Few things are as magical as the wonders of Paris decorated for the holidays. France, like more European countries, are more subdued in their public decorations than we are in the United States. However, the sparkling lights and decorated trees transform the French capital into a winter wonderland.
France, a predominantly Catholic country, celebrates the holiday season from December 6 (the feast of St. Nicholas) to January 6 (epiphany or la fete des rois in French). Below are a few unique French holiday traditions:
– French children leave their shoes on the hearth for Pere Noel (Father Christmas) on Christmas Eve. …read more

July 14 is Bastille Day, the French national holiday. It marks the day in 1789 when the Parisian populace stormed the Bastille prison, tearing down the walls and setting the seven prisioners free. The event set into motion the events that would eventually lead to the French Revolution and the creation of a republic in France.The day is celebrated with fireworks, the waving of the tricolore (the French red, white, and blue flag), and parades, none of which is larger than the parade down the Champs Elysees in Paris. Here is a segment of that parade in 2005, with …read more

Monday, July 14, is Bastille Day, the French national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris, an act that led to the French Revolution and the end of the monarchy in France.
In honor of the occasion, the people that make Pernod, the tasty French anise-flavored liqueur, have shared with us their recipe for Poussin (that's French for Cornish game hen) with Pernod. It's a nice recipe for any festive occasion.
Poussin Pernodine
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 oz (25g) butter, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon mixed dried herbs
2 tablespoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon chopped parsley salt and freshly ground …read more