Valentine’s Day exists on both sides of the Atlantic, but it doesn’t quite mean the same thing in France and in the United States. While both cultures celebrate love on February 14, the tone, expectations, and social role of the holiday diverge in subtle but revealing ways.   In France , La Saint-Valentin is firmly rooted in the idea of romantic intimacy . It is a day reserved almost exclusively for couples, lovers, partners, spouses. There’s little sense that the holiday

A Personal Note Bonjour! Je m’appelle Chloé, et je suis ravie de vous rencontrer ! I’m so happy to meet you! Although I visited France and my French family several times while growing up in Northern California, deciding to actually live  here was a very different, and far more challenging...story. It’s a bold step, especially at 22 years old. It means leaving behind everything familiar to explore a lifestyle I’ve always admired and wanted to understand more deeply. With my

Mardi Gras is a festival that captures the imagination with its colorful parades, lively music, and rich traditions. While many associate Mardi Gras with the vibrant celebrations in New Orleans, its roots trace back to France. Understanding the origins of Mardi Gras and how it is celebrated differently in France and the United States reveals much about cultural adaptation and the enduring spirit of festivity. Traditional French Mardi Gras parade with masks and costumes The Or