Category: Paris
I Love Paris in the Springtime: Paris Spring Events 2010March 10, 2010 · Category: Paris
Planning to be in Paris over the next few months? Need an excuse to go? The only reason I ever need to visit Paris in the spring... [Read the full story]
Savoring France’s CognacMarch 4, 2010 · Category: Southwest France
Every year, the modest town of Cognac draws thousands of visitors from all around the world. Not surprisingly! Cognac is the... [Read the full story]
The Maritime City of La Rochelle, FranceFebruary 27, 2010 · Category: Southwest France
Easily accessible by train, La Rochelle, France is a popular destination for European tourists. This coastal town has something... [Read the full story]
Discovering Bordeaux, FranceFebruary 24, 2010 · Category: Southwest France
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River, located in Southwest France. Of course, one of the first things that comes to mind... [Read the full story]
“Basque”ing in the Culture of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and San SébastianFebruary 21, 2010 · Category: Basque Region, Southwest France
Saint-Jean-de-Luz in the Southwest corner of France and San Sebastian just across the border in Spain are both located in the... [Read the full story]
Wonders of the South: Saint- Raphaël and Fréjus, FranceFebruary 20, 2010 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
While nearby St. Tropez seems to get all the attention, both Saint- Raphaël and Fréjus are fantastic destinations in their own... [Read the full story]
Hotel Gavarni: Green Panache in ParisFebruary 13, 2010 · Category: Paris
Hotel Gavarni joins a handful of hotels that have embraced the Green movement in Paris. They are doing their part to clean... [Read the full story]
Celebrate The Moulin RougeFebruary 12, 2010 · Category: Paris
In October 2009, Paris celebrated the 120th birthday of the most famous cabaret in the world, The Moulin Rouge (Le Moulin Rouge). It... [Read the full story]
Our Favorite Paris BistrosFebruary 2, 2010 · Category: Paris
Many of the finest restaurants in the world can be found in Paris. But if you are looking for French food without the fanfare... [Read the full story]
Eco-Friendly ProvenceJanuary 24, 2010 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
One area in France that seems to have all their eco ducks in order is Provence. There are few areas in the world that have been... [Read the full story]
The Cluny: Paris’ Museum of the Middle AgesJanuary 20, 2010 · Category: Paris
One of the most interesting museums in Paris, a city filled with great museums, is the Musée National du Moyen-Age Thermes... [Read the full story]
Quaint Quimper, FranceJanuary 15, 2010 · Category: Northwest France
I had the good fortune of visiting Quimper, France when I was living in Rennes. Quimper is located in north western France in... [Read the full story]
Picturesque Honfleur, FranceJanuary 12, 2010 · Category: Northwest France
When I was teaching a course in Paris last summer, I took my students on a day trip to Honfleur, a lovely commune in the Calvados... [Read the full story]
Marvelous Marseilles, FranceDecember 30, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
When I was working as an English teacher at a lycée (high school) in Gassin, France, I frequently took day or weekend trips to... [Read the full story]
The Secret to Perfect Paris CrepesDecember 25, 2009 · Category: Paris
On our first trip to Paris, we climbed the steps to the landmark Sacre Coeur Basilica. And finally, I saw what I had only... [Read the full story]
Free Lodging in ParisDecember 19, 2009 · Category: Paris
We followed her up to the top floor, this friendly French girl who I had never seen before in my life but knew I could trust.... [Read the full story]
Provence Weather, Wines and CultureDecember 16, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
Provence, in the south of France, is a fabulous place to visit to enjoy the weather, the culture and, of course, the wine! Provence... [Read the full story]
France’s Southern Alps Snow TrainDecember 5, 2009 · Category: Southeast France
Touristic trains are a great way to discover non-mainstream France. During the ski season, they take you to relatively lesser-known... [Read the full story]
Minerve, France: Village of Charm and HistoryNovember 30, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
The village of Minerve perches on a high ridge in the wild landscape of the Causses, in the Languedoc-Rousillon region of Southwestern... [Read the full story]
Gorgeous Giverny: Frolicking in Monet’s GardenNovember 19, 2009 · Category: Paris
For my 12th birthday, my parents gave me the book, Linnea in Monet’s Garden. I immediately fell in love with the tale of this... [Read the full story]
