who’s french frye?

img_9787Corey Frye was living in NYC when a serendipitous encounter on a subway platform introduced him to a random French tourist. She had a cute accent and he could play the guitar, so things worked out and after a series of long Skype chats and even longer transatlantic flights, they married and moved permanently to Paris. As soon as he touched down Corey fell under the city’s spell and has dedicated his time to exploring and unlocking its secrets ever since. He is now a well respected tour guide, photographer, and writer about all things Paris.

93 comments

  • I’m jealous, completely and utterly jealous, I’ve got to share this Tips & Chips with my friends, they are going to love it….I hope if I just copy and paste the link it will go?

    • Hi Jeannetta, yes copying and pasting the URL address will work, or you can also click the “share” button under any post to share it through facebook, email, etc. Thanks for your kind words and enjoy! –Corey

  • Hey, love your blog. I’m going to be living in Paris from January until May and I’m looking for an idea to blog about while I’m there or even look for a freelance writing gig.
    How do you get your ideas? What’s your main inspiration?
    Just looking for some advice, thanks!
    Sarah

    • Hey Sarah, first congrats on your upcoming trip! Without getting too pithy I’d say I get my ideas from the small cultural differences of everyday experiences. Paris is so unique a simple trip to buy bread can become a bit of theater. As for inspiration, it’s as simple as stepping out for a walk: the city will take care of the rest. Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy your stay!

  • Hi Cory,
    First off I must say that I hope you enjoyed the frog’s legs. I may have to start following you on twitter because your top tweets made me laugh esp. the pretty french name one. Anyway I am planning on visiting France the first couple weeks of May. I am trying to get ideas of places to visit to get photos I want (I am a photographer) and have been scouring the internet and blogs to get insights from those who are there or have visited recently. I thought it might be less weird and a better plan to contact people who have decided to be public rather than ask people on the street when I get there and risk getting smacked. Plus my 6 yr old french will probably only get me so far. I will be visiting family just north of Saint Quentin and plan to visit places like Reims (for the champagne) Amiens for the cobble stones and markets and Lille for the Flemish influence. I was considering letting letting exploration of Paris go except for wonderful CDG (blah…do not like this airport…I can read and speak french and still don’t get it) but I thought I would see if you might have any insights of places to see that a photographer would enjoy that are out of the ordinary. Not looking for the usual attractions, those have been photographed by others. If anything pops to mind while reading this please share. Also do real chocolate eclairs still exist in France? What I mean is the chocolate filled ones..not that white stuff. I miss those. Hey I just saw your email on the right of my message. Should probably send this there but I know that comments help traffic so I will keep it right here.

    • FYI, just took a trip to Champagne country and Reims in particular which was amazing (at least for a cathedral nut like me). The champagne vineyards are still without leaves, but maybe by the time you arrive you might start getting some green. Nevertheless a drive through the area is full of little hills and valleys and really pretty. A bit of sparkling wine doesn’t hurt either. Hope you have a great trip!

  • I thought long and hard to come up up with a witty blog name…and I failed. However I love what I have seen. It is great to get a fun insight into daily life in france. Keep it up french Frye.

  • Hi Corey i first came across you via youtube where someone has recorded you singing in a NYC subway the song was Late November and i have to say it has been stuck in my head for almost 3 years now. I am glad i came across this blog of yours so i can finally ask, Did you record that song ? and if so where can i get it !

  • Thanks for featuring my favourite part of Paris. While I have spent a few weeks in Paris, when the time came to move permanently to France, I came to the south. I live near the Mediterranean and adore it. I have continued to explore this wonderful country and that is the focus of one of my blogs- http://foundinfrance.wordpress.com . The other blog is about everything but France but mainly poetry. I hope you take advantage of where you are and explore France and her neighbours.
    Bon chance,
    Léa

    • Thank you leamuse, I will check out your blog. So far I’ve been lucky enough to see a few parts of the country (Normandie, Lyon, Carcassonne) and they have all blown me away. I look forward to seeing as much of it as possible. Take care and happy blogging to you!

