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.
Dordogne: A Southwestern Wonder
Many regions in France are named for rivers or other natural features. Dordogne, a peaceful and wildly beautiful region, is named after the Dordogne River, a tributary from the Gironde River, which flows from Bordeaux and on to Auvergne. My last post covered the...
What do the French Eat at Christmas?
(See holiday recipe below!) The whole world instinctively understands that French cuisine is synonymous with delicious and elegant food. At holiday time, all the stops are pulled and holiday food rises to a new level. Usually, Christmas Eve is a more important time...
Le Jura, a Natural Wonder in the East
Tucked away in the east of France between Burgundy and Switzerland is a place you may not have heard of but must discover, le Jura. Breathtaking beauty surrounds you in this lake region, seventy lakes and basins, both natural and manmade, to keep you busy. The region...
Driving in France: What You Need to Know
At some point in your France travels you’ll likely want to rent a car. Driving in France is helpful for getting to those out-of-the-way detours in Brittany or Provence, and you certainly don’t want to miss those. And with a car, you aren’t bound by train schedules, as...
10 Unexpected Places to Visit in Paris
Maybe you’ve already seen the big sites in Paris and you’d like something a little more out of the way. Something unexpected. Maybe you are tired of crowds but know that there are more unexpected treasures to be found in Paris. Here is a list of 10, though there are...
Living in France
Reasons to live in France There are several reasons you might want to live in France for a while. You’ll be in good company: Over 4 million foreigners live there, about 30,000 of whom are Americans, with a third of these in Paris. Your company can transfer you there...
Flea Markets in Paris
Maybe going to a flea market wasn’t on the top of your Paris List. But if you are a knick-knack, bargain, or antique enthusiast, it should be! Opportunities for bargains or something simply unique abound at one of two large flea markets in Paris and in fact all of...
Your Essential Guide to the Loire Valley
Just over an hour south of Paris, France, is a place you might encounter in your dreams, yet you can go there and experience it for yourself. It’s the Loire Valley, known as the garden of France, a peaceful paradise of rolling hills covered by vineyards, fairytale...
Compiègne: History and Charm an Hour from Paris
Compiègne, France . . . Imagine you’ve just spent a few days visiting Paris when you get the urge to get out of the city for a day. You don’t want to go too far, but you’d like to experience a smaller town, yet one with history, beauty, and things to do. You’ll find...
9 Nitty Gritty Tips for Traveling in France
Last month I published some tips for traveling in France, general tips to make your travels more enjoyable. But I’ve just returned from France and want to share nine more tips, the “nitty gritty” kind that you need to know just when you don't expect it. And these are...
15 Tips for Your Trip to France
A lot of people write about travel tips for your trip to France. Here are some of mine, so you'll have a smoother experience during your trip to France. I lived for over a decade in this enchanted country so I hope to be a faithful guide for your travels. Whether you...
Hidden Beaches in Brittany, France
Up on Brittany’s northwest coast, you’ll find one of the most beautiful coastlines in France. The Côte de Granit Rose, or the Pink Granite Coast, is waiting for you, with beaches you may have never heard of. I call them hidden beaches because many people outside of...