Celebrate a Russian Christmas…in Nice, FranceNovember 17, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
This year, you can enjoy a Russian Christmas without the cold weather and long flight to Russia. Come to sunny Nice, France for... [Read the full story]
Nimes, France: a Roman MasterpieceNovember 16, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
Eight years ago, as we were getting lost on our way to Arles, my husband and I ended up in Nimes. We did not see Arles –... [Read the full story]
Opéra Garnier, A Baroque WorldNovember 11, 2009 · Category: Paris
There really is a lake beneath the old opera house in Paris, just as The Phantom of the Opera says. No phantoms are boating... [Read the full story]
The Caves of France’s Ardèche GorgeNovember 3, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
The Ardèche Gorge, the largest natural canyon in Europe, angles through southern France, northwest of Avignon. Its craggy limestone... [Read the full story]
A Saturday in Strasbourg, FranceOctober 26, 2009 · Category: Northeast France
One of the most memorable Saturdays I have ever had was spent strolling around the international city of Strasbourg. Strasbourg... [Read the full story]
All Aboard the Touristic Train from Paris to NeversOctober 22, 2009 · Category: Burgundy Region, Paris
Whether you are visiting Paris for business or leisure, you may want to escape the city’s frantic pace for a few days —... [Read the full story]
Montmartre, Paris: A Walk With The ArtistsOctober 14, 2009 · Category: Paris
The first time I saw Paris, many years ago, my friends and I headed for Montmartre. We’d seen the movies and heard the stories,... [Read the full story]
Montpellier, Urban Old and NewOctober 8, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
Traveling to Montpellier to study French was one of the smarter decisions I’ve made. By the time I left the EuroLingua Institute... [Read the full story]
A Fantastic Paris MapSeptember 30, 2009 · Category: Mapping Tools, Paris
We just came across a great site for Paris-lovers or those planning a trip to the City of Light. Zeev’s Map of Paris offers... [Read the full story]
La rentrée – France’s Season of ChangeSeptember 18, 2009 · Category: France
The term la rentrée in it’s most literal sense means “the re-entry” or “the return.” However, it’s one of those French... [Read the full story]
Get Away to France’s Arcachon BaySeptember 17, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
Arcachon, located in the southwest corner of France, was once a wooded Atlantic coastline with just a few huts, endless oyster... [Read the full story]
European Wine Guide: FranceSeptember 14, 2009 · Category: France
Have you ever looked at labels on European wine bottles and wondered about the meaning of AOC, DOGC, or QmP? Look no further.... [Read the full story]
Mysterious Rennes-le-Chateau, FranceSeptember 8, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
Mystery and legend swirl around Rennes-le-Chateau, a medieval village in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southwestern France.... [Read the full story]
Travel Reading: Books (and Magazines) That Make You Feel Like You’re in FranceAugust 30, 2009 · Category: France
This is the fourth in my “Travel Reading” series of posts. For a list of books that deal with French culture and politics... [Read the full story]
European Appetizers and Cocktails: FranceAugust 15, 2009 · Category: France
This is the first of several culinary posts focusing on some of the tastiest ways to start a meal while traveling throughout Europe.... [Read the full story]
Paris Restaurant UpdateAugust 11, 2009 · Category: Paris
We recently spent a week in Paris and stayed in the 6th Arrondissement, also known as St. Germain des Pres. We stayed at the wonderful... [Read the full story]
Sightseeing and Soaking Up The Sun in France’s Saint TropezAugust 10, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
During my year as an English instructor at Lycée du Golfe de Saint Tropez (Saint Tropez Gulf High School), I had many weekends... [Read the full story]
Restaurant Review: Le Cézanne in Aix-en-Provence, A Hidden GemAugust 9, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
Aix-en-Provence is one of my favorite places to visit in France because when I am there, I feel like I can just be. Compared to... [Read the full story]
Le Musée National Picasso in Paris, FranceAugust 8, 2009 · Category: Paris
One of my favorite places to spend an afternoon in Paris is at Le Musée Picasso, a gem of a museum in the historic Marais quartier. ... [Read the full story]
The Incomparable Centre Pompidou – Paris, FranceAugust 6, 2009 · Category: Paris
