Bonjour mes Amis,

I know winter is tapering off as the days grow long enough to light my commute and the galette des rois is slowly phased out of the boulangerie line-up.

These king's cakes comprised of flaky pastry and frangipane are shared the holidays through from Christmas to around Mardi gras. Inside the round galette a glass feve or favor is hidden. The person who receives the lucky slice is hailed king and given a gilded paper crown to show for it.

Here are the latest articles from the French Culture site at BellaOnline.com.

Vincent Van Gough's Last Days
In 1890 an overworked Vincent Van Gough escaped to Anvers-Sur-Oise. After several months in a rented chamber of the Ravoux Inn he took his own life. He lies beside brother Theo in a graveyard beyond the sprawl of yellow wheat.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art175284.asp

Winter in the Wolf Park
Nestled among ski resorts in the lower Alps, the Alpha reserve is home to three wolf packs. Visit the park during feeding time when the wolves cautiously reveal themselves.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art174794.asp

Well wishes for beautiful spring days to come,
Melissa Demiguel, French Culture Editor
http://frenchculture.bellaonline.com