The French Woman - Garance

I’m the last person on the face of the earth you should go to for financial advice. But what I can tell you is that the best money I’ve ever spent was not always the one I thought. All right, let’s get real.

Saying hi to all my imaginary haters. Earrings and necklace, Agatha. Glasses, Mr. Leight. I need your help. Overall, I love social media. I love creating, writing, taking photos and filming. Discovering new ideas, meeting new people. The French Woman by Garance Doré is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Le Rendezvous is a weekly podcast hosted by Garance Doré. Garance shares her life experiences as well as her thoughts and observations about everyday life. Her point of view, her French accent, make this a witty and insightful, special moment in the week. Le Rendezvous is like having a coffee with your best friend. Le Rendezvous is a weekly podcast hosted by Garance Doré. Garance shares her life experiences as well as her thoughts and observations about everyday life.

This newsletter was created in partnership with Sézane. Morgane in the center, at the opening of Sézane’s new store at 117 Rue du Bac. Months ago, I met with Morgane Sézalory. We’ve been friends forever, but for a few years I’d seen basically two people: my husband and my dog. Sometimes my family. Back then, I was coming back to Paris and—behind my bravado—I was scared of the big city all over again. Would it welcome me back, or would I feel like a stranger? But Morgane I could see.

1/ The bad news: I did not have a hot summer Well, the results are in—and I’m very sorry for myself—I did not have a hot summer. I know, because in my long and complicated life, I’ve experienced both. So you can trust me: hot summer > whatever mess went on this July / August. 2/ The good news: I generally feel beautiful. Don’t worry, I’ve got self-love.

love love love love loveeeeee! Bermudas, I will admit it—2026 was not my summer of style. Many reasons for that. 1/ I didn’t shop much. Most of what I wore had been in my closet for many seasons. Some of my things do look tired. As did I, by the way. 2/ I didn’t do much. I needed to rest. I was with my family a lot, and the stakes were so low that I ended up wearing white tee shirts and shorts the whole summer.

On starting before you’re ready, building a life that truly feels like yours. On realizing that success isn’t about the biggest moments, but about loving your everyday life. On doing work that feels aligned, and having the courage to let things reveal themselves as you go. Thank you Jess, Manon, Ani Payumo, Aliona Peneva, Anne-Solange Tardy, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app.

About two years ago, I completely changed my life philosophy. Since then, I’ve tried to build systems, big and small, that work for me. My whole body of writing—this living, breathing tapestry that is my newsletter—is ultimately about this: becoming the author of your life. In this new series, Reporting Back, I share the lessons I’m learning. I’ve kept a diary for years. I started with notebooks, but I was always terrified—would someone read it? Would I lose it?

Where you live can change your life. It can change you, your entire way of thinking. How much you laugh every day and how you fall in love. How fit you are. How you like your tea. And—dare I say it? How happy you are. I have spent a large part of my adult life moving around the world, thinking that, perhaps, one place would turn me into The Person I’m Meant To Be (Smarter, Richer, Funnier).

On people-pleasing and learning to say no, taking back your own authority, vulnerability and choosing the right people, trusting your emotions, dealing with disappointment, writing and the creative process and letting go of an old version of yourself.