An Enjoyable Paris Stroll

Are you planning a trip to “The City of Light”? Perhaps you have dreamed of strolls along famous Paris streets or through quaint Paris neighborhoods. In this remarkable city, each turn brings a new café, historical site or a fascinating store to explore. And what about those ornate bridges over the River Seine? Many of these bridges offer stellar views.

Four Favorite Bridges in France

France has some of the most remarkable bridges in the world. Here are four of my favorites, three of which are located in Paris, “The City of Light.”

Gignac Bridge (Joel Berthonneau)

The Lively Loire City of Tours

Tours

In 1979, when I was twenty-one, I traveled abroad and worked as an au pair for a wealthy French family in the Loire Valley. The small town of  where I lived was charming, but I was also drawn to the nearby larger town of Tours.

The Incomparable Château de Chenonceau

My photo from 2001

In this second post highlighting my favorite French chateaux from the Loire Valley, I’m featuring  the Château de Chenonceau. Known for its architectural mixture of Gothic and French Renaissance, the château was originally constructed on the Cher River sometime during the 12th century. Destroyed twice and rebuilt, it eventually fell into the hands of French King Henry II, who gifted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, in 1547.

The Petite Prince Returns

When my husband and I moved from Washington to Arizona in 2014, we had to do a lot of downsizing. As I rummaged through old boxes, sorting “keep” piles and “give away” piles, I stumbled across my copy of Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) from my stay in France, in 1980. My heart lurched as I picked up the well-used book, turned to the first page and discovered  an inscription — long forgotten — from “Michel,” one of my love interests in my sequel, French Illusions, From Tours to Paris.  

French Illusions: My Five Best Writing Tips

My first memoir, French Illusions, My Story as an American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, took me three years and countless hours to complete. During that time, I studied and learned how to write. Of course I also hired editors to finalize the process.

My Book Editing Journey

Choosing an editor for French Illusions back in 2013 wasn’t easy. As a matter of fact, it was downright difficult. I searched the web for many months, pouring through blogs and editors guilds until I found three candidates who looked promising. I asked for references, contacted all  of them and received good feedback.

Travel Journaling – It’s Easier Than Ever

I’m not sure who, or what, prompted me to keep a diary during my trip to France in 1979, but I’m sure glad I did. Without it, my book, French Illusions, My Story as An American Au Pair in the Loire Valley, probably never would have been written.

Name Changes in French Illusions

Back in 2007, when I decided to write a story based on my diary, I knew that I would have to change the names of people and places to protect identities. This was especially true with regard to my host au pair family. Acquiring permission from them was out of the question. Totally out of the question. Read my book and you’ll understand. Additionally, over thirty years had passed since I spoke with anyone I’d met in France. I no longer had any contact information.

A Delectable Memory

My diary from 1979 recounts my adventures living and working as an au pair in the Loire Valley, at the Château de Montclair, in France. Most of my diary entries revolved around my relationships with the family, but on occasion, I included recipes of favorite drinks or meals.