France
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What To Do in Strasbourg, France: From Canals to Cathedrals
Strasbourg is a charming town known for its timber-framed buildings and canals.Β Strasbourg sits on the German-Franco border, within the Alsace Region of France.Β The city has a complex history, changing between German and French rule over several centuries.Β As a result, Strasbourg offers a unique blend of both cultures.Β Β I have visited Strasbourg several times, and it never gets old!Β It’s a more laid back city, perfect for strolling along the canals and just enjoying the beautiful architecture. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re planning your first visit to Strasbourg, check out my hotel recommendations for convenient…
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Lille at Christmas: Visiting the MarchΓ© de NoΓ«l de Lille
Every year, Lille hosts a Christmas Market complete with a giant ferris wheel! From the end of November until New Year’s you can enjoy Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. MarchΓ© de NoΓ«l de Lille is the largest Christmas market in Northern France! Apparently this tradition is centuries old.Β Β Grand Place A 164ft Ferris Wheel stands in Grand Place during the holiday season, in addition to a Christmas Tree and other decorations.Β Β Riding the Ferris Wheel is absolute must – the views from the top are unreal! Definitely wrap up if you’re going to ride the Ferris Wheel because it can be quite windy up there!Β Β I rode the…
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Holiday Magic in Paris: Experiencing the City of Lights at Christmas
I recently posted about Paris in the fall.Β However, Paris is especially magical at Christmas-time. Β By mid-November, Paris is completely decked out for the holidays. The city is covered in lights and decorations, everywhere you go!Β There is a ton to do in the City of Light near the holidays.Β Here are some of my favorites: Galeries Lafayette As if Galeries Lafayettes wasn’t already stunning enough, every year it has a new Christmas Tree design. Β The year I spent Christmas in Paris, the tree was made out of recycled paper! Β The interactive window displays were all made with the recycled materials theme. Β The tree was very intricate, with polar bears…
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Strasbourg, Alsace: The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg is on the eastern border of France in the Alsace Region.Β This city has gone back and forth between being part of France and part of Germany, which has created an interesting blend of both the culture and the architecture.Β Strasbourg is well-known for its annual Christmas market, or ChristkindelsmΓ€rik.Β Β Strasbourg isn’t a large city, and the Christmas market is spread across town.Β The best way to explore the markets is definitely by foot.Β There is plenty of vin chaud / gluhwein (mulled wine) to help warm up!Β There are also fires to stand by scattered around the markets.Β One of my favorite parts is the decorated Rue MerciΓ¨re…
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I Love Paris in the Fall: Three Best Autumn Activities
I love Paris in the springtime.I love Paris in the fall.I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles,I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles. My Grandfather used to sing me this song and replace Paris with Shelby. π Just as the song says, I love Paris all times of the year! It is my absolute favorite city. Until my teaching assignment, I had only visited Paris during the other three seasons of the year. Exploring Paris in the Fall with the beautiful changing leaves is something else entirely! Autumn provides great weather for exploring the city on foot (with a jacket of course), with significantly less tourists…
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Day Trip to Medieval Saint-Γmilion: Wine, Cobblestones, and Culture
As I mentioned in my previous blogΒ post, Bordeaux is a famous wine-growing region in southwestern France. You can’t visit Bordeaux without sampling some wine!! My friend and I booked a day trip through the Tourist Office to visit a nearby vineyard and the medieval town of Saint-Γmilion. The day trip only cost 30β¬ and included two glasses of wine at the vineyard! Saint-Γmilion is a World Heritage Site named after a monk who settled there in the 8th century, though the history of the town goes beyond that. Romans planted vines in this area as far back as the 2nd century!Β The city is well worth a visit and I…
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Best of Bordeaux, France: A Walking Guide
Bordeaux is situated in Aquitane, the South-western region of France. This is a prominent area for the wine industry – the region began producing wine in the 8th Century! Bordeaux is a beautiful city to visit, with tons of wine-tasting opportunities for my fellow vinos.Β This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. If you’re planning a trip, check out my hotel recommendations for some great places to stay in Bordeaux. Now grab your walking shoes and come for a tour of Bordeaux with me! This city has the second-highest number of preserved historical buildings of any city in France, behind Paris!…
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Following Paul CΓ©zanne’s Footsteps in Aix-en-Provence, France
Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful town in the Provence-Alpes-CΓ΄te d’Azur region of France. It’s about 20-30 minutes by train from Marseille, with tickets averaging $15 one-way. Aix-en-Provence (or Aix for short) is the home town of Paul CΓ©zanne and offers many attractions relating to the artist and his paintings. Aix-en-provence is incredibly charming with a wonderful small-town feel, very contrasting to the large city of Marseille. The word Aix originates from Aqua + Sextius. Sextius was the name of an important military figure in the area, and water is very important and prevalent in the city. Aix-en-Provence was at one time part of Catalonia, and they still fly the “blood and…
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5 Can’t Miss Attractions in Marseille, France for First Time Visitors
Marseille is the oldest city in France and the second largest city, behind Paris!Β Founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC, this vibrant Mediterranean port has a diverse culture and breathtaking coastline. From the colorful Vieux-Port to the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Calanques, Marseilles is one of the most stunning coastal cities I have ever visited!Β Β While the city has a reputation for being a bit rougher around the edges than other destinations in France, I found the history and scenery made the city a memorable place to explore. As with any large city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and plan your visit accordingly. This post…
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Nice, La Belle: Exploring the Jewel of the French Riviera
In my recent post about Monaco, I mentioned that it is an easy day-trip from Nice! It only seemed natural then to write about Nice as well.Β Nice is a beautiful coastal town in CΓ΄te d’Azur, the French Riviera. There is so much to do and see in Nice, from it’s pebbled beach up to the MonastΓ¨re de Cimiez!Β This is the first place that I ever took a solo overnight trip!Β There are cheap TGV tickets using Ouigo if booking ahead of time with flexible dates. Β Throughout my stay, I met many generous and kind locals who gave me great advice and directions! This post contains affiliate links. I…
