15.50 - Small Ceremonies: Your Weekly Dose of French Magic
In this FREE le Bulletin join us for French civility, centuries-old fragrances, and a delightful Paris bistro that's somehow escaped the tourist radar.
Maybe you’re ready to gain a deeper understanding of France with myfrenchlife.org?
If so, then you may appreciate my gift to you until 31 December 2025.
Paid subscribers get:
exclusive Le Bulletin newsletter editions each weekend, and my fortnightly deep-dive French culture articles, French Book Club, PLUS 3 bonus months when you upgrade before 31 December.
That’s 15 months for the price of 12.
I recommend you give this consideration
And I look forward to extending your subscription from 12 to 15 months.
Today at a Glance: Your FREE weekly newsletter
Bonjour mes amis !
It’s wonderful to have you back here with me today! Bienvenue !
In this newsletter, you’ll find these wonderful fresh articles taking you to France beyond the cliché,
Watch out for and don’t miss the PAID subscriber edition of le Bulletin on Saturday this weekend: “15.50.a - Fresh Perspectives from France: From Lorrain on a Cardigan to Culture That Surprises-“- It’s not too late to upgrade & read it←
À bientôt !
Warmly,
Judy - 13.1.2026
1. MyFrenchLife™ Magazine new articles
“There are many talented contributors to MyFrenchLife Magazine and I thank all of you for sharing your experiences with us in such an engaging manner.
You take us right across France & deep into many worm-holes. We delight in discovering
and learning more about France beyond the cliché”
Merci
Judy
Our list of valued Contributors →
a) Say it first
by Victorine Lamothe
Sometimes, I like to think it sounds like a cat purring—low and rumbling, especially at the end, where that deep-in-your-throat French R rolls like velvet. Other times, it’s lighter: two soprano syllables that lift into the air like gossamer.
I’m talking, of course, about the word bonjour: the French word for “hello.”
I’ve never properly counted how many times I say it in a day, but it must be at least ten. That’s hundreds, maybe thousands, of bonjours each year. It’s the sound that separates silence from an encounter. It’s the tiny ceremony of recognition. When I open the door to a boutique in Paris—the creak of the hinge, the tinkle of a bell, the click-clack of shoes against tile—it’s the bonjour that makes me visible to the shopkeepers. Sometimes I say it first; other times the employee does. But whoever begins, the other always echoes it back. It’s call and response. A duet of civility…”write Victorine Lamothe
b) The scents that cleansed French homes for generations
by Jenn Bragg
Whenever I’m in France, I know I must pay a visit to a local pharmacy. Not because I’m sick when I travel, but because of the delights that are sold in them. And every time I go into one, there is an item I always see for sale, usually on or close to the counter: Papiers d’Arménie.
I wanted to find out more about these mysterious (to me) papers, so I went down a rabbit hole of history to find out a little more about them...” wrote Jenn Bragg
c) Restaurant Review: La Gorgée, Paris 6
by Claude Kolm
La Gorgée has been around for a while, and although it is in a touristed area, is open seven days a week, serves very good food, and even has recognition from the Gault & Millau restaurant guide (two chef’s toques), it remains delightfully unknown to the tourist websites and thus to tourists. Long may it remain that way!
The restaurant is situated not far west of the Luxembourg Gardens…” writes Claude Kolm
2. Merci mille fois
“Thank you for subscribing to ‘le Bulletin’, the newsletter of MyFrenchLife Magazine.”
Judy MacMahon
Chers amis (dear friends)
Thank you for spending this time with me today, chers amis. You know, every time I gather these stories for you, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with France in the first place. It’s not just the grand monuments or the famous museums—though those are wonderful too. It’s the everyday poetry. The way a simple greeting becomes a ritual. The way history lingers in something as humble as scented paper strips. The way a good restaurant can remain a local secret even in the heart of Paris.
These are the stories I live for, and I’m so grateful to share them with you each week. Our contributors, Victorine, Jenn, Claude, and so many others, pour their hearts into bringing you France beyond the cliché, and your engagement with their work means everything to us.
Don’t forget you can access our exclusive edition of le Bulletin.
”15.50.a - Fresh Perspectives from France: From Lorrain on a Cardigan to Culture That Surprises.”
And if you’re not yet an annual subscriber, this is your invitation to join our intimate circle and unlock all the special stories we save just for our members. (I’m currently offering a gift of 15 months for the price of 12 if that works for you) And if you are already a paid subscriber? Well, I can’t wait to share what’s coming with you.
May your days ahead be touched with a little French magic, wherever you are in the world.
Warmly, with gratitude and affection,
Judy x
judy@myfrenchlife.org
Here’s how you can stay in touch & personalise your le Bulletin experience, and deepen your French connection.
🔓 Here you can UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE FRENCH STORIES:
Become an annual member and save! Enjoy exclusive, intimate glimpses into France and French lives delivered straight to your inbox.
⭐ How you can BECOME A CHERISHED MIGHTY SUPPORTER:
If you love le Bulletin, you can help us share more stories of remarkable French women and authentic French experiences. Plus, enjoy special perks!
🎁 Perhaps you’d like to SHARE THE INSPIRATION:
Gift le Bulletin to friends and family who admire the strength and spirit of French women. It's the perfect way to share your passion for France.
💡 And don’t forget… you can always EXPLORE THE ARCHIVES:
Discover even more inspiring stories in our complete newsletter archive. Perfect for satisfying your Francophile cravings at any time that suits you, wherever you live, and at any time.