Rennes, Gateway to Brittany

Rennes, Gateway to Brittany (but worth a visit for itself too!)   Brittany, France is on my radar. Is it on yours?   Some people aren’t sure where Brittany is, like a woman I spoke to just today about France. In the past, Brittany wasn’t on my radar as much...

On the Road in Brittany

On the Road in Brittany   Each year when I travel to France, I have a theme. Last year, it was Provence, and the year before, I went to Alsace. (And Paris is always in there too.) This year… it’s Brittany in northwest France. Brittany touches the English Channel...

Discover Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer

Collioure and Banyuls-sur-Mer Tucked in the western curve of the Mediterranean Sea is a little jewel, Collioure. It’s a seaside resort popular with the French, though not mobbed with foreign tourists. Nevertheless, it can be crowded in summer, and there are many...

People Who Move to France: One Couple’s Story.

Why do People Move Permanently to France? One Couple’s Story.   A move to France was the topic of the last Oliver’s France post, Why People Move to France...Permanently! It may have been eye-opening or even enticing to read about reasons people choose to relocate for...

Why People Move to France…Permanently!

Why People Move to France…Permanently!   There are lots of reasons people move to France. For one, retiring in a foreign country attracts many people. Certain destinations permit them to do more with their retirement dollars. But there are other reasons people...

Recent Posts

Cruising French Waters

Cruising French Waters

When we think of visiting France, we might think of visiting monuments, hopping the TGV (high-speed train), renting a car. Have you ever thought of French waterways? Much of French culture and history has occurred near...

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For Your Next Trip

For Your Next Trip

Are you looking ahead to a trip to France in 2018? I hope that during the last year Oliver’s France has given you plenty of ideas for where to go and things to experience. There are probably enough fascinating places...

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Auvergne: Discover and Delight

Auvergne: Discover and Delight

I first heard about Auvergne, a region in south central France, from my friend Françoise, who is from there. She always talked about how beautiful the landscape is. She never mentioned the volcanoes, so I was surprised...

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Ski the French Alps

Ski the French Alps

It’s not too early to think about skiing, and who has better resorts than France? In recent years the level of French resort accommodations has become consistent in quality and comfort. France provides a huge variety...

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Parisian Café Culture

Parisian Café Culture

The Parisian café is something of an icon, one that exists everywhere. It is almost as synonymous with Paris as the Eiffel Tower, complete with the row of round tables facing outward to the sidewalk. Even though the...

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Travel and Language Resources

Hit the Road: Free eBook!

There’s something special about seeing France by car. The freedom to set your pace, to see the out-of-the way places. Here are 5 Made-for-You road trips in 5 of the loveliest regions of France. Free 34-page eBook. Just rent a car and go!

Magical Paris: Over 100 Things to Do Across Paris

Magical Paris: The places you most want to see, as well as places you’ve never read about anywhere. Magical Paris gives both, not just tourist hubs, but ALL of Paris. All across Paris…discover the magic.

A French Garden: The Loire Valley

Here’s a place you might see only in your dreams, but it’s just an hour south of Paris … the Loire Valley. This is your guide for this enchanted place, with all you’ll need for an unforgettable trip.

Real French for Travelers Online Course

Learn travel French online…a great way to prepare for your trip to France! Whether you’re starting from zero or needing a good review, this course fits your schedule. It’s yours to keep. Click the image to learn more.

FREE French Mini-Course: Polite Words and Expressions

Get ready for your trip to France with this FREE online mini-course covering polite words and expressions. Video lessons will tell you how, what, and when to say polite expressions and greetings in France.

Real French for Travelers: The Book

When you go to France, why grab your phrasebook when you can learn REAL French? Simple chapters will take you from zero to past tense in clear lessons. Tons of travel vocabulary, too! (Also in online course)

Regions of France

Everything under the sun . . .

More things to do in France and travel tips, too! 

Along with travel tips that will help you have a great trip, there are many activities you can do in France. (Hiking, biking, boating, cooking classes, language study vacations . . . ) Have a look at this Alphabetical List (click the button) to find what you’re looking for!