Our Expert Articles: France
Up-Close Picture of the Week: Sarlat, FranceSarlat is just one of the many beautiful towns you will see along the Bon Routes of Southwest France Photo by Bill Fogarty for... [Read the full story]
Fromage! Guide to French Cheese“Comment voulez-vous gouverner un pays qui a deux cent quarante-six variétés de fromage?” “How can you govern... [Read the full story]
An Insider’s View of Paris, FranceRecently I caught up with Jonathan Charpentier, a photographer who lives just to the south of Paris. We chatted about his favorite... [Read the full story]
Baron Haussmann’s ParisIf you’ve been to Paris, you’ve seen the work of Baron Haussmann. You may not have even known you were looking at it. It’s... [Read the full story]
An Insider’s View: Favorite Bars and Activities in ParisWe all know about Paris’ typical tourist haunts, but what aspects of the City of Lights appeal to locals? A few days ago, I... [Read the full story]
Understanding the FrenchI teach a course on Franco-American relations each year at a local college. The first day of class, I always ask the students... [Read the full story]
Up Close Picture of the Week: Nice, FranceWe recently stayed in Nice and were quite impressed by the positive development and breath of restoration in this beautiful... [Read the full story]
Boating in France: Back on the SaoneFor over nine years, Neil and Joan have been spending their summers cruising the canals and rivers of Western Europe aboard their... [Read the full story]
Boating in France: Burgundy BikingFor over nine years, Neil and Joan have been spending their summers cruising the canals and rivers of Western Europe aboard their... [Read the full story]
France’s Marvelous MacaronsI’ve mentioned macarons (“macaroons” in English) in two of my past posts Decadent Dining at Paris’ Ladurée and “Basque”ing... [Read the full story]
Toulouse’s Saint Sernin, Largest Romanesque Church in EuropeToulouse boasts many wondrous sights, but the biggest and most famous is the enormous Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Sernin. The... [Read the full story]
France’s Sweet Destinations: Belle-Ile-en-Mer and PorquerollesFrance is surrounded by dozens of small islands where life has remained simple. From the aptly named Belle-Ile-en-Mer to the... [Read the full story]
Getting from Beauvais to ParisMost of you who have traveled to Paris have most likely landed at the Charles de Gaulle or Orly airports. Another airport seving... [Read the full story]
France Tourist InformationIntroduction To France France is a country of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and tantalizing cuisines. For many, Paris... [Read the full story]
Tarascon, France – the Heart of ProvenceWay back when, the strange dragon-monster called the Tarasque is said to have terrified the citizens of Tarascon, France (understandably,... [Read the full story]
Five of the Best Terrasses in ParisThere are few things in life more enjoyable than having a drink and delicious eats on a patio when the weather is divine. Spring... [Read the full story]
Up Close Picture of the Week: Le Marais, ParisParis is a city of neighborhoods or arrondissements. One of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Paris is the Marais, where you will... [Read the full story]
The Glorious Cathedral of St. Cecilia in Albi, FranceThe magnificence of the Albi Cathedral of St. Cecilia, in southwestern France, belies a history based in bloodshed. Those fierce... [Read the full story]
Albi, France: A Step Back in TimeAlbi, on the River Tarn in southwestern France, is famous for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. Half-timbered... [Read the full story]
Art Nouveau and Cultured Cuisine in Nancy, FranceLocated in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France, Nancy has a layered history that is reflected in its culinary... [Read the full story]
Lyon, France- A Cultural Treasure TroveLyon (often spelled “Lyons” by Anglophones) and its suburbs form the largest metropolitan area in France after Paris. Located... [Read the full story]
Experience Eastern France’s Charming HotelsOne of the reasons why I enjoy driving through France is because of the hotels de charme that inevitably pop up along my way —... [Read the full story]
Lots to Love in Le Mans, FranceThe first time in I lived in France, I spent quite a bit of time in Le Mans. Given the fact that I am not necessarily a car racing... [Read the full story]
Toulouse: Violets, Airplanes and PilgrimsThe thriving city of Toulouse, spreading from the banks of the Garonne River only 60 miles from Spain, is a great place to explore.... [Read the full story]
Springtime Festivals in StrasbourgThe eclectic city of Strasbourg comes alive in the spring, and this year is no exception. There are a plethora of unique musical... [Read the full story]
Paris Museum Restaurants: A Delicious PastimeParis cultural institutions are also home to restaurants that are as delicious as their exhibits. Les Ombres at Quai Branly Muséum Any... [Read the full story]
Up Close Picture of the Day: Eze, FranceEze is a beautiful village, perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. Its charming cobbled streets and spectacular views... [Read the full story]
Menton: “The Pearl of France”After spending quite a bit of time in Menton when I lived on the French Riviera, I can assure you that the city lives up to its... [Read the full story]
Serenity & Luxury at Château de La Messardière in St Tropez’Since the early 20th century, Saint Tropez on the French Mediterranean has been the muse of many poets, famous artists and movie... [Read the full story]
I Love Paris in the Springtime: Paris Spring Events 2010Planning 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 CognacEvery 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, FranceEasily accessible by train, La Rochelle, France is a popular destination for European tourists. This coastal town has something... [Read the full story]
Discovering Bordeaux, FranceBordeaux 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 SébastianSaint-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, FranceWhile 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 ParisHotel 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 RougeIn 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 BistrosMany 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 ProvenceOne 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 AgesOne 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, FranceI 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, FranceWhen 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, FranceWhen 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 CrepesOn 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 ParisWe 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 CultureProvence, 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 TrainTouristic 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 HistoryThe 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 GardenFor 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, FranceThis 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 MasterpieceEight 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 WorldThere 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 GorgeThe 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, FranceOne 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 NeversWhether 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 ArtistsThe 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 NewTraveling 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 MapWe 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 ChangeThe 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 BayArcachon, 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: FranceHave 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, FranceMystery 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 FranceThis 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: FranceThis 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 UpdateWe 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 TropezDuring 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 GemAix-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, FranceOne 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, FranceFrom 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, FranceWhile 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 GuidePrint 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 BastilleParis 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 ExperiencesFrance 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, FranceShortly 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 FranceThis 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, FranceWhen 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 LuxembourgLocated 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 WritingsThis 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’ LaduréeWhen 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 CultureAs 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 FragonardTo 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”, FranceI 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 douceLast 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 VerneGazing 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?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, FranceCasino 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, FranceOne 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 WanderersWhen 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, FranceOn 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, FranceThe 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, FranceI 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, FranceMy 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 FilmIn 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 DoisneauFor 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 ParisWhen 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 ControversyFor 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 BeyondIn 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-SeeI 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-StyleBastille 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 ValleyIn 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]
