EDGE Dallas

Those in the know are keenly aware that Laurent Gras, the former chef of Chicago’s L20, where Gras earned an unprecedented three Michelin stars in 2010, is a master of French technique and modern interpretation.

From now through September 30, 2012, the Palace of Versailles presents the exhibition Joana Vasconcelos Versailles in the State Apartments and the gardens, creating incredible juxtapositions between the classic opulence of the palace and contemporary art.

Below the steps of Paris’ Sacre Coeur church, four sellers of fake Dior sunglasses run off past a group of tourists. "The police came, so they ran," said kiosque worker Nicole Barsky. "It’s always the same. They’ll be back selling in five minutes."

This year, the Louis XV is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Launching a year of celebration, a very special birthday menu will be inaugurated as a perfect illustration of the Louis XV cuisine.

France is the home of the baguette, that savory, crisp staple of a fabled gastronomy. But just try getting a fresh one in the evening, or on a holiday, or even in August, when many of the country’s 33,000 bakeries are closed.

Back in the woods, behind the kitchen, French and American flags fly over Jacques Pepin’s petanque court. He launches his heavy, metallic ball toward a visitor’s, popping it off course with a sharp, expert crack.

As a phrase, "summer in Paris" has a kind of hypnotizing appeal - and to find oneself in the City of Light during the brightest season is to fall in love with the city’s charms all over again.

Even with a weakened dollar, it’s still possible to vacation in Paris. Picnic on the banks of the Seine. Wander the Tuileries. Stroll through the Marais. A thousand quotidian pleasures will remind you why you’ll always love Paris best.

Nearly one in four residents of Montpellier, France is a student, which makes for an eternally youthful city - even one that was founded in 985 AD. If Paris is for lovers, Montpellier is for students in love - and especially in summer.

Nearly thirty years ago, Montpellier, France had been our home. In those days, Montpellier was a sleepy town - and now, it’s the fastest growing city in France. So we returned to Montpellier to discover whether we or the city had changed more.