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.
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...
Paris: Magnetic Montmartre
If you have seen the popular movie, “Amelie,” you may have been drawn into the character’s world by the unique charm of the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. Today, this is one of the top “must-see” areas of Paris, dominated by the Sacré Coeur Basilica. An equal...
Traveling through France with Fido
By Cathi Bert-Roussel, guest blogger (Triangle Paws Magazine) Now it is easier than ever to travel to and throughout France with your dog. With some planning and an understanding of how to navigate your way with a dog in tow, you can have a memorable visit without...
3 Days in Paris
Paris . . . you’ve always wanted to go. you’ve just learned that you can sneak in a 3-day side-trip as an add-on to your Provence or Loire Valley vacation. Or your business trip somewhere else in Europe. What can you do in three days? Actually, a lot. But you need to...
Northern France: The Inland Tour
If you read last week’s post, part one on Northern France, you saw highlights of the Opal Coast, the north coast of France facing the English Channel. But there are also unforgettable places to lure you inland. There will certainly be a few surprises, too. One of the...
The Northern Tip: Beach Tour
Ever wonder what lies at the northern tip of France? If you’re in Paris, keep heading north until you reach a region called Hauts-de-France, or simply, northern France, just east of Normandy. This area used to be two regions, Nord-Pas-de-Calais (close to the English...
Cruising French Waters
When we think of visiting France, we might think of visiting monuments, hopping the TGV (high-speed train), renting a car. Have you ever thought of French waterways? Much of French culture and history has occurred near rivers, so there is a rich supply of sites,...
