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.
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),...
The Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace Wine Route If you like wine, that’s only half the pleasure of following a wine route in of the best-known wine cultivation regions of France. The other half is all about the place itself. Medieval villages with half-timbered houses, lush vineyards and...
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...
