Bonjour!
Semitic Zvi Chazanov And I am the owner of the website “Francophiles Anonymous.” Nice to meet you!
Since I started the site in late 2013, people have been asking me when I made aliyah from France and other biographical questions like that. So for the benefit of all those who have made it this far, here are a few things you might not have known about me.
Shall we start?
5 things you didn't know about
Francophile
1. I am not French.
I know this news is shocking to many readers of the site, but I don't have a single drop of French blood flowing in my veins. I was born in Jerusalem in 1977 and lived and worked there until 2010. So I am not only 100% Israeli but also Jerusalemite by blood (Ajou, Matei and the rest).
After living in Jerusalem for 33 years, I moved to Tel Aviv, Givatayim, and between 2016 and 2018 I lived on the island of Guernsey. You are invited to read the The full story behind my return to Israel Or take a look atGuernsey Travel Guide I wrote
2. But only in Paris do I feel at home
Every time I go back to Paris (and I’ve been there more than 20 times) I just feel like I’m coming home. For me, “life itself” happens when I’m in Paris and everything else is either a prologue or an epilogue.
Precisely from the fact that I have definitely “seen the world”, I can say that Paris is the one and only. The answer to the question of why I feel this way can be found in the article “The Ghosts of Paris”.
3. I actually work in high-tech.
I have a degree in French culture and a master's degree in international relations, but since 2007 I have specialized in B2B and B2C marketing in the world of computer games. I am currently the marketing manager of Eyecon Company From the Playtech offices in Tel Aviv.
Looking for professional collaboration? You are welcome to visit On my LinkedIn profile.
4. But I love engaging in French culture the most.
Six months after the website was created, I was invited to host an evening Chansons, and that's where I realized how much I love standing on stage and sharing my knowledge. Today I give lectures on French culture and I invite you all to take a look. On my lectures page, book my lecture and meet me outside the virtual world :-).
5. And one last thing, I have a little dream…
My dream is to one day dedicate 100% of my time to the site and French culture. Since the site is free and will remain so, my way of making a living from it is through affiliate marketing.
Looking for Apartments, Hotels or tickets toattractions in paris? Ordering through the links on the site will not cost you an extra shekel, and will help me continue to develop the content for you. To help you both help me and find the best prices, I have compiled all the booking sites I use in one place called The Francophile's toolbox And you are welcome to go there and order everything you need for your trip.
The Francophile is hosted
Over the years, I've spread the word in the press, on blogs, and on the radio. Want to see where I've been? Click here for all accommodations.
I'm in Paris on 6.9. Can I book a tour? My email sarittal@zahav.net.il.
I would be happy if you answered me. Thank you.
Unfortunately I won't be in Paris during this time 🙁
The site is extremely fascinating!!! Strive to live the life you want!
Do you have any recommendations for Paris on New Year's Eve?
Thank you very much Yossi :). I recommend arriving before and enjoying the Christmas markets (especially the one on the Champs Elysees) and the special street lighting.
Hi, I really like your site.
I have also been to Paris at least 5 times.
Intends to arrive in September 2025
Travel to special places
I didn't discover
Do you do Adiyan tours?
I would be happy for recommendations.
Hello Hagit,
I don't do tours anymore, but you can find In this article Great guides that do 🙂
Hi Zvi, very interesting site!
We Asians from Givatayim are jealous of you :))
Can you explain the purchase of NAVIGO for a month? What does it involve, from when to when, pictures, etc.?
We would love to hear from you.
Israel
Shalom Israel.
Thank you very much for the compliments 🙂
Regarding the purchase: You can buy it at the metro ticket offices and it is valid from the first day to the last day of that month (you can't buy a ticket for 30 days from the time of purchase). The first time you buy it, you have to bring a standard-sized passport photo, but I don't remember exactly what size it is (in the worst case, there are usually automatic photocopiers not far from where they sell it).
I hope I was able to help.
deer
Hello deer,
I can attest to my deep love for France, every part of it with its own special charm, and I return to it every year, sometimes twice a year. Since I discovered your page, I have been captivated by its charm. You have enlightened me on many historical points that I did not know, and it is a real pleasure to read you.
I hope that one day our paths will cross in Paris, which I don't know in depth, and I'm sure it could be a fascinating journey for me.
Hello Hila.
Thank you very much for the kind words 🙂 If we get to meet in Paris, the pleasure will be all mine.
deer
Hello deer,
Do you happen to know which hotel Yossi Banai stayed in during his visits to the Latin Quarter?
I would be happy if you could help me.
That’s an excellent question. My next project is to try to build a travel itinerary in Paris following Yossi Banai, during which I will try to interview his family and close friends. One of my first questions will be “Where did he live?” and if I manage to answer it, I promise that the answer will be published in the article.
Thank you very much for the quick answer, I would be very happy to do a route following Yossi Banai. Regarding the hotel, it seems to me that it is a permanent hotel in the Latin Quarter area. Perhaps Yair Garbuz can help on this issue.
