Bonjour and welcome to Quaint French Living — I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m Gaby, the heart behind this little corner of the internet. Quaint French Living grew out of the rhythms I was raised with — slow meals, whole ingredients, and a home where the kitchen was always warm. I’m the daughter of a French mother and an American father, and I spent nearly every summer in France with my family. Those visits shaped me in quiet ways I didn’t fully understand until I grew older.
I was named after my grandmother, whose memory inspires so much of what I share here. And it was my mother who kept those traditions alive in our home — the simple meals, the garden herbs, the way she made everyday moments feel special. This space is really a reflection of both of them.
As a physician, I’ve spent years seeing how deeply our daily rhythms, meals, and habits shape long-term well-being. The traditional French way of living — grounded in real food, steadier routines, and time together at the table — has always shown me that nourishment and pleasure can live side by side. That gentle intersection is the heart of what I share here.
Here at Quaint French Living, you’ll find:
- Simple French cooking made approachable — from rustic desserts to everyday basics.
- Seasonally inspired living — small, practical rituals from French daily life.
- French pantry staples and whole-food essentials that make home cooking feel easier and more beautiful.
You’ll also see a small Nourishing Perspective woven into many posts — quiet notes on how these traditions can support your well-being, too, without perfection or pressure.
If you’re new, a lovely place to start is the French Pantry Starter Kit — the essentials I keep on hand to make simple, satisfying meals all year long.
A little more about me
I live in the U.S. with my family now, though my roots reach back to southwest France, near Toulouse, where much of my mother’s family still lives. I go back often, and one day I hope to have a small place of our own there — a quiet spot to cook, rest, and stay connected to the traditions that shaped me.
My kitchen leans rustic and unfussy — a wooden board, a French rolling pin, and a jar of fleur de sel always nearby. While I love copper and baking (and yes, I’ve tucked more than one copper pot into my suitcase), what matters most to me is the quiet work of caring for my home: cooking wholesome meals, gathering around the table, and noticing the beauty in everyday life.
Let’s stay in touch
I send a cozy newsletter with seasonal recipes and small notes on French living.
Thank you for being here.
-Gaby