Kylie Lang

Bio

Info

Job Title: Travel Journalist and Podcaster
Competency: Travel, History & LIfestyle
Languages: English
Member of: British Guild of Travel Writers
Employer: Life in Rural France

Additional Posts From This Author

The Ultimate Guide to a Foodie Tour of Provence: Indulge in Fabulous French Food in the Sun Drenched Vineyards of Southern France

Apr 18, 2026

There are regions in France where the food is excellent, and then there is Provence. The olive groves, the wild rosemary scrambling across limestone hillsides, the vineyards running in long rows toward the horizon, the fishing boats unloading at dawn: need I say more? Provençal cooking is all about what’s grown in the region, olive...

Domrémy-la-Pucelle: The Village That Produced Joan of Arc, France’s Most Unlikely Heroine

Apr 17, 2026

Living in France means I don’t have to cram everything into a couple of short weeks when thinking about the places I want to visit. I’m lucky, I can take long weekends, short trips, and breaks in the country whenever I want to, especially as a travel blogger. As a girl who loves history, I...

The Story of Canal Saint-Martin: The Paris Waterway Napoleon Built on a Wine Tax

Apr 15, 2026

On my last trip to Paris a couple of weeks ago, I decided it was high time I visited the Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement. I’d heard so much about it, but never been as I’d always stayed in either the Latin Quarter or Montmartre, so not close by. It was a beautiful spring...

9 Books Set During the Two World Wars in France That Will Have You On the Edge of Your Seat (You Won’t Be Able to Put Them Down)

Apr 07, 2026

If you love France and you love history, this list was made for you. The two World Wars tore France apart in ways that left scars still visible today. You only have to visit a village like Oradour-sur-Glane or walk the beaches of Normandy to feel it. But it’s through fiction that we often get...

Take a Trip Along the Stunning Canal du Midi in Southern France: Discover the Best Routes, Learn the History and Plan an Unforgettable Trip This Summer

Apr 06, 2026

If you’re planning a trip to the south of France and haven’t put the Canal du Midi on your list yet, it’s time to fix that. It’s absolutely stunning, and there is so much to see. You can drift along it on a boat with a glass of wine in hand, cycle the towpath through...

The Unwritten Rules of the French Etiquette of Daily Life and How It’s So Easy To Get It Spectacularly Wrong

Apr 02, 2026

I’ve been living in France since 2016, and I’m still getting it wrong. There is a whole layer of unwritten French etiquette rules that nobody hands you at the border, and stepping on them can earn you a look so withering you’ll feel it for days. The French have a term, savoir-vivre, which translates loosely...

7 French Châteaux and the Secrets They Reveal From Secret Tunnels and Royal Scandals to Epic Love Affairs (If Only Those Walls Could Talk)

Apr 01, 2026

There’s something about French châteaux that just pulls you in. Maybe it’s the fairytale turrets, maybe it’s the history hiding behind every doorway, or maybe it’s just the thought of wandering through a place where kings once held court and writers escaped to dream. Whatever it is, these places have serious pull. Now, if you’re...

The Real d’Artagnan, the Legenday Muskateer Died in Battle, and Disappeared for 353 Years. They Think They’ve Found Him

Mar 28, 2026

In February 2026, a section of floor collapsed inside a small church in the Dutch city of Maastricht. Workers were called in to repair it. What they found underneath stopped everyone in their tracks. Buried in the nave, directly in front of where the altar once stood, was a skeleton. Alongside it: a French coin...

How Paris Got It’s Snail Shape and the Euphemism Behind Why the 13th Arrondissement Exists

Mar 26, 2026

Paris is often called the City of Love, a title I think it deserves. However, it seems the name is fitting for a rather less than romantic reason, and it’s all because of the 13th arrondissement. But that’s not all. The 13th is the main reason Paris has a snail-like shape. If you look at...

The Story of the Ritz Paris: The Hotel That Became Coco Chanel’s Home For 34 Years

Mar 19, 2026

You just have to mention the Ritz hotel, and it conjures up images of opulence and decadence. I once went for afternoon tea at the Ritz in London, and even the carpets felt luxurious, my feet sinking into the most gorgeous carpet I’ve ever had the pleasure of walking on. And as for the decor....

The Ancient Legends, Myths and Stories Behind the Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries at Musée de Cluny

Mar 17, 2026

As if there wasn’t already a good reason to visit Musée de Cluny, their latest exhibition features the six tapestries of the Lady and the Unicorn (Tapisseries de la Dame à la licorne). I can’t wait to see it. My favorite period of history is the Middle Ages, and this museum specializes in this era. ...

10 Day Trips From Bordeaux To Add To Your French Vacation Itinerary (Wine Tasting, Cognac & Oysters All On the Menu)

Mar 11, 2026

While there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Bordeaux, there are also plenty of amazing day trips from Bordeaux within a 1-2 hour drive. From exploring the fabulous vineyards in the region to climbing Europe’s tallest sand dune, there is plenty to enjoy. Of course, where you go depends on whether you have...

Discover the Real French Riviera With a Personalized Road Trip: Perfect for the Traveler Who Hates Tourist Traps

Mar 10, 2026

There’s something undeniably freeing about hitting the open road, windows down, sun on your face, and the sparkling blues of the Mediterranean in the distance. A French Riviera road trip takes you along winding coastal roads, hillside villages, and the kind of views that make you want to pull over just to soak it all...

These are the 20 Best Spots to See the Cherry Blossom in Paris (Your Personal Spring Guide and Some Bonus Spots)

Mar 10, 2026

Spring in Paris is like stepping into a painting where every corner pops with color. As the city shakes off its winter coat, pink and white cherry blossoms fill the trees, and wisteria climbs over the walls. There’s something magical about strolling along the Seine with blossoms drifting like confetti in the breeze. It’s the...

If You’ve Never Been to Paris in March You’re Missing Out: Beautiful Blossom and Fewer Crowds Are Just the Start

Mar 09, 2026

One of the biggest questions I get about Paris is which month is the best to go. Now, obviously, this depends on what you want to do, but for me, hands down, March is the best month to go to Paris. Why? Because it’s still out of season, so you almost have Paris to yourself....

The Best Food Festivals in France to Add to Your 2026 Vacation List (Only the French Would Celebrate Asparagus)

Mar 06, 2026

We all know that the French are famous for their food, but which are the best food festivals in France? There are so many to choose from. From truffles, onions, and chillies to lemons, strawberries, and cherries, the French celebrate them all. And why not? One of the many things I love about living in...

The Survival Guide for Vegans in France in 2026 (Where to Eat, Shop and Prepare During Your French Vacation)

Mar 06, 2026

Being a vegan in France has certainly become easier than it was twenty years ago; however, in rural France, it’s a little harder. France is known for its cuisine, and one of the first things that springs to mind when thinking about French food is often cheese, closely followed by buttery croissants. Of course, that’s great as...

Take a Trip Back In Time To the Pirate City of Saint Malo, a Fortified Citadel With Ramparts Overlooking the Stormy Emerald Coast

Mar 04, 2026

I’ve just come back from a wonderful visit to Saint Malo and learned so much about the history, the culture, and the surrounding areas to visit. I decided to have a three-day stop off after coming back from the UK on Brittany Ferries. The boat docked in Saint Malo, so it was the perfect opportunity...

5 Famous Brasseries in Paris Featured In the Movies (Recreate a Little Hollywood Magic In the City of Light)

Feb 26, 2026

Paris is a favorite with movie directors, and it’s easy to see why. It has all the makings of the perfect romcom, and I’m a sucker for enjoying a virtual tour of my favorite city through the eyes of a Hollywood movie. I mean, what’s not to love? And although we’re spoilt for choice when...

12 French Culture Shocks Americans Need To Be Ready For When They Come To Rural France

Feb 25, 2026

France is a wonderful country to live in, but it’s not without its challenges. When I first moved here just over ten years ago, there were definitely a few culture shocks that took a bit of getting used to. Now, I don’t think anything of them, but back then, I struggled with quite a few...

Following in the Footsteps of the Knights Templar in France: Hidden Sites, Secrets and Debunking the Myths

Feb 20, 2026

We all know I’m obsessed with history, and France is jam-packed with it. But nothing fascinates me quite like the Knights Templar. They were founded in 1119 by a French knight named Hugh de Payens, who gathered eight companions with a single mission: protect Christian pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. Within two centuries, they had built...

The Basilique Saint-Denis: The Church That Invented Gothic Architecture (And Holds a Dauphin’s Stolen Heart)

Feb 19, 2026

Most people who visit Paris spend their days ticking off the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. And fair enough. But just 20 minutes north of the city on Metro Line 13, there’s a cathedral that changed the history of architecture. It buried almost every French king for 900 years, and still holds a mummified...

The 5 Most Visited Cathedrals in France and the Stories That the Guidebooks Leave Out

Feb 17, 2026

It wasn’t until I read the Pillars of the Earth book series by Ken Follett about a cathedral in a fictional town in England called Kingsbridge, that I had any interest in cathedrals. And, like anything, once you start digging deeper, you find some amazing history. This fantastic structure is so much more than a...

How Valentine’s Day in France Is So Different From the American Version (There is Even a Village Named After It)

Feb 13, 2026

Valentine’s Day in France isn’t all about clichés like roses and chocolates; it has its own vibe with a few surprises tucked in. Sure, you’ll find romantic dinners and flowers, but did you know there’s an actual village called Saint-Valentin that goes all out with heart-shaped decorations and love-themed events? It’s like walking into a...

15 Underrated Romantic Places in France For a Valentine’s Getaway That Aren’t Paris

Feb 12, 2026

France is home to one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris. But it’s so much more than one city. There are lots of other romantic places in France to choose from, especially if you’re looking for something a little less cliche. But how do you choose the best place to go for...

What Happened to the Mona Lisa and 3,000 Pieces of Art From Museums Across France in the Second World War

Feb 12, 2026

Everyone who comes to southwest France knows the Dordogne and the region’s many castles and prehistoric cave art. But just next door sits the Lot, a department that rarely makes anyone’s travel itinerary. Well, you know how much I love a good historical story, so I couldn’t resist telling this one and shining the spotlight...

10 Books Set on the French Riviera to Feed Your South of France Obsession

Feb 11, 2026

When it’s cold and rainy outside, I dream of being somewhere warm and sunny, and usually my thoughts stray to the French Riviera. Now, I might live in France, but I’m not in the south, and we get our fair share of rain here. Plus, it’s cold in the winter. However, I’m a 9-hour drive...

12 Hotels in Paris With a Balcony and Views to Die For (See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle)

Feb 10, 2026

Imagine being in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower from your hotel balcony overlooking the rooftops. The city laid out before you just waiting for you to explore. It’s the Paris of the movies brought to life in front of your eyes. But not all hotels are created equal. You might have a...

20 Places For Your Paris Bucket List That Aren’t the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre

Feb 10, 2026

If you’re coming to Paris for the first time or even the fiftieth, it’s always helpful to have a plan of what you want to see. After all, there is a lot of Paris to see, and you’ll never fit it all into one trip. And as much as I love the famous attractions, finding...

Discover the Magic of Aix-en-Provence and the Stories Behind the Picture Perfect Town

Feb 05, 2026

If ever there was a town that made you want to move to France, it’s Aix-en-Provence. Apart from the fact that it’s in one of the most talked about regions of France, Provence, with lavender fields and fabulous cafe life, there is more to this place than meets the eye. For 2,000 years, this city...

The 5 Best Paris Arrondissements to Stay In (And How to Pick the Right One for You)

Feb 04, 2026

Choosing where to stay in Paris can make or break your trip. Pick the wrong arrondissement, and you’ll spend half your vacation on the metro. Pick the right one, and you’ll step out your door into exactly the Paris you came to see. Paris has 20 arrondissements spiraling out from the center like a snail...

The Complete Guide to Living in France as an American Expat in 2026

Feb 03, 2026

Wondering what it’s like living in France as an Expat, and if you could do it too? I was exactly the same before I moved to France, which is why I’ve written this Living in France Guide to give you a step-by-step guide from someone who has done it. Everyone has different ideas about what it’s like living...

13 Must-Watch TV Shows Set in France Perfect For Getting Rid Of the Winter Blues (Some in French With English Sub-Titles)

Feb 03, 2026

Before I moved to France, I used to binge-watch any TV show I could find set in France. Now that I live here, I still do that, although I’ve extended my list to include French-language shows with English subtitles. It’s a brilliant way to learn French, and you’ll be amazed at what you pick up....

The Secrets and Stories of Mont Saint Michel and Why It’s Shrouded in Legend & Mystery

Feb 02, 2026

Rising mysteriously from the sands of Normandy is the tidal island of Mont Saint Michel, which has fascinated travelers, historians, and legions of tourists. It’s a place where tide and time meet, and you can’t help but wonder about the people who lived here hundreds of years ago. Who were they, and why did they...

The Menton Lemon Festival 2026: Your Complete Guide to the Citrus Spectacle (Fête du Citron)

Feb 02, 2026

With over 200,000 visitors annually, believe me when I say the Menton Lemon Festival on the Côte d’Azur packs a serious citrus punch. It’s one of the cultural events in France you don’t want to miss. From the massive, ornate carnival floats made of citrus fruit to the marching bands and live music, people are...

15 Cities in France That Aren’t Paris, But Are Just As Beautiful With As Much History and Character

Jan 29, 2026

The first place that springs to mind when someone says they’re going to France is Paris. It’s on many people’s bucket list, and rightly so. But here’s the thing, having lived in France for over ten years now ,I can happily report there is life outside of Paris. In fact, some of these cities in...

10 of the Most Beautiful and Historic Cafes in France (Outside Paris)

Jan 29, 2026

Traveling through France means finding places that make you stop and think about all the lives that came before yours. And few places do this better than the country’s historic cafes, where revolutionaries plotted, artists painted, and writers penned novels over endless cups of coffee. France has a cafe culture stretching back centuries, and while...

International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Five French Survivors Whose Stories Must Never Be Forgotten

Jan 27, 2026

Today marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945. In France, approximately 76,000 Jews were deported to death camps, and only about 2,500 of those deported survived. France’s role in the Holocaust is complex. The Vichy regime collaborated with the Nazis, and French police...

What Americans Need to Know About Traveling to France in 2026: New Entry Rules You Can’t Ignore

Jan 26, 2026

If you’re traveling to France in 2026, you’ll need to add a couple of new steps to your pre-travel checklist. The European Union is rolling out two major systems that will change how Americans enter the country. The good news is that once you understand what’s required, it’s still pretty straightforward. The Entry/Exit System started...

