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.
Annecy, Jewel of the Alps
Pearl of the Alps Annecy, nestled near Switzerland and Italy, has been called the pearl of the Alps. See it and you’ll agree. It has also been named the Venice of the Alps, an image that leads us to the river Thiou, as well as canals and bridges that weave through the...
20 Day Trips from Nice
20 Day Trips from Nice Nice is a great city worth seeing all its own. You can spend two or more days there but it’s a better idea to keep it as your base for nearby visits to the region. There are endless jaw-droppingly beautiful destinations for you to take in, and...
18 Travel Tips for a Great Trip
In this post, you’ll find 18 curated travel tips from reliable sources. They will enhance your travels to any destination, including France. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a live interview with Rick Steves, where he shared his travel tips. I’ll pass 6 of...
Travel Resources from Oliver’s France
France Travel Tools for you! If you’ve been around Oliver’s France a little while, you might know it’s an AD-FREE RESOURCE for France-lovers all over the planet. In addition to helpful posts twice monthly, Oliver’s France offers travel resources. Here’s a description...
A Spa in France
French Spas There are two types of spas in France. One is focused on health improvements and the other, a bit more familiar, is for relaxation and pampering. First, some cultural background on the first type, the cure thermale. The objective is a medical treatment,...
Staying Overnight in France
France Hotels and More. There are many options for lodging when you visit France. In one of my previous posts, A Twist on French Lodging, I wrote about Gîtes, Chambre d’Hôtes, and Villas. In this post, you’ll learn even more great housing options: apartments, boutique...
Gorge du Verdon and Surrounding Marvels
The Gorge du Verdon in Provence, France, is nestled in the Regional Natural Park of Verdon. The surrounding landscape is nearly as stunning as this river canyon carved over millennia into the mountain. The most remarkable thing about the gorge is the bright turquoise...
Rail Vacations through France
Traveling through France by train provides many advantages. First, you can view the scenery as it passes by. Train travel is very relaxing and smooth. You’re traveling but you can snooze, read, play board games or watch movies on your iPad as you go. It’s a great way...
Christmas in Paris!
Merry Christmas from Paris! Surrounding you and extending all the way down the Champs Elysées to the Arc of Triumph is a glowing river of color, making you forget the chill in the air. Lights wink at you from the trees lining the majestic avenue, and it seems...
Loches & Angers: Two Ends of the Loire Valley
Today Oliver’s France highlights two towns, Angers and Loches, both in the Loire Valley. You might not have heard much about them but should definitely visit. These two towns lie at opposite ends of the famed valley of Renaissance castles and are vastly different from...
Oliver’s France Holiday List!
It’s holiday time! The activities pick up. The streets get more crowded. You start making lists (or more lists if you’re already a list-maker!) The fun, frenzy, and fatigue all blend together! You may be thinking about France with one of several questions....
Three French Christmas Markets: A Video Journey
Come visit three Christmas markets in different regions of France! One of the wonderful things about Christmas in Europe is Christmas Markets. France has its share! Here are three of them, Alsace (the region closest to Germany), Provence (has its own southern style),...
