Eight years ago, Texas resident Cynthia Ivie, a 43-year-old sales rep for Newsweek, struck out for Chicago with no more than a business idea and a 1989 Toyota Corolla packed with clothes, books, a vacuum cleaner, a stereo and a cocker spaniel named Buckley.

FORBES: Magazine Article

At fromagerie Androuet cheeses can be vacuum-packed to take home, while luscious macaroons in flavours such as raspberry and blackcurrant can be found at Mococha light, alongside divine chocolates.

BBC: Mini guide to romance in Paris