January in France: Festivals, Feasts, and Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Jan 23, 2026

Bonjour, travel aficionados! Did you know that January in France is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered? If you thought the best of French festivities ended with New Year’s fireworks, it’s time to think again! France in January is like finding a secret soufflé recipe, unique, mesmerizing, and delightfully surprising. Contrary...

28 Movies That Will Make You Want to Move To France Immediately (And They Aren’t All Set in Paris)

Jan 22, 2026

Movies do something travel guides can’t do as well. They can transport you to France in the blink of an eye. Some of these films you’ve probably seen, others flew under the radar despite being critically acclaimed or winning major awards, and a few might surprise you because you won’t be able to believe you’ve...

Rue Mouffetard, One of the Oldest Streets in Paris, Has More Than a Few Tales to Tell

Jan 21, 2026

Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter in Paris is steeped in history. On my last trip to Paris to celebrate the New Year, I stayed at Hotel Monte Cristo, just across from rue Mouffetard, and couldn’t believe how much history this one street hidden away. This 605-meter street climbs gently uphill from the St. Médard...

7 French Lifestyle Books That Will Change How You Eat, Dress, and Age (Without Moving to Paris)

Jan 20, 2026

There is something about the French lifestyle that appeals to many of us. Maybe it’s something to do with the way they make chic so effortless. Perhaps with the fabulous bread, cheese, and wine, or maybe it’s the whole way of life we’ve fallen in love with. I know I’ve often wondered what secret sauce...

Why Sarlat Becomes the Dordogne’s Truffle Capital Every January (And What You Can’t Miss)

Jan 17, 2026

The Sarlat Truffle Festival is held each year in a medieval town in the Dordogne region of France on the third weekend in January. And no, we aren’t talking about the chocolate kind of truffle; we’re talking about fungi. This fungi festival, which celebrates the “black diamond,” attracts people from all over France to Sarlat-la-Canéda. ...

The Secret Behind Why French Women Age So Well Compared to Americans (And It’s Not Genetics)

Jan 16, 2026

Getting older as a woman is a minefield, but doing it in France, where every woman seems to age beautifully, takes it to a different level. Something seems to happen when you hit fifty, well, for me it did. Everything went south, and suddenly, I didn’t like looking in the mirror anymore. But for my...

White Lotus is Coming to the South of France. Here’s Where Season 4 Will Film

Jan 15, 2026

Mike White is swapping Thailand’s beaches for the French Riviera. Season 4 of HBO’s The White Lotus will film at Château de la Messardière in Saint-Tropez, a 19th-century castle perched on a hilltop overlooking the bay. Production starts in April 2026, and if you thought the show couldn’t get more glamorous, this location might just...

15 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make the Next Time You Go To Paris (From Our Experience)

Jan 14, 2026

I love Paris and try to go at least a couple of times a year as I’m only a two-hour train ride away. Last year, we decided to spend New Year’s in Paris, and it was fabulous. Seeing the fireworks over the Arc de Triomphe was quite a sight to see. However, I also remember...

Why Musée d’Orsay Is the Best Museum to Visit in Paris and How To Plan Your Visit

Jan 10, 2026

Any trip to Paris is magical. But when it’s your first trip, it’s hard to know what to do first and how much to try to pack into your visit. It can be easy to focus on the big-ticket items, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, and completely miss some of...

Josephine Baker’s Chateau des Milandes, Home to the French Resistance and Her Rainbow Family

Jan 12, 2026

High above the Dordogne River in southwestern France sits a Renaissance chateau with soaring towers, intricate gargoyles, and brilliant stained glass windows that catch the light like jewels. Chateau des Milandes looks like something out of a fairy tale, which is exactly what Josephine Baker thought when she first saw it in the 1930s. She...

Why the French Spend More Time Eating Than Any Other Nation and Why Lunch at Your Desk is Banned

Jan 11, 2026

Walk past any French restaurant at 1 pm on a Tuesday, and you’ll see it. People sitting, talking, laughing, with plates of food in front of them and no sense of urgency whatsoever. The rest of the world might be wolfing down lunch at their desks, but in France, eating is practically a competitive sport....

The Story of La Samaritaine, Paris and a Tour of the Art Deco Grand Magasin

Jan 09, 2026

There are shops, and then there are Les Grand Magasins de Paris. The city is well known for its luxury shops, and the Champs Élysées is full of designer stores. But step away from the 8th arrondissement, and there is a shop you won’t want to miss. La Samaritaine is a stunning example of Art...

Château d’Amboise: Where Kings Ruled, Plots Unfolded, and Leonardo da Vinci Took His Final Breath

Mar 06, 2025

If walls could talk, Château d’Amboise would have some serious stories to tell. This place has seen it all: kings, queens, scheming nobles, and even Leonardo da Vinci. It started as a medieval fortress, but things got a lot more interesting once the French monarchy got hold of it. Some built it up, others barely...

The Resistance Fighter Behind Miss Dior: Catherine Dior’s War and Why History Nearly Forgot Her

Jan 08, 2026

Most people recognize the name Dior. They know the fashion house, the iconic perfumes, the elegance that Christian Dior brought to post-war Paris. Many have heard of Miss Dior, the fragrance that launched in 1947 and became one of the world’s most famous perfumes. But few know about the woman it was named for. Catherine...

Galette des Rois, the French Epiphany Tradition Where You Become King For A Day

Jan 06, 2026

Have you heard of the French Epiphany tradition of Galette des Rois? Neither had I till I spent my first Christmas in France, but, much to my delight, Galette des Rois is a great way to extend Christmas and squeeze a little more out of it. How does it work? Well, unlike elsewhere, where Christmas...

Henri Mosson, the Last Survivor of Natzweiler-Struthof Concentration Camp in France, Dies Just Six Days Before Turning 102

Jan 05, 2026

Henri Mosson died on December 30, 2024, just six days before his 102nd birthday. He was the last known survivor of Natzweiler-Struthof, the only Nazi concentration camp established on French soil during World War II. His passing marks the end of an era. With him goes one of the final direct witnesses to a piece...

George Clooney and His Family Just Became French Citizens Joining Many Others Choosing France Over America

Dec 30, 2025

It seems as though I’m not the only one who thinks life in France is better than anywhere else. George Clooney will soon be calling France home as well, so I’m in good company. Although I don’t imagine I’ll be running into him at my local SuperU. The Hollywood star and his wife, Amal, have...

Where to Spend New Year’s Eve in France For the Best Party and Fireworks in 2025

Dec 20, 2025

In France, every city has a story, and every celebration involves food and wine. It’s the perfect place to ring in the new year. From watching the fireworks cascade off the Arc de Triomphe to partying the night away in a chateau, you’re spoilt for choice. The question is, which city should you spend New...

10 Festive Foods You’ll Find in a French Grocery Store at Christmas

Dec 19, 2025

I love going to French supermarkets and grocery stores as they’re so different from what you’d find in the UK, Australia, or the U.S. It used to fascinate me when I first moved over here. I’d spend way longer food shopping than strictly necessary. But at Christmas time, they step it up a gear and...

Paris’s Best-Kept Impressionist Secret, Musée Marmottan Monet. (Where to Find it and What to See)

Dec 15, 2025

Walk past the Louvre on any given day, and you’ll see crowds stretching around the block. The Musée d’Orsay isn’t much better. But there’s another museum in Paris that holds the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet’s work, and most visitors to the city have never heard of it. Tucked away in the 16th arrondissement...

Ever Heard of the 13 Desserts of Provence at Christmas and Why You Have to Eat Them All or Face Bad Luck? (Yes, Really)

Dec 12, 2025

If someone said to me I could have 13 desserts, I’d think I’d died and gone to dessert heaven. But then, I’d be wondering about the catch. Well, in this case, there isn’t one. The 13 Desserts of Provence are a Christmas tradition that ensures guests will have good luck for the year ahead, but...

7 Books Set in France at Christmas Time You’ll Love and Won’t Want to Put Down

Oct 22, 2025

As the nights draw in and the days get colder, is there anything better than curling up in front of a roaring fire with a good book? Even better if accompanied by a glass of Bordeaux red. It’s at this time of year that I’m on the hunt for some books that give me that...

The Story of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and the King Who Nearly Bankrupted France to Build It

Dec 11, 2025

You pass through the heavy doors of the Palais de Justice and step into what looks like an ordinary Gothic chapel. You climb a narrow spiral staircase, and at the top, you’re standing in a space where walls of stained glass rise 15 meters above you, flooding the room with red, blue, and gold light....

How to Inject Some French Country Christmas Décor Into Your Home With These Quick & Easy Tips

Dec 10, 2025

Have you ever dreamed of hosting Christmas somewhere in the rural French countryside? Could you imagine cooking your Christmas dinner in an old farmhouse kitchen with flagstone tiles that have been there for over two hundred years, the fire crackling in the wood burner, and gorgeous old wooden beams overhead? Sounds dreamy, right? And it...

The Licques Turkey Festival, An Unusual French Advent Tradition Along the Coast From Calais (Only in France)

Dec 10, 2025

Only in France would you see a parade of turkeys being herded down a street as part of a festival. The Licques Turkey Festival (Fête de la Dinde) celebrates turkeys. There is even a brotherhood of the turkey. It’s France at its absolute best, full of tradition, history, and celebration. The little town of Licques,...

5 Hidden Gems in the French Alps for a Magical Snow-Filled Christmas and New Year That Won’t Break the Bank

Dec 09, 2025

Dreaming of a white Christmas in the stunning, snowy mountains of the French Alps? Me too, but I’ve always thought it was a little too rich for me, and I’d end up breaking the bank. Turns out I was wrong. The big mistake I was making was looking at all the big-name resorts rather than...

9 French Christmas Desserts You’ll Find in Boulangeries Around France During the Festive Period

Dec 09, 2025

Going into a boulangerie in France is a daily ritual for me, but between mid-December and early January, you’ll start to see the French Christmas desserts on display. And they’re very different from the traditional American or British fare. No pumpkin pie or pecan tart, and definitely no mince pies. Instead, you’ll discover centuries-old traditions...

7 Big Differences Between an American Christmas and a French Christmas

Dec 08, 2025

Growing up in England, I’m used to the British Christmas traditions, such as mince pies, Christmas pudding, and the obligatory box of Quality Street. Moving to France was an eye-opener, as there are some big differences. Not least of which was the huge meal that occurs on Christmas Eve. But when you try to compare...

The Magic of Christmas in Carcassonne In a Medieval Citadel That’s Like Stepping Back in Time

Dec 05, 2025

Carcassonne is one of my favorite medieval cities in France. The cobblestone streets, the ancient stone walls that have seen centuries of battles, and the Château Comtal sat on the old ramparts. But Christmas in Carcassonne sees the citadel enter a whole other realm of storybook magic. The crowds that flock to the city thin...

7 Hallmark Holiday Movies to Watch This Christmas That Are Set in France

Dec 04, 2025

I’m just going to come out and say it, I love Hallmark Holiday movies. I know they’re obvious, sentimental, and completely unrealistic, but that, for me, is part of their charm. You know what you’re getting with a Hallmark movie. But when they turn their attention to Christmas, it takes things up a notch or...

A Guide to 9 Christmas Markets in Paris You’ll Want to Visit Broken Down by Arrondissement

Dec 03, 2025

Paris is wonderful at any time of year, but at Christmas it’s simply magical. From the sparkling lights hanging above the streets and the displays in the shop windows, to skating under the stars on a rooftop ice rink, there’s no place like the City of Lights during the festive season. And you’ll find plenty...

Christmas in Sarlat: The Dordogne’s Most Popular Market Where Medieval Magic Meets Festive Fun

Dec 01, 2025

Imagine spending Christmas in a place where the streets still glow under vintage gas lamps, and the architecture hasn’t changed in 600 years. Now add in over 70 wooden chalets selling everything from handmade soaps to local truffles, a massive ice rink in the town square, and the scent of mulled wine drifting through narrow...

Christmas in Strasbourg is Like Stepping Into a Hallmark Holiday Movie

Nov 28, 2025

If you’ve ever been curled up on the couch watching one of those Hallmark Christmas movies, thinking places like that don’t exist, I’m here to say they do. Christmas in Strasbourg is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. There’s a reason it’s known as the Capital of Christmas in France. Not only are there 12 Christmas...

The New French Air Travel Rules: France Just Got Serious About Badly Behaved Air Passengers

Nov 27, 2025

Living in France, I’ve become accustomed to the country’s love of rules and regulations. From when you can mow your lawn to buying your bread daily, there’s a framework for everything. But this latest announcement? Well, it’s caught my attention in a way that goes beyond my usual eye-roll at French bureaucracy. France has just...

Rue des Gravilliers in Le Marais Just Made Time Out’s 31 Coolest Streets List for 2025

Nov 27, 2025

Time Out has just released its list of the 31 Coolest Streets in the World, and of course, Paris has managed to nab one of the spots. Coming in at #13, this street in Le Marais, the 3rd arrondissement, definitely has a cool vibe. Although it was nearly demolished 60 years ago. But Rue des...

Louis Vuitton’s First Hotel On the Champs Élysées: The Ultimate Luxury Experience Coming to Paris in 2026

Nov 26, 2025

Haute couture was born in Paris, so it seems only fitting that fashion house Louis Vuitton should be opening its very first luxury hotel on one of the most famous streets in the world, the Champs Élysées. As you’d expect from this brand, the design is eye-catching, bold, and makes a statement mimicking the iconic...

Christmas in Annecy is Like Stepping Into a Magical Winter Wonderland. It’s Europe’s Best-Kept Holiday Secret

Nov 25, 2025

Spending Christmas in Annecy is like stepping into a winter wonderland. As one of the most popular French destinations in the winter, this Alpine town welcomes over 450,000 visitors during the holiday season. Can you imagine anything more magical than a Noël des Alpes? Lake Annecy is frozen over and twinkles in the winter sun;...

US Government Says Stop Wearing PJs on Planes. It’s the Golden Age of Travel

Nov 25, 2025

The U.S. Department of Transportation just launched a campaign asking Americans to ditch the pajamas and sweats when they fly. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy rolled out “The Golden Age of Travel Starts With You” this week, suggesting travelers might want to rethink showing up to airports in sleepwear. As you can imagine, the internet immediately...

7 Historic Streets in Paris Where You Can Still Walk in Medieval Footsteps

Nov 24, 2025

I never can resist a bit of history, and Paris just oozes history from every corner. From Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower, there are so many amazing buildings and structures with stories to tell. But what about the streets? The streets of Paris have seen more than their fair share of chaos, destruction, and...

Step Into the Belle Époque Era at the Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains

Nov 21, 2025

The Festival du Merveilleux is one of Paris’s best-kept secrets. For ten magical days each winter, the Musée des Arts Forains throws open its doors and transforms into a living Belle Époque fairground. You can step back in time to when Paris was the entertainment capital of the world. Hidden away in the former wine...

