A DAY IN A FRENCH LIFE by Kristi Espinasse
J’ai le cafard. “I have the cockroach.” It’s a funny French way of saying “I have the blues.” Not that the blues are funny at all. Thankfully, like the clouds outside my window today, they pass on by with time.
Le cafard came over me yesterday, three days before my daughter’s impending departure. At the mall, my belle-sœur, Cécile, handed Jackie a warm coat to pack for New York City winters, and they exchanged a teary goodbye. Watching them, my own emotions welled up, and before long that familiar heaviness returned.
My youngest has flown the coop before, so this feeling is not new. It presses down on my skin, slows my steps, and even makes me grumpy: shopping at our local supérette, I found myself irritated by a pack of cheese (the expiration date reads October 9! Just imagine—the cheese will still be here long after Jackie has gone…).
On the bright side, we’ve come up with a kind of lien—a tie—to connect us from across the pond: a string of stories, hers and mine, which we will continue to share in this journal. Enjoy today’s entry (a restaurant review) and have a delicious day ahead. I’m on my way to finish off that cheese, and so guarantee my girl is here longer than it—three days longer, at least!
TODAY’S WORD: le cachet : character, charm
PRONUNCIATION: [ka-shay]
EXAMPLE SENTENCE: Ce restaurant a du cachet.
Brunch at Café Lo, La Ciotat
by Jacqueline Espinasse
Here is a French word you can use at any party to be the coolest person in the room…
It’s steaming hot here in the south of France. This year, I’ve decided to retire from working summers — I’ve done my time. From selling crêpes and candy at a water park in 2016 to managing a bar in Cassis in 2024, every job had the same challenge: working under the burning sun (and can we include all those family wine harvests we did with Max in our childhood?). There were days at work I’d show up already showered in sweat, and leave just the same. Enough. J’arrête.
Now, my routine looks different. Every morning, Mom wakes me up for a walk. “Let’s get our steps in, it’s too late after,” she says. And she’s right. Once the sun is up, the heat is too “heaty” lol. So I drag myself out of bed, drag Ricci out of hers, and off we go.
We walk past this brunch place, Café Lo. “Mom, it’s covered in shade!” (Sold). It’s a tropical, feminine place with so much cachet. Banana plants and floral arches surround the café, delicate round white metal chairs, umbrellas with a floral design, and tables eaten away by rust—but in the cutest way. Valentin was our server. He seemed to enjoy taking our order in English: “So that’s two Eggs Benedict, one café au lait, and an iced tea?”
Have you ever had Eggs Benedict? Well, mine at Café Lo’s came with a curry hollandaise sauce, quite surprising at first look. The English muffin was replaced by a buttery croissant, the eggs were “poachy” (just how I love them), and the bacon was crisp. Our plate was rich, fun to look at with the bright yellow of the curry sauce. It had all the ingredients you needed to cover breakfast and lunch — that is why we call it brunch, I guess.
“I think this place is sous-coté,” I said to Mom, who was enjoying her blueberry muffin. Working in hospitality for so long, I can say Café Lo has the recipe for greatness: it’s the feeling you get when you walk into a place and you know you are going to have a good time before you even sit down. Have you ever felt that? It isn’t necessarily the place, it is the experience you are about to have.
Back to my word of the day: cachet. You can translate it as “character.” Cachet is when you see an object, person, or place that tells a story at first sight and feeling. It has a unique identity through its look, shape, and scent.
So why do I describe Café Lo as having cachet? The curvy, painted metal chairs and patterned umbrellas give a vintage feminine energy, the floral arches and banana plants make me feel like I’m in a secret garden, and even the rust on the tables tells me a story.
I leave you with a few examples of how to incorporate this cachet of a French word into daily conversation:
Cette maison a du cachet.
Ce quartier a du cachet.
Cette personne a du cachet.
But especially you, loyal readers, vous avez du cachet. Thank you for your charming notes and positive words during this first month of stories. Today was my fourth, and I look forward to continuing each week. À très bientôt…from Brooklyn next time.
Café Lo – Practical Info
📍 Address: 166 Bd Jean Jaurès, 13600 La Ciotat
📞 Phone: 09 83 82 33 15
🌐 Online: Facebook • Instagram
FRENCH VOCABULARY
j’ai le cafard = I feel blue, I have the blues
le cafard = the blues, sadness (literally “cockroach”)
ma belle-sœur = my sister-in-law
le lien = tie, bond
le cachet = character, charm
la crêpe = crepe, thin pancake
café au lait = coffee with hot milk
sous-coté = underrated
cette maison a du cachet = this house has character
ce quartier a du cachet = that neighborhood has character
cette personne a du cachet = this person has character
vous avez du cachet = you have character/charm
à très bientôt = see you soon
REMERCIEMENTS
Thank you to the following readers for your donation this past week to this journal!
Julie C.
Scott J.
David O.
Chuck V.
Cerelle B.
Love, care, and reader support—that’s what has sustained this journal for nearly 25 years. Week after week, and now with the help of my daughter Jackie, we continue sharing French words, culture, and everyday life with readers around the world. If you look forward to these letters and would like to help keep French Word-A-Day going, please consider making a contribution.
