It is French Week on TSLL blog, and that means the T&T is overflowing with French finds. Oodles of French books – novels, history, cookbooks, travel and more. A new French film that will be released later this month, which looks absolutely delightful and won praise when it debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, clothing for autumn, two a French mystery series that will or just became available – one returning the other debuting, and I didn’t forget about two British series that are premiering next week and that I didn’t want you to miss. Still, there is more!

Books

—The Frenchmen: Or, My Life in Theory by Emily Eakin

If you like philosophy and specifically the French perspective, yet only from the men in France (hmmm . . . ), then this looks to be a great book to read from leading critic and essayist Emily Eakin, who shares “a stylish personal history of French theory and its unlikely domination of American culture.”

“When Emily Eakin arrived at Harvard in the late 1980s, she fell under the spell of an eclectic body of philosophical texts by a handful of French authors. This was French theory, a set of recondite ideas that had taken American campuses by a storm during the preceding decades. In retrospect, the influence of these men and their writings seems both extraordinary and improbable.”

“Looking closely at Jacques Derrida, Louis Althusser, Roland Barthes, Gilles Deleuze, Michel Foucault, Félix Guattari, Jacques Lacan, and the French-speaking Belgian Paul de Man, Eakin untangles their famously difficult works with peerless, delightful clarity. What’s more, she brings to light the eccentric, scandalous—at times criminal!—lives of thinkers who themselves were often highly averse to biography, in a daringly original weave of storytelling and exegesis.”

—Fleurs: Bouquets, Arrangements, and French Floral Inspirations by Adrienne Ryser 

Florist, Adrienne Ryser, and owner of L’Arrosoir, Paris’s oldest flower shop, recently released her first book this past April. In Fleurs, “Adrienne shares her approach to flower arranging, combining her own whimsical influences with the more traditional French rules for flowers—as well as how and when to break them. In the style of a cookbook, with more than 50 bouquet ‘recipes,’ you can rely on clear, step-by-step instructions and explanations of techniques.”

—La Belle France: British Artists Abroad, from Walter Sickert to David Hockney by Simon Morley 

Being released on September 1st comes La Belle France. “The late nineteenth to mid-twentieth century was the “golden age” of British artists living and working in France.” The author, Simon Morley, “travels in the footsteps of artists including Francis Bacon, the Bloomsbury Group, Edward Burra, Leonora Carrington, David Hockney, Gwen John, Ben Nicholson, and Walter Sickert. Traveling extensively all over France, while “they were attracted to Paris, home to renowned art academies, galleries, modern masters, and a liberating bohemian lifestyle, [they also took] painting holidays in Normandy and Brittany, or, [were] drawn by the Mediterranean climate, cheap properties and the relaxed hedonistic lifestyle in Provence and the Riviera.”

—The Little Book of French Signs by Kim Buddee

Released this past May, The Little Book of French Signs, while full of images in its short 96 pages, celebrates the stunning graphic design and lettering artworks that grace the streets and buildings of the cities and countryside in France. “This collection of images serves not only as a testament to the remarkable diversity of the signs, but also as tribute to the artists and craftsmen who brought them to life. Some signs are merely functional objects—others are works of art—but all are windows into the past and reflections of the present, capturing the essence of the French spirit and its change over time.”

—The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris by Mark Pryor

Shared in the first post of this year’s Annual French Week was a list of French mystery series set all over France. Now, a new series that just debuted earlier this year, A Paris Bookshop Mystery. “Hugo Marston, former head of security at the U.S. embassy in Paris, has retired and is ready to realize his lifelong dream of owning a mystery and antiquarian bookshop. But when a blackmail scheme targeting a chocolatier leads to murder, Hugo is again called to investigate.” The second book is already scheduled to be released in spring 2027, so put on your sleuthing cap and start reading! 

—The Movie Lovers Guide to Paris by Ruby Boukabou 

Released this past spring, if you are a movie buff and especially love French films, this is a book to pick up. “Explore iconic film locations, dine at the bistros your favourite characters have frequented, catch a classic at an art-house cinema, and immerse yourself in fascinating film events and tours.”

—A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cossé (translated by Alison Anderson)

A French novel now translated into English, A Novel Bookstore tells the story of a “tucked away bookstore in Paris [that] offers a selection of literary masterpieces chosen by a top-secret committee of literary connoisseurs. Founded by two friends, Ivan and Francesca, to their amazement, the little dream store quickly proves a success. And that is precisely when their troubles begin. At first, both owners shrug off the anonymous threats that come their way and the venomous comments circulating on the Internet, but when three members of the supposedly secret committee are attacked, they decide to call the police.” Let the mystery begin and set the story in Paris!