Wine at 12:01 AM Sharp? What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day (and Why France Goes Wild for It)

Nov 20, 2025

Never heard of Beaujolais Nouveau Day? Neither had I until I moved to southwest France, so I asked my French neighbor, Stephane. He told me I needed to experience it and go to a Beaujolais Nouveau festival. And I’m so glad that I did. This nationwide celebration completely captures the essence of French life, which is...

France’s Favorite Villages as Voted by the French – Le Village Préféré des Français

Nov 19, 2025

The French love a good competition. Each one is fiercely fought, and although the camaraderie is there, every participant takes their role seriously. No more so than in the fight to be crowned France’s favorite village, Le Village Préféré des Français. Only one village per region gets through, so the pressure’s on. But winning the...

How the Bûche de Noël Evolved into a French Christmas Classic

Nov 19, 2025

As my American friends get ready for Thanksgiving, here in France, the Christmas meal plans have already begun. The food in France during the festive period goes into overdrive, and one of the big parts of that is the desserts. As a Brit in France, I’m used to Christmas pudding soaked in brandy, lit on...

The Starbucks on Boulevard des Capucines in the Opera District of Paris is Like a Mini Versailles

Nov 18, 2025

When you’re in Paris, the last thing you’d typically think of doing is going to a Starbucks. Why would you with all the fabulous Parisian cafés on offer? But hear me out on this one because this isn’t just any Starbucks. At Starbucks on Boulevard des Capucines, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back...

The Story of Oradour-sur-Glane and the Massacre That Shocked France

Nov 14, 2025

The story of Oradour-sur-Glane, a village not far from Limoges in southwest France, is absolutely heartbreaking. The Haute-Vienne was part of Nazi occupied France, so the village was used to the constant threat of the destruction that followed the SS soldiers. But the events of June 10, 1944, took this to new heights and will...

7 Fun Places to Shop in Paris That Have All the Charm at Half the Price this Christmas

Nov 13, 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Paris this Christmas, or any other time of year, and fancy a spot of shopping, there are some places to avoid if you want to leave with your wallet intact. However, there are also some places where you’ll find a bargain or two and leave with some lovely mementos...

The Magic of Lille Christmas Market That Feels Like a French Winter Fairytale

Nov 13, 2025

France has an abundance of gorgeous Christmas markets, and Lille is one of them. It’s hard to resist the smell of gingerbread, the twinkling lights in the trees, the Ferris wheel towering above everything, and the giant Christmas tree that stands beside it. They also have a fabulous merry-go-round from the turn of the century...

7 Magical Ice Rinks in France to Visit This Christmas to Skate Under the Stars

Nov 12, 2025

Is there anything more magical at Christmas than an outdoor ice rink skating under the stars? Then add in some of the best cities and towns in France as a backdrop, and you have the perfect setting for some festive fun. With a daughter who was a competitive ice skater, representing Great Britain, it’s safe...

The Gift Guide of Christmas Gifts for Francophiles, Stocking Fillers and Plenty of French Day Dreams

Nov 12, 2025

Our Christmas Gift Guide is back with lots of gorgeous Christmas gifts for Francophiles and lovers of all things French and France. If you know someone who spends hours daydreaming about living a French life, or is always planning their next trip to France, you’ll find the perfect pressie in our guide. This is the...

Armistice Day in France: Remembering the Moment Peace Returned to the Nation

Nov 11, 2025

Armistice Day, commemorated on November 11, is an important day in the French calendar and is also a public holiday. It marks the moment, in 1918, when the guns finally stopped after four years of devastating war. Towns and villages across France fall quiet when the church bells ring at eleven and people stop to...

The Demise of the Baguette. Is France Turning Its Back On the Iconic Loaf of Bread

Nov 09, 2025

Are we about to stop seeing baguettes in the boulangeries in France? It doesn’t seem possible, but the stats seem to say differently. The baguette has been a staple of French food for longer than most of us care to remember, so what’s happened? Living in France, I love my daily trips to the boulangerie...

Experience A Little Magic and Sparkle at the Christmas Market in Metz

Nov 10, 2025

The beautiful Christmas market in Metz is uniquely located in northeastern France on the borders of Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium. This means you have easy access to four different countries. Imagine just how many markets you could kill with one visit. It’s Christmas on steroids for those who, like me, love all things Christmas. There...

12 Beautiful Islands On the French Coast You’ll Want to Explore

Jul 04, 2025

Looking for something different to do this winter that doesn’t involve Christmas markets? Why not visit one of the many stunning islands on the French coast? France’s coastline is a treasure trove of island escapes, each with its own pace, personality, and panorama. Perfect for day trips or to escape the heat, these spots are...

A Guide to a Traditional Christmas Dinner in France, a Sumptuous Feast of Several Courses

Nov 08, 2025

The French are renowned for their gourmet meals, but a traditional Christmas dinner in France takes it up a notch. In the UK, it’s all about the turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and a copious amount of veggies. In Australia, when I lived in Queensland, it was a seafood feast, and in the US, it’s...

Is Shein About to Be Shut Down in France and the Cost to Local Businesses

Nov 07, 2025

I first heard about Shein from some friends of mine here in France who were raving about how cheap everything was. They couldn’t believe I hadn’t discovered it yet, as access to high fashion isn’t always easy in the middle of rural France. Well, in light of what’s been going on in the news recently,...

The Magic of Christmas in France and the How the French Do It Differently

Nov 07, 2025

Christmas in France isn’t all about presents, going into debt, or shopping like your life depends on it. It’s a completely different experience from the mayhem I’ve been used to. The star of the show for a French Christmas is, without a doubt, the food. It’s front and center of everything. France is synonymous with...

Virgin Trains Challenge Eurostar and Win As They’re Approved For New London to France Routes With More Destinations

Nov 06, 2025

Exciting news for travelers using the Channel Tunnel to get to France from the UK. Virgin trains and Richard Branson have taken on the might of Eurostar in a battle of the trains, and won. No longer will there be only one choice when taking a train from the UK to France. Not only has...

The Christmas Market in Colmar Is Like Stepping Into a French Hallmark Movie With It’s Magical Christmas Village

Nov 06, 2025

When it comes to Christmas Markets in France, everyone thinks of Strasbourg. After all, it’s the French “Capital of Christmas.” But Colmar packs a big holiday season punch with no less than six markets and a specially designed Christmas village. The Christmas market in Colmar oozes with yuletide charm with its cobblestone streets, beautiful lights,...

Two Paris Metro Stations Named Among the World’s Most Beautiful Winning Global Recognition at the Prix Versailles 2025

Nov 05, 2025

Two new Paris Metro stations are turning heads around the world. Saint-Denis Pleyel and Villejuif-Gustave Roussy, both part of the Grand Paris Express project, have been named among the seven most beautiful stations in the world by Prix Versailles 2025. It’s an impressive nod to France’s growing reputation for blending architecture, innovation, and sustainability in...

10 Unmissable Spots to See the Christmas Lights in Paris Where the City Weaves Its Festive Spell

Nov 05, 2025

The Christmas lights in Paris take things to a whole other level. The City of Light puts on its own show at Christmas with twinkling lights and decorations as far as the eye can see. The Parisian architecture is the perfect backdrop, and the famous skyline sparkles even brighter. The city casts a Christmas spell...

Can You Imagine Moving to France Using ChatGPT to Choose Your Town? That’s What This American Did

Nov 04, 2025

Can you imagine asking AI where you should live and then taking its advice? Well, that’s exactly what this American woman from Texas has done. It sounds like something you do in your lunch hour when you’re bored and daydreaming of a different life, only instead of dreaming about it, you actually do it. I...

9 Must-Visit Fairy Tale Christmas Markets in Alsace Perfect for a Magical Winter Escape

Nov 02, 2025

From Strasbourg’s island of Christmas to the medieval allure of Ribeauvillé or Colmar’s quaint streets, it is like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. It’s Christmas on steroids. Without a doubt, the Christmas markets in Alsace are some of the best I’ve been to in France. Set against the backdrop of picturesque, half-timbered...

France Has Finally Made Consent the Law: A Turning Point for Sexual Assault Reform

Oct 30, 2025

A significant event has just occurred in France, and it warrants attention. On October 29, 2025, lawmakers voted through a major sexual assault reform that redefines how rape and sexual assault are understood in this country. For the first time, the law now centers on one word: consent. It’s a shift that many believe is...

9 Things To Do In La Rochelle For a Long Weekend Straight From a French Postcard

Oct 16, 2025

There are so many great things to do in La Rochelle. It’s the jewel in the Charente Maritime’s crown. And one of my favorite places to go in the winter is there, as there are fewer crowds, and it’s just beautiful. I live in the next department, the Charente, so it’s on my doorstep, and we...

What happens on All Saints’ Day in France, the French version of ‘Day of the Dead’?

Oct 29, 2025

One of the things I love about living in France is discovering all the celebrated French traditions. This country has so much history, along with centuries-old traditions. In some cases, those traditions have lost their meaning and are just things the French do because their parents did before them. Since I didn’t know much about...

Eat for Half Price in France During November with TheFork Festival, 2025

Oct 29, 2025

Food in France just got even better with the return of the Fork Festival, running from now till the end of November. This is your chance to get up to 50% off at participating restaurants. And it’s not just limited to Paris. Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice are also taking part. In Paris, you’ll...

The Festival of Lights in Lyon Turns the City into a Magical Twinkling Canvas (Get the Full Guide for 2025)

Oct 28, 2025

Paris may hold the title of City of Light, but in December, the Festival of Lights in Lyon sees that title whipped away. For a few days each year, Lyon becomes a light spectacular as it puts on a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen. We’re not just talking about one color-washed building; we’re talking...

The Top Food Regions in France Revealed by a Nationwide Study (and Why the French Flock to Them)

Oct 27, 2025

It’s official, I live in one of the top five food regions in France, according to the latest IFOP study for Airbnb. We all know the French obsession with food, but until this study, I hadn’t realized quite how much. Apparently, food is even part of the decision making process when it comes to choosing...

10 Ski Resorts in the French Alps for Your Bucket List (Après-Ski Included)

Oct 26, 2025

Are you dreaming of hitting the slopes this year and heading to France for a dream winter vacation? Does the idea of snow-covered mountains, horse-drawn sleighs, and skating under the stars have you rushing to book your trip? The ski resorts in the French Alps are among the best in the world and cater to...

Will France really build a new Statue of Liberty? Introducing the Guardian of Liberty

Oct 24, 2025

A Paris atelier has just unveiled plans for a new monument called the Guardian of Liberty, a titanium statue that could one day tower over even the Statue of Liberty herself. The design depicts a strong male figure raising a globe toward the sky, symbolizing freedom and progress. It’s a bold idea, and fittingly French...

21 French Christmas Traditions You’ll Love Discovering and How They Celebrate the Festive Period in France

Oct 23, 2025

I love Christmas, and in our household, we go all out with three trees, one in the lounge, one in the kitchen (the real one), and another on the landing. My first French Christmas, nearly ten years ago, was an eye-opener as Christmas is a little different in France than what I’m used to. For...

Paris Turns Out the Lights on the Centre Pompidou With an Explosive Fireworks Display

Oct 23, 2025

Paris said goodbye to one of its boldest landmarks last night, and it went out in spectacular style. The Centre Pompidou, that colorful tangle of pipes and escalators in the heart of Beaubourg, lit up for one final show before it closes for renovation. In the early evening, crowds gathered on Place Georges-Pompidou to watch...

72 Female Scientists Are To Have Their Names Inscribed On the Eiffel Tower

Oct 21, 2025

If you’ve ever stood beneath the Eiffel Tower and looked closely, you might have noticed a neat line of names etched into the fabric of France’s most famous landmark. They belong to 72 men who shaped the world through science, engineering, and invention back in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s easy to miss if...

7-Minute Master Heist at the Louvre: How Thieves Vanished with France’s Crown Jewels

Oct 20, 2025

It sounds like something out of a Hollywood movie starring Tom Hanks, but no, it actually happened in real life. Yesterday, October 19, thieves took some of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre. Yep, we’re talking a full-on heist at the Louvre right from under the noses of security, as bold as brass in broad...

7 French Gifts for Christmas Delivered to Your Door Anywhere in the World

Oct 16, 2025

Christmas can be a crazy time of year, and as much as we all love getting into the festive spirit, finding just the right gift can be hard. Nobody wants to be accused of not putting any thought into their gifts. And who do you know who actually wants another talcum powder set? I mean,...

Paris Metro Steps Into the Future With New MF19 Rollout

Oct 15, 2025

If you’ve ever ridden the Paris metro in the summer, you’ll know how hot and sticky it can get. The lack of air conditioning makes it stifling at best, and even in the cooler months, it can still be uncomfortable. Finally, the powers that be are doing something about the antiquated metro trains. Starting from...

Where to Find Empty Ski Slopes When You’re Skiing in the French Alps (Secret Spots Nobody Tells You About)

Oct 15, 2025

Skiing in the French Alps is a dream, but battling the crowds? Not so much. Popular resorts like Chamonix and Val d’Isère fill up fast every winter, with packed pistes, long lift queues, and après-ski spots bursting at the seams. If you’re after a more relaxed experience, there are hidden gems where the snow is...

7 Ghost Tours in Paris That Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine

Oct 14, 2025

As the sun sets and darkness descends, Paris reveals a more spectral side hidden in the shadows of its iconic monuments and cobbled lanes. These Ghost Tours in Paris take you through forgotten alleyways, unearthing chilling tales that take you back through the centuries. Are you brave enough to discover what awaits you under the streets...

La Poste in France Launches the Croissant au Beurre Stamp that Smells Like a Croissant

Oct 13, 2025

Certain smells instantly transport you to France, and the smell of a buttery, freshly baked croissant is one of them. One whiff and you could be sitting at a café in Paris with a café au lait, watching the world go by. It’s so quintessentially French. Nowhere else in the world do buttery croissants quite...

The Best French Cheeses to Try on Your Next Trip to France

Oct 10, 2025

I like to think of myself as a bit of a cheese connoisseur, as I’ll happily choose cheese over dessert. But the more I researched French cheese, the more I realized I didn’t know. Living in France, I soon discovered that cheese is an integral part of every meal. And there are more than 365...

Can Americans Drive in France on an American Driving License?

Oct 09, 2025

Planning a trip to France for Christmas? If you’re an American planning to rent a car, you’ll want to know exactly what you need to do before your trip to ensure there are no hiccups when you reach the car rental desk. After a long-haul flight, the last thing you want is to realize you...

Carcassonne Ramparts Restored and Open for Visitors Inspiring a New Generation of Travelers

Oct 08, 2025

If you’ve ever been to Carcassonne, you’ll know that it’s like something out of a medieval movie set, only it’s not; it’s real. The double-walled fortifications, the history, the buildings, and the feeling you get as you walk through the streets. It’s simply magical, and you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve gone back in...

