Mama Shelter Marseilles follows Mama Shelter Paris as the second hotel in the Mama Shelter brand designed by Philippe Starck. Starck, the Trigano family (who were cofounders of Club Med), and French philosopher Cyril Aouizerate worked together to launch the Mama Shelter brand, and the hotel's decor reflects the diversity of this collaboration. This is not a hotel for minimalists or the morose. Read more

Outgoing French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, 44, is a singer/songwriter, actress, former international supermodel, and mother of two. But we already know about Carla, who even made a cameo in Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris. France's new "unofficial" first lady, Valérie Trierweiler, will bring a different flavor to the Elysée Palace. She's 47, a working journalist, a graduate of the Read more

This weekend, France will vote for its next president. After a first round, it's down to incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy and his socialist challenger Francois Hollande. Since Sarkozy was elected in 2007, a lot has changed. One of the most intriguing evolutions has been the love connections among the politicians. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is technically the second first lady France has known under Sarkozy. Read more

How do you say Ms. in French? You can't. There's no French equivalent to the neutral title. Depending on her marital status, a woman is either Mademoiselle, "my young lady," or Madame, which means simply "my lady." This means women are compelled to disclose their marital status with their name, and it gives a not-so-young unmarried lady a title that lacks appropriate gravitas. Today, France's Read more

Carla Bruni gave birth to a baby girl in Paris today. It's the first child the first couple of France has had together, although they both have children from previous relationships and Nicolas Sarkozy is also a grandfather. Nicolas married Carla, a singer and former Italian top model, in 2008 at the Élysée Palace. He was already president, and recently divorced, when they began dating, and Read more

With blue, white, and red filling the skies and the streets of France, the country celebrates its revolution on Bastille Day or La Fête Nationale today. On the July 14 holiday, Frenchmen and Frenchwomen attend parades, watch fireworks, and enjoy air shows to remember the storming of the Bastille in 1789. See more pictures from the festivities, including gorgeous fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, Read more

With their romantic accents, cultivated style, and sultry stares, Frenchmen have an extra je ne sais quoi. In honor of Bastille Day, I rounded up some of my favorite famous Frenchies so we can debate, just like the French love to do. Check them out and vote: le hottie or le nottie? Read more

France's first couple, President Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, smile as they welcome South Korea's president and first lady to Paris today. Carla made her big-screen debut Wednesday at the Cannes premiere of Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris. But she decided not to make the trip down south for the festival, citing "personal and professional reasons" and fueling rumors that she's expecting. See Read more

Interior and textile designer Kathryn Ireland's new book, Summers in France ($22), hit bookshelves on Friday, and it is one of my must haves this April. With entertaining tips, home decorating rules for vacation spots, and summertime recipes all culled from years spent at her house in the South of France, the book is as much a lifestyle guide as it is a lesson in Ireland's distinct decorating Read more

Paris is the first choice for many lovers dreaming of a romantic getaway. With its dramatic architecture, charming neighborhoods, rich way of life, and extra je ne sais quoi, the French capital earns its title as the most romantic city in the world. Fall in love with Paris, and each other all over again, with these travel tips. They'll put your wanderlust in overdrive. Read more