2011 has been a good year for so many of my favorite people. Frenetic, stressful, and perhaps even anxiety-inducing but overwhelmingly positive nonetheless. This is particularly true for Nichole Robertson of Little Brown Pen this year who found herself transforming her small business and staggeringly successful blog into a book.  Paris in Color will be released by Chronicle Books in the Spring and is the result of days upon days strolling the city (in all weather conditions) waiting for Paris’ natural color palettes and themes to catch her eye. Already available to pre-order, Nichole’s colorful journey will be a must for all of our Paris-focused collections.

In this last Franco File Friday of 2011, meet Nichole and her Paris.

Describe what you love about France in three words.
Salty, creamy, butter.

What about France do you think continues to seduce people from all corners of the world?
It’s a mysterious seduction, no? It’s easy to point to food, light, architecture and history, but you could say the same of many European cities. I’ve tried to pinpoint my own unyielding attraction to Paris, but have come up empty. That’s the point, I think. It’s like the love I feel for my husband. I could list a hundred attributes (charming, smart, caring, sexy, irreverent), that made it easy to fall in love with him, but it’s not comprehensive and never could be.

I like the magic, the mystery and the inability to convey my love for something in words. It’s a visceral connection and it’s cool. Paris seduces people, and I hope no one solves the mystery.

Preferred time of year to visit? Why?
I love Paris in the winter. The brisk air is invigorating, and it’s fun to duck into a warm, intimate spot to warm up. There’s something about wrapping your hands around a warm cup of coffee inside a dimly lit cafe, or waiting in line by the rotisseries and appreciating the heat. I also like walks that require bundling up, and late night strolls when no one else will brave the cold.

Your regular haunt for coffee and people-watching in Paris?
The apartment we rent is on Rue Tiquetonne, just a block from Rue Montorgueil, so we spend a lot of time café hopping there. I’m not tied to one cafe, though, and prefer to try new places. The entire Montorgueil and Etienne Marcel area is perfect for people watching. That said, it’s fun to mix it up and go where your whims take you. There’s nothing better than walking around for hours, choosing a spot, sitting down and taking in the vibe of a new place.

Favorite French film and/or novel?
Les Liaisons Dangereuses. I love epistolary novels, and the language (though not for the faint of heart!) is delicious. I re-read it often, and sometimes in parts, just to devour the sentences. When it comes to film, I could never decide – I love so many!