The Magic of the Champagne Bar at the Top of the Eiffel Tower on New Year’s Eve

Oct 07, 2025

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, the Eiffel Tower is the attraction at the top of most people’s list. It’s a beacon of light that sparkles at night, standing proud against the Paris skyline. But climbing to the top is a whole other experience. Going to the summit with the city spread out...

Another French Prime Minister Bites the Dust as Political Uncertainty Deepens

Oct 06, 2025

Less than a month into his tenure, Sébastien Lecornu has resigned as France’s prime minister, plunging the country deeper into political turmoil. His government lasted only 14 hours after the cabinet was unveiled, marking it the shortest-lived administration in the history of the Fifth Republic. The sudden collapse arrives while the United States is locked...

Octobre Rose in Paris and the Day the Eiffel Tower Turns Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Oct 06, 2025

Every October in Paris, the 20,000 bulbs that light up the Eiffel Tower turn pink to support the fight against breast cancer. It’s quite the sight to see, but Paris isn’t the only city doing its bit. Cities, towns, and tiny villages across France light up in pink for Octobre Rose. It’s a time when...

7 Stunning Châteaux in France You Won’t Want to Miss During December

Oct 03, 2025

I’ll happily visit a French chateau any time of year, but at Christmas, they take on a whole new life. There is nothing quite like seeing a chateau dressed for Christmas in all its festive finery. The only way to describe them is magical. From pathways lined with glittering fir trees to magnificent great halls...

Helen Mirren Steals the Show at Paris Fashion Week Last Night at 80 Years Old

Sep 30, 2025

Paris Fashion Week has landed in the city once again, and the drama is already off the charts. Saint Laurent transformed the runway into a garden of towering white flowers, a bold backdrop for a collection that leaned heavily into oversized shapes and unapologetic glamour. Away from the petals, another story stole attention: Helen Mirren...

7 Paris Cafés to Experience the Best Hot Chocolate and Pastries

Sep 30, 2025

As the nights start to draw in and October arrives, our minds adjust to the colder months, and we transition our wardrobes from summer outfits to jumpers and boots. Fires crackle in the wood burners, and instead of sitting outside enjoying the warm evenings, we cozy up in the armchair with a good book or...

Is French Food Really Better Than American Food, or Is It Just Hype?

Sep 29, 2025

Food is one of the major drawcards of France, along with the history, culture, and, of course, the wine. But what is it that makes French food so good? And does it put American food to shame? Good question. Having lived in France for ten years now and spent three years in the US before...

Skiing in Courchevel: A Luxury Escape in the Trois Vallées, France (The Celebrity Hideout in the French Alps)

Sep 26, 2025

If it’s glitz, glamor, and star spotting in the stunning snowy mountains in the French Alps you’re after, then Courchevel is the perfect place to go. It’s part of the Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys), and is known as the playground of the rich and famous during the winter months. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and...

The Beauty of Versailles in Winter and Why It’s the Best Time to Visit (More Sparkle, Fewer Euros)

Sep 25, 2025

There’s something different about Versailles in winter. The gold still glitters, and the Hall of Mirrors still dazzles, but without the usual flood of tourists. You can take the time to stop and admire what you’re seeing, and take a breath without being pushed and shoved by the throng of people. It’s a side of...

Is Chamonix in Winter Really Worth the Hype? Skiing, Scenery, and Secrets of the Gem of the French Alps

Sep 22, 2025

If you’ve never been to Chamonix in winter, it’s one to add to your bucket list. It’s seriously stunning with the ground covered in snow glistening away on the peaks of the mountains in the distance, which is simply magical. This was the stage for the very first Winter Olympics back in 1924, and the...

15 Spooky Things to Do in Paris This Halloween Season. Sinister Stories and Spooky Adventures Await

Sep 19, 2025

The first thing that springs to mind when we think of Paris is usually romance, not ghostly goings on. However, we all love a bit of mystery, intrigue, and, of course, the odd ghost story. Luckily, there are plenty of spooky things to do in Paris, where you’ll hear about phantoms and legends and even...

Christmas in a Cup: The Magic of French Hot Chocolate for the Holidays

Sep 19, 2025

The smell of hot chocolate immediately transports me to frosty December days and long dog walks in the French countryside. It conjures images of snow, cozy jumpers, and twinkling lights on the Christmas tree. But it wasn’t until I moved to France that I understood why everyone raved about French hot chocolate or chocolat chaud....

France Braces Itself for Today’s Countrywide Strike: Here’s What You Need to Know

Sep 18, 2025

Today is the day when France is about to come to a standstill as the country braces itself for yet another strike. It’s likely to cause chaos on transportation networks, but c’est la vie. Strikes and standing up for what you believe in are very much part of the French culture. Still, forewarned is forearmed,...

5 Haunted Places in France That Send Shivers Down Your Spine: Chateaux With Tales of Torture, Love, & Restless Spirits

Sep 18, 2025

I love a good ghost story as much as the next person, and there are plenty of haunted places in France with tales to tell. In a country as old as this, every century has its spooky goings on, from ghostly ladies in white to horses looking for their riders. Often, these stories are found...

Move Over, Emily in Paris, White Lotus is Coming to France For Its Next Season, the Question is Where?

Sep 16, 2025

If you love the show White Lotus and have been hooked by the gorgeous locations, then season 4 won’t disappoint. The big question on everyone’s lips is where in France. The team at HBO is keeping its lips sealed, and the only hint we have lies in the hotel, as the show has a marketing...

Still Dreaming of Summer? Where to Soak Up the Sun in the South of France in October

Sep 15, 2025

The Fall is my favorite season. I love those stunning autumnal colors and the crispness of leaves underfoot. However, the thought of the oncoming winter doesn’t thrill me. I need sunshine and plenty of it, and I’m always looking for a quick getaway in the sun before we head into the colder months. But where...

Why You Can’t Just Call It Champagne (Even if You’re Donald Trump)

Sep 14, 2025

I do hate it when people don’t get their facts straight. It doesn’t matter if you’re the Pope or the President, yes, I’m looking at you, Donald Trump, you still need to do your research. It seems utterly ludicrous to me that the President of the United States could make a statement about protecting “American...

Say Cheese to the New French Travel Trend

Sep 11, 2025

Who doesn’t love cheese? I live in France, so it’s almost obligatory to love it as it’s served with every meal. It even has its own course here and isn’t an either-or option with dessert. But did you know, cheese is now responsible for a new surge in tourism to France? Who’d have thought that...

The Best French Ski Resorts for Beginners Where You Can Learn to Ski in Style Without the Stress

Sep 10, 2025

If you’ve never been skiing before, the thought of doing it for the first time can be quite daunting. It’s a scary notion, the idea of hurtling down a hill, Bridget Jones style, completely out of control. As a non-skier myself, I’ve spent quite a bit of time researching the best French ski resorts for...

The New Roots Travel Trend Has Americans Flocking to France to Walk in the Footsteps of Their Ancestors

Sep 09, 2025

Forget the Louvre. Skip Versailles. More and more Americans than ever are turning away from the big-name attractions in favor of medieval French villages, hoping to walk the same streets their ancestors once did. Many claim to trace their family lines to Charlemagne himself in the new roots travel trend now influencing the way Americans...

What Happens During the Grape Harvest in France. Discover the Magic Behind the Process of Fête des Vendanges

Sep 05, 2025

The grape harvest in France is a very special time of year and one I always look forward to. Last year, I spent a day at Pierre Lecat Family Estate in northern Charente, just 30 minutes from where I live, as part of the October harvest, and it was so much fun. I was lucky...

French Wine in Crisis During The Current Harvest: The Surprising Slump That Nobody Could Have Predicted

Sep 04, 2025

The wine harvest in France is now in full swing, but the wine industry in Bordeaux is facing a crisis. Living not far from this fabulous winemaking region, where 15% of French wine is produced, I’d have to be living under a rock not to have heard about what’s happening in the vineyards. And as...

Climbing the Arc de Triomphe: From Napoleon’s Dream to Paris’s Skyline

Sep 03, 2025

When you visit Paris, certain attractions top most people’s bucket list, and the Arc de Triomphe is definitely one of them. Once you climb the 248 steps to the top, the views of Paris are breathtaking. But it’s not all about the views. Being a history gal, I love to know the story behind these...

Americans Visiting France in 2026 Will Face Stricter Entry Rules and New ETIAS Requirements.

Sep 02, 2025

Traveling to France in 2026 will come with a new step for American visitors. A system called ETIAS will be introduced, along with stricter border checks, meaning you’ll need to organize more than just your passport before you go. It’s still straightforward, but you’ll want to be prepared. The change is designed to increase security...

Monet’s Giverny: Tips for Visiting His House, Gardens, and Village

Sep 01, 2025

If you only have time for one day trip from Paris, this is the one I recommend you take. Now I’ll hold my hand up and say I’m not a major fan of art, I’m more of a musician, having studied classical music for many years. However, a trip to Giverny and the house of...

What Makes France in September So Irresistible? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Weather)

Aug 29, 2025

The weather in France in September is gorgeous, that’s a given. However, there are plenty of other reasons to visit France in September. From the riot of autumnal colors to the change of produce at the local market, there is something wonderful about this time of year. The kids have gone back to school, and...

Cassoulet: The Stew That Sparked a Centuries-Long Rivalry Between Three Places in France

Jul 13, 2025

Cassoulet is a slow, bubbling pot of beans, garlic, and meat that demands time, patience, and a bit of attitude. In southwest France, entire festivals revolve around it. And the smell of it cooking? That sticks with you longer than most holidays. What’s inside the pot might look simple at first glance, but there’s a...

Are Parisians Really That Rude Or Is the Stereotype Totally Wrong?

Aug 28, 2025

There’s something oddly persistent about French stereotypes. They stick around like an old wine stain on a linen shirt. And Parisians? They seem to attract the worst of it. Rude, aloof, lazy, snobbish. Even other French people join in. Hollywood hasn’t helped much. Kevin Kline playing a cartoon version of a Frenchman in French Kiss,...

Autumn in France Is Unforgettable: From Grape Harvests to Fall Colors It’s a Magical Time of Year

Aug 27, 2025

It’s hard to say which season is the best, but Autumn in France is absolutely stunning. Each region is different, but certainly, where I am in the Charente, the weather is mild. We often have an Indian summer, and the countryside is a riot of colors cascading together, taking your breath away. The leaves fall...

New Art Nouveau Museum to Open in Paris to Celebrate Hector Guimard

Aug 26, 2025

Paris has finally decided to shine a spotlight on a man most of us know without realizing it. Hector Guimard is the designer behind those iconic Art Nouveau Métro entrances, the ones with curling ironwork and glass that seem to grow from the ground like giant plants. They first appeared in the early 1900s, and...

Best Things to Do in Annecy in the Fall: Lakes, Mountains, and Festivals

Aug 25, 2025

Annecy is one of those places that seems to be beautiful no matter the season. However, for me, it’s at its most stunning in Autumn. The fall colors surround the lake with burnt orange, russet red, and that lovely deep yellow you only seem to see at this time of year. By the time September...

7 of the Prettiest Streets in Paris You’ll Want to Walk Again and Again

Aug 22, 2025

Living in France, I get to visit Paris quite often as it’s only a two-hour train ride from where I am in the southwest. But I realize not everyone is lucky enough to be that close or to visit regularly. If you’ve never been before, it can be hard to know where to go and...

12 UNESCO Spots in France That Take You From Roman Ruins to River Palaces

Aug 19, 2025

Living in France, especially in the more rural areas, such as the Poitou-Charente, there are so many hidden gems that aren’t in the guidebooks. It’s a veritable feast of medieval and Roman ruins. Only 15 minutes from my house is a château that has been in the same family for over 1,000 years, with its...

Beyond Battles: 10 French Things We Owe to Napoleon

Aug 15, 2025

Napoleon Bonaparte might be remembered for his battlefield victories and that famous defeat at Waterloo, but there’s a whole other side to him that most people never hear about. Away from the politics and power plays, his influence reached into kitchens, vineyards, town squares, and even your local boulangerie. Napoleon’s legacy lives on in the...

Discover the Village of Les Baux-de-Provence: Fortress, Village, and Carrières des Lumières

Aug 15, 2025

If it’s drama, history, and stunning villages you’re after, it doesn’t come much better than Les Baux-de-Provence in the south of France. It’s probably the smallest village in Provence, but it packs a mighty punch. Built on the site of an ancient Neolithic settlement, this medieval village takes your breath away. The story of the House...

8 Stunning Examples of Art Nouveau Architecture in Paris

Aug 13, 2025

Paris is full of architectural treats, but for me, there is one style that stands out, and that’s Art Nouveau. I love the elegance and long flowing lines, and the little motifs often hidden in the design. It’s pure romance and stunning to look at, and Paris has some wonderful examples if you know where...

10 Storybook Places to Visit in the Dordogne to Add to Your Bucket List this Summer

Aug 12, 2025

The Dordogne is a stunning region in southwest France that is a favorite with the British, but not so highly talked about in the American press. So if you don’t know the area and you love history, you’re in for a treat. It’s got some of the most beautifully preserved medieval villages, and you can’t...

Heading to Southern France? Here’s How the Aude Wildfires Might Affect Your Plans

Aug 08, 2025

The skies turned orange over the Corbières hills on Tuesday, 5 August, as flames swept through the Aude region just south of Carcassonne. Within hours, the fire had raced across more than 16,000 hectares of land, swallowing vineyards, scrub, and forest. That’s an area bigger than Paris, gone in smoke. One woman lost her life...

Things to Do in Brittany in the Summer. Medieval Towns, Pink Cliffs, and the Best Galettes in France

Aug 07, 2025

Brittany has always reminded me of Cornwall in the UK; in fact, it has been referred to as Little Britain, and has its own language, flag, and way of life. And of course, being so close to Britain, it is a favorite escape for the Brits. Unfortunately, it often has similar weather too, but don’t...

10 Things to Do in the Loire Valley in August for an Unforgettable Trip

Aug 06, 2025

August in France is one of the best times of year, with so much happening, most of which is outdoors. From local food festivals and night markets to big musical events and brocantes, you have plenty to choose from. The Loire region comes into its own during this month. Beyond the châteaux visits to places...

7 Hidden Medieval Gems in France That Feel Like a Portal to the Past

Aug 05, 2025

Choosing where to stay in France is hard because there are so many gorgeous little towns and villages that never make it into the travel guides when you do a Google search, which, in my opinion, is a crying shame. So, rather than give you all the obvious places that have been written about more...

