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.
A Normandy Road Trip
What is Normandy most known for? If you ask an American, he or she will likely say D-Day, the decisive battle of World War II. But if you ask the French or other Europeans, in addition to D-Day, they may tell you horse racing or cheese. Surprised? How about apples?...
Is Travel Insurance Necessary? (Dull but Important)
This post on travel insurance might be a less exciting topic, but it'll be worth a look. Especially now that the Coronavirus has covered the earth and many are scrambling to see if their policies will cover a needed cancelation. Many people will be disappointed since...
St. Malo: A Treasure on the Coast of Brittany
St. Malo is an intriguing walled city perched on the northwest coast of France. I’d heard of it for years (people pronounced in French like: Samma-low), and I finally had the chance to go. It faces England across the Channel, and sometimes the winds of the Atlantic...
The French People: A Traveler’s Guide
We love traveling to France… picturesque villages, castles. We love the food, the wine. What about the people of France? They are part of the cultural tapestry that is France. Without them, you have buildings and streets, but no life. For decades, Americans have held...
A French Meal: Bring France to your Kitchen!
If you can’t visit France, at least taste it. Maybe you were planning a trip to France (or thinking about it.) Not many of us are traveling these days, but you can bring a bit of France to your home during confinement. In this post, you’ll find a classic main course...
Studying French in France
Studying French in France Everyone knows the best way to learn a language is to live in the country. But maybe you aren’t able to pull up roots and move to France so you can practice with the locals and pick up new vocabulary words on a daily basis. What if you could...
French Greetings: Free Mini-Course (and other news)
Free French Mini-Course! Bonjour! Maybe you're planning a trip to France in the future, or maybe you simply love the French language. There is a special tool I have developed for you. It is the FREE online mini-course called French Greetings and Polite Expressions....
A French Festival Near You
Whatever time of year you visit France, there will be a French festival happening somewhere. Even in the dead of winter, you’ll find a festive gathering, such as a music festival or a Christmas market. Here’s a summary of festivals in France throughout the year!...
Adventures on the France-Spain Border
The France side of the France-Spain border might be out of your way, but it’s well worth the detour. In this southwest corner, you’ll discover a wide variety of towns and experiences, from glitzy beaches to pilgrimage sites. Starting in the far southeast corner of...
Bordeaux… More Than Wine
When you hear the name Bordeaux, most people think of wine or vineyards… St. Emilion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec…enough to make you reach for a stemmed glass and a chunk of cheese. But you might be amazed to know other outstanding features of this southwestern...
Biking in France: A Change of Pace
If biking is a priority in your vacation plans—and even if it normally isn't—consider renting a bike in France. It's great to explore in the open air! Why is France an ideal place for bike tourism? Many regions are flat or only slightly hilly. That way, you can enjoy...
French Beaches: Roundup
When you think of French beaches, you may think of St. Tropez or Nice. But there are many French beaches that, while popular with the French, aren’t necessarily overrun with tourists and sun-seekers. Crowds are thinner, prices are lower. The whole experience is less...
