A few months ago, I wrote a post about the Alsace Wine Route. That’s the route I took for my recent trip to Alsace in eastern France. This road trip isn’t only fantastic if you’re a wine-lover. It’s also memorable if you’re a history-lover, a fan of good food or...
Central and East
Alsace Preview
Alsace Preview Since I am still in Alsace, I don't want to do a full post on this adventure just yet. I want to have all my photos organized and give you a better view of this stunning region. I've learned so much, but for now, will just give you some highlights (so...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
5 Treasures in Central France (and a road trip!)
Central France: 5 Towns and a Road Trip! If you think there’s nothing much to see in central France, think again! It’s here that you discover the eastern half of the Loire Valley, full of castles and vineyards. Central France is made up of four regions. The exact...
Tours, Gateway to the Loire Valley
Tours, Gateway to the Loire Valley Tours, France is often called the Gateway to the Loire Valley, because it’s a great jumping-off point for visiting the many sites along the rich river valley…such as chateaux and vineyards. Despite this ideal centrality, you don’t...