9 Places to Stay in Normandy for Exploring the Region Easily With Minimal Driving

Aug 04, 2025

Normandy is bigger than most people think. From the white cliffs of Étretat to the tidal island of Mont Saint-Michel, the region stretches across landscapes that feel completely different from one another. So, when choosing a place to stay, you want to avoid setting yourself up for hours in the car every day. If you...

7 Podcasts About France That Will Transport You Straight to Paris and Beyond

Aug 01, 2025

France is one of those countries that many people dream about. From the beauty of Paris to the glamor of the French Riviera. However, for most, hopping on a plane whenever they need to indulge in a little France time isn’t a reality. That’s where podcasts about France come in. They’re like a seat at...

5 Fascinating Normandy Day Trips Within 90 Minutes of Paris (plus 5 worth the extra miles)

Aug 01, 2025

France is a big country with so many wonderful regions to explore, and it’s hard to know where to start. But, if, like many, you’re planning on using Paris as your base but want to enjoy some time away from the city exploring other places, you’ll more than likely have Normandy on your list. But...

Champagne Houses in Reims: The Insider’s Guide to France’s Sparkling Capital

Jul 31, 2025

If you’re planning a trip to the Champagne region in France, you can’t go far wrong with a trip to Reims. It’s the perfect day trip from Paris and is home to some of the most famous champagne houses the country has to offer. I’ve always been a Veuve Clicquot girl, even more so since...

Inside Le Train Bleu: A Paris Restaurant Where History Meets Haute Cuisine

Jul 30, 2025

If you’re vacationing in Paris, there is one restaurant you’ll want to add to your list, and that’s Le Train Bleu. It’s a work of art with a menu, a time capsule of the Belle Époque, where gilded ceilings, frescoes, and chandeliers turn an ordinary meal into an experience. Presidents have dined here, stars of...

Why Hotel Château Eza is the Most Romantic Hotel on the French Riviera

Jul 29, 2025

Take a step back in time to the medieval period in France to the stunningly beautiful hilltop village of Èze on the French Riviera to Hotel Château Eza. It’s not a chateau in the Loire Valley sense of the word, but it is one for the bucket list. It’s a boutique hotel with views to...

5 Unforgettable Paris Restaurants for a Summer to Remember, Complete With Iconic Views

Jul 29, 2025

Dining out in Paris is an experience that is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. This season, there are some incredible spots where the setting is every bit as memorable as what’s on your plate. From rooftop terraces with stunning close-up views of the Eiffel Tower to art nouveau buildings...

15 Things to Do in France in August You Won’t Want to Miss

Jul 28, 2025

France comes into its own in the summer. From wine celebrations in medieval villages to open-air concerts under the stars. Life is lived outdoors, and the French know how to make everything seem like a party. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in France in August. You’ll find outdoor jazz...

5 Free Tours in Paris That Show You the City’s Secrets

Jul 28, 2025

Paris is a city full of stories you can discover without spending a cent. The best way to peel back its layers is on foot, guided by someone who knows every twist and turn. That’s where free tours come in. They offer a fresh perspective on the city, whether you’re curious about hidden corners or...

8 Markets in Provence That Make You Fall in Love with France

Jul 25, 2025

The markets in Provence are a full-sensory experience and one you won’t want to miss if you’re there on vacation. It’s a social ritual, a chance to slow down, taste the season, and wander through stalls stacked with everything from goat cheese to woven baskets. But not all markets in Provence are created equal. Some...

The Secret to Stunning French Country Porch Decor —And It’s Easier Than You Think

Jul 25, 2025

Let’s be honest: no one has time for complicated DIY projects or expensive makeovers. You just want simple porch decor that looks great, feels fresh, and doesn’t take hours to pull together. The good news? A few small changes can completely transform your porch, making it feel warm and welcoming, regardless of the time of...

How to Explore Provence Without a Car (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Jul 24, 2025

Not everyone who plans a vacation in Provence wants to spend their time driving. For a start, driving in the French countryside can be hazardous, take it from someone who lives here. The roads are tiny, and the villages are often on hilltops, which can make your stomach flip. Plus, you’re on holiday and want...

Paris Can Wait Filming Locations – Relive the Movie and Discover France Outside of Paris

Jul 24, 2025

If you’re a fan of the movie, Paris Can Wait, you’ll know it’s an invitation to slow down and savor life the French way. When Diane Lane’s character takes a detour through France, the story becomes a celebration of food, wine, and moments that make a journey unforgettable. Watching it makes you want to grab...

8 Unique French Food Dishes With Eggs You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet

Jan 21, 2025

It wasn’t until I moved to France that I realized how many French food dishes involved eggs. They are in more dishes than I thought possible. I’ve learned to cook eggs in a myriad of different ways I’d never have thought of before moving here. Plus, we’re not just talking chicken eggs. From quail eggs...

Escargot anyone? Why the French Eat Snails (and You Might Too)

Jul 22, 2025

Ever wondered why the French eat snails? I know if I served up snails in our house, my husband would get in his car and drive to the nearest McDonald’s. It’s safe to say he’s not a fan, despite having lived in France for over a decade. But in most French homes, they’re treated like...

12 Smart Ways to Save Money When Traveling in France

Jul 22, 2025

Traveling in France doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Whether you’re sipping espresso in a Paris café or taking a road trip through the French countryside, there are plenty of ways to experience the best of the country without overdoing it on the spending. It’s all about knowing where to look, what to avoid, and...

The Story of Tarte Tatin, The Upside-Down Apple Tart That’ll Melt in Your Mouth.

Jul 21, 2025

There are so many delicious French desserts that it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I think tarte tatin might just be mine. The history behind this caramelised pastry apple treat is a fun one, too. It tells the story of two sisters, a little village called Lamotte-Beuvron, and a happy accident. If you’ve not...

Where to Find the Best Car Rentals in France for All Budgets and Road Trips

Jul 21, 2025

France is the perfect country for a road trip, and unless you’re coming across the channel from the UK with your own car, you’ll need to rent one. Finding the best car rentals in France isn’t always easy. Knowing what you can and can’t do when driving here is often confusing, especially if your French...

Is There Uber in France? Eveything You Need to Know About Taxis in Paris and Beyond

Jul 18, 2025

When creating an itinerary for a trip to Paris or anywhere in France, planning your transport options in advance is crucial. There are a few things to bear in mind, as not all regions are created equal when it comes to taxis and public transport. If you’re used to grabbing your phone and pulling up...

Why Musée Carnavalet Might Be the Best Museum in Paris (And It’s Totally Free)

Jul 18, 2025

On a trip to Paris, it’s easy to get distracted by the city’s major attractions, such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre-Dame. However, there is so much more to Paris than the major landmarks. And I get it, who doesn’t want to go to the top of the Iron Lady and look out...

10 Paris Scams Every Visitor Should Watch Out For

Jul 17, 2025

You’ve planned your dream trip to Paris, and on day one, you get caught by one of the many scammers hanging around the main attractions. I’ve seen it happen so many times and been caught by a couple myself on my first couple of trips. It certainly knocks your confidence and bursts your Paris bubble...

Do I Need to Get Travel Insurance for France From the US?

Jul 17, 2025

I live in France and travel frequently, and have conducted extensive research on French travel insurance. But to answer your question, should I get travel insurance for France? YES. Although it isn’t a requirement to enter the country, you’d be mad to travel without it. It’s about peace of mind and knowing you’re 100% covered if something...

The 5 Best Restaurants in Rouen, Including a Julia Child Favorite

Jul 17, 2025

With over 650 restaurants to choose from and an award for UNESCO City of Gastronomy, how on earth are you supposed to choose just five restaurants? Well, it wasn’t easy. But on my last trip to Rouen, I was recommended some great ones to try by Yannick at the Rouen Tourist Board. And she didn’t...

How Bouillabaisse Became the Most Famous Dish in Marseille

Jul 17, 2025

If you’ve never tried Bouillabaisse in the south of France, you’re missing out. And before you say, Isn’t that just fish stew, let me set the record straight. This dish carries centuries of Marseille’s soul in every ladle. There’s real depth to Bouillabaisse. It’s rich, garlicky, saffron-spiced, and made for dipping hunks of bread into...

The 9 Best Music Festivals in France to Experience in 2025 (Southwest Edition)

Jul 16, 2025

The French love a good party, and music festivals are no exception. And you’re certainly not stuck for choice. However, with so many options, it’s challenging to determine which are the best music festivals in France to add to your list this summer. I think one of my favorites is the Carcassonne Festival, which runs...

10 Free Museums in Paris Worth Visiting

Jul 16, 2025

Did you know that Paris has over 140 museums? It’s insane when you think about it, and although I go to Paris regularly, I don’t know that I’ll ever get to see them all. They cover everything from art, history, and culture, giving you an insight into the story of this amazing city. However, not...

France Beyond Paris: 5 Trending French Destinations to Explore This Summer

Jul 15, 2025

As the MOST visited country in the world, there is more to France than just Paris. I know Paris is fabulous, I love it as much as the next person. However, if you’re coming to France and staying in the capital, then it’s a sin not to add a few quick day trips to your...

10 Best Regions in France for a Longer Stay & Slow Travel

Jul 15, 2025

Spending a few days in France is never enough. You barely have time to finish your second café crème before it’s time to move on. But stay a little longer and you start to experience France differently. Some regions in France make that kind of stay easy. They’ve got the slower pace, the right kind...

Why Do the French Celebrate Bastille Day? The History & Story Behind the National Day of France

Jul 14, 2025

Every summer, on the 14th of July, France comes alive. Red, white, and blue flags flutter from balconies, villages host outdoor dances, and fireworks light up the night sky from Paris to Provence. But behind the picnics and parades lies a story of revolution, resilience, and the birth of modern France. The 14th of July...

Dreaming of Retiring to France? 10 Questions to Ask Before Making the Move

Jul 11, 2025

Does the idea of retiring to France appeal to you? Perhaps it’s a daydream you’ve had for many years. Or maybe you’re just starting to think that a life of baguettes, wine, and cheese sounds a much more appealing way to spend your golden years than where you are now. Whatever the reason, there are...

7 Food Tours In Bordeaux To Tickle Your Taste Buds (Even the Locals Rave About Them)

Jul 10, 2025

Bordeaux is so much more than its fabulous wine. It’s the perfect city to visit for food lovers. It’s my first choice of city to visit when I need a foodie fix. Living two hours away, I’ve spent plenty of happy weekends eating in the many restaurants Bordeaux has to offer. The city is full...

3 Day Trips from Paris to Alsace by Train & a Two-Day Itinerary

Jul 10, 2025

Depending on how long you’re staying in Paris, you may want to do a couple of day trips. As wonderful as Paris is, it’s only one city, and France has so much to offer; it’s a shame to limit yourself to just one place. But is it feasible to do a day trip from Paris...

10 Ways French People Eat Differently (And Why It Works)

Jul 09, 2025

Before I moved to France, my eating habits and food preparation methods were quite different. Having lived in the UK, Australia, and the US, where convenience is key and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables are available year-round, coming to France was a bit of a culture shock. You see, the French people eat...

Garlic in France | Why the French love Garlic

Jul 08, 2025

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but nearly every dish in France is typically full of garlic. Living in France, you soon discover that the French use garlic every day. It’s a staple ingredient in pretty much every savory dish. Garlic in France is as common as bread, wine, and cheese. My French neighbour, Stéphane,...

7 Villages and Towns in Occitanie to Visit Before You Reach Carcassonne

Jul 08, 2025

If you’re visiting the south of France and driving through the Occitanie region, you’ll no doubt have Carcassonne in your sights. Standing high on a hill, it’s the largest fortified city in Europe, with 3 km of ramparts. And then there’s the beautifully preserved citadel that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into the...

How to Make Authentic Boeuf Bourguignon Like the French Do

Jul 07, 2025

Speak to anyone about the best French food dishes or the most well-known ones, and you’ll hear Boeuf Bourguignon. Or, as my Mum loves to say, beef stew. Somehow, though, beef stew doesn’t sound as appetizing as Boeuf Bourguignon. And you need to pronounce it in the same way Julia Child did on her cooking...

10 Towns in France to Visit Without a Car

Jul 07, 2025

Sometimes when you’re on holiday, the last thing you want to do is get in a car and drive for miles and miles, or worse still, be stuck in traffic. That’s not a vacation. Luckily, here in France, not only is public transport really good, but there are plenty of towns and villages that are...

Air Traffic Controllers Announce a 2025 Summer Air Strike in France During July

Jun 25, 2025

If you’re flying to or over France this summer, you’ll want to pay close attention to the latest announcement from France’s air traffic control unions. A new air strike in France has been called for July 3 and 4, right before France’s school holidays begin. The timing is deliberate, and the impact will likely be...

South of France Packing List: Don’t Pack Another Pair of Shoes Until You Read This

May 22, 2025

Sun-soaked beaches, hilltop villages, rosé at lunch, and markets that make you wish your suitcase had a separate compartment just for olives. The south of France is part of many people’s vacation plans. But behind the postcards and pretty views is a place where practical packing makes all the difference. You’ll be hopping between towns,...

Creme Brulee France: The Secrets of a Classic French Dessert

Jul 03, 2025

Is there anything more satisfying than cracking through the caramelized sugar crust of a crème brûlée? That first tap of the spoon, the delicate snap, the creamy vanilla custard underneath, yum. It’s the kind of simple dessert that French cuisine does best. Crème brûlée might be a staple on bistro menus across France, but it’s...

Your Complete Guide to the Best Picnic Spots in Paris Worth Packing a Baguette For

Jul 02, 2025

There is nothing quite like a picnic in Paris, and there are so many great spots to go if you know where to find them. As it’s hot, hot, hot right now in France, you’ll want a shady spot with some water to dip your toes into. And hopefully without too many people. Surprisingly, for...

9 Abbeys in France That Have Survived War, Revolution, and Time

Jul 01, 2025

One of the things I love about living in France is being surrounded by history. From the stunning chateaux to the beautifully preserved villages, it’s as though a part of the past hides around every corner. It really does feel sometimes like I’m walking through the pages of a history book. France is a Catholic...

The History of French Onion Soup: How a Peasant Dish Survived Revolutions, Riots, and Hangovers

Jun 30, 2025

Living in France, there are many things to love about French life, but one of them is definitely the food. We eat seasonally, which means everything is fresh. If you don’t eat your fruit and veg within a couple of days, they go off; it’s organic at its absolute best. Every time my friend from...

The Secret to a Stunning Summer Garden Tablescape: French Country Meets Earthy Wilderness

Jun 20, 2025

Learn the secrets to designing a summer garden tablescape without breaking the budget, and learn design tricks from an event designer. I may have moved to rural France, but there are some things you can’t escape. In my case, that’s decor, and I can never resist a spring tablescape. I was an event designer in...

