As much as I enjoy traveling, particularly by train, I haven’t used my proximity to the rest of France to my advantage. At least, not enough. There are so many areas of this country I have left to discover and not enough long weekends to make it happen. Brittany, Lille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Strasbourg and Nice all fall on my must-visit list (though I will soon be able to cross off Toulouse).
Each December, Mr. C considers taking me to Strasbourg, aptly labeled the Christmas Capital, for their famed holiday market but we still have never gone. We get caught up in local festivities and try to avoid large crowds. After connecting with Ashley of the blog Chasing Heartbeats, however, who works and lives near Strasbourg, and reading just how much there is to do, I am determined to get there this year.
A photographer and freelance writer by trade, Ashley left California for a year in Paris before settling on the Franco-German border with her German fiancé. Chasing Heartbeats documents her life, travels and inspirations, often through photography. Of late she’s been chronicling her search for the perfect bridesmaid dress for her forthcoming Fall wedding in Cape Cod. But when she isn’t writing there, she’s contributing to Matchbook, an online design and lifestyle magazine and making the most of small town life.
Describe what you love about France in three words.
Cuisine, style, beauty.
What should Francophiles know about Strasbourg?
There is more to the city than just the petite France where most tourists spend all of their time. It is super charming and very typical of Alsace, but the city has so much more to offer than just that tiny little quarter!
Favorite French fashion boutique?
It’s more than a boutique but Le Bon Marché is one of my favorite stores in the world. La Grande Epicerie is somewhere I stop by every time I am in Paris and want to find some fancy foodie gifts for others or myself.
What is the most striking difference for you between working in California and working in France?
The amount of vacation days in the year! Five or six weeks of vacation is the norm here compared to two back in the States. Being able to take long stretches of time away from work is not a luxury here but is seen as an essential part of life. It definitely improves the work environment and quality of life as a whole. If and when I move back to the States, I will make it my priority to find a way to bring that part back with me.
Most inspirational area of France to photograph?
Paris! During my time living there, I would spend my free days wandering aimlessly, camera in hand, finding inspiration around every corner.
Something you bring with you from France each time you return to California?
Living on the border, we really have the best of both worlds. Things in Germany are pretty affordable but France has the quality items I love. I hope across the border to do a lot of grocery shopping but I always buy cheese, wine and salt from France. When I go home to the States there is always a bottle or two of wine from Alsace in my suitcase… my family expects it! On trips to Paris I pick up a bottle of Comme des Garçons perfume from their store in the Place du Marché St. Honoré.
With any luck, Ashley and I will have a chance to meet in Paris this summer! Be sure to follow her blog, and her work for Matchbook Magazine. Want to know her intentions behind “Chasing Heartbeats”? Catch her on Twitter and ask!
All photos courtesy of Ashley Ludaescher.