From the first time I saw a picture of the Centre Georges Pompidou in my 6th grade French class, I knew this was a place I absolutely... [Read the full story]
Vive la Bretagne! Living in Rennes, FranceAugust 5, 2009 · Category: Northwest France
While pursuing my studies of French in my early twenties, one of the degrees I completed was a Diplôme de 2ième Degré (the... [Read the full story]
Going to France? Take Along our Easy French Phrase GuideAugust 1, 2009 · Category: France
Print out this Handy French Phrase Guide for your Next Trip to France Useful Phrases [with pronunciation] Hello -– Bonjour... [Read the full story]
A Tale of Two Operas: Paris’ Palais Garnier and Opéra de la BastilleJuly 30, 2009 · Category: Paris
Paris is home to two world-class opera houses, the historic Palais Garnier and the more contemporary Opéra de la Bastille. Operated... [Read the full story]
France’s Best Culinary ExperiencesJuly 29, 2009 · Category: France
France is the ultimate destination for gourmands and food lovers. With a healthy appreciation for some of the most decadent food... [Read the full story]
Fruit Confit at Confiserie Florian near Nice, FranceJuly 28, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
Shortly after we began dating, my (now) husband introduced me to fruit confit (candied fruit). He held out a tiny sugar coated... [Read the full story]
Travel Reading: Personal Narratives on Life in FranceJuly 26, 2009 · Category: France
This is the third in my “Travel Reading” series of posts. For a list of books that deal with French culture and politics in... [Read the full story]
Le Métro de Paris, FranceJuly 25, 2009 · Category: Paris
When hearing the word “Paris,” most people think of the Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysées, La Seine, fine dining…you get... [Read the full story]
A Stroll Through Paris’ Les Jardins du LuxembourgJuly 21, 2009 · Category: Paris
Located in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, the 55 acre Luxembourg Gardens is home to the French Senate, which is housed in the luxurious... [Read the full story]
Travel Reading: Food and Culinary WritingsJuly 19, 2009 · Category: France
This is the second in my “Travel Reading” series of posts. For a list of books that deal with French culture and politics... [Read the full story]
Decadent Dining at Paris’ LaduréeJuly 16, 2009 · Category: Paris
When I lived in France as a student, I would often peek through the windows of Ladurée on the Champs-Elysées and admire the... [Read the full story]
Travel Reading: French CultureJuly 14, 2009 · Category: France
As I sat down to write this post on some of what I consider to be the best books out there on France and French culture, I had... [Read the full story]
France’s Famed Parfumerie FragonardJuly 13, 2009 · Category: France
To tell you the truth, I’ve never been much of a fine perfume person. Don’t get me wrong, I’d never turn away a bottle of... [Read the full story]
“Sur le pont d’Avignon”, FranceJuly 12, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
I first remember hearing the song “Sur le pont d’Avignon,” during my grade school French class. After I announced that... [Read the full story]
Drinks in Paris’ Montmartre at L’été en pente douceJuly 10, 2009 · Category: Paris
Last time I was in Paris, I met up with my good French friend and host sister (from my study abroad days in college) who had recently... [Read the full story]
Nantes, France: the Nautical Ambiance that Inspired Jules VerneJuly 8, 2009 · Category: Northwest France
Gazing out from the shelter of an umbrella across the Loire River to Nantes’ hazy industrial islands, you will be transported... [Read the full story]
France’s Cathedrals: Gothic or Romanesque?July 5, 2009 · Category: France
France is home to some of Europe’s loveliest cathedrals. One of the best educational moves I ever made was to take a European... [Read the full story]
Breathtaking Biarritz, FranceJuly 4, 2009 · Category: Southeast France
Casino lovers, beach bums, shoppers, surfers, golfers, photographers, big spenders, history buffs, art lovers, architecture affectionados,... [Read the full story]
Strolling Through Les Baux de Provence, FranceJuly 2, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
One of the benefits of meeting up with locals while traveling is that they take you to places you’ve never heard of, like Les... [Read the full story]
Nice, France – a City for WanderersJuly 1, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
When I worked as an English teacher in a French lycée (high school), I lived in a small town near Saint Tropez called Gassin. ... [Read the full story]
A Stop in Lourdes, FranceJune 30, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
