A white book cover with two people on the cover.
Paris
Travel
All Stories

My Life in France

"My Life in France" chronicles Julia Child's awakening to the world of food. It follows her move to Paris with her husband, Paul, where she dives headfirst into French culture. Overcoming language barriers and embracing new traditions, Julia finds a home at Le Cordon Bleu, a prestigious cooking school, where she refines her skills and discovers a passion for French cuisine.

81 Rue de l'Université

Paris, France
Tall Parisian building with a blue foor.
Wikipedia Commons
This quirky apartment became Julia's Parisian home, a launchpad for her culinary adventures. Here, she grappled with a new language and culture, explored local markets, and honed her cooking skills. 
“We found a tiny, two-room apartment... at 81 rue de l'Université... It seemed dark and damp at first, but it had a certain charm, a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard and a location that couldn't be beat – just steps away from the bustling food markets of the Invalides."
Chapter 2
View on the map

The Latin Quarter

Paris, France
A street with restaurants at night.
Wikipedia Commons
Throughout the book, Julia describes frequenting cafes and restaurants, immersing herself in Parisian food culture. These visits exposed her to a vast array of flavors and ingredients, inspiring her culinary exploration and future recipes.
"We made a point of trying every restaurant we could afford in our student budget. We wandered through the Latin Quarter, drawn by the smells of roasting chickens and fresh bread, and ended up in tiny cafes filled with chattering students... We learned to appreciate the simplicity and elegance of French food, the focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the unhurried pleasure of a long meal."
Chapter 3
View on the map

Le Cordon Bleu

Paris, France
Two cars parked on the streets in front of a restaurant.
Wikipedia Commons
This prestigious cooking school played a pivotal role in Julia's transformation. Here, she received formal culinary training, learned classical French techniques, and gained the confidence to pursue her passion for food.
"The Cordon Bleu was a revelation to me... Here was a whole new world, a world where food was an art form, where there were precise rules and techniques for everything... I was a total beginner, but I was determined to learn everything I could."
Chapter 4
View on the map

Follow along on the map

See where the book takes place in Paris.

Stay updated with our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on new books, movies and locations added to Story Street.

By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Thank you! We're excited to keep you updated!
Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.