Guérande: A Place and a Taste

Guérande: A Place and a Taste   Guérande is a walled town on the edge of the Grande Brière marsh, west of the city of Nantes. It is on the southeast edge of the Brittany peninsula.   There’s something special about Guérande: Salt. Earlier than the 16th...

Dinan: A Treasure Revisited

Dinan: A Treasure Revisited   The Brittany town of Dinan so impressed me that I posted on this town twice over the years. Well, it’s time for an updated post, since I just visited again this year. (My third visit… What does that tell you?)   Although...

Vannes, Fun in Southeast Brittany

Vannes   The Gallo-Roman town of Vannes was the second-to-last stop on my Brittany Road Trip. A highly recommended stop! Of course, you can always extend your trip further west if you have extra time. Check out this blog post for ideas on destinations.  ...

Saint-Malo: An Updated View

Saint-Malo Revisited Saint-Malo is my new favorite place in Brittany, though it's really a tie with Dinan. I posted on Saint-Malo a few years ago, but this is a recent take on the beautiful jewel of Brittany. I was so glad to visit there again during my road trip this...

A Cooking Vacation in France

Ever think of a cooking vacation in France?   This updated for 2025 post will give you the low-down on a variety of options of Cooking Vacations in France.   There are a variety of formats, regions, menus, and lengths of time, from a few hours to a whole...

Recent Posts

Atlantic Coast Islands: Ile de Ré

Atlantic Coast Islands: Ile de Ré

If you think French islands, you might think of Guadeloupe or Tahiti. Many French islands can be found in Caribbean or Pacific waters. But did you know there are dozens of islands around the entire coastal outline of...

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A Taste of Provence…in Photos

A Taste of Provence…in Photos

A Taste of Provence France in Photos These photos include some of the seaside areas of smaller towns you might not know,as well as the rugged charm of inland Provence. This is just a photographic appetizer. (Posts...

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Another World… La Défense

Another World… La Défense

It's not Oz, it's La Défense! Looking out from the Eiffel Tower to the west, you’ll see a far-away cluster of skyscrapers. You might wonder if a mini New York City was transplanted there. No, it’s La Défense. If you’ve...

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Welcome to Oliver’s France

Welcome to Oliver’s France

It's a new destination, yet one soaked in history, adventure, and magic. From bustling cities to medieval villages, and so much in between, each of France's regions has a unique personality. You'll need to make many...

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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!