Category: Provence

French Beaches: Roundup

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When you think of French beaches, you may think of St. Tropez or Nice. But there are many French beaches that, while popular with the French, aren’t necessarily overrun with tourists and sun-seekers. Crowds are thinner, prices are lower. The whole experience is less competition for beach space and more a peaceful visit full of memories. (and not lacking sun and sand, either!) Oliver’s France has given a glimpse of some of these beaches that aren’t as well-known to tourists…

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Three French Christmas Markets: A Video Journey

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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), and Paris. You’ll see some similarities and some differences. Hope you enjoy them. (These are not my own videos, but those of other travelers.) The first Christmas video is in Alsace, home of the most legendary Christmas…

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Marseille and Beyond

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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 access easily by car or train. Suggestions for a car circuit will follow. If you’re interested in an overview of the city and its history, there is a hop-on-hop-off bus available. The city has a metro system…

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A Tour Through the Luberon: Provence, France

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When you think of Provence, France, you might think of lavender fields, olive groves, rocky outcrops topped with walled villages. You’re thinking of an area called the Luberon, at the foot of the Luberon mountain range. This area was put on the tourist map by Peter Mayle with his book, A Year in Provence. People discovered the villages of the Luberon area and were enchanted. Pure Provence! Your Itinerary in the Luberon Here is a circuit of 8 towns you…

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10 (or more) Ideas for Your Next Trip to France

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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. (Just click on the link!) Eastern and Northern France Try Annecy, with its pristine lake and lovely canals. Annecy, Jewel of the Alps. In the Bourgogne region, head…

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Nice: A Warm Heart in France

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Nice, France Each time you visit a place it sets down new, deeper layers in your soul. My most recent trip to Nice, France, my third, was like this for me. The first two times I’d zipped through like so many tourists do, in a day or an afternoon. This last time I had the opportunity in a long weekend to soak it in, to wander the maze of Italian-flavored streets, their candy-colored buildings towering overhead. Getting Around Nice Nice…

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