Le Carnaval and Mardi Gras in France

Le Carnaval and Mardi Gras in France   When February arrives in France, some folks think of Mardi Gras. Or Carnaval…What’s the difference? What is their significance, and where does this take place? Read further for more insight!   What is Carnaval?  ...

Is Paris Calling You This Year?

Is Paris Calling You This Year?   You have a trip to Paris on your schedule this year… Or maybe you’re only dreaming about it. This may be your year to go!   If so, this exciting news is for you!  I have just published the 2026 Edition of Magical Paris: Over...

Grasse, Perfume Landmark of France

Grasse, Perfume Landmark of France   Just a short distance from Cannes on the Riviera lies the town of Grasse. Grasse has been known as a perfume capital since the 19th century. In fact, as you stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town, you might just...

France Travel Dreams for a New Year

What fantastic trips will you dream up for 2026?   Happy New Year! Whatever 2025 was like for you, each new year presents fresh opportunities to plan and take a trip to France.   What are your France travel dreams?   Maybe one of these?   A tour of...

What is The French Réveillon?

What is The French Réveillon?   What is the French Réveillon? It is a term that can refer to either Christmas Eve (Réveillon de Noël) or New Year’s Eve. The word itself means awakening, and refers to the practice of staying awake past midnight. (Se revéiller...

Recent Posts

Paris A to Z part 3

Paris A to Z part 3

And so we continue our promenade through the alphabet of Magical Paris… This is the third in the series of posts adapted from the Special Categories section of the book Magical Paris: Over 100 Things To Do Across...

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Safe Travels

Safe Travels

There was a time when safe travel meant getting good drinking water and avoiding pick-pockets. Today it is a concept that pushes deep into our fears and intentions. Do we go? Do we wait? Will we be safe? In the wake of...

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Paris A to Z, part 2

Paris A to Z, part 2

It’s time for another A to Z skip across Paris, discovering tips and treasures that will enrich your visit. Last time we covered Antiques, Family-Friendly, Flea markets, Open markets, and organic markets. (see blog...

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The Apple Culture of Normandy

The Apple Culture of Normandy

Wine tours are famously popular in France. But up north there’s something besides wine that’s drawing foodies and beverage enthusiasts. Apples. Apples? Normandy is often identified with D-Day landings and World War II...

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Paris A to Z  part 1

Paris A to Z part 1

Paris A to Z….This post would be much too long if I were to include everything, so I’ll unfold a sampling of some known, unknown, quirky, interesting, and wonderful things Paris has to offer. Here you’ll find antiques,...

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Grenoble…Nestled in Mountains

Grenoble…Nestled in Mountains

Surrounded by the French Alps and squeezed between 2 rivers, the Drac and the Isère, this large city of 160,000 or so people is only a three-hour train ride from Paris. It sits close to the Swiss border and is...

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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!