expectations. Quality trumps quantity and excess. …read more
Flâner has always been one of my favorite French verbs. The dictionary definition reads “se promener sans but précis” (to walk without a precise goal). Since aimless wandering is basically my raison d’etre in Paris, I appreciate that the French have a word dedicated to the act. Spend some time in Paris and you will quickly understand how many different… …read more
Picnic season is in full swing in Paris. Here are a few spots where picnickers of all kinds can find their bliss. …read more
I’ve come up with a list of the best parks and places that I return to again and again, for a morning or afternoon, under the Parisian sky. …read more
In Paris, even the most basic French phrases can be slightly confounding at first. Here are some of my favorite French-isms to share. …read more
