Blog

In this section, you’ll find all the Oliver’s France posts: regional destinations, travel tips, France-wide activities, language tools, food, and much more. To go directly to regional destinations, click on the Regional tab on the menu, or click on one of the photos in the regional section on the home page. If you have something particular you want to find, there’s a search bar on the right side of the menu. And for a listing of all categories and posts, click HERE.

Hyères, A Dream Destination

Hyères, A Dream Destination

Hyères, A Dream Destination   If you’re looking for a dreamy destination on the Cote d’Azur, one that isn’t overrun by tourists, consider Hyères (pronounced Yaire). But it isn’t a village, either, with about 50,000 full-time inhabitants. You’ll see right away why...

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Bountiful Bonnieux!

Bountiful Bonnieux!

Bonnieux, Provence Bonnieux is a picturesque and hilly Provence village in the Luberon area, a worthy addition to your Provence vacation or road trip. Up to the 19th century, it was a prestigious town when the region belonged to the Pope. You can see signs of that...

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Have You Heard of Uzès?

Have You Heard of Uzès?

The town of Uzès, to the west of  Avignon (in the Gard department) is less known by tourists, but appreciated by many. Artists, Parisians, and travelers in the know come here to enjoy a smaller slice of the Provence life without the crowds. It’s a 42-minute drive west...

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Paris Summer Olympics 2024!

Paris Summer Olympics 2024!

The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics   The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics… it’s the big news in Paris, along with political upheavals. Paris is among only Los Angelas and London to host the summer Olympic Games three times: in 1900, in 1924, and one hundred years later in...

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The Provence Adventure ( Introduction)

The Provence Adventure ( Introduction)

The Provence Adventure (with More to Come) Though I’ve been to Provence many times, there are places I still hadn’t seen and wanted to visit. This was not only to experience them, but as research for a Provence guide I’m planning to write. Although I intended to...

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Abbeys and Monasteries in France

Abbeys and Monasteries in France

Abbeys and Monasteries in France   French Abbeys and Monasteries are often architectural marvels. You'll also be surprised at the fascinating history of some of them. And not least, they’re places of peaceful contemplation and wonder. If you love abbeys,...

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Brittany: An Array of Adventures

Brittany: An Array of Adventures

Brittany: An Array of Adventures   Is Brittany, France on your radar? It should be if you love picturesque villages, serene landscapes, great food, and smaller towns. What’s not to love? You’ll find quite a few posts in Oliver’s France on Brittany. I’ll give you...

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Amazing Rocamadour

Amazing Rocamadour

Rocamadour   (Roh cah ma do er)   Rocamadour is not just an exotic name. It's an exotic destination, a cliffside village built on three levels in the southwest of France. It's located in a region called La Dordogne, home to stunning views and historical...

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French for Travelers

French for Travelers

French for Travelers If you have travel plans (this year or in the future) to France, consider this: If you can speak even a small amount of French in stores, restaurants, and hotels, you'll enjoy your trip even more, because you'll feel more like an insider. Not only...

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5 Islands Off the French Riviera

5 Islands Off the French Riviera

5 Islands Off the French Riviera   What’s as great as the French Riviera? An island that captures the same magic, but on a smaller less touristy scale. Sound good? Read on! Here are 5 islands (and peninsulas) off the southern coast of France. In French, a...

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