MARTINA’S FRENCH WAYS #3: City and Country.
Bienvenue to Martina’s French Ways — a corner of the site where I share the little rituals, objects, and routines that shape my writing life here in Paris.
A Glimpse of Paris
A rail trip to Normandy in the north of France in the late days of May was spent in the typical French countryside. Sudden and unplanned, it was a journey to a place I have visited a few times, so it was familiar and both restorative and hectic at the same time. The countryside was green with crops and the cherry trees were with fruit. Although there were rain clouds in the distance, the fickle spring weather remained fair.
Related articles with photographs:
A brief departure from Paris: a train trip to rural Romilly
From Paris to Romilly: a French journey beyond the tourist map
Making my peace … with walking in rural France
The journey back to Paris from Romilly
On My Nightstand
The Exchange by John Grisham (2023) – This best-selling author’s books are generally not on my nightstand, but this one was given to me, and it’s the follow-on novel to The Firm (2010), the book that launched Grisham’s career. (Pick up a copy here).
In My Writer’s Bag
Lead pencils are always in my writer’s bag. Generally, I prefer pencils made in Germany, such as Staedtler graphite pencils, because the wood is from certified, sustainably managed forests and the lead is break resistant. (Get pencils here.)
Little Pleasures
I carry a lightweight cotton tote bag with me, which is convenient for shopping. I have a range of them, including one from the Paris 2024 Olympics with the mascot on it. Usually, I use one from my own merchandise, such as one with a picture of the Eiffel Tower from Rue Edmond Valentin in Paris. (Find it on my portfolio site here.)
Paris Details
French macarons are the ever-popular meringue-based dessert, well-loved by almost everyone. I don’t eat them often, but they are a nice mouthful when I feel like a treat.
In 2022, when Parisian businesses were re-opening, I went to a cooking class to learn how to make the French macaron. I was only one in the class because tourists, who love taking cooking courses in the city of food, had not yet returned to Paris in large numbers. I chose Le Foodist because it has a great reputation and it’s centrally located in the Latin Quarter. It offers classes from pastry-making (including the famous French baguettes) to vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free cooking classes, as well as market tours and wine tasting in Paris. (Find Le Foodist here and the best-seller French Macarons for Beginners here.)
Postcard From Paris
I’ve chosen a postcard photograph from the fields of rural Romilly in France taken at the end of May 2025 during my holiday and one from the streets of Paris the morning after rain showers taken in April 2024. Find merchandise of the Romilly postcard here or here and the Paris pink puddle here or here.)
Until Next Time
Thank you for being here.
À bientôt,
Martina