Effortless French Country Garden Decor: How to Create a Beautiful Outdoor Table in Minutes

Jun 18, 2025

Learn how to create simple but effective French country decor in your garden this year. Choose color schemes and flowers that complement the season. At this time of year in rural France, you simply want to fling open the doors, grab a glass of wine, and soak up the sunshine with friends. And what better...

7 Historic Hotels in Paris That Let You Step Back in Time

Jun 16, 2025

A trip to Paris is on so many people’s bucket lists, and when you’ve been once, your heart longs to return. It’s an experience that’s hard to explain, as it’s more of a feeling the city gives you. A feeling inspired by all those who have walked the streets before you. The Golden Age in...

Beautiful French Country Table Decor You Can Actually Do Yourself

Jun 14, 2025

Get your styling head on as you’re about to create a little French country table decor that you don’t have to be an interior designer to achieve. You can take the girl out of event design, but you can’t take the table styling out of the girl. Even though I now live in the French...

7 Summer Fashion Faux Pas to Avoid in Paris at All Costs

Jun 11, 2025

It’s so easy to get your outfit wrong in France, especially in one of the fashion capitals of the world. The Parisians have an effortless style that most of us envy. The question is, how do you emulate that without looking like you’re trying too hard or committing an unforgivable fashion faux pas in Paris?...

The Secret to Parisian Chic: Accessorizing Tips You’ll Wish You’d Learned Sooner

Jun 10, 2025

How do the Parisians pull off that effortlessly chic look? No matter what they’re doing, they seem to know how to dress for the occasion. Always looking as though there was minimal effort, yet still stylish. It’s the quintessential polished Paris flair that so many of us want to recreate. The question is how. Well,...

Where to Find the Most Beautiful Libraries in Paris

Jun 09, 2025

I’ve always found libraries fascinating places and was drawn to them as a child. Perhaps it was simply my love of books, or perhaps it was because you had to be so quiet. Or maybe it was the grandeur of the building. The one near my home growing up had a beautiful old oak staircase...

Why I Fell In Love With Living in Rural France: Tips, Truths, and Lessons Learned

Jun 05, 2025

If you’ve ever watched any of those shows like “New Life in the Sun” or simply dreamed of packing up and moving to France, you’ve probably wondered about the dream versus the reality. Well, I moved to France in 2016, and although there have definitely been some ups and downs, life in the French countryside...

Inside Château de Chambord: Secrets, Scandals, and a Staircase Like No Other

Mar 18, 2025

Possibly one of the most recognizable chateaux in Europe, Château de Chambord is absolutely mindblowing in real life. Nothing prepares you for the sheer size of the place, and the pictures I’d seen just didn’t do it justice. A hunting lodge built for a king who barely stayed in it, with 440 rooms, 365 chimneys,...

Colmar and the Alsace Wine Route: What Not to Miss

May 30, 2025

If ever there was a scene straight out of a fairytale, you’ll find it in the beautiful village of Colmar in northeastern France. Stunning doesn’t really cover it, and although pictures tell a thousand words, there is nothing like seeing it for yourself, as it’s even more beautiful in person. It’s the perfect base for...

A Road Trip Through France: 18 Villages That Take You Back In Time To the Middle Ages

May 28, 2025

Have you ever dreamed of taking a few weeks out of your life and going on a road trip in France? I certainly have, but my dream isn’t for the usual type of road trip. Oh no, I want to do one that takes me through the myriad of gorgeous medieval villages and towns hiding...

How Paris Almost Got a Giant Guillotine Instead of the Eiffel Tower

May 26, 2025

Can you imagine what the Paris skyline would look like without the Eiffel Tower? It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? The Iron Lady is synonymous with Paris and pops into our minds whenever we dream of being in the City of Light. But what you might not know is how close France came to having...

The Best Rooftops in Paris for Sunset, Skyline, and Seriously Good Wine

May 23, 2025

Paris has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, and a view over its rooftops takes your breath away. It doesn’t get any better than sipping a glass of wine and looking down at the City of Light spread out before you with the Eiffel Tower twinkling away. It is one of those...

A 10 Day South of France Itinerary: Lavender Fields, Hilltop Towns, and Coastal Roads

May 21, 2025

It’s impossible to see the south of France in just ten days. But with some forward planning and a bit of local knowledge, you can definitely see the highlights of this gorgeous region. It all comes down to what you like to do. On my first trip to southern France, I decided to do a...

The 7 Most Famous Bridges in Paris, Including One That Grants Everlasting Love

May 20, 2025

Every time I go to Paris, I discover something new. It’s a city full of myths and legends, some based on historical events, others a little more fanciful. Unsurprisingly, many of them have a common theme: love. Along with many others, I’d always thought Pont des Arts was the most romantic bridge in Paris, but...

Cassis: The French Riviera Town You’ll Wish You Discovered Sooner

May 16, 2025

It’s hard not to be wowed by the French Riviera with all its glitz and glamor. The luxury yachts in the Saint Tropez Port, the ritzy casinos with the best-dressed clientele, and the gorgeous beaches with the Mediterranean sparkling in the background. What’s not to love? It’s the perfect place to people watch and dream....

The Hilltop City of Béziers in Southern France Stopped Me in My Tracks: Burned to the Ground and Rebuilt

May 13, 2025

You don’t forget the first time you see Béziers. It hits you as you walk across the stone bridge over the Orb River. The town rises up like it’s watching you, with the cathedral towering above everything. I think I took about fifty photos on that bridge, trying to capture it from every angle. As...

The Time Travel Tourism Trend: 7 French Destinations That Take You In Time to Another Era

May 08, 2025

I’m a history gal, so traveling back through the centuries to another world has always excited me. I’ve often daydreamed about going back to the 12th century and seeing the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine in Poitiers. But of course, I wouldn’t want anyone to see me, or for anything to happen to me. I’d...

7 Secret Parisian Legends That Aren’t in Your Travel Guide

May 07, 2025

Paris doesn’t give up all its secrets straight away. Sure, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are must-sees, but if you’ve already ticked off the big names and you’re craving something different, it’s time to look beneath the surface. Hidden in quiet alleyways, old stones, and underground tunnels are stories that never made it into...

Planning a Trip to La Rochelle? Here’s What the Brochures Forget to Mention

May 06, 2025

If you love a bit of history mixed with wonderful seafood and spectacular views of the ocean, you’ll love La Rochelle in southwest France. Located in the Charente Maritime, La Rochelle is the gateway to the French Atlantic. Its harbor is famous for great seafood, beautiful scenery, and, of course, the legendary Knights Templar, who...

7 Hidden Gems in Paris You Didn’t Know Existed

May 02, 2025

The City of Light dazzles with its iconic landmarks, romantic streets, and wonderful cafe culture, but beneath all the glitz and glamor are hidden gems in Paris that aren’t highlighted in the guidebooks. If you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, wandered around the Louvre, and walked the streets of Le Marais, it’s time to go beyond...

Save Big While Living in Rural France: Uncommon Tips That Actually Work

May 01, 2025

When I first moved to France for a life in the countryside, I envisioned living my version of the TV sitcom “The Good Life” from the 1970s. And if I’m honest, it’s not that far off, only with a few more baguettes and apéros. Life here is good once you learn how to embrace it....

The Best Kept Secret in Southwest France: The Gers Region in Gascony

Apr 28, 2025

As a travel writer living in France, I spend a lot of time visiting different towns and cities; it’s one of the many perks of my job. On one of my latest excursions, I drove to the Gers region in southwest France, and boy, am I glad I did. The countryside is stunning, packed full...

The Story of the Real d’Artagnan: The Man, the Myth and the Musketeer

Apr 30, 2025

I’ve always loved history, and living in France, I’m surrounded by it, which was always part of the appeal of moving here. Bringing history to life and hearing the stories behind some of the legends I’ve heard since childhood is thrilling. On my recent trip to the Gers region in southwest France, I met one...

World Record Just Broken: France Says “Bon Appétit” to a 400-Foot Strawberry Cake

Apr 24, 2025

The French have done it again. Not with politics, fashion, or a philosophical shrug, but with something far more serious: dessert. Yesterday in Argenteuil, just outside Paris, a group of pastry chefs rolled out a 121.8-meter strawberry cake. That’s nearly 400 feet of cream, sponge, and fruit. It’s the kind of thing that could make...

Tourist Attractions vs. Local Gems: The South of France You Won’t Find on Instagram Because These Hidden Spots Are Even Better

Apr 23, 2025

The South of France is stunning and one of the most popular places to visit in France, behind Paris. It’s packed with postcard-worthy towns, golden beaches, and lavender fields that seem to go on forever. Travel guides and Instagram feeds will point you to the same list of must-see places; for good reason, they’re spectacular....

9 Hidden Treasures of Rural France You Probably Didn’t Know Existed

Apr 21, 2025

Beyond the busy streets of Paris and the sparkling beaches of the Riviera, there’s a hidden world in rural France that few have explored. How do I know? I live in the Charente region, which has medieval villages, graveyards of the Knights Templar, and prehistoric tombs known as Dolmens. Go a bit further, and you...

From Chateau Renovations to Bee Keeping: How These Expats Built a Life in Rural France

Apr 18, 2025

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been asked about what it’s like to move to rural France. How did I go from city life to country life? Do I find working over here hard? How have I integrated into the community? And the big one, do I regret taking the plunge? I’ve written about...

The Myths About France I Believed Until I Actually Lived Here

Apr 17, 2025

Many people wish to live the French dream, but what’s the reality of moving to France? I’m about to bust a few myths about France and those stereotypes we always think of. I often get asked, “What is it like living in France? Do you speak fluent French? Are the French lazy and rude? Do...

Things to Do in Gordes, France: Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Apr 16, 2025

When we think of Provence, we generally have visions of lavender fields that seem to go on forever, endless blue skies, and colorful markets packed with wonderful fresh produce. But we also think of hilltop villages like Gordes, set in the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon. With its winding cobblestone streets,...

10 Storybook Towns in France That Feel Straight Out of a Fairytale (One Inspired a Disney Movie)

Apr 15, 2025

One of the many things I love about living in France is the myriad of beautiful towns and villages that wouldn’t look out of place in a medieval history book. The French are very good at preserving their history. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time as you wander through these places. ...

Thinking of Making the Move to France? These Are the Cities Where Your Dollars Go Further

Apr 09, 2025

If you’ve ever daydreamed about living your best French life in France, but struggle to find an affordable city that won’t break the budget, this article is for you. Thinking about swapping the daily grind for café terraces, open-air markets, and a slower pace of life with better bread? You’re in good company. Plenty of...

Follow In the Footsteps of the Famous Residents of Montmartre

Apr 08, 2025

There’s something about Montmartre that just pulls you in. Whether you walk up the steps to reach the Sacre Coeur or take the funicular to the top, the past seems to whisper in your ear as you make your way through its streets. The ghosts of famous residents keep step beside you, desperate to show...

5 Paris Cafes Where Artists Argued, Drank Too Much, and Created Masterpieces

Apr 04, 2025

If it’s famous Paris cafes you’re looking for, but without the tourist tag, you’ll love these five places. If you’ve ever daydreamed about sitting where Picasso sketched, where Hemingway jotted down a few lines over his morning espresso, or where Modigliani probably paid his tab in portraits, then you’re going to love this. Paris is...

Honfleur in Northern France the Town That Inspired Artists

Apr 02, 2025

There’s something about Honfleur in Northern France that makes you slow down. Maybe it’s the way the light hits the old harbor at sunset, or the creak of wooden boats rocking gently in the water. Or maybe it’s just the feeling that the town hasn’t changed much in the last few hundred years. I’d heard...

Roman Roads, Ruins & Relics: 10 Spectacular Sites to Add to Your French Bucket List (Spoiler: They’re Not In Paris)

Apr 01, 2025

France is full of Roman ruins, temples, aqueducts, bridges, and roads. You’ll find traces of the Roman Empire scattered across the countryside. There’s something magical about stumbling across a Roman ruin when you’re not expecting it. However, nothing prepares you for a 2,000-year-old amphitheater. Those moments stop you in your tracks, making you feel like...

What Really Happened Behind the Walls of Château de Fontainebleau

Mar 31, 2025

If walls could talk, the ones at Chateau de Fontainebleau would have a lot to say. This gorgeous château with gilded ceilings and fancy gardens is where French history got messy, glamorous, and downright scandalous. For over 800 years, it was the weekend getaway, the family home, the power seat, and at times, the prison,...

7 Secret Beach Getaways in France That Won’t Break the Budget

Feb 18, 2025

If you dream of summer days spent lying on the beach soaking up the French sun but don’t want to break the travel budget, keep reading. Not all beach getaways in France are expensive. In fact, you’ll be surprised how many beautiful, uncrowded beaches there are, ones you’ve probably never heard of. As lovely as...

Inside the Bastille: The Prison So Many Feared and a Few Enjoyed

Mar 28, 2025

The Bastille, Paris. It’s one of those names in French history we’ve all heard, usually followed by talk of revolution, guillotines, and a certain July day in 1789. But before it became the headline act of the French Revolution, it had already had a checkered past, full of royal secrets and high-profile prisoners The Bastille...

No Tour Buses. No Crowds. Just 10 Hidden Spots in the South of France (Not On Every Instagram Feed)

Mar 27, 2025

Planning a vacation to France? Forget Nice and Cannes or the French Riviera, these little gems in the south of France have none of the crowds but all of the charm. If you’ve ever dreamed of the south of France, but without the crowds and inflated prices, this one’s for you. Sure, Nice and Saint-Tropez...

How the Louvre Went from Medieval Fortress to the World’s Most Famous Museum

Mar 22, 2025

Whenever I think of the Louvre, I can’t help but see scenes from the Da Vinci Code and Tom Hanks being chased by baddies. Luckily, there is much more to the Louvre than being featured in the movies. Not only is it home to some of the most famous paintings in the world, but it...

Golden Sands, Turquoise Waters & Hidden Coves: 10 South of France Beaches So Stunning You’ll Want to Book a Trip Now

Mar 19, 2025

These stunning beaches in the South of France are perfect for your French vacation list this summer. Now that winter is firmly behind us and spring has poked its head out, I can’t help dreaming of lying on the beach reading a book, enjoying long summer days, and soaking up the sun. I can’t wait...

From Guillotines to Ghosts: The Historic Sites in Paris That Shaped History

Mar 17, 2025

Everyone loves Paris for different reasons. For some, it’s because it feels like the most romantic city in the world; for others, it’s about reliving a favorite movie moment, but for me, it’s about the historic sites in Paris. It’s the kind of place where history isn’t locked away in museums; it surrounds you. You...

Did the Phantom of the Opera Really Haunt Palais Garnier in Paris? What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?

