Author: Tory Hoen
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
It’s time to address a theme that has become a highly controversial component of my Parisian life: the smile. When I first moved to Paris, I couldn’t figure out why people seemed to pick up on my non-French status before I had uttered a word. Finally, a friend informed me: “You smile too much.” …read more
This is the best moment of the year, and it’s not just about the weather. Find out about the effect of sunlight on Parisians when spring arrives in the City of Light. …read more
Living in Paris is no guarantee that you’ll automatically become a local. If you’re not a Parisienne and you want to be, these are the rules. …read more
Years into my love affair with Paris, I’m still making ridiculous rookie mistakes. I suppose it’s time to accept that France will always have the upper hand, but it still stings. …read more
I live in Paris now. I know this because every morning when I wake up, I experience a brief moment of panicky, delighted confusion… I have no idea where I am! …read more
We’ve all heard something to the effect of, “Paris would be perfect, if it weren’t for the French.” I usually laugh these comments off as clichés that hark back to an earlier age, when France was more culturally closed than it is now. We all know that today’s French are as affable as kittens… or… …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
When most people think of French food, their minds are likely to turn to croissants and pain au chocolat. But never the freaky foods like boudin noir. Here’s a list of some foods for the most daring the try in France. …read more