🌿 Zelle – to Kristin.espinasse@gmail.com
🌿 PayPal – Click here
🌿 Credit card – Click here
Note: If you don’t see your name above, it may be that your credit card donation did not go through. This can happen when the payment is incomplete or declined. Thank you for trying!
💌 A Note of Thanks
Did you know? The average newsletter open rate is around 20–25%. But here at French Word-A-Day, nearly 41% of you open each email within the first two days — and after two weeks, that number rises to 44%. Out of 19,500 subscribers, that’s about 8,700 individuals who actually click open this newsletter!
This tells me something very special: even if you don’t have time to read right away, you come back. And that kind of loyalty means the world.
Thank you for being part of this long-time community — 23 years and counting! And if you know of someone who might enjoy receiving this journal from France, please pass it on.
Amicalement,
Kristin
I will be chatting with Sophie Gardner Roberts soon. If you’d like to watch our live interview, please mark your calendar for August 28th. For more info, and to register for this program, visit: https://francetoday.com/france-today-live/
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Jacqueline, love your stories and drooled over les oeufs! But sorry you are leaving France for …Brooklyn? Formidable….keep that pen working, cherie, you have it, now flaunt it!
Bon voyage Jackie, Tu seras là pour le US Open qui commence la semaine prochaine–amuse-toi bien!
I’m looking forward to stories from Brooklyn as well as your Mom’s from France. So glad to hear you are staying in touch not only with family but with this blog’s readers also. I see that Ricci got one of those cute monkeys from the shop in La Ciotat. I hope I can find one to bring home when I am in Paris in mid-September.
Delighted to read Jackie\’s stories now, as well as yours, Kristi! You are both very generous in sharing your lives, thoughts and experiences. I hope Jackie will tell us about New York, and how it feels to be half-French and half-American in Brooklyn.
Kristi – I have been reading your ‘word a day’ website postings off and
Oh yes, the heat has been miserable but thankfully it’s gone for a while.
Kristi, it must be so hard to see Jackie move to Brooklyn, even though you’re glad she’s happy
Jackie, I enjoyed the review of this charming cafe. I love the strawberry painted glasses & carafe and bravo to the owners for putting a unique spin on a classic.
Looking forward to new stories from both of you!
Good morning or should I say good evening. You are both so creative – already figured out how to keep close even when far away. Can’t wait to read about this new adventure. Like you said – the clouds pass. Hugs
Jackie writes excellently in English. I envy being bilingual in English and French. The review and accompanying thoughts were interesting.
Kristin, there is something odd going on with the pictures. They look normal on my cell phone, but are huge on my computer screen. For example, the photo with the birds is so big that only one of the birds fits in the image.
I was astonished to read (no offense) how low the “opening rate” is for this newsletter. I’m always so glad to see it. Compared to most of the other mail I get, it’s a treat.
I make a point of opening every e-mail I get (except once in a while, when it looks suspicious). Not only does it make sense to open something one has subscribed to, it is common courtesy. When I write to people, I usually expect a response. For instance, “Would you like to go to a movie today?” or “May I borrow the book that the book club is reading next month?” Even if the answer is No, at least I have an answer. If I have a responsibility somewhere, I reply immediately so people know if I can fulfill the role. If I’m making an appointment (which, regrettably, is done more and more online), I reply right away so the individuals/organizations can put me into a slot. It’s rude not to answer, and it drives me crazy when I am left “hanging.” It makes planning difficult.
As far as FWAD goes, it is well worth reading. Maybe you can’t look at it the minute you receive the e-mail (here in the USA, you might be asleep when it arrives). But when you have a moment – and we all have to wait in line now and then – you can read it and lower your blood pressure, and likely lift your mood while learning some French.
Marianne Rankin
Always love reading your posts. I’m usually in the “come back later” to read. Last weekend I was in Port Angeles, WA, with a friend and my mission was to find a tea or coffee shop with “le cachet.” We finally did, The Blackbird Coffeehouse.” Thanks for the restaurant review and enchanting photos!
I love your blog but can only read it on my phone because you do not have it configured for desktop mode – only in mobile. Possibly your photos are too large.
I can feel that ache that comes with Jackie’s leaving. The year we took our first daughter to University, I cried all the way home. During that fall, I felt in a fog and would cry at the smallest things, become irritable over trivia and was short with people when there was no need. It lasted for months and was a dark time for me. The pain of the separation seemed very real. It was a period of adjustment and time to reorganize priorities. In my mind, I knew it was the void that was the cause, but it took understanding that a new phase in both of our lives was beginning. I kept busy, looked for ways to reach out to others and allowing my daughter to find her independence. That was a difficult time, but realizing it would pass and filling my time with activities that were enjoyable for me, and sharing my thoughts with friends helped me get over my cockroach. I wish you sunshine and loving friends and family to help you through this new season of both of your lives.
Jackie’s story was a refreshing look at an everyday place that sparked joy for her. I hope others nearby will stop in for a brunch or snack there. Bon voyage and I look forward to reading more shared stories from both of you. Blessings on new starts for the two of you.
