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...
Paris and Nearby
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),...
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....
Notre Dame: Icon of Paris
Notre Dame de Paris The Notre Dame Cathedral is the final French monument in this 5-part series (links below) and deserves special attention. Like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral (called Notre Dame de Paris) is symbolic of France. It is the most visited...
Three Monuments in Paris: Place de la Concorde, Louvre, and Sacre Cœur
Paris is full of monuments. Much of French history was played out right here near the flowing Seine River. We’ll look at three significant monuments, each one targeting specific cultural and historical events you’ll want to know about as you tour Paris. Today’s post...
French Monuments: A Château, A Cathedral, and a Tower
French Monuments: A Château, A Cathedral, and a Tower French monuments embody centuries of culture and history, the actions and events that shaped present-day France. There’s a reason they are recognized and receive so many visitors each year. Today we’ll look at...
Two French Monuments: L’Arc de Triomphe and La Sainte Chapelle
French Monuments and Two in Particular France attracts 70 million visitors a year. France would like to see this reach 100 million, though this goal was postponed for 2 years by Covid. Here in Spring 2022, we see monuments, museums, and almost everything fully open...
The 10 Best Parks in Paris
Don't you Love Parks? Paris has the Best! In a city of 2 million residents, the need for more housing (not to mention financial opportunity) didn’t prevent the French government from prioritizing green spaces. Paris parks are not plots of grass or playing fields. The...
Versailles: Château and City
When people hear the name Versailles, they often think of the opulent château. The Château de Versailles is a must-see on many a tourist’s list! This was where King Louis XIV moved when he wanted to escape to the suburbs. But did you know that the town of Versailles...
Wandering Paris: 5 Neighborhoods to Explore
Explore Paris Finally, you can travel to Paris again! Once you’ve seen the icons like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, you might just want to wander aimlessly in some memorable neighborhoods of Paris. Here are 5 of them you’ll enjoy. Some are better known than others,...
Kid-Friendly in Paris
Kid-Friendly in Paris When you travel as a family, you’ll want to know about kid-friendly activities. For your next trip to Paris, Oliver’s France has you covered. (It's not too early to plan ahead!) Here are 10 ideas to keep your kids happy! (And you, too!) ONE La...
20 Surprising Facts about Paris
There are many notable and surprising facts about Paris, France. Here is a list of 20 facts that maybe you didn't know! Why is Paris called the City of Lights? Paris was one of the first cities to have city lighting. Lanterns were used widely on street corners in the...