Author: Elisabeth Perotin

french history, parisLeave a comment
Nicolas Flamel

The Oldest House in Paris : From medieval Paris to Harry Potter

Elisabeth Perotin

In a quiet street of Paris’s 3rd arrondissement, at 51 rue de Montmorency, stands a modest medieval house. Its stone façade is discreet, almost austere. Tourists pass by without always noticing it. Yet this building is often described as the oldest surviving house in Paris, dating back to 1407. And its former owner is one of the city’s most enigmatic figures: Nicolas Flamel. More than six centuries after his death, Flamel continues to blur the line between history and myth — partly thanks to modern popular culture, and notably, Harry Potter. Continue reading The Oldest House in Paris : From medieval Paris to Harry Potter

paris, Travel in FranceLeave a comment
Ladurée Champs Elysées

Ladurée Reimagined : Discover the New Champs-Élysées Experience

Elisabeth Perotin

On the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Ladurée is entering a new era. After several months of renovation, the legendary Parisian patisserie unveils its refreshed and expanded setting. Now stretching across an impressive 1,000 m², the new Ladurée Champs-Élysées offers a richer, more immersive culinary experience that blends heritage with modernity. It is not just a boutique—it is a journey into the essence of French art de vivre. Continue reading Ladurée Reimagined : Discover the New Champs-Élysées Experience

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Nina métayer

Nina Métayer’s Magical Christmas Creations for 2025

Elisabeth Perotin

Every year, French pastry chef Nina Métayer turns the holiday season into a poetic, edible fairytale. Her creations are always exceptionally delicate, precise, and full of emotion—one of the many reasons her work fascinates me. I’ve always had a soft spot for pastry chefs who balance finesse with imagination, and Nina is, without question, my absolute favorite. Continue reading Nina Métayer’s Magical Christmas Creations for 2025

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Astier de vilate

Astier de Villatte : Timeless Parisian Craftsmanship

Elisabeth Perotin

Tucked away in the heart of Paris, Astier de Villatte embodies a world where everyday objects become quiet works of art. Founded in 1996 by Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte, the brand has grown into one of the city’s most cherished maisons, celebrating craftsmanship, beauty, and a distinctive sense of nostalgia. Their creations feel as if they have stepped out of another time—yet they fit effortlessly into modern homes. Continue reading Astier de Villatte : Timeless Parisian Craftsmanship

paris, Travel in FranceLeave a comment
Cedric Grolet chocolate

Cédric Grolet’s Chocolate Wonderland: A Parisian Delight

Elisabeth Perotin

Paris has never lacked extraordinary chocolatiers, but when Cédric Grolet decides to open a chocolate boutique of his own, the entire pastry world pays attention. Known for his ultra-realistic fruit pastries, sculptural viennoiseries, and long queues outside his Paris shops, Grolet is now taking his signature style into the world of chocolate—and the result is already creating a buzz. Continue reading Cédric Grolet’s Chocolate Wonderland: A Parisian Delight

french culture, Travel in FranceLeave a comment
Floral cafe in paris

French vs. American Habits : The Charming (and Surprising) Differences

Elisabeth Perotin

When you live between two cultures , or simply love observing them , you quickly notice that the little everyday habits say so much more than big historical dates ever could.

France and the US share some values, but if you look closer, our daily rituals couldn’t be more different. Here are a few I see (and love) every time I switch from Parisian cafés to American diners. Continue reading French vs. American Habits : The Charming (and Surprising) Differences