If you’re looking for a charming Christmas gift for a little one this year, we have just *le truc. Penned (*en anglais) by Aussie expat and Paris resident Emily Gaudichon, The Parisian ABCs is a beautifully illustrated picture book that delivers a delightful, tongue-in-cheek look at French culture.

With a French husband, three children, and *un très mignon chien, *Noisette, ‘The Real Emily in Paris’ has lived in the City of Light since 2016. An avid foodie and former private chef, she runs cooking classes and tours and writes a weekly Substack, A Week in Paris – among other things.

Here, we steal five minutes from Emily’s busy schedule to chat about her life in Paris and her latest writing project. Enjoy!

Tell us about your move to Paris? How and when did that come about?

After 11 years in London, I was all set to move back to Australia but then I met my French husband on Tinder and that was it, love at first sight. Within two months I was living in Paris. Such a cliché.

Have you always had an interest in French culture or did it develop once there?

I studied a little French at UQ while doing my Bachelor of Arts degree many moons ago and spent 3 months in Paris when I was 19 which left a lasting impression. But I learnt most of the culture once I moved here.

Did you speak any French when you arrived?

I could order a glass of wine or use textbook classics like telling Jeanne that I liked her red car, but no, I didn't know anything very useful at all.

How did you go about learning the language? Any tips for learners?

I really committed to intense classes and managed to do a level each round, so I completed B2 and C1 in 6 months. My main tip is to learn the gender of each object as you learn the word (e.g. learn *le verre, not just verre). I didn't do that and will now never know as I'm certainly not returning to the textbooks again any time soon.

What part of Paris do you live in?

I live in the 6th which is a lovely area. We're close to the Jardin du Luxembourg which is such a treat and there are cute cafes, bookstores and restaurants nearby. Paris is very walkable and I really appreciate not needing a car for everyday life.

Your Instagram handle is The Real Emily in Paris. Does that mean you’re a fan of the show...? If so, what does it get right? Or wrong?

I’ve never actually watched it but a lot of it was filmed in my neighbourhood. It gets right that the croissants from Boulangerie Moderne are actually very good. It gets wrong pretty much everything else but if it makes people happy then it doesn’t matter, most TV isn’t realistic!

When did you start your A Week In Paris newsletter and what can subscribers expect?

I started it the 1st of January 2022 and it's a light weekly roundup of what I did, where I went and what I ate that week, with a recipe, cheese of the week and a 'real life in Paris' photo. I was looking for a creative outlet that I would do regularly and 18 months later I'm still committed.

Your cooking classes and tours sound amazing. Who is your typical client?

Lots of families, girls’ trips and couples looking to discover Paris a little more through food and it’s so fun getting to share recipes, cooking tips and my favourite corners of Paris with them.

And now you’ve written a children’s book! Congratulations. Can you tell us a little bit about it?

It's a tongue in cheek ABC book called The Parisian ABCs that's for both kids and adults. It includes all the real Parisian stereotypes and was created with wonderfully talented illustrator Sarah Vesperini. It's a bit of fun and we are so proud of it.

How can our students get their hands on The Parisian ABCs?

Either via my website or there'll be a few copies available in the Lingua Franca store in late November!

With a husband, three children, Noisette, your tours and writing you sound very busy! What do you do to relax?

I find shopping at the market and walking through the park very relaxing, as well as Pilates classes, cooking and good old Netflix. Bon Marché is where I go if I've had a really bad day. I love the French word *flâneur and try to incorporate that philosophy of indulgent aimlessness into every day.

To purchase The Parisian ABCs or find out more, visit therealemilyinparis.com