France in the News: 5 Stories France is in the news. Get up to speed with these 5 interesting stories of recent developments in l’Hexagone (French nickname for their country, shaped like a 5-sided hexagon!) Snowfall in Paris Right about the time Americans were...
Activities and Culture
French Wine Basics
One of the pleasures France is most known for is its wine. Centuries of careful crafting, along with ideal climate and soil combinations, have made France stand out as a producer of quality wines known around the world. Some references claim there are 330 unique wine...
Abbeys and Monasteries in France
Abbeys and Monasteries in France French Abbeys and Monasteries are often architectural marvels. You'll also be surprised at the fascinating history of some of them. And not least, they’re places of peaceful contemplation and wonder. If you love abbeys,...
Adventures Off the Beaten Path in France
Detours in France Are you ready to go off the beaten path in France? There are times to go to renowned tourist sites. Then there are times to take a detour. To rent a car and wander. You’ll be amazed at what you find. You'll discover real France, meet the local...
10 French Beverage (Spiked) Specialties
10 French Beverage (Spiked) Specialties Along with fantastic food, France is known for liquid specialties in each corner of the country. France has quite a heritage for alcoholic beverages! Several regions are famous for different wines, and the characteristics of...
Rivers of France: 5 Destinations (and more)
Some of France’s 51 rivers have familiar names. The Loire, the Seine, and the Rhône, for example. Others include the Garonne and the Dordogne, both near Bordeaux. Here’s a snapshot of 5 French rivers Why might you want to know about French...
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...
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...
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),...
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,...
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...
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...