Paris had record rainfall in the month of May this year. The rest of France was not spared, either. I was in the Languedoc region in late May and took my turn dodging raindrops. The weather in Europe can be touchy. Fortunately, the sun shines frequently in the late...
Marseille, the third largest city in France (and its oldest city) has a sunbaked maritime atmosphere all its own. It’s true Provence with the sunny charm you’d expect. Marseille is also historic (two millennia), and it’s close by numerous interesting places you can...
In my last post, I gave you a suggested circuit through eastern Brittany. This time, we’ll cover western Brittany, where you’ll encounter wild, rocky coastlines, lush pastureland, and unforgettable villages. If you’re starting off in Paris, think about renting a car...
Travel to the northwest corner of France and you’ll encounter Brittany. It is the land mass that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean and touches the English Channel to the north. This region contains the most westerly towns and coastlines in France. Brittany brims...
You’re visiting Paris for a week or more. But wouldn’t it be nice to take a day trip elsewhere to get a different flavor? Here are some towns you can get to in two hours or less to enjoy a day trip from Paris that offers a different slice of this wonderfully varied...
If you are heading north from Paris to Normandy, you shouldn’t miss the historic and charming city of Rouen (pronounced Roo-on, with a nasal n.) This mid-sized town sits on the Seine River. Rouen is crisscrossed with medieval streets, dotted with half-timbered houses,...
Among the islands that bask in the sun of the Mediterranean Sea, the 4th largest is Corsica, a stunning natural paradise. It’s no wonder it was nicknamed the Island of Beauty. Corsica lies 100 miles from the French coast. Although the island is closer to Italy, it has...
Maybe you’ve already seen the big sites in Paris and you’d like something a little more out of the way. Something unexpected. Maybe you are tired of crowds but know that there are more unexpected treasures to be found in Paris. Here is a list of 10, though there are...
Maybe going to a flea market wasn’t on the top of your Paris List. But if you are a knick-knack, bargain, or antique enthusiast, it should be! Opportunities for bargains or something simply unique abound at one of two large flea markets in Paris and in fact all of...
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...
Up on Brittany’s northwest coast, you’ll find one of the most beautiful coastlines in France. The Côte de Granit Rose, or the Pink Granite Coast, is waiting for you, with beaches you may have never heard of. I call them hidden beaches because many people outside of...
If you have seen the popular movie, “Amelie,” you may have been drawn into the character’s world by the unique charm of the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris. Today, this is one of the top “must-see” areas of Paris, dominated by the Sacré Coeur Basilica. An equal...