A French Country Home Dream: Buying near Bordeaux, France

The Dordogne river (Doni Belau) I’m often asked why we bought the house (in France) that we did, in this tiny town whose name we can barely pronounce and that’s even harder to find on a map. What about your first love, Paris? People ask. Mordac Well, I was fortunate enough to have a deliciously… …read more

My Paris for Your…? Dos & Don’ts For a Successful Home Exchange

Paris (Haven in Paris) The idea seemed too good to pass up. I’d exchange my Paris flat for a place in San Francisco for two weeks to visit family. Two whole weeks! Rent-and-hotel bill free! And we’d do it in August when no one really wants to be in Paris, anyway. I’d heard stories about… …read more

Channeling Monet: An Afternoon at Giverny

Billbooz & Thezartorialist I’ve never been a particularly big fan of Monet’s paintings. Yes, they’re pretty—that much is undeniable. He certainly cornered the market on water lilies and haystacks. But I suppose I’ve developed a sense of indifference toward his work because it’s so ubiquitous. He’s one of the first artists I learned about (in… …read more

A Fairy Tale Wedding at a French Chateau

Is there anything more romantic than a wedding in a French chateau? For part 2 of her story, Paige Frost takes us through her last-minute preparations for the big day…- Geneviève One and Only Paris Photography Most brides obsess over something. Will the flowers look right? Will my dress fit after the alterations? Will the… …read more

Paris, My Sweet: Amy Thomas’s Drool-Inducing New Book On Paris and New York’s Best Desserts

Lindsey Tramuta Here at HiP, we’re always up for a good expat adventure tale, particularly one in which desserts play a starring role. In her new book, Paris, My Sweet, food writer (and regular HiP Paris contributor!) Amy Thomas regales us with stories from her two-year stint in Paris, where she wrote advertising copy for… …read more

Kid-Friendly Travel: An American Family Visits the City of Lights

After half a day in the airport, a canceled flight and a sleepless passage over the ocean, I expected my children to nap away our first day in the City of Lights. But the magic of Paris revived us and it was 11 p.m., admiring the fire dancers at the Sacré-Coeur when my son said, “Mom,… …read more

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Planning A Wedding in France: Saying “I Do” In A French Chateau

“I’ve just been offered a job in Paris,” my boyfriend of one year announced. “I won’t even consider it if you’re going to rule out coming with me…” Huh? Definitely an invitation, not quite a proposal. So what’s a young, gainfully employed, woman-in-love to do? Quit her job, pack her bags and move to Paris,… …read more

Expat Special: What To Do With One Month in Paris

Piyapat Ch You’re about to realize your dream: living in Paris for a month. You found an apartment, booked your flight, and learned how to ask for les toilettes. You imagine strolling through the city, taking in the sights, hanging out at cafés, and being…Parisian.  Of course, part of the fun of travel is making… …read more

A Leap of Faith: Finding the Perfect Paris Apartment

Chris Waits; David L. After having made the huge, scary, glorious decision to quit my plum entertainment job of 14 years to move to Paris, all I could picture was drinking rosé in fabulous cafes in St. Germain and strolling with my soon-to-be-named French lover along the Seine.  It was going to be all storybook… …read more

Christmas in the City of Lights: Seeking Out Paris’ Holiday Cheer

Mic Mac When I popped home to the UK in November, London was already in full festive swing with Christmas trees, festive songs and neon lights galore. Sent back with a Cadbury’s chocolate advent calendar adorned with an oversized Santa, I was ready to start the Christmas season with a bang. Making Magique Yet once… …read more

A Day in London: Amy’s Perfect One-Day Itinerary

Amy Thomas loves London, and so do we.  In fact, we adore it so much we just launched our very first London vacation apartment, a gorgeous 2-bedroom rental in the heart of Chelsea.  If you’d like to do London in more than a day, and enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails in your very own central… …read more

Photographing Paris: Tips from a Travel Photographer

You’d think that as a travel photographer who’s endlessly enamored of Paris, finding infinite inspiration for things to shoot in the City of Light would be proverbial cake. Well, you’d be wrong. At least where this Francophile photog is concerned! My problem with Paris (and what a wonderful challenge to have) is that after so… …read more

Buying In Nice: Negotiating Real Estate A La Niçoise

Navigating the real estate scene in France can be tricky — even more so when you are unfamiliar with the labyrinthine bureaucracy and unusual quirks the French can be known for.  Adrian Leeds, who specializes in helping Americans negotiate the market to secure their dream pied-à-terres in France,  just recently ventured into the market in… …read more