Mar 17, 2025

Is the Phantom of the Opera a work of pure fiction, or is there some truth hiding in the depths of Paris’ grandest opera house? Palais Garnier is steeped in history, intrigue, and many legends and stories. There are plenty of interesting facts about Palais Garnier; the question is, which are actual facts and which...

Strange But True: The Quirkiest French Holidays and Traditions

Mar 15, 2025

France doesn’t do boring when it comes to holidays and traditions. Sure, you’ve got the big ones like Bastille Day and Christmas, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find some celebrations that could only happen here. Pranks involving paper fish, giant carnival floats made of lemons and oranges, and a festival where people walk...

Antibes is Famous For Its Grimaldi Connection But Its Stunning Coastal Views and Beaches Will Steal Your Heart

Mar 14, 2025

I had not been to Antibes until recently, and I wonder now why it took me so long. It’s seriously one of the best spots on the French Riviera and the perfect place to base yourself if you’re doing a road trip on the Riviera like I was. The old town is gorgeous, with sun-drenched...

Château de Chantilly: The Inspiration For Molière, Host to Kings, and the World’s Best Cream

Mar 13, 2025

If you’ve ever seen the pictures of Château de Chantilly with its fairytale-like turrets, the reflection in the water, and the stunning grounds, you’ll know it’s beyond stunning. This place is packed with history, drama, and more than a few interesting characters. It’s been home to powerful figures like Anne de Montmorency, who built a...

A Walk Up Rue Lepic: The Montmartre Street Where Artists, Windmills, and Café Culture Meet

Mar 12, 2025

There are so many fantastic places in Paris to go to, but for me, the magic of Montmartre always wins the battle over where to go. It’s the kind of place where you can almost hear the whispers of poets and painters who once roamed the streets, sipping coffee, sketching in notebooks, and debating life’s...

The French Pastry Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed (With a Twist!)

Mar 07, 2025

The biggest problem with living in France? The pastries. Every single morning, the boulangerie tempts you with golden, flaky, utterly irresistible delights. And if you’re thinking I’ll just pop in for a simple croissant, you’re fooling yourself. Once you step inside and see that perfect French pastry display stacked high with eclairs, tarts, and those...

The 25 Most Famous Streets In Paris To Visit + Bonus Map!

Mar 06, 2025

If you’re heading to Paris for the first time, you probably have a list of places you don’t want to miss. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, maybe a café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. But what about the streets? Paris isn’t just about the big landmarks; it’s the little streets and hidden corners that really make the city...

Rue Montorgueil, The Street in Paris That Food Lovers Can’t Miss

Mar 05, 2025

Walk down rue Montorgueil today, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a different Paris, one where locals still buy their morning baguettes from neighborhood boulangeries, where seafood stalls burst with fresh oysters, and where tiny cafés spill out onto the cobbled street, filled with people watching the world go by. But rue Montorgueil isn’t...

Pâtisserie Stohrer: The Oldest Bakery in Paris

Mar 04, 2025

If you’ve ever wandered down Rue Montorgueil in Paris, you may have passed by a little shop that’s been standing there for nearly 300 years. It’s easy to miss, tucked among cafés and fromageries, but step inside, and you’re walking into history. This is Pâtisserie Stohrer, the oldest bakery in Paris. Here, royal pastry chefs...

Pont du Gard Has Stood for 2,000 Years – But Why?

Feb 26, 2025

Some places just stop you in your tracks. The Pont du Gard is one of them. A massive, ancient structure rising from the landscape, it’s hard to believe it’s been here for nearly 2,000 years. The Romans built it to move water, but what they ended up creating was something that would outlast empires, revolutions,...

10 Historical Spots in France That Take You Back in Time (and aren’t in Paris)

Feb 27, 2025

If you’re planning a French vacation and you want to soak up history beyond Paris, you’re in for a treat. There are lots of fabulous historical spots in France. This country is packed with places that don’t just tell a story; they are the story. From medieval cities and Roman masterpieces to grand châteaux where...

First Time in Paris? Don’t miss these Stunning Eiffel Tower Photo Spots (Most Tourists Miss Them!)

Mar 03, 2025

You’ve been dreaming about this trip for years — Paris, at last. You’ve pictured yourself walking along the Seine, stopping at little cafés, and, of course, standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, taking it all in. Now that you’re finally here, you want to capture every moment. But where do you even start? Sure,...

The Secret Apartment Inside the Eiffel Tower: Fact or Fiction?

Feb 21, 2025

The Eiffel Tower is probably the most famous landmark in Paris. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was completed in 1889 and was hated by most Parisians as it was a blot on their otherwise perfect skyline. But there is more to the Iron Lady than first meets the eye. Yes, it sparkles and lights up...

The Perfect Paris Itinerary for 3 Days (Great for First-Timers)

Feb 23, 2025

It can be a little overwhelming if you’ve never been to Paris and you’re planning your first trip. If you only have three days, what are the “must-see” attractions? How much can you fit into one day without being completely exhausted? Planning the perfect Paris itinerary can be daunting, especially for first-timers. Basing yourself in...

Easy Tips on Styling Your Home With French Country Chandeliers

Sep 13, 2024

Is there anything more elegant than a chandelier? It evokes all sorts of daydreams about living in bygone eras with grand halls and tables laden with food for as far as the eye can see. Or possibly beautiful ballrooms with people dancing under the light of a shimmering crystal chandelier. My daydreams are endless, and...

7 Books Set in France That Will Transport You Into French Life

Oct 14, 2024

I am an avid reader and love nothing better than hunkering down in the winter in front of the fire with a good book. In the summer, I swap the sofa for my swing chair in the garden and red wine for a glass of rose. So, I’m always on the lookout for new authors...

Château de Monte-Cristo: The Chateau That Inspired a Literary Legend

Feb 10, 2025

In the hills of Le Port-Marly, just outside Paris, lies a château unlike any other, the Château de Monte-Cristo. It was the personal refuge of one of France’s most celebrated literary figures, Alexandre Dumas. It’s a world where fiction and reality blend, and the echoes of swashbuckling adventures and historical intrigues still linger in the...

The Hidden History Beneath the Streets of Paris

Feb 07, 2025

Visiting the City of Light and wandering the streets of Paris is an experience not to be missed, but have you ever thought about what lies beneath these streets? Underneath the gorgeous Haussman boulevards and bustling cafés of Paris lies a hidden world you wouldn’t think about unless you knew it was there. A network...

9 Fun Facts About Bordeaux, France Beyond Its World Class Wine

Feb 06, 2025

Bordeaux, France, isn’t just about wine, though it does that exceptionally well. Living not far from this lively city, I’ve discovered there’s much more beneath the surface than vineyards and grand châteaux. Beyond the swirl of a glass, Bordeaux is a place where history, art, and unexpected surprises pour out at every corner. Did you...

10 Stunning Instagram Spots in Villefranche-sur-Mer To Make Your Feed Pop

Dec 31, 2024

The south of France is on many people’s bucket lists, with places like Nice and Provence topping the list. But what about Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its medieval passages and sun-drenched Mediterranean vistas? Every cobblestone and corner here tells a story you can’t help wanting to be a part of. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets or...

Beyond the Ramparts: Discover the Secrets of Saint-Malo

Feb 03, 2025

Saint-Malo isn’t just a town; it’s a walled fortress rising from the sea, with stone ramparts that whisper stories of pirates, privateers, and fierce independence. Set on Brittany’s rugged coastline, this port city has weathered storms, battles, and the relentless pull of time. Strolling along its cobbled streets, with the salty breeze on your skin,...

The Secret’s Out: 7 Reasons Why Americans Are Moving to France

Nov 07, 2024

Is the American dream no longer what it once was? Are you wondering if the grass is greener somewhere else? You won’t be alone. But where to go, that is the question. France is one of the top choices, and Americans have been moving there in droves over the last decade, and it has nothing...

Wallace Fountains: The Parisian Landmarks You’ve Seen But Never Noticed

Jan 31, 2025

At first glance, they might seem like lovely old Paris relics tucked away on street corners and in quiet squares. But the Wallace fountains tell a story all of their own, one of generosity and public welfare that has shaped the city for over a century. These cast-iron green fountains were a gift to the...

Paris in Spring: Where to Find the Magic Beyond the Crowds

Jan 30, 2025

Spring in Paris isn’t just a season; it’s a transformation. The city shakes off winter’s chill, swapping grey skies for soft pink cherry blossoms and crisp mornings for golden afternoons lingering at sidewalk cafés. There’s an energy in the air, a feeling that anything is possible. But beyond the picture-perfect moments, there’s a rhythm to...

Boulevard Saint-Germain, One of the Most Famous Streets of Paris

Jan 28, 2025

There is something very special about walking the streets of Paris. Whether it’s the romance, history, or just the sheer beauty of the buildings, it never fails to inspire me. Boulevard Saint-Germain is one of my favorite Parisian streets, stretching for 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles.) But it isn’t just a street; it’s a time capsule...

The Art of French Vintage Floral Decor: How to Get It Right Without Looking Overdone

Sep 06, 2024

It can be very easy to get vintage floral decor wrong. It can end up looking fussy, overdone, and overwhelming. Too much floral in a room reminds me of my Grandma’s home back in the day. However, a few well-chosen pieces turn shabby into chic and cluttered into cozy. The key is knowing which pieces...

10 Best and Worst Day Trips From Paris – Where to Go and What to Skip!

Jan 23, 2025

Paris might be the city of love, lights, and ridiculously good pastries, but even the most devoted Francophile needs a break from the bustle. Taking day trips from Paris can be the perfect escape. But not all day trips are created equal, and while some will have you basking in beauty and history, others might...

A Magical French Chateau at Christmas With Fairytale Vibes

Dec 10, 2024

Show me a girl who wouldn’t want to spend some time at a French chateau at Christmas. It’s a magical time of year, and the decorations add another layer to that magic. Christmas trees fill the rooms in an array of stunning colors, and tables are piled high with festive treats. It’s the stuff fairytales...

Why Chateau de Chenonceau Is More Than Just a Castle: Secrets From Inside the Walls!

Sep 25, 2024

If you’re looking for a fairytale castle in France, look no further than Chateau de Chenonceau. Stood on an arched bridge across the Cher River, its reflection perfectly captures the magic of the building within. From being the residence of some of France’s most powerful women to playing an active role in the French resistance,...

The Secrets of Chateau Azay le Rideau: A Royal Retreat with a Fiery Past

Jan 15, 2025

If it’s a fairytale chateau you’re after, then you don’t need to look much further than Chateau Azay le Rideau in the Loire Valley. This picturesque Renaissance castle is set on an island in the middle of the Indre River and uniquely blends French and Italian Renaissance styles. It reflects beautifully in the surrounding waters,...

20 Underrated Places in France: Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Trail

Jan 13, 2025

France is brimming with iconic destinations, from the Eiffel Tower to the stunning beaches of the Côte d’Azur. But beyond the tourist-packed attractions lies a treasure trove of underrated places in France, hidden gems waiting to be explored. Ever heard of the Marais Poitevin, known as “Green Venice,” or the limestone cliffs of Gorges du...

Menton, France: Discover the Hidden Gem of the French Riviera

Jan 07, 2025

Think you know the French Riviera? Think again! While Cannes and Nice might steal the spotlight, the pretty town of Menton, France, is the Riviera’s hidden gem. It sits between Monaco and the Italian border and is an irresistible mix of Mediterranean charm, cultural intrigue, and a sweet citrus twist. With its picturesque beaches, colorful...

Things To Do in Eze, The Medieval Jewel in the French Riviera Crown

Oct 28, 2024

If you’ve never been to Èze in the French Riviera, you’re missing out. It’s one of the prettiest medieval hilltop villages close to Villefranche sur Mer. You’ll feel like you’re walking through the pages of a fairytale book as you climb up into the village. The coastline views are nothing short of spectacular, and it’s...

10 Hotels in France You Won’t Believe Actually Exist

Jan 03, 2025

Ever dreamed of sleeping in a medieval monk’s cave, floating in a bubble under the stars, or resting your head in two countries simultaneously? Some of the hotels in France go far beyond the typical Parisian boutiques and countryside châteaux. The country that gave us surrealism continues to push boundaries with accommodations that blur the...

The French Rococo Revival in 2025: A Journey Through Style and History

Jan 02, 2025

The French Rococo Revival is set to make waves in 2025, blending historical charm with modern flair. Once dismissed as overly ornate, this 18th-century-inspired French Rococo style is making a design comeback in homes, fashion, and art. From Rococo Furniture to Rococo Fashion, the movement is being reimagined with a contemporary twist. But why now? ...

What to do in Poitiers: 13 Things to Do in 2025

Aug 06, 2024

Wondering what to do in Poitiers and the best places to visit? I’ve got you covered. Until recently, the only time I’d visited Poitiers was to use the train station to travel to Paris. But then I read Elizabeth Chadwick’s trilogy of books on Eleanor of Aquitaine. As a result, I became fascinated with Poitiers, the place where...

The 21 Best Paris Travel Apps For Navigating The City In 2025

Aug 13, 2024

On my first trip to Paris I got completely lost. Sound familiar? Well that’s where my list of the best Paris Travel Apps gets you out of trouble. All you need is a phone and a sim that lets you roam in France, and you’re all set. How often have you been somewhere and needed...

The Best Catacombs Tour Paris With VIP Access in 2025

Oct 08, 2024

If the tunnels of the Paris Catacombs could talk, they’d have quite the tale to tell. I was lucky enough to be invited to one of the Catacombs Tours, which was fantastic. We had access to private areas that were not open to the general public and heard stories you don’t get from a Google...

15 Breathtaking Stops for the Ultimate French Riviera Roadtrip

Dec 19, 2024

Picture a road where every turn reveals another postcard-perfect vista, where sapphire waters meet dramatic cliffs, and medieval villages perch like eagles’ nests above the glittering Mediterranean. This is the Côte d’Azur French Riviera, where nature and luxury dance in perfect harmony along one of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines. Having explored every curve of this...

10 Famous Paris Cafes to Add to Your Parisian Bucket List

Dec 18, 2024

Parisian cafe culture is known around the world. The effortlessly chic people, the busy waiters in their black and white outfits, and the history that spills out onto the pavements is the stuff that Paris dreams are made of. When you visit these famous Paris cafes, it’s like you’re entering another world where elegance reigns...

The 12 Oldest Restaurants in France You Can Still Eat At

Sep 30, 2024

Traveling around France, you’ll see some spectacular old buildings full of history. Some you can visit, walk around, and step into the pages of their centuries-old stories. Others are the oldest restaurants in France, which have wined and dined famous names, witnessed historical events, and had front-row seats to the proceedings as they unfold. Today,...