  • Don’t know if I got the chance to thank you for visiting Girl and Her Pink Backpack. I’m glad you liked it and I’m enjoying reading through your blog. Your writing style is great.

    • Thanks Ron. Actually I never drank alcohol before moving to France, but champagne is something that has grown on me and now I’m a big fan. You’re absolutely right, a bit of bubbly would cut the richness of the cream, and we all know how well strawberries go with it.

      Thanks for your comment, I’ll check out your blog as well. Take care!

  • Corey,

    I am most excited to explore your blog…I will be traveling to Paris in October for the first time in over 20 years. This time my husband is accompanying me as I celebrate my 40th birthday. We are looking to do some of the “tourist” attractions such as Le Tour Eiffel, etc. but we are also looking to get lost in the city and its culture. If it is not too much to ask for other resources to explore to prepare, I’d love to take the time to acqaint myself.
    ~Colleen

    • Hi Colleen, thanks for stopping by and welcome! There are a dizzying amount of Paris resources out there, but off the top of my head here are some things that might help you out. First, if you need a refresher on the basics, one of my fellow bloggers comes to mind: HeatherBlog has an article about basic Paris tips, followed by another one that lists her favorite museums. She also has lots of great pictures to whet your Paris appetite!

      For a list of current events to check out, Secrets of Paris has a useful newsletter highlighting what’s currently happening in the city. Also the city-run website, Paris.fr, is a good resource for that.

      For getting out there on your own and exploring, you can find interesting self-guided walks at Paris-Walking-Tours, and there’s also a large PDF of several self-guided tours on this page. Rick Steves has a decent set of free audio tours you can put in your phone and listen to as you go, which can also be found in his free app called Rick Steves Audio Europe.

      Hope that helps! If you’re interested in having a guide, I’d also be happy to show you and your husband around the city, or you can feel free to ask me any further questions you have at cofrye@hotmail.com. Best of luck with your planning and preparation, which is always one of the funnest parts of a Paris trip! Take care.

  • I have Paris envy. What an incredible city and an equally incredible blog! I’m married to a Frenchman but alas we met in Australia and he prefers it here – lots of wide open space and easy going people. Give me the city of lights, history and culture any day.

    • Hi Sonia, thanks for following my blog! I know what you mean — my French wife dreams only of us living in New York, whereas I could easily spend the rest of my days in this little studio apartment of ours if it meant I was always a subway ride away from Notre Dame or Montmartre. The grass is always greener indeed. But I agree with you, the history and culture are pretty seductive over here.

      Very happy to have you as a reader and look forward to hearing more about your Australian adventures! Take care and happy blogging.

  • Hey Corey,
    I was sure that when I signed on to follow this blog, it was you. But after looking at my own blog for a second and seeing the spelling of your moniker, it dawned on me that there was indeed some connection. So, after a little (bit) of thinking, I decided to investigate this hunch and find out if this was really you. And eureka, there you are (were), pick one! Awesome idea, awesome blog and I can’t wait to read your post on here. So happy you decided to do this. It’s so perfect and fits you perfectly. You are a very talented young man, and it shows in your writing. Cheers from NY: say hi to the wife! -A

  • I really want to read your blog top to bottom, but I think I may explode from jealousy. Landed back in the States Saturday night from a week in Paris. I didn’t want to leave… ever. It really is the most magical city in the world. I’m going to have to start practicing my French so I can start the “Move to Paris” plan. I’ve mastered the Metro so the only other thing is the language, right? If only I had found this blog before my trip… Look forward to reading more when I can handle the raging envy!

    • Ha, thanks for the great comment, it brought a smile to my face!

      So happy you’re enjoying the blog, although I’m sorry for any jealousy side effects. :(

      Definitely start learning French though, it’s a great language. Plus if you’re determined to revisit Paris one day, that will keep you motivated enough to stick to it!

