Eternally slim, natural beauties, with well-behaved children and perfect soufflés–how do the French do it? Steal all their tricks (without becoming a snob!) with this humorous lifestyle guide.
To help us make sense of the French enigma, Frédérique Veysset and Valérie de Saint Pierre break down the different French tribes into seven categories in their lifestyle guide, Ze French Do It Better. As you read through the book, you’ll be able to find out which of the categories that you most identify with.
The Classic Frenchy
Aristo Chic
Vintage Bourgeois
Modern Bourgeois
Intellectual
Eco-warrior Bohemian
Foodie
As a lover of all things French, I was eager to find out which tribe I most belonged with. It turns out I’m a combination of The Classic Frenchy (Thanks to my love for Berets) and Foodie (because a freshly baked baguette with the perfect amount of crackle, and chèvre are all I need to create a delicious meal!)
In the first chapter dedicated to The Classic Frenchy we read about things synonymous with French culture from the well known landmark The Eiffel Tower, to the resurgence of the Classic French Bistro where you can enjoy comfort food made the authentic French way, and how Coco Chanel came up with the name No.5 for her iconic perfume.
At the end of each chapter you’ll find a map with spots to check out according to the tribe, a survival guide and suggestions for shops to purchase French products from this side of the Atlantic.
This book is definitely one to read before your next (or first) trip to France.
About the Authors:
Frédérique Veysset is a true Parisian and has worked for magazines including Vanity Fair, Glamour, Grazia Italy, and Madame Figaro. She co-authored Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic, an international bestseller that has been translated into 15 languages.
Valérie de Saint Pierre is a lifestyle and trends journalist for Madame Figaro and has contributed to Elle and Vogue Homme. She is the author of an iconic book on attitudes of the 1980s.
Ze French Do It Better is available today and you can purchase your copy here.
Many thanks to Rizzoli New York for the opportunity to review this book and share about it here on The Avid Pen.
All images in this post about © Ze French Do It Better by Frédérique Veysset and Valérie de Saint-Pierre Flammarion, 2019.
Leave a Reply