In a world of mass production, over-consumption, and disposable everything, France is revered for its centuries-old commitment to quality craftsmanship that’s timeless, beautiful, and sustainable.

Journalists at heart, our mission at Chère Amie-O is to tell exceptional stories that illuminate the made-in-France culture of our times. Our bilingual publication is an authority for interviews and in-depth stories that showcase the artisans and craftspeople who turn practical,everyday objects and ordinary food into works of art.

Savoir-faire, French for “know-how,” isn’t just about crafting a well-made product. And it goes way beyond French luxury brands and Parisian fashion houses. 

It’s a rich and vibrant cultural patrimony that’s deeply rooted in every region of France. It's a living cultural heritage, where generation after generation, appentices painstakingly learn the traditional methods and skills that define France’s exemplary craftsmanship.

In our fast-paced, high-tech world, savoir-faire connotes an earthy way of working that respects and even embraces the slow and methodical pace of crafting, which is often still done by hand in France. 

And it encompasses the art of living well, a skill the French have also adroitly mastered. The word “savoir-faire” conjures up the image of an artisan savouring her workday, not just getting through it. She takes pride in what she does. She loves the process, the routine, the materials she works with, and the customers she’s come to know well.

At noon, she breaks for a couple of hours, perhaps to enjoy a leisurely lunch with a friend at a neighborhood bistro. Then returning to her atelier, she gets back to creating beautiful things that the locals, tourists and shoppers around world will buy, use, and cherish for years or generations to come.

Immerse yourself in the made-in-France culture

Come along with us at Chère Amie-O as we travel far from the maddening crowds, tourist traps, and made in China “French” souvenir shops and deep dive into a more authentic, engaging, and local side of the world’s most visited country, even when in Paris.

It’s the human side, conveyed through the lens of the made-in-France culture. And these days that culture is experiencing a booming revival all around the country.

In your armchair travels with us, you’ll meet French artisans, craftspeople, farmers, photographers, bakers, musicians, fashion designers, architects--and many other creatives who design, cook, build, fabricate, paint, write, sew, sing, play, grow, and produce things that are truly magnifique. 

Maybe you’ll even get to meet some of the artisans in our stories if you visit their studios, shops, farms, factories, or kitchens, or attend one of their workshops to create your own made-in-France souvenir.

Chère Amie-O also connects Francophiles and francophones to today’s made-in-France scene with our monthly newsletter, France and Friends; our online shop, Fabriqué Boutique; our downloadable made-in-France itineraries for self-travel; and our artisans’ resource guide.