      • Once upon a long time ago, I could actually read Camus & Sartre in French. But as they say, if you don’t use it, you lose it. That was very apparent last week when I had to make a phone call and realized that I can no longer conjugate verbs in the past tense. So, back to the books I go! BTW, have you dined at Pottoka? One of the best meals I’ve ever had ever… ever.

  • Oh, just discovered this blog. Off to read your post about la bise. I must say that I am uber jealous that you get to live in Paris. You are living the dream.

    • Thanks for stopping by Ariane. Yes Paris was quite a lucky break, and it was only a string of chance events that lead me here (it all hinged on the arrival of a subway train).

      Hope you enjoy reading and take care!

  • Hi there, I have just discovered your blog via Theadora Brack – I shall follow with interest since we will returning next year. Your posts are great and we shall keep you in mind if we need a guide.

    • Thanks a lot Sherievon, happy to have you as a reader. It’s always fun to have plan for Paris, isn’t it? The anticipation is so much fun!

      Please do drop me a line if you’re looking for a tour guide during your trip. I love showing people around and giving them insights into the history and secrets that make the city so interesting & inspiring!

  • Ha! Hello, New Yorker! At the exact same age, I packed my things and left Europe for New York! I was already married a couple of years ago, though. I just found your blog, it’s very nice, keep up the good work!

  • wow an american guy marrying a french girl, I used to think that was kinda rare, congrats though, heard parisian girls are tough

    • Nah that’s just a stereotype. I find Parisian personalities to be just as varied and multifaceted as in the US — you just find the people that click with your own personality and you’re good to go.

      • so how common is it for americans to marry french people in your experience there? are you the only one?

  • Okay just discovered your blog and I think I’m going to become a fan. One of the many lovers of Paris, I too cherish being somewhere foreign and loving every moment of it! Thanks for sharing. :)

    • You’re very welcome! I’m psyched to have you as a reader :) You have a gorgeous blog yourself, can’t wait to explore it further.

      I hope you stop by again soon, take care!

  • Hello! I came across your blog and I love it. Your writing is really good. I don’t know if you take requests, but I’ll ask anyway. Could you do a post on a few of the best fine dining restaurants in Paris? You could be like an undercover food critic for your blog, taking all of us on an adventure into French cuisine and atmosphere by describing the different flavors and textures of the food there. And whats the best wine to go with it? That would be so fun to read. I don’t know when, but I do plan to visit Paris one day. :)

    • Hi, thanks for your comment and kind words. Believe me I’d love to scope out the fine dining scene in Paris, but that would require a budget that is a bit lacking at the moment. :)

      But I do like your idea, and next time I find myself in a fancy restaurant I’ll try to do a bit of undercover work. :) Thanks for commenting!

  • C’est très agréable de te lire, de retourner dans la ville où je vivais il y a peu en suivant tes détours et tes récits… Quelle joie de voir ces images de Paris en blanc manteau, raconté en anglais, depuis le Brésil où je gambade jambes nues au soleil !
    Merci!

  • You know, fifty-seven years ago I met someone who did exactly what you have done. He married an Iranian, became a doctor and they had two children.Life moves on, and we go with it. Wonderful.

    • Yes, you never know where life will take you, that’s for sure! I still think back to the randomness of it this all started for me, and I thank my lucky stars. :)

    • Thanks a bunch Kathleen! I’m honored to have been chosen as one of your 15 blogs. I gladly accept your generous acknowledgment, and I wish you lots of happy blogging! :)

  • FYI — you blogsite will not take my email address. I have tried to sign up. Will try using the spaces below.

  • Do you have a newsletter? Or a website with the different tours? I’ve only recently found you and I’m loving your paris knowledge. Will be in Paris late 2018.

  • dear Corey, congratulations for your blog :) your articles are unique and I love the design, specially the photos, are very artistic, very parisian, well done :) cheers PedroL

  • Lovely blog and utterly beautiful pictures…looking forward to read more of your posts :)

  • Hi Corey

    Thanks for the amazing covered passageways tour a few weeks ago, we had a great time with you and I’d recommend a parisian your with you to anyone visiting.