—Paris Curious: Where to Eat, Stay, and Explore: An Insiders Guide to the City by Federico Iarlori 

Described as the guidebook “for the art-lover looking for the most interesting galleries and unusual museums, or the foodie looking to sample France’s famous cuisine – must-have for travelers looking to experience Paris like a true Parisian.” Complete with engaging illustrations throughout by Monica Lovati.

—Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris by Graham Robb

Graham Robb has become known for diving deep into the archives of history to share all sorts of intriguing information lesser known (or not at all). In Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris, he introduces readers to “the Paris you never knew. From the Revolution to the present, Graham Robb has distilled a series of astonishing true narratives, all stranger than fiction, of the lives of the great, the near-great, and the forgotten.” From Napoleon’s first sexual encounter, Marie Antoinette’s ill-fated wrong turn, and many more hard-to-believe-but-they-happen-to-be true stories of names well-known in French history.

British Finds

—Bergerac, season 1, PBS Masterpice

While the third season of this adaptation of the original Bergerac has already received the greenlight and is in production, we here in the States, are just now (beginning this Sunday) being treated to the first season. Read all about this new Bergerac in this detailed post, as it was chosen as the Petit Plaisir for episode #431 of The Simple Sophisticate.

—Ludwig, season 2, BBC One (soon on BritBox)

I am thrilled to share the good news! Season 2 premieres this coming Thursday, August 20th, on BBC One! That means that in a few months’ time, likely early next year, it will premiere on BritBox. I will definitely keep you posted, but wanted to share with you all today this good news as I know many of you (like me) were patiently waiting to see when it would be back. Have a look at the trailer below and enjoy!

Cookbooks

—French from the Market by Hillary Davis

Released this past March, the latest cookbook from Hillary Davis “shows us that French food isn’t always haute cuisine. Traditional, daily French cooking is provincial and farm-driven. It is also an art, that uses the freshest and finest ingredients available from gardens, markets, and local vendors to put nourishing meals on the table. And, as Davis points out, French home cooking is not hard. The 100-plus recipes for starters, soups, salads, fish, poultry, meats, vegetables, and desserts in this cookbook, along with detailed instructions and tips, prove her right.”

Films

—En Fanfare (English title, The Marching Band)

I cannot wait to watch this film. Originally released in 2024 in France and a great success at the Cannes Film Festival, it will finally premiere here in the States on August 21st. Have a look at the trailer, as it explains the film’s premise well right out of the gate.

Shopping

—Berry & Thread Petite Cake Stand, whitewash

As a baker, it is nice to have display tableware to place your creations that also functions well to keep the kitchen tidy. Perfect for smaller items, this stand has a lip to ensure nothing slides off.

—COS Cashemre Crew-Neck Jumper, navy (three other colors)

COS has a great Fall collection, and their cashmere sweaters are worth checking out, as they are available at a great price. Interesting to note however, the navy is only available on the UK online shop. The grey, however, is available in both.

—COS Checked Wool Jacket, beige

—Huckberry’s Le Mont St. Michel French Work Chore Jacket, many colors

Gardeners, this chore jacket is one of note. The classic work jacket, made in France since 1913, the Le Mont St. Michel. Yes, it’s a men’s jacket, but simply size down. Made of 100% cotton and unlined, “Le Mont St Michel has been outfitting French farmers and craftsmen in Normandy and Brittany with their genuine Work Jacket for over a century. The three-pocket, boxy silhouette has withstood the test of time, showing no signs of ever going out of style. Built from a heavy moleskin cotton and constructed with hard-wearing craftsmanship, it’s a layer you’ll have—and wear—for decades to come.”

—Juliska’s Tuileries Garden Mesh Round Food Cover Set/2pc – Natural

For dining outdoors, a common tableware item I saw used in France is the mesh food cover, and why not make it beautiful?

—Moismont’s bags – No. 46 Bari Amazon, more colors

A lot of style, and available in many different sizes and colors, Moismont’s bags are “crafted from handwoven cotton, offering an authentic texture and natural drape. Functional, it features a large interior side pocket as well as a dedicated phone pocket, complete with an interior carabiner to keep your essentials within easy reach. Its double handles allow it to be carried on the shoulder or by hand. A practical and textured tote bag, designed for everyday use.”

—OUI Masionette French mug, Etsy

—Papier’s Croissant foiled notecard set (personalization available)

Another way to add a touch of our love of France into our life. Croissant stationery notecards.

—Violette_FR Lip Balm Amour

A new approach to lip balm, and one that is receiving much love from its users and beauty critics. “The anhydrous (waterless) formula is packed with high-performance, skincare-grade actives that soften, soothe, restore, and replenish. A proprietary blend of phyto-collagen activator and tripeptides at twice the functional dose works beneath the surface for lips that are visibly smoother, fuller, and healthier. The cooling ceramic applicator turns every use into a moment of ritual.” And it’s available at a nice low price, $26, compared to other French skincare brands.

