When you visit France, there are just some foods you have to eat. It's like getting your passport stamped when you arrive. Some of these you know instinctively. You may make some of these yourself. But you know they aren't the same. They aren't made the same and they...
What began centuries ago in a French monastery is now one of France’s largest exports and revered by the French as well. French cheese is one of the country's notable accomplishments, with over 350 primary types. With all these choices, you'll probably want a cheese...
Where did summer go? Did you make that trip to France? No? What about next year? Here are some ideas that will get you thinking. And planning. For next year. Or even this fall. Today I’m bringing back some classic Oliver’s France posts that you might not have seen...
Great Packing tips and one great freebie for cheap travel everywhere! See the link at the bottom of the post! Before You Pack 1. Know your airline’s policy about weight and number of bags 2. Have a list. Believe me, it saves stress. Each time you return...
Planning and preparing well for your trip to France makes all the difference in maximizing your visit. PLANNING Plan the “skeleton” first. These are the most time-sensitive tasks that must be done on a deadline. After that, you can fill in the rest. Here's where to...
Happy New Year! You might need ideas for your next trip to France, since you're planning (or dreaming about) about it in 2019. I thought it would be a great time to bring up helpful previous posts you might read (or read again) to give you ideas! Here are 10 of them....
(See holiday recipe below!) The whole world instinctively understands that French cuisine is synonymous with delicious and elegant food. At holiday time, all the stops are pulled and holiday food rises to a new level. Usually, Christmas Eve is a more important time...
At some point in your France travels you’ll likely want to rent a car. Driving in France is helpful for getting to those out-of-the-way detours in Brittany or Provence, and you certainly don’t want to miss those. And with a car, you aren’t bound by train schedules, as...
Reasons to live in France There are several reasons you might want to live in France for a while. You’ll be in good company: Over 4 million foreigners live there, about 30,000 of whom are Americans, with a third of these in Paris. Your company can transfer you there...
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...
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...
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...