    On another note do you have any recommendations for walking tours in Madrid? I’m heading there this weekend.

    Also what’s your instagram, couldn’t find you

    Will

    • Hey Will, glad you enjoyed the tour. And I appreciate that you’re spreading the word up there in the UK. Sorry I don’t know of any good options in Madrid. Have a great trip though! Hope to show you another part of Paris one day.

  • i was only recently introduced to the earful tower podcast, and just listened to the april 16th episode that you are featured on. i cannot express enough just how much your thoughts and insight resonated with me. so much so that i immediately subscribed to your blog and started following your instagram profile. i have visited paris on just a few brief trips, but its history and lore are what keep me lured. the places you recommend and stories you share are exactly what i am drawn to. i look forward to diving into your blog and getting better acquainted with your posts; and hope to one day go back and join one of your tours; but in the mean-time, i will live vicariously through your wonderful photographs and writing. it’s funny, even your november 16th post titled ‘why i don’t blog enough’ is incredibly relatable for me as i struggle with the same. cheers to kindred spirits, and the ever-enchanting ville lumière…

    • Hi there, thanks for such a lovely comment! One thing I love about my blog is it’s a way to connect with other Paris fanatics like yourself. The city still impresses me every day and I feel so fortunate to be around it every day.

      I’m so glad we found each other, and if you don’t already know you can hear me at the end of each Earful Tower episode this season. I’m sure you’ll enjoy some of the little anecdotes we get into! Have a wonderful day and I look forward to sharing more Paris with you. :-)

      • although i have ways to go before i am caught up with the earful tower episodes, i have indeed enjoyed your input on the handful i have heard – most notably: the insight you shared about the ‘interior of a kitchen’ painting – i find such macabre details absolutely fascinating. i appreciate your kind reply, and your continued passion as you share your discoveries with us all. merci beaucoup, and le meilleur pour vous!

  • A Morning in the Marais – Halfway There Travelers

  • Hi Corey, I was a passionate French teacher for many years, including high school and university. Of course, I spent a lot of time in France during those years, including directing study programs in Paris. Now I travel much less because my congenital heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) has become symptomatic and makes me too short-winded to do much walking. I miss Paris so much and cannot thank you enough for the high-quality walking tours that make me feel as if I have spent a few hours strolling around my favorite city. You do a great job keeping us francophiles in touch. Keep up the good work! Merci infiniment! Karine

    • Thank you so much for that. Most days I receive a wide range of comments and grateful vibes, but these kinds of thank you’s mean the most to me. It reminds me that occasionally the videos can transcend being just a passion project and help people stay connected to a certain kind of magic, or even to a happy time in their lives. It makes me melancholy that you’re not able to come here as often, but I will do my best to continue to bring you Paris in as many ways as I can. :-) All the best to you.

  • I am new to this blog. I just sent Mr. French Frye a request for a tour in October. It is my first trip to Paris and I want to end my trip with, shall we say saunter of Paris. I want to be outside and see areas that are not on the typical tour line. I tend to appreciate things in small doses: small museums, gardens, neighborhoods. And, of course I want to begin my tour at a great cafe and end it at a great bar or Bistro.

  • Apparently I need to comment in order to be notified when you post! I just read the whole page of comments from your early years and I remember quite a few of those blogs. I lost track of the link, which one of our Frites kindly provided to me.

  • A friend told me about your series and I enjoy it.
    The video quality is excellent, and the image stays smooth even while you are walking. Can you tell us what equipment you use to capture the video and stabilize the image?
    Thanks!

  • Watching one of your YouTube videos for the first time. Fantastic. We have been to Paris 4 times and plan on spending 2 months there next year. Will keep watching your videos.

    • Hi it’s Corey. Thanks a lot for watching! I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris.

  • Hi Corey. I love your utube videos. Folks talk about your articles. Where can I find them?

    • Hi, I’m not sure it depends on the person. Start with the Bonjour Paris website, I used to write for them. Other than that people sometimes are referring to my blog posts here.

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