Unfortunately, I have no way to contact Yair Garbuz (he doesn't have Facebook and I don't have his phone number). If you happen to be in touch with him and can give me his email, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Zvi (Administrator of the Anonymous Francophiles website)
Zvi Shalom
My sister-in-law is interested in a two-day training in Paris on August 20-25. If possible, please let me know how she can contact you.
Limor
Hi Limor. Unfortunately, I will not be in Paris during this time.
Great articles. Find love quickly.
Thank you very much 🙂
Hello Francophile Zvi. I have (just) a question: About 6-7 years ago, on Sundays, at the end of Moffat Street, right next to the church, a group of people (not young) would gather, singing French songs accompanied by an accordion, handing out the lyrics to the audience who watched and joined in, and occasionally dancing a waltz. Do they still exist?
Hi Ilana.
Indeed, every Sunday at 11:00 AM these people gather to sing and dance. This is a tradition that has been going on for many years.
deer
Hi,
My name is Issam. I'm coming to Paris for Christmas. Can I meet you?
Hello Issam.
Very nice to meet you.
The truth is, I don't know yet if I'll be in Paris during this period. I recommend you sign up for the website's newsletter (you can find a signup form at the end of each post) and as soon as I know if I'll be there during the Christmas period, I'll send you an email.
Best regards,
deer
Sounds great, what a pleasure to read you…
I'm in Paris until tomorrow morning on business.
Maybe we will find it?
If not, do you have a recommendation for a free afternoon until tonight?
Thank you, Vered
Hi, Rose.
Very nice to meet you. Unfortunately I'm not in Paris right now.
As for a free afternoon, it really depends on what you want to do. Personally, I would go to the GALIGNANI bookstore on Rue Rivoli and spend a few hours there, then cross the bridge over the Seine and walk around Saint-Germain.
deer
We are in Paris for Hanukkah and would be happy to sign up for tours.
Hi Anat. I don't know yet if I will be in Paris for Hanukkah. That's why I recommend signing up for my newsletter and as soon as I know the dates I will be in the City of Lights, I will write to you.
Want to go to a chanson concert in the evening, 1.12, 2.12. Friday or Saturday.
Good morning, deer.
It is very interesting to read all the correspondence about you. You are indeed something special and it is fun to meet you.
My partner and I are coming to Paris from 11/16 to 11/19. Do you have any ideas for us or even a trip with you one day? We would be very happy if you would contact us.
Hello Oved and Orna.
Very nice to meet you.
Unfortunately, I will not be in Paris during the above period. If you wish, you are welcome to contact me via my email and I will be happy to recommend another guide to you.
deer
Hello Zvi,
I would love to know if you will be in Paris during the week of December 3-8.12?
If not, what do you think is the most charming/interesting/suitable thing for a teenager on a trip to Paris?
Thank you very much Sigal
Hi Sigal. Unfortunately, I will not be in Paris during this time.
Regarding the second question, it really depends on what your son/daughter likes, so it's a bit difficult for me to give general advice without knowing them.
deer
Hello Zvi, can you recommend jazz clubs in Paris, especially the popular ones? Also, is it possible to find tickets for the Christian Dior exhibition on site, even though it is not possible to book on the internet on the day?
Thanks
פול
paule@nisha.co.il
Hi Paul.
I'm not a big fan of jazz, but I've heard that the jazz at Duc de Lombards and Caveau de la huchette is considered excellent.
Regarding the second question: I have no idea.
deer
Hi, is it worth visiting in January or February?
Paris is best visited in the spring and fall months. Guernsey is best visited in July-August.
Hi Zvi, thank you very much for the site!
I'm planning a family trip, a trek around Mont Blanc in March-April (just before Passover). Is this a good date while all the mountains are still covered in snow and it's not possible to hike there?
Or** (and no more)
Hey Bar.
Unfortunately, I didn't travel to this area during this period, so I don't know that much.
deer
Stand up for them!!!
From the center towards the Skerker, I once came across a house selling antiques by theme (furniture, tools, jewelry, etc.). The sale was carried out through auctions by dealers. To the best of my memory, the magnificent building began at the Hotel de…
If you can help find the place and its full name, I would appreciate it.
Unfortunately, I don't know the place, but I will try to look for it the next time I'm in Paris.
Hi Zvi,
Your site is fascinating, Aspire!!!
I returned yesterday from a trip to Paris, unfortunately I only discovered your website on the last day of my stay there.
I will definitely return to this amazing city again.
Thank you very much for the compliments 🙂
Hi Zvi.
Your site is lovely.
I'm planning to live for about two months in Paris, which I love so much.
So where do we start? I was thinking spring or fall.
Can I help you plan the first steps?
Hi Ilana.
Thank you.
If you have any specific questions I would be happy to try to answer them (even though I don't live in Paris).
Best regards,
deer
A few years ago, we went on a family Bar Mitzvah trip with uncles, and encountered insulting and humiliating treatment in various places. I believe the situation worsened following the war, and it's worth knowing how to behave, and why it's not a good idea to speak Hebrew anywhere. It's important to know this in advance, and not be disappointed.
Maybe if you read the This article The attitude towards you would have improved.
What a beautiful site. Interesting, comprehensive, and most importantly – written with love. Thank you!
Thank you very much 🙂