It’s the end of an era as Paris bans open fires after January 1, 2015. With much more energy-efficient central heating systems, these days the fireplace is used mostly for ambiance and reserved for special occasions such as family gatherings, Christmas, or a romantic soirée à deux. The soul-restoring combination of a crackling fireplace, a slow glass of Armagnac, and an engrossing book will never be quite the same.

The problem appears to be that these fires are adding to the already choked Parisian air. The battle against pollution continues, amid alarming claims that the particules in the air shorten the life expectancy of Parisians by 6 months … read on

[FRENCHENTRÉE DECEMBER 2014]