Fête des Lumières in Lyon

Lyon transforms from a laid-back metropolitan to a bustling city dazzling with lights around every corner for four days in December. Lyon's famed festival, Fête des Lumières, or Festival of Lights, illuminates the city with magic and wonder through various light displays. After organizers canceled the event in 2020 due to COVID, it was back … Continue reading Fête des Lumières in Lyon

Travel Traditions: Christmas Ornaments

With Thanksgiving officially over, it's time to decorate for Christmas! I was all for putting up our Christmas tree as soon as possible, but Jordan convinced me we should wait and keep our christmas ornaments stored until after Thanksgiving. No skipping holidays in this house! That, and the fact we spent the previous two weeks … Continue reading Travel Traditions: Christmas Ornaments

La Désalpe: A Switzerland Tradition

One of the many reasons we like living in France is the opportunity to observe and experience unique cultural traditions. In general, these are things we would not have sought out to do if we only had a fixed amount of time on vacation. But now that every weekend feels like a vacation in Europe, … Continue reading La Désalpe: A Switzerland Tradition

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Enjoying the Terraces in France

The long-awaited opening of terraces arrived in France on Wednesday, May 19. Restaurants and bars that are lucky enough to have an outdoor space reopened precisely 203 days after closing for the second lockdown in October. Previously a ghost town, our neighborhood is starting to feel alive again. In the days leading up to the … Continue reading Enjoying the Terraces in France

The History of French Macarons

French macarons are one of the most widely recognized items alongside croissants, berets, and baguettes. I’ve always loved eating them but recently enjoyed making them. These colorful pastries are perfectly smooth on top with raised feet, a chewy bite, and a decadent filling. But were they always this picture-perfect? Let’s explore the history and origin … Continue reading The History of French Macarons

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Valentine’s Day in France

Choose your side. Are you team "Valentine's Day is an artificial holiday created is a holiday created by candy and card companies to sell more products?" Or are you team "Valentine's Day is the most romantic day of the year" and think of grandiose plans to spend the day? For me, I'm more of the … Continue reading Valentine’s Day in France

French Traditions: Chandeleur and Crepes

February 2 is a day rooted in different traditions all over the world. It's a day for many that determine the outlook for the upcoming year. Americans look forward to February 2 every year to see if winter will be extended or determine if spring is on the way. Certain religions celebrate this day as … Continue reading French Traditions: Chandeleur and Crepes