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.
French Castles, Old and New
Castles Old and New European castles are the stuff of fairytales and fantasies. Maybe that’s why we’re so drawn to them since we’ve grown up with these tales. Kings and queens, battles, court traditions. All over France, you can see these physical remnants of history,...
Unforgettable Strasbourg
Unforgettable Strasbourg Strasbourg embodies the old Alsatian culture, which is a curious blend of French and German, yet unique, as well as the cutting-edge vitality of a world-class city. It’s a city of students, international business, tourism, and culture,...
St. Emilion: Delightful Village East of Bordeaux
The medieval village of St. Emilion The medieval village of St. Emilion, though small and nestled among miles of grapevines, is known around the world by its name alone. That name describes a sought-after wine that has been produced here for centuries. The wine is...
Featuring Dijon and Bordeaux
Dijon and Bordeaux In July 2022, I went to France for the first time in 3 years. Despite the heat wave, it was good to be on French soil, my second hometown! This post features visits to Dijon and Bordeaux. Two years ago, when Covid canceled everyone’s plans including...
5 Things that have Changed in Paris
During my recent visit to Paris, I noticed a few changes. My trip to France was long overdue! My heart’s still there, as I expect to see a boulangerie on the corner or hear French conversation. I visited Dijon, Paris, and Bordeaux and had a quick side trip to St....
Specialties of Burgundy and the French Alps
Food of Burgundy and the French Alps Before we continue our food journey across France, I wanted to let you know I’ll be there for a visit during the last half of July. I’ll post photos and news on Facebook and Instagram from time to time so you can “come along” with...
French Food Specialties: Provence and the Southwest
French Food Specialties: Part 2, Provence and Southwest France You likely know how loved French food is. But you may not know all the differences in each region of France. Each area has its specialties. We’ve embarked on a series covering a couple of regions per week....
French Food Specialties: Normandy and Alsace
Food Specialties Across France: (Part I) Normandy and Alsace In France, food specialties are tied to the climate and the terrain, both of which are included in the elusive word that has no English equivalent…terroir. Many traditional meals in France, such as tarte aux...
Notre Dame: Icon of Paris
Notre Dame de Paris The Notre Dame Cathedral is the final French monument in this 5-part series (links below) and deserves special attention. Like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral (called Notre Dame de Paris) is symbolic of France. It is the most visited...
Five Impressive Monuments Outside of Paris
Amazing historical French monuments exist across the country. We’ve seen many in Paris but here are five notable examples of visible history in other parts of France: Le Mont St. Michel in Normandy, Abbey Fontevraud in the Loire Valley(Plantagenet burial place), the...
Three Monuments in Paris: Place de la Concorde, Louvre, and Sacre Cœur
Paris is full of monuments. Much of French history was played out right here near the flowing Seine River. We’ll look at three significant monuments, each one targeting specific cultural and historical events you’ll want to know about as you tour Paris. Today’s post...
French Monuments: A Château, A Cathedral, and a Tower
French Monuments: A Château, A Cathedral, and a Tower French monuments embody centuries of culture and history, the actions and events that shaped present-day France. There’s a reason they are recognized and receive so many visitors each year. Today we’ll look at...