Behind the Doors of Marie Antoinette’s Bedroom at the Palace of Versailles

Dec 16, 2024

Marie Antoinette’s bedroom at the Palace of Versailles is more than just a room; it’s a glimpse into the private life of one of history’s most captivating queens. While the palace dazzles with grandeur, her personal space reflects a softer, more intimate side of royal life. This room gives you a glimpse at her unique...

Frog Legs, Who Ate Them First? The British or the French?

Dec 11, 2024

If someone asked you to give them five things they believe sum up France, I’m pretty sure frogs’ legs, along with bread, croissants, cheese, and wine, would get first billing. Quickly followed by attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the lavender fields in Provence. But are we wrong in our assumption that frog...

Ryanair Flight Cuts in France: Strategies for Travelers Seeking Alternatives

Nov 29, 2024

Ryanair’s announcement to withdraw from several French regional airports has been a major blow to those living in the more regional parts of France and the travelers looking to explore them. Known for its budget-friendly fares and extensive network, Ryanair has long been a lifeline for affordable access to the less touristy parts of France....

The 10 Best Museums in Bordeaux to Add to French Your Bucket List

Nov 20, 2024

When you think of Bordeaux you automatically think of wine, after all, Bordeaux is the wine capital of France. But there is so much more to this city than just wine. Its beautiful architecture, food and culture make Bordeaux a city of choice for many. It’s even knocked Paris of it’s perch and is now...

Saint-Paul de Vence, a Stunning Hilltop Village in Southern France

Sep 18, 2024

If a village were ever going to make you fall in love, it would be Saint-Paul de Vence in the south of France. Words simply don’t do it justice. It’s history, romance, art, and culture all rolled up into one unbelievably beautiful package that you can’t help but unwrap. I’m not often rendered speechless, but...

The Oldest Boulangerie in Bordeaux; Have Your History & Eat It

Nov 18, 2024

Can you imagine walking to a boulangerie and buying bread baked in an oven first built in 1765? Au Pétrin Moissagais, the oldest boulangerie in Bordeaux, offers just that. It’s a place where you can have your history and eat it. It first fired up its oven during Louis XV’s reign, and the same bread...

Magical French Christmas Markets That Feel Straight Out of a Fairytale

Nov 14, 2024

The holiday season in France transforms the country into a wonderland of twinkling lights, fabulous festivals, and, of course, traditional markets. From village squares to grand city plazas, French Christmas markets are filled with festive decor and aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. All this is often set against a backdrop of medieval castles,...

How French Fashion Designers Saved Haute Couture in Paris During World War II

Nov 06, 2024

There is so much to love about France, from its food and wine to its history and culture. Possibly one of the biggest drawcards is the fashion. Paris Fashion Week is the highlight of many people’s calendars, drawing crowds from far and wide. But what about the French fashion designers who lived through the Second...

Did Nicolas Flamel Live in Paris? And was he a real person?

Nov 04, 2024

Was the alchemist Nicolas Flamel simply a figment of J.K. Rowling’s imagination created for the Harry Potter books? Or was he a philanthropist who lived in France in the Middle Ages?

Rue Crémieux, the Prettiest Street in Paris

Oct 30, 2024

There is no shortage of beautiful streets in Paris, some with views of the Eiffel Tower, others lined with Parisian cafes, and, of course, there are plenty of wide boulevards with Haussman buildings on either side. A Google search will bring up a list of at least fifty streets in Paris, all claiming to be...

7 Places To Visit in France at Christmas That Are Like A Winter Wonderland

Oct 21, 2024

With the Christmas countdown officially on and the weather getting decidedly chillier, it’s the time of year we start to think about getting Christmassy. France puts on a fantastic show during the festive season. From the breathtaking beauty of the Alps to the magical chateaux in the Loire Valley, there is something for everyone. But...

Discover the Secrets of Dinan, a Hidden Medieval Gem in Brittany

Oct 18, 2024

If you spend your days daydreaming about all the places you’ll visit in France, then this secret spot in Brittany should be top of your list. Brittany is known for its beautiful coastline with seaside resorts like the gorgeous town of Saint-Malo, which has recently been pushed into the spotlight by the Netflix Series, All...

37 Julia Child Quotes: The Life & Cooking Lessons You Never Knew You Needed

Oct 17, 2024

It wasn’t until I watched the 2009 movie Julie Julia that I discovered the TV Chef and author Julia Child. I’d never really been into cooking before that, let alone heard any Julia Child quotes. For me, cooking was something that had to be done rather than enjoyed. But then I moved to France, and...

The Secret Life of a Francophile: Are You One Too?

Oct 11, 2024

I’m a Brit, and I’ve lived in rural France for over seven years. I completely embrace that I have become a Francophile, in love with all things French. I absolutely love living here, and it would take a lot to make me move back to the UK. Every time I travel out of France, I...

One Day In Paris, What Do You Do? Take the Quiz and Find Out!

Oct 10, 2024

Paris is the most visited city in the world! I discover something new each time I go, and I still get excited about every trip despite having been over twenty times. But what would I do if I only had one day in Paris? That’s a good question, and the answer is that it all...

Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole | The Wisteria Covered Restaurant in Paris

Oct 01, 2024

Everywhere you turn in Paris, you’ll find pieces of history, from squares that once housed palaces to streets where sinister things happened. The City of Light has some dark areas that are best left undisturbed, but it also has some of the most beautiful buildings and architecture you’re ever likely to see. Île de la...

Rue de L’Abreuvoir: Step Into the Pages of Montmartre’s History Book

Sep 26, 2024

The streets of Paris were made for walking, especially those on top of the hill in Montmartre. One street, in particular, has been featured on numerous Instagram feeds and most recently appeared in the TV show Emily in Paris. Rue de L’Abreuvoir, with its view of the Sacre Coeur, is a pretty cobblestone street in...

7 Hidden Gems in the South of France Off the Tourist Track

Sep 04, 2024

When we think of the south of France, we think of glitz, glamor, beautiful beaches, and the sparkling sea. The places that usually spring to mind are the French Riviera, Provence, and Toulouse. But what about the pretty little places that are off the beaten track? There are plenty of hidden gems in the south...

7 Reasons Why The South of France Is A Retirement HotSpot For Americans

Jul 30, 2024

The South of France and the French Riviera have been the number one tourist spot many times and with good reason. Their appeal lies in their rich history, culture, way of life, food, wine, and fabulous weather. But why are so many Americans looking to make France their retirement destination, particularly the South of France?...

Create a Stunning French Country Fall Tablescape in 5 Easy Steps

Sep 04, 2024

As autumn colors arrive here in the Charente in southwest France, the event designer in me can’t wait to create some fall-inspired table settings. I love the rustic look and feel of French country decor, and so much of it can be foraged from the house or garden to create something quite beautiful. Nature gives...

Master the Art of French Country Farmhouse Decor with Insider Tips

Sep 02, 2024

Living in rural France, one of the first things I fell in love with when I moved here was the rustic old farmhouses. My property sits within the walls of an old castle that stood here centuries ago before being destroyed in the French Revolution. Our home was once an old barn for storing grains...

10 Fabulous Things To Do in Grasse On the French Riviera

Aug 29, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, remember to add Grasse to your list. I was lucky enough to visit a couple of years ago and loved it. Known worldwide as the perfume capital, it’s perfectly positioned to explore the lavender fields and the beaches of the Mediterranean. Hidden away in the hills,...

Donjon Gilles Aycelin, the Jewel in Narbonne’s Crown

Aug 08, 2024

Narbonne is in the picturesque Languedoc region of southern France. It’s a beautiful city, but the best view is, without a doubt, from the top of the Donjon Gilles Aycelin. You’re treated to uninterrupted, 360-degree views, including landmarks like the Narbonne Cathedral with its towering Gothic choir. It’s so close you could almost reach out...

Why You Need To Visit Les Halles de Narbonne, the Narbonne Market

Aug 16, 2024

Markets are a way of life in France. The French go at least once a week, sometimes more, and I love it. But not all markets are created equal. In 2022, the Narbonne market, Les Halles de Narbonne, won the coveted award of France’s most beautiful covered market. And yes, there is a competition about...

Narbonne, France: The Roman Colony That Shaped Southern French History

Aug 21, 2024

In 118 BC, Rome made a bold move that would forever change the course of southern France’s history. At the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Narbonne was at the center of the action. Its strategic location would soon establish it as a crucial outpost of the Roman Empire. But there’s more to Narbonne’s story than its...

10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Narbonne

Aug 22, 2024

Narbonne isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think of southern France. But to miss it would be a crime because there is so much to love about this city. From the remains of a Roman road to an award-winning covered market, you certainly won’t be bored. If your legs are up...

The Renovation of Chateau Londigny, the Castle of the Knights

Aug 26, 2024

It’s not often in life that you get to be part of something as special as the renovation of a 15th-century chateau. For my husband, that dream has become a reality. Hidden in the depths of the gorgeous Charente department in France is Chateau Londigny. With its roots firmly in the 15th century, the chateau...

The Easiest Way to Learn French—And You’ll Never Guess What It Involves!

Aug 20, 2024

Are you considering moving to France but are put off because you’re not sure you’ll be able to learn French? If so, you’re not alone. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been asked how easy it is to speak French. The short answer is it’s hard. I’ve struggled to learn the conventional way, and...

5 Dordogne Châteaux With a Fascinating French History and Home to Legends From the Past

Aug 12, 2024

With 1001 to choose from, how do you pick just five Dordogne chateaux to write about? Well, the Dordogne Valley is called the “Valley of the 5 Chateaux” due to five historical chateaux that gained prominence during the Hundred Years War. As you explore the Dordogne region with its rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering...

7 French Beach Destinations You Haven’t Heard of But Should Definitely Visit

Aug 19, 2024

With over 3,000 miles of coastline, you’d be hard-pushed not to find French beach destinations with which to fall in love. Most people flock to the big tourist areas on the French Riviera without realizing how many hidden gems there are in other areas of France. You’ll find some relatively undiscovered secret spots from the...

7 Magical Alsace Villages in France Where You Could Live a Fairytale Retirement

Aug 15, 2024

Like many people, I’ve always dreamt of the perfect retirement property, living peacefully in a beautiful village where time stands still. Somewhere, you can enjoy the little things in life and be part of the community. Where nobody is in a hurry and life is for living, not running at a hundred miles an hour....

14 Iconic French Drinks To Help Beat The Heat This Summer

Jul 17, 2024

France might be famous for its food, culture, and history, but the drink isn’t far behind. Many regions have their own drink specialty; some you’ll know about, and some you won’t. And I’m not talking wine. There is so much more to France’s contribution to drink than wine, although the wine is pretty damn good....

9 Top Places in Northern France For Expats To Enjoy A Slower Pace Of Life

Jul 08, 2024

If you’ve been dreaming about moving to France and living the Expat life, you’re in the right place. Northern France is a popular spot with both UK and American Expats as the price of property is good and there is a lively, English-speaking Expat community. It’s a place where you can integrate seamlessly into the...

9 Most Colorful Places in France To Brighten Your Travel Itinerary

Jul 10, 2024

France is a country oozing with history, culture, and fabulous architecture. But it’s also home to some stunning, colorful villages that take your breath away. From the pastel shades of the Alsace to the brighter pops of color on the Mediterranean, you’re in for a treat. These villages, with their cobblestone streets, hidden passageways, and...

Breaking News: Fire at Rouen Cathedral

Jul 11, 2024

In 2019 it was the Notre Dame on fire, 2024 it was Rouen Cathedral’s turn.Today, Thursday July 11th, 2024, a fire broke out around noon at Rouen Cathedral damaging one of France’s most historical landmarks. How Did the Fire Start? It started at the top of the spire quickly gathering momentum, despite efforts from more...

10 Money Saving Tips For Traveling In France

Jul 12, 2024

As someone who spends several months of the year traveling around France, I’ve figured out some great ways to save money. However, I would like to say that I’m not a budget traveler. I don’t like camping and never will, and I’m not a hostel type of gal either. Both have their place; they’re just...

Paris Is Knocked Off Top Spot! This City Has Taken Over As Most Beautiful In France

Jul 18, 2024

Paris is at the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, but it’s no longer the favourite. It’s been toppled off its perch by another French city, one that’s often overlooked. With the Olympics opening ceremony starting in just eight days, Paris is definitely the most talked about city. However, it’s no longer the most...

Uncover the Fascinating History of La Rochelle On The Atlantic Coast

Jul 23, 2024

Looking for some cold, hard facts about the town of La Rochelle in the Charente Maritime department of France? You’re in the right place. I live not far from La Rochelle, and its history makes for an interesting read. From being a Knights Templar Stronghold in the middle ages to the Nazi occupation in WW2,...

The 9 Best Beaches in La Rochelle, France 2026

Jul 23, 2024

Ready to discover the best beaches in La Rochelle and the surrounding areas? Living as I do in the Poitou Charente, the nearest beaches to us are in and around La Rochelle, situated in the Charente Maritime. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in Europe, with over 100 miles of coastline to choose...

3 Overlooked Women in French History With Fascinating Stories

Jul 30, 2024

Wondering who are the most famous women in French history? I’m looking at the lives of three extraordinary women in French history and telling their stories. Their tales are fascinating and full of endurance and survival against the odds. But rather than looking at the obvious ones, such as Joan of Arc, Marie-Antoinette, or Marie...

From Boats to Mascots: Behind-the-Scenes Of The Paris Olympics, Controversies And Highlights

Jul 24, 2024

Living in France, the Paris Olympics are currently dominating the news. With only two days to go, the athletes are arriving, and the country is holding its breath for what has been touted as the greenest Olympics yet. But it’s been not without its dramas, theatrics, and disputes. From the “Will it or won’t it...

The Legend Of Sainte Radegonde, Protector of Poitiers In France

Aug 06, 2024

One of the many things I love about living in France is discovering the history and stories of the people who lived here centuries ago. And Sainte Radegonde, born in Thuringia, now part of modern-day Germany, who lived in the 6th century, has a story worth telling. From being abducted by the Franks at the...

Why the Medieval Town of Bergerac in France Should Be on Your French Bucket List

Aug 07, 2024

If you’ve never visited the medieval town of Bergerac in France, you’re in for a treat. It’s an absolute feast for the eyes, with half-timbered buildings, pretty little squares, and the Dordogne River as a backdrop. I recently went for the first time when my brother visited me from the UK. He wanted to go...

It’s Fig Season in France, But What’s The Secret to Their Popularity?

Aug 09, 2024

The food in France is fabulous. It’s fresh, seasonal, and tastes fantastic. Living in rural France, growing your own fruit and vegetables in your potager (kitchen garden) is almost obligatory. But one thing I don’t have is a fig tree, luckily though, one of my neighbours does. I’ll often find a little bag of them...