Here lies Victor Noir Deceased age 22 19th century French journalist Shot in a duel for publicly criticising a relation of Napoléon III His tomb at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris depicts him in a life-size bronze statue, presumably the way he had fallen to his demise, his chapeau on the side, legs slightly apart [...]

“Blanc ou rosé?” “Les deux!” The first time I was offered a glass of Pineau, I opted for both. What better way to celebrate a family reunion in Dompierre-sur-mer, a charming town near the historic port of La Rochelle, when family from all over the globe decided to spring a surprise reunion in Europe. Pineau [...]

You alight the métro at Cité station your way to visit Notre-Dame de Paris. You stand on the small island of Ile de la Cité, mesmerised by the grandeur of the cathedral and the neighbouring Sainte-Chapelle. Your eyes are ablaze with picturesque sights you’ve seen in postcard so you capture a few memories of your [...]

Some people prefer to get around Paris on foot. After all, there is much to see and experience beside historical monuments and the sleepy Seine. Others conveniently hop on and off the métro at will, basking in the arty interiors of some of the stations. And for those who travel by car, they face the [...]

“I’ve got a zizi in my mouth” may not be the most inventive text message I have sent. But who could resist a juicy innuendo? These boys are smooth, powerful, delicious and oh-so-refreshing in the mouth. Everything a good zizi should be. Labelled as bonbons à sucer, they are mint-powered lollies in the shape of [...]

The last thing I thought I would do on a cool Parisian evening in the height of summer was dine with an American. “Menu anglais?” the sixty-something waitress asked as she ushered us towards a tiny table for two. “Main non!” I exclaimed my annoyance, offended that she had assumed I had no knowledge of [...]

The sleek métro whooshed past the eager passengers and came to a halt at the end of the platform. It was on time, as predicted on the illuminated board that counted down the minutes and seconds to the next train. Hoards of people packed the carriages like sardines yet they seemed aware of each others’ [...]