Essays

Spring, à la Française

A French-inspired guide of what to read, watch, cook, and wear this spring.

Mar 20 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Day in My Life as an American Living in France

+ a few ways you can add a little more France to YOUR workday!

Feb 27 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Provence-Inspired Weekend Itinerary

What we did in Aix-en-Provence, and how to recreate it wherever you live.

Feb 19 • Olivia Wickstrom

France's Favorite January Dessert (And How to Eat It Right)

The galette des rois, explained.

Jan 22 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Year of Living French (Week 29): Art Belongs to Everyone Here

How a Friday afternoon at the Musée Matisse made me rethink cultural access.

Jan 3 • Olivia Wickstrom

The French Dinner Party Playbook

How to pace a meal, set the table, and keep guests lingering for hours (with recipes from Nice!)

Dec 13, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Year of Living French (Week 23): How to Flâner

The French practice of slow, observant walking — and how to bring it into your day.

Nov 21, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

What French Women Are Wearing This Fall

Real trends from real women, noticed on long autumn walks through France.

Nov 14, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Year of Living French (Week 19): Chestnut Festival 101 + 5 Cozy Fall Recipes

The French fall tradition I never knew I needed, plus recipes to make your weekend feel a little more magical!

Oct 23, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Year of Living French (Week 18): French Pharmacy Skincare I Love

Welcome back to A Year of Living French, a series where I explore the rituals and traditions helping me build a slower, more intentional life as an…

Oct 16, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Year of Living French (Week 17): Autumn, à la Française

A guide to the small French rituals that make fall feel richer: recipes, books, films, and style.

Oct 9, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

A Year of Living French (Week 15): Meet Me at the Market

What we can learn about food, pace, and belonging from a French market.

Sep 25, 2025 • Olivia Wickstrom

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