How Did the Hunchback Get His Name?

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France has just celebrated the reopening of its iconic cathedral, Notre Dame, with a ceremony that brought together leaders from around the world. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century, but did you know that 200 years ago Victor Hugo helped save it?

Notre Dame was so badly damaged during the 1830 revolution that some thought it should be demolished. Then a year later, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was published, a novel that championed the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame. It sparked  a national movement to restore the cathedral  to its former glory.

The novel’s central character is the hunchback, one of the most famous characters in French literature. He is known for his terrible deformities, his love for Esmerelda, and his unusual name. But where did “Quasimodo” come from? 

Find out in Bonjour Paris!

A Seaside Lunch on Provence’s Côte Bleue

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Whenever Val and I get a taste for great seafood, we head south to the little port town of Niolon. It’s just a few miles west of Marseille but could be in another world.

The town is built around a small calanque, a kind of tiny fjord that opens onto the Mediterranean Sea. There are boats bobbing in the water and beautiful views of Marseille and the rugged coastline.

We always head for La Pergola, a restaurant with fabulous views and even better food. There’s nothing like eating fresh seafood and looking out at the sea from whence it came. And if we don’t feel like driving all the way to the coast, we can catch the train not far from St-Rémy and enjoy the view as we roll along.

Read all about Niolon and La Pergola in Perfectly Provence!

Bon bout d’an !

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In Provence, the traditional greeting this time of year is Bon bout d’an, or “have a good end of the year.” It’s the equivalent of saying Happy New Year in English.

Another thing you’ll hear is a new year’s wish in the old Provençal language that goes like this:

Diéu nous fague la gràci de vèire l’an que vèn, e se noun sian pas mai, que noun fugen pas mens.

It translates as, “By the grace of God, in the year to come, if there be not more of us, let there not be fewer of us.”
In other words, if we don’t have any babies born, at least let us not have anyone die!
Wishing you all a very happy new year,
Keith

Destination Christmas: Strasbourg vs Provence

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Strasbourg is known as “the Christmas capital of Europe,” with its festive mood, lights and holiday magic. The city gives you the feeling that if you were to bite into any of its buildings, they would taste like gingerbread and chocolate.

But is it the best place to experience a real French Christmas? I think not.

In Provence you’ll find festive local markets, colorful parades like the bravade calendale, and santons galore. There won’t be the crush of international tourists you’ll find in Strasbourg, and the weather will be much better than way up north.

One of my colleagues and I have debated which is the best Christmas destination. Who’s right? See what we have to say and decide for yourself!

Read all about it in Frenchly!

Everything You Need to Know About French Butter

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Butter is one of the glories of French cuisine. It’s a key ingredient in those flaky pastries and lighter-than-air croissants we love so much. And is there anything better than a smear of French butter on a slice of crusty baguette?

But why is it so good?

Lucky me, I was asked by the French butter association (yes, there is such a thing) to write about French butter. They even offered to send me a bunch of samples. What could I say but yes?

Now I know all about French butter and why it is so good. I even organized a butter tasting to compare it to American butter (spoiler alert: the French win.)

Read all about it in Frenchly!

France’s 3 Digital Art Centers

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Val and I visited Bordeaux this spring and saw something really remarkable: a former Nazi submarine base that had been turned into a digital art center. It was incredible! Beautiful art was projected onto the walls and reflected off the water, while lovely music played. Something that had once been a place of war had been turned into a place of beauty. It was the highlight of our visit.

This is one of three such digital art centers in France. There is also one in Paris, inside an old factory. And the place it all started is in Provence, in an abandoned quarry inside a mountain. They are all fantastic places to visit, brilliant and creative and so French.

Read all about them in France Today!

What Do They Call It?

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If you’ve been to France, you’ve probably had a luscious pain au chocolat for breakfast (they are irresistible!) Or maybe some croûtons in your salad. And if you were feeling adventurous, perhaps a few escargot drenched in butter.

I was surprised to learn that not all French people use the terms pain au chocolat, croûton, and escargot! There are regional variations in France, as in a lot of countries, and a French professor has written a fun book about them. Now I know that if I’m in Toulouse, I’d better order a chocolatine if I want that breakfast treat.

Read about some of these interesting regional terms in My French Life!

A Dog’s Life in France

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I’ll admit it, I’m crazy about my dog Mica. When Val and I go to Provence every year, there’s no way we can leave her behind! So off she goes, with her toys and her Pet Passport (yes, it’s a thing.)

Mica goes everywhere with us, from strolls in town to places we explore. She helps us get our exercise and meet new people. I’ve written a little piece about having a dog in France that you might enjoy.

Read all about it in France Today!

How to Retire in France: A 6-Step Guide

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Frenchly has published a helpful guide on moving to France, and I was one of the people they interviewed for it.

The guide covers a lot of ground: how to decide where to live, buying versus renting, how to purchase a property, obtaining visas, health insurance, and more. It’s a great overview for people considering a move to la belle France.

Read all about it in Frenchly!