En Français: 5 French Scarf Stores to Know

Of all the quintessential clothing items loved by the French, I think the foulard tops the list. The French have the best scarf options for year-round wear. A multitude of textures, textiles, patterns, and prints are available for purchase in countless stores around France. In Paris, here’s where I recommend you look for a special scarf.

Museum shops (e.g., at the Louvre or Centre Pompidou) are great places to purchase a scarf because the scarves here are unique, artsy, and interesting. En plus, it’s unlikely that you can get the same scarf anywhere else.

Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are great options, too, because their scarf selections are so large.

Luxury brands like Hermès and Chanel have an incredible selection of classic scarves that will with you for years!

You might know the French brand Longchamp because of its gorgeous purses and luggage, but its scarves deserve attention, too. Many designs include an equestrian theme, but in the current collection, there are a few French designs that are sure to remind you of your Parisian vacation.

If you’re looking for a scarf that won’t put a dent in your budget, you might want to step into Monoprix to see what it has to offer. Monoprix is part-grocery store, part-home store, and part-clothing store. You can get a ton of shopping done at affordable prices here.

En Français: 5 French Homeware Brands to Know

Roche Bobois may be one of the first furniture brands that comes to mind when we think about French furniture. Its furniture is easy, slouchy, and effortless, even if the price tags tell a different story.

Ligne Roset began as in 1860 and it remains a family-owned company. It collaborates with designers to bring interesting, creative, and memorable pieces to the marketplace.


Pierre Frey was founded in 1935, and since then, it has been manufacturing luxurious textiles.

The next brand may be a stretch for the “homeware” category, but because it has home scents in its collection, I feel it’s appropriate to include it here. I’m speaking of Fragonard – the French parfumerie.

room diffuser – Fragonard

La Cornue produces the ultimate in luxurious kitchen appliances. The pieces are absolutely impressive.

En Français: 5 French Restaurants To Know

Oh, jeez, there are so many delicacies in Paris. From the boulangeries to the patisseries to every other -erie, there is plenty of food to keep you full as you explore France. Sure, you can survive on cheese, baguette, and wine, but sometimes you want to indulge on even more! C’est vrai?!

Today I’m focusing on Parisian restaurants that are currently on my radar. On y va!

I came across Josephine Chez Dumonet via Mimi Thorisson‘s Instagram. This soufflé has all of my attention!

Le Grand Marnier soufflé at Josephine Chez Dumonet – photo by Mimi Thorisson

I spotted Kong on Gabrielle Caunesil‘s Instagram as she seems to go there each time she’s in Paris. The view and atmosphere look wonderful. The reviews online are varied. I’m not sure I’ll make it on this trip, but it does look interesting.

Alain Ducasse is a well-known French chef and has many restaurants around Paris (and France and Japan and USA), including in Le Meurice and Plaza Athenée (two of Paris’s most luxurious hotels).

Alain Ducasse – Le Meurice

I went to Montparnasse 1900 brasserie on my last trip to Paris, and I had a delicious meal among art deco decor. It was a lovely evening with friends, and you wouldn’t have to twist my arm to make a return visit.

Montparnasse 1900

Paul is a chain restaurant, and it makes me très happy. They’re everywhere, so if you’re ever in need of a quick bite of something savory or sweet, Paul is a great place to go.

Paul
Paul

Two for Tuesday: Read and Watch en Français

During my undergrad, I read so many classic and contemporary novels, plays, and poems en français. Then, when I was a teacher, I read kids books daily, and in my PhD life, I read a French academic article every now and then. Since then, however, I’ve read minimally in French. I never pick up any French books now, although this post reminds me that there’s no reason why I shouldn’t. I know a lot about language learning and teaching, and so I should know better. To continue building skills in a language, reading in that language is a must!

One of my favourite, classic French plays is Le Malade Imaginaire by Molière. This was the last piece Molière wrote back in 1673. Yes, 1673! Can you imagine? When I had to read it for for class, I remember laughing and I did the same when we watched the film. It’s so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh.

In addition to reading, listening, too, is a skill that needs practice when learning another language. One French movie that I recommend because of its characters, humour, scenery, and story is Amélie. It’s such a charming movie, and it you’re like me, you’ve already watched it countless times. With each viewing, I seem to discover yet one more quirk about the piece.

Amélie

En Français: 5 French Clothing Brands To Know

It’s French week here on White Cabana. What does this mean exactly? Well, I’m writing about French fashion, food, and design every day this week. Great idea, right? Oui! If you’re anything like me, then you’ll appreciate the fine French beauty that comes with each of these categories.

So today I’m sharing some French clothing brands (minus one jewelry brand) that you may/may not have seen in your online and real-life travels. I’m featuring the more affordable side of France rather than the luxury brands that you may associate with France – like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Goyard, Longchamp, and Hermes.

On y va? Shall we get started?

Sézane seems to be a new favourite among New Yorkers as much as it is with French women. And perhaps others world-wide, too. As for me? While I have yet to experience Sézane up-close, from afar, I appreciate the delicate details of the company’s collection each season.

Étam has been one of my stops during every trip I’ve ever taken to Paris. I love the price points and the commitment to bringing on-trend items to the marketpace. They have the prettiest lingerie sets, and the company’s loungewear and sleepwear are sweet.

Princess Tam Tam is another shop to stop into on any trip to France if you’re looking for more cute pyjama sets or underthings.

Agatha is the place to go to if you’re shopping for some jewelry. Many years ago, my mom bought me a classic silver bangle from here, and I continue to wear it nearly daily. It reminds me of our time together touring Paris. The Scottie is Agatha’s mascot, so there are many pieces with it on them. And, yes, I know Agatha doesn’t fit into the clothing category, but let’s be a touch flexible with the rules, shall we?

Comptoir des Cotonniers always has a perfect-for-me collection of easy to wear, classic pieces for work and leisure.