Bonjour Kristin et Jackie!!
Kristin, I love how you and Jackie have this special lien to tell stories together.
Jackie: wonderful work! You write well and are engaging like your mom! Vous avez du cachet!
Best wishes from Seattle, WA.
Mary
très charmant!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Laura Pauli | laura_pauli@yahoo.com | 650-333-4398
Dear Krisit and Jackie,Thank you so much for the pair of spirited stories…the eggs b. look sensational!Bon voyage to you, Jackie! Bises from St. Remy–Gayle Gayle Smith PadgettThe Birdwatcher\’s Wife: A Quest across France for Birds and La Belle Vie Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie gaylesmithpadgett.com
The photos are so large that you have to scroll forever to see them and read your post. Is it always like this?
it\’s so lovely to read Jackie\’s voice and see her perspective. You both share your lives in such touching ways. ❤️
Je suis un fan depuis longtemps et j’aime beaucoup l’addition de Jackie dans les postes. Bravo, jeune mademoiselle! Mais, je crois que sous-côté a besoin d’un petit circonflexe. On attend avec impatience la prochaine poste. Karen
Bon voyage Jackie. You inherited your Mom’s gene for writing beautifully.
As a former New Yorker, I look forward to hearing about your new life in Brooklyn.
Wishing you success in all your new adventures.
Our dears Kristi and Jackie,
Thank you for another wonderful post!
You two are the ones who most definitely have du cachet and! Also! Have the market cornered on talent and creating enjoyment for us, your fortunate readers!
Bon voyage,dear Jackie, and every blessing as you begin this exciting new part of your life!
Kristi ,you and Jean Marc should be so proud of your beautiful and accomplished children– and!very especially,of the guidance you gave them to help them become this way.Through your unending faith,God has graced all of you with His love!
Arms tight around you all.
Love
Natalia. XO
I opened this on a tablet, an iPad, and it is easy to read, the photos are clear and a good size.
Please take me off your mailing list. Thank you.
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Kristi, I understand that feeling of sadness you are having knowing Jackie is going to be far away in Brooklyn. It will be wonderful for you both to remain in touch with these shared writings.
Jackie, thanks for the restaurant review! If only I were able to come again to La Ciotat. Bon voyage a New York! I look forward to your writings from that city letting us know how the move is going.
Thank you to both of you.
Native Seattleite but now live in Rathdrum, Idaho!
I read your emails on my laptop. No problem with picture sizes.
I’m a long-time reader of FWAD and enjoy every installment. Sometimes, I don’t get to the emails immediately, but always read them at some point 🙂
Thanks Kristi and Jackie!
Jackie did a lovely job on the posts she completed, well done. Best wishes in Brooklyn.
I tried to send a donation, but my phone number on my bank is incorrect, will try to fix and resend asap. Merci…
Elaine
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Jackie, you have the ingredients already, just like that brunch you so eloquently described. Your inner beauty and true potential will shine anywhere you live. All best wishes on your new life in Brooklyn. As a native New Yorker, I would throw in a heavy pinch of ‘street smarts’ to balance everything out; the dazzling, abundant opportunities are legendary in NYC, for sure, so, much good luck to you and all God’s blessings. 🙏🙌💓
Kristy and Jackie, I enjoyed the photos in this post. Honestly I find them so enchanting and they transport me to another place. I also enjoy both of your writing styles. I’m happy that you found your love, Jackie.
Oh, the good-byes are hard. I’ve been both the leaver and the left. But how lucky we are to live in these times when you can chat with a loved one while looking right at them live, in real time. Imagine in times past, you waved goodbye at the pier and were fortunate to get letters and maybe .. maybe… a rare visit. Our ancestors were tough people. And, Jackie, welcome back! I have not heard of Curry hollandaise. Interesting. Eggs Benny are very popular, with many variations, on my corner of the island. BTW, we will be sharing the geographic Long Island. But Brooklyn and Queens are part of NYC, “the city”. Nassau and Suffolk are not and generally referred to as “Long Island”. I point this out because I have had confused out of town visitors. 🤪
Love your newsletter Kristi and Jackie! The photos are great also!
Debbi Schwarz
Kristin (the G.O.A.T.) and Jackie-
What a wonderful job/passion to share with your daughter. I think this is so cool to open up blog to Jackie’s observations .
Maybe she can start her own in Brooklyn in French with some American expressions?
Bravo to your writing, Jackie. I’m enjoying reading both you and your mom’s perspectives
Kristen and I too for Brooklyn this year, in February. He got a job, stayed in Louisville 5 months, then moved to Brooklyn. After a disappointing and dangerous first apartment, he found a new one, new roommates, a
gym, a co-work space, and is thriving. I wish all the same to Jackie!
I’m looking forward to updates,
Julie Zoeller
(P.S. I’m one of those readers who often bopens the newsletter a week or two after it’s published! )
Also, I tried to get a link to have access to watch your conversation on the France today online site. You have to have a login, but I didn’t see a place to create one. Is this a site that has a paid subscription or can you create a free login? Thank you.
Julie