Category: Paris

I Love Paris in the Springtime: Paris Spring Events 2010
March 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 Cognac
March 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, France
February 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, France
February 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 Sébastian
February 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, France
February 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 Paris
February 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 Rouge
February 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 Bistros
February 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 Provence
January 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 Ages
January 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, France
January 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, France
January 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, France
December 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 Crepes
December 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 Paris
December 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 Culture
December 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 Train
December 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 History
November 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 Garden
November 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, France
November 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 Masterpiece
November 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 World
November 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 Gorge
November 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, France
October 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 Nevers
October 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 Artists
October 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 New
October 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 Map
September 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 Change
September 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 Bay
September 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: France
September 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, France
September 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 France
August 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: France
August 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 Update
August 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 Tropez
August 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 Gem
August 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, France
August 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, France
August 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, France
August 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 Guide
August 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 Bastille
July 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 Experiences
July 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, France
July 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 France
July 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, France
July 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 Luxembourg
July 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 Writings
July 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’ Ladurée
July 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 Culture
July 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 Fragonard
July 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”, France
July 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 douce
July 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 Verne
July 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, France
July 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, France
July 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 Wanderers
July 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, France
June 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, France
June 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, France
June 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, France
June 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 Film
June 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 Doisneau
June 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 Paris
June 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 Controversy
June 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 Beyond
May 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-See
May 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-Style
May 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 Valley
May 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 Theater
May 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 Brasserie
May 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 Playground
May 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 Waters
May 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’ Azur
April 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 Corsica
April 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’ Pilgrimage
April 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 Perfume
April 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 Queen
April 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 Region
March 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, France
March 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 Auvergne
March 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, France
March 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, France
March 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 Town
March 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 Rhône
February 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 Stars
February 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 France
February 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 Upbeat
January 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 Suburb
January 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 Boutiques
November 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 Jewel
November 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 Paris
September 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, France
September 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 Gard
September 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 Country
August 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 France
August 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 Tours
August 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]

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