In an interview in 1954, when asked what she wore to bed, Marilyn Monroe's seductively replied: "Just five drops of Chanel No.5."

It's famous endorsements like these that make it easy to see how the so-called "scent of a woman" has catapulted from just another perfume, to a cultural icon.

After nearly  50 years in France, at age 70, I’m really no longer into climbing the Eiffel Tower or sailing down the Seine river on the “fly boats”, but when an American friend visiting Paris insists on my sharing her birthday celebration by accompanying her to the Moulin Rouge, it’s really difficult to say “no”.

You see them all over Paris—the elegant femmes d’un certain age (women of a certain age.)  They may not look exactly young per se, but they definitely look beautiful, stylish, intriguing, and sexy.  That’s the trick, really.  These gorgeous women don’t care so much about looking young. They are much more interested in looking alluring, but in a very subtle, grown-up way.

France and England have been inextricably linked for hundreds of years, so when British landscape designer, Deborah Hart, bought her French country house 5 years ago in the small, southwest village of Estang, she seamlessly brought the best of both worlds together.

The Paul Bert & Serpette Markets present: Jardins à la Franҫaise. 2013 is André Le Nôtre's 400th birthday (no darling, nothing to do with the pâtissier). Architect and landscape designer, he was  gardener to the King, King of gardeners, founder of the “Jardins à la Franҫaise” movement. While at Les Puces check out the Starck designed brasserie, Ma Cocotte. And we're keeping an enthusiastic eye on young talent Thibault Sombardier on Quai de New York, chez Antoine.

The European Night of Museums (or la Nuit européenne des musées in French) began in 2005, created by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. It takes place every year on the Saturday nearest to International Museum Day. This year both occasions fall on the same day - today, May 18th! Tonight, museums will close much later, allowing people to experience the cultural institutions by night. Access is most often free to the public. This photo was taken at Paris' Musée d'Art Moderne during last years event. Two million visitors participated in la Nuit des musées in 2012.

You know that sensation when you lift your foot to find a stair and then realize it’s not there? That shock when you walk into a glass door? That feeling when you try to move out of someone’s way before seeing you’re really only avoiding your own reflection? If you attend the Ron Mueck exhibit currently being held at the Fondation Cartier, prepare yourself to experience those emotions on a deep level and for an extended period of time—Mueck’s hyper-realistic statues will take you aback and leave you there for a long while.

A little lost one night some twenty years or more ago in the 13e or 14e, Joe wanders into a café and hears a woman singing like a jazz angel. He could never find her again... or the café. Encore un amour perdu, but a beautiful memory.

Baz Luhrmann explores the world of excess and beyond in his new film, 'The Great Gatsby', based on the novel written by former Paris resident, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Luhrmann also directed 'Moulin Rouge', set in 1900s Paris.

What if someone were to tell you that you could improve your life and make the world a better place simply by modifying your wine-drinking habits? I imagine most of us would be on board. It’s a bit more complicated than that, but reading Olivier Magny’s latest book may induce you to make a few lifestyle changes.

Are you a fashion victim? Do you sometimes want to buy something that “simply everyone will be wearing”? An ever changing kaleidoscope of looks, accessories, colors, shapes and bling assault us everyday and for every season. How can we not be a fashionista once in awhile?

Anais Nin, Henry Miller and Paris are all mysterious entities that live and exist within one another. Through learning about one we learn about the others and the relationship that the three shared is a story that continues to inspire millions of people around the world.

Raffles Le Royal Monceau wins a Michelin star for each of its' restaurants and celebrate with sparkling new menus served on a bucolic terrace in the heart of Paris. La Petite Cour is the perfect left-bank classic, with romantic terrace, informal atmosphere and talented new chef. Read Paul Piro's book on Evian and you'll be on the next train to spa-town. Who won the French Top-Chef prize? And, all the President's wine (or nearly) at auction.

Le Balm. An unusual name for a Parisian restaurant you might think.  However, as soon as you step inside this elegant new establishment in the shadows of the Ministry of Culture on rue de Valois, and are enveloped by the soothing vibes permeating the place, you sort of sigh and say to the gracious hostess, “Where might I be seated, please?”