On a recent trip to France, I made it a point to stop in Lourdes. To be quite honest, Lourdes had never really been on my radar... [Read the full story]
Gladiators and Madators and Bono… Oh My! The Roman Amphitheater of Nîmes, FranceJune 28, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
The city of Nîmes is located in Southwest France and is the capital of the Gard Department in the Cévennes Region. Among tourists,... [Read the full story]
Captivating Carcassonne, FranceJune 25, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
I enjoy revisiting places I went to in France during my younger years now that I am an adult. It has reinforced for me the notion... [Read the full story]
Lunchtime at Le Kaiku in St. Jean de Luz, FranceJune 24, 2009 · Category: Southwest France
My husband and I wanted to take our good friend out for lunch on his last day with us in France. Knowing that he really enjoyed... [Read the full story]
Le Grand Voyage: An Insightful French FilmJune 9, 2009 · Category: France, Views and Opinions
In his directorial debut, Ismaël Ferroukhi give us the story of Reda (Nicolas Cazalé), a young man from the south of France... [Read the full story]
Images of Paris: The Legacy of Robert DoisneauJune 8, 2009 · Category: Paris
For over 60 years Robert Doisneau was committed to capturing “les petits moments de bonheur de la vie quotidienne” (small... [Read the full story]
Why I’m “Soldes” on Shopping in ParisJune 2, 2009 · Category: Paris
When I was living in France, I used to count down the days (and save my centimes) to two exhilarating periods of sales in the... [Read the full story]
Paris’ Quai Branly Museum: Collections and ControversyJune 1, 2009 · Category: Paris
For many reasons, Paris’ Quai Branly has caused much controversy among the French and international visitors. Despite (or... [Read the full story]
The Tastes of Paris: Rue Mouffetard and BeyondMay 27, 2009 · Category: Paris
In the summer of 2006, I found myself staying at the Citadines in Paris’ Place d’Italie, teaching a month-long summer language... [Read the full story]
Musee du Luxembourg: A Paris Must-SeeMay 25, 2009 · Category: Paris
I love the small museums of Paris; the Orangerie, located in the Tuilleries, has two fantastic oval rooms with Monet’s Water... [Read the full story]
Celebrating Bastille Day Parisian-StyleMay 22, 2009 · Category: Paris
Bastille Day, the French Fête Nationale (National Celebration) takes place each year on July 14th. This day commemorates the... [Read the full story]
An Unforgettable Ride: Biking from Blois to Chambord in France’s Loire ValleyMay 19, 2009 · Category: Northwest France
In the summer of 2006, I experienced the Loire Valley as I never had before, on a bike. Though there are various types and levels... [Read the full story]
Discovering Paris TheaterMay 9, 2009 · Category: From The Road, Paris
One of my favorite things to do when visiting Paris is to see a play, whether at the illustrious Comédie Française or at one... [Read the full story]
Budget Dining in France – Try a BrasserieMay 7, 2009 · Category: France
During my second stint in France, I worked as an English teacher at a lycée (high school) near St. Tropez. Needless to say,... [Read the full story]
Chamonix, France: an Alpine PlaygroundMay 5, 2009 · Category: Southeast France
Chamonix, France, near the Italian border, lies at the base of Mt. Blanc, the highest peak in western Europe (more than 4700... [Read the full story]
Jump Into France’s Soothing WatersMay 3, 2009 · Category: France
Thalasso Therapy, a tradition that comes to us all the way from Ancient Greece, (thalasso is Greek for sea) is gaining increased... [Read the full story]
Eze—The Peak of the Cote d’ AzurApril 27, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
Nice may have its boardwalk along the deep blue sea and Monaco its glitzy casinos, but in between, perched high on a rocky outcrop,... [Read the full story]
Ajaccio: Napoleonic Sights in CorsicaApril 21, 2009 · Category: Southeast France
The names of the streets, the monuments, the statues, everything in Ajaccio, Corsica evokes the memory of Napoleon Bonaparte.... [Read the full story]
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for the Gypsies’ PilgrimageApril 14, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, on the coast of southwestern France, is a village steeped in legend, history, and tradition that lives... [Read the full story]
Chartes, France: City of Lights and PerfumeApril 4, 2009 · Category: Northwest France
The small city of Chartres, an hour’s train ride southwest from Paris, is most famous for its wondrous cathedral. Certainly... [Read the full story]
France’s Fontevraud Abbey, Tomb of a QueenApril 2, 2009 · Category: France
Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, near the Vienne River in the Loire Valley, is the largest abbey in France. Built in the early 12th... [Read the full story]
Enjoy the Cheeses of France’s Auvergne RegionMarch 27, 2009 · Category: Central France
You may not be aware of this little known fact but the Auvergne is home to more great cheese than any other region of France.... [Read the full story]
Rendez-vous en Franche-Comte and Picardie, FranceMarch 24, 2009 · Category: Northeast France
Franche-Comté and Picardie are two lesser-known areas of France, each with its own charm and each just waiting to be discovered. Franche-Comté:... [Read the full story]
Discover France’s Stunning AuvergneMarch 23, 2009 · Category: Central France
The Auvergne is a region located in the heart of France – approximately 3 hours south of Paris and 3 hours from the south coast. The... [Read the full story]
Frugal Guide to Fantastic Nice, FranceMarch 19, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
The moment you step onto the Promenade des Anglais and witness the vista of aquamarine sea, white foam, striped umbrellas, and... [Read the full story]
Chartres Cathedral: “Clad in a Garment of Gems”March 18, 2009 · Category: Northwest France
The greatest Gothic cathedral in France stands in Chartres, a pretty town on the Eure River in the Loire Valley. Chartres is... [Read the full story]
Art Abounds in St Paul de Vence, FranceMarch 12, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
Fondation Maeght, inland from Nice on the French Riviera, houses one of the great modern art collections of Europe. Founded in... [Read the full story]
Fontainebleau: a Fabulous Chateau TownMarch 2, 2009 · Category: Paris
Set right in the center of the charming town of Fontainebleau is its famous and fabulous chateau. But visiting the chateau is... [Read the full story]
Wine Villages of the Southern RhôneFebruary 27, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur
In the southern Rhône River valley, low, twisted grapevines cover the rocky countryside, producing some great wines. John and... [Read the full story]
Paris Cemeteries: Strolling Among the StarsFebruary 17, 2009 · Category: Paris
Visiting Paris’ cemeteries may not be your idea of having fun. However, if you are truly in love with the City of Lights, you... [Read the full story]
Take an Active Vacation in FranceFebruary 12, 2009 · Category: France
France is a country of contrasts, offering cosmopolitan shopping delights as well as rustic outdoor adventures. Here are a few... [Read the full story]
Le Marais, Paris: Where History Meets UpbeatJanuary 27, 2009 · Category: Paris
There are many faces of Paris. There is the majestic Paris with wide avenues, luxurious boutiques, grandiose parks and imposing... [Read the full story]
St. Germain en Laye, Paris’s Royal SuburbJanuary 1, 2009 · Category: Paris
St. Germain en Laye is an elegant, royal town, located just a short drive (or RER line #1trip) from Paris. Founded in 1020, St... [Read the full story]
Paris’ Best Chocolate BoutiquesNovember 13, 2008 · Category: Paris
Here is my guide to Paris’ best Chocolate Boutiques. I haven’t tried every one myself, but it is my mission to do... [Read the full story]
Annecy, France’s Lake-side JewelNovember 5, 2008 · Category: Southeast France
When you visit idyllic Annecy, you can’t help feeling a touch of envy for the lucky people who call it home. One of the bright... [Read the full story]
Visit the Royal French Chateaux Near ParisSeptember 27, 2008 · Category: Paris
You don’t need to travel to the Loire Valley to see the sumptuous chateaux once inhabited by French Royalty; there are several... [Read the full story]
Sea Sports and Culture in Colorful Collioure, FranceSeptember 11, 2008 · Category: Southwest France
Collioure, France is a colorful little Mediterranean fishing village located just 15 miles from the border with Spain at the foot... [Read the full story]
Roman Relics Reign in France’s GardSeptember 10, 2008 · Category: Southwest France
The Gard, located in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France, holds many relics of its Roman past. It is the home of Nimes,... [Read the full story]
France’s Cathar CountryAugust 13, 2008 · Category: Southwest France
The Aude , a “department” or district in the Languedoc region is Cathar Country, whose most notable towns are Narbonne and... [Read the full story]
Caves of Southwest FranceAugust 9, 2008 · Category: Southwest France
The ancient paintings that are found on cave walls throughout the world could be “the greatest art museum on the planet,”... [Read the full story]
Paris Biking ToursAugust 7, 2008 · Category: Paris
Looking for a new way to see the city of light? How about a tour on an electric bike? Paris Charms and Secrets is a new company... [Read the full story]