Television

—Cassandre, season 8, MHzChoice

The team is back in the Alps, Annecy, more precisely, to solve crimes and figure out their personal lives. Have a look at the trailer below and look for the new season to kick off on August 16th.

—Coastal Unit, PBS/Walter Presents

I stumbled across this new French series and quite enjoyed the first season (so far, only one is available). Set in the south of France, in the small town of Cap-aux-Meules near Montpellier, the team is tasked with solving three new crimes each episode: one serious (a death), another civil, and another, best described as somewhat comical. The eight recurring characters are each enjoyable, with distinct personalities, and with one being a transfer from Paris with family ties to the police squad, there is a bit of a mystery within the police squad house as well.

—Lingopie, a new way to learn a language

A new-to-me website that helps us learn a new language is Lingopie. Focusing primarily on watching videos, actual shows (some of which you will recognize from MHzChoice), that allow you the opportunity to have subtitles in French (which is not available in the settings on the MHzChoice service), Lingopie’s philosophy is that watching, hearing, and verbally saying the language repeatedly helps to speed up the acquisition of the new language. Have a look at their video of introduction below.

—Lupin, season 4, Netflix

We may have to wait just over two months, season 4 premieres on October 23rd, at least we now know there is a season 4! Wahoo! No official trailer has been released, but I will be sure to keep you in the know as the date approaches. Omar Sy Arsène Lupin is back! Below is the video that was officially released by Netflix a few months ago.

---

French Week on TSLL! And heading to the farmers’ market in the middle of summer. Two sweet occasions savored. The skies have been clearer this week as the temperatures have dropped, and we even had a nice long rain show yesterday evening. Needless to say, much to be grateful for here in the Bend and central Oregon area. While I have been attached to my keyboard and office most of the week, it has been a true delight to read all of the comments and conversations from you all as the 11th Annual French Week unfolded.

And the week of celebrating isn’t over yet! As many well know, we still have two more new posts, and one of them is the Grand Giveaway for Premier members. It will be posted later today (noon Pacific time), and you will only have 24 hours to enter before the window closes for all giveaways at noon on Saturday, so be sure to pop back by if this is before then. And then, there will be one new post on Saturday, and then on Sunday, all of the giveaway winners will be announced.

There is still time to become a Premier member so that you can enter these exclusive giveaways – explore all of the details and many other benefits here.

Good news on the guest bedroom front: all window treatments have arrived and will be installed next week, and I quite enjoyed deciding on which French tassel tie-back to choose (have to add a small touch of France to this room even if it is primarily British-focused ;)). Also, just a heads up, I will be taking my regular week off next week. Once French Week wraps up, the next new post will be next Friday, so there won’t be a Motivational post or mid-week postings between the 17th and 20th. However, with so many French posts to explore, you will have some time to catch up before Season 17 of TSLL begins on Monday, August 24th, and the worldwide release of Savoring the Sojourn on Tuesday, August 25th! The audiobook has just been completed and will be uploaded soon, so the countdown to publication day is on!

But back to French Week and still there is more as I have gathered up articles and one video I think you might enjoy. Until later today, when the Grand Giveaway is posted, bonne journée !

~Art exhibits to visit in Paris this month [CNTraveller]

~Thank you Janet B. for sharing this article with me. It made me nod my head in agreement and chuckle. So much truth! Why Your French Self Has No Personality [France Today]

~Make sure to stop and shop when next in Paris! A new shop recently opened up in Paris and it’s all about butter! The Butter Shop! [IG – Paris Perfect Rentals]

~A fascinating story and incredible photographs of how the Bayeux Tapestry Got to the British Museum [NYTimes, gift link]

~The many moments/scenes that Paris was portrayed in Disney films.

~5 more things to help you master a new language, and one update I would make to this list, is when you are ready, change the subtitles to the language you are trying to learn. [Wirecutter]

~Home Tour of the Week! A Parisian pied-a-terre inspired by the city’s historic bookstores [Vogue Living]

~Did you hear? The Louvre jewelry heist is becoming a movie [Elle Decor]

~And one more Home Tour because pourquoi pas ! A London interior designer has outone themselves in this honey-hued bastide in south west France gently revived for modern life [House & Garden UK]

~How to actually introduce yourself in French taught by a friend of TSLL, Géraldine of Comme une Française,

Explore all of the Posts shared during this year’s French Week

---

~Explore last week’s edition of This & That: August 7th

~Please note: TSLL is supported by you, readers who take the time to stop by (merci!), peruse, and sometimes welcome into your life the mentioned and recommended finds. Affiliate links are present in this post and may earn commissions for TSLL when you make a purchase. View TSLL’s full Privacy Policy here.