France
France

France Travel Guide

Enter the romantic country of France and explore historic Paris, beautiful coastal cities, fairytale towns, and the rolling French countryside. No matter what you are looking to do, a relaxing tour through Paris, a road-trip along the countryside, or an exploration of the country’s history, France has countless things to offer. Get ready to fall in love with this enchanting country!

3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

So, you’re planning a trip to Paris? Welcome to one of our favorite cities. With 3 days in Paris, you have enough time to take in the view from the Eiffel Tower, say hi to Mona Lisa in the Louvre, eat street food crepes, climb the Arc de Triomphe, explore several Parisian neighborhoods, and visit […]

One Day in Colmar: Best Things to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay

Colmar is a picture-perfect town located in the Alsace region of France. This small town, with its colorful, half-timbered houses, overflowing flower pots, and bustling street cafes, looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairy tale. With one day in Colmar, you have just enough time to explore the scenic streets, dine […]

Paris Bucket List: 40 Epic Things to Do in Paris

Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, dine at an outdoor café, enjoy the views from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, say hi to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, and day trip to Versailles. These all top the list of the best things to do in Paris, but there are also neighborhoods to explore and […]

Paris

Paris is a beautiful city with a long list of things to see and do. To help you plan your trip, learn about the top experiences, how to plan your time, where to stay in Paris, and more.

3 Days in Paris: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

So, you’re planning a trip to Paris? Welcome to one of our favorite cities. With 3 days in Paris, you have enough time to take in the view from the Eiffel Tower, say hi to Mona Lisa in the Louvre, eat street food crepes, climb the Arc de Triomphe, explore several Parisian neighborhoods, and visit […]

Paris Bucket List: 40 Epic Things to Do in Paris

Stroll along the Champs-Élysées, dine at an outdoor café, enjoy the views from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, say hi to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, and day trip to Versailles. These all top the list of the best things to do in Paris, but there are also neighborhoods to explore and […]

2 Days in Paris Itinerary: Best Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

If you are planning your first visit to Paris, this Paris itinerary is perfect for you. With 2 days in Paris, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this extraordinary city. Visit the Louvre, enjoy the views from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, and explore the […]

Ten Fun Things to Do in Paris with Kids

In 2012, our trip to London and Paris was our kids’ very first experience in Europe. They were only 8 and 9 years old at the time, so we wanted to pick two cities that had recognizable landmarks, good food, and fun things to do with kids. During our four days in Paris we toured […]

Easter in Paris: How to Have the Best Experience

Easter in Paris…sounds nice, doesn’t it? Spring flowers, warm temperatures, enjoying the view from the Eiffel Tower. Sure, that sounds nice, but it’s not always the reality. You could get cold weather, rain showers, and long queues to get into the most popular tourist destinations. I would love to tell you that Easter in Paris […]

Exactly How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in 2024

There are just a few buildings in the world that evoke the same sense of awe, wonder, and romance as the Eiffel Tower. For many, a trip to Paris would be incomplete without a visit to this iconic landmark. In this guide, we uncover the best way to visit the Eiffel Tower, with tips on […]

Where to Stay in Paris in 2024: A Complete Guide for First Timers

Choosing where to stay in Paris can feel overwhelming. There are so many options! To make things easier for you, we have narrowed down the long list of hotels into just a few great properties, organized by neighborhood and budget.  Overview of Paris Before we jump into the best hotels in Paris, here is a […]

Visiting the Louvre in 2024: Things to See, Best Walking Route & eBook

The Louvre is the largest art museum in the world and one of the top attractions in Paris. Planning a visit to the Louvre may sound complicated. With its massive size, long list of art exhibits, and tales of long lines, you may be wondering how to visit the Louvre and actually enjoy your visit. […]

10 Foods to Eat in Paris and Where to Get Them

What should you eat while in Paris? Since French culture is deeply intertwined with food, the answer to this question is just as important as what you should see and do while visiting Paris. Dining on escargot and freshly baked bread, planning a picnic lunch in front of the Eiffel Tower, and dining at a […]

Best Views of Paris: 17 Iconic Views & Photography Locations

Paris is one of Europe’s loveliest cities. Without a doubt, a trip up the Eiffel Tower or a stroll down the Champs-Elysees tops the list of best experiences in Paris, especially for first-timers. But getting a magical view over the city is also an unforgettable experience, and there are a lot of magical places to […]

Visiting Versailles: Things to Do, Tours & Tips for a Paris Day Trip

The Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. This opulent palace and its surrounding gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. With that, crowds can be enormous. In this guide, we uncover the best way to visit Versailles, with tips on how to avoid […]

Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Photos

Pere Lachaise Cemetery, located in Paris, France, is one of the best known and most visited cemeteries in the world. A visit here may sound like a macabre way to spend an afternoon, but a stroll among the tombstones and mausoleums can be fascinating. Entering the cemetery is almost like entering another world. The traffic […]

Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Paris: Where to Dine with a View

Imagine watching the sun set over the city of Paris, with a glass of wine or cocktail in hand, from the vantage point of a rooftop bar. Paris, a city well known for its cuisine, famous landmarks, and culture, also offers quite a few elevated bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or […]

European Itineraries with Paris

If you have 10 days in Europe and like the idea of visiting Paris, here are three wonderful ways to visit Paris and one or two more European cities.

Alsace Wine Region

The Alsace wine region, located in eastern France, is a wonderful blend of fairytale towns and picturesque vineyards. 

3 Days in the Alsace: Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

The Alsace wine route, located in eastern France, is a wonderful blend of fairytale towns and picturesque vineyards. 3 days on the Alsace wine route gives you enough time to visit a handful of these charming towns and to explore the countryside. About the Alsace Wine Route The Alsace wine route stretches 170 km, starting […]

One Day in Colmar: Best Things to Do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay

Colmar is a picture-perfect town located in the Alsace region of France. This small town, with its colorful, half-timbered houses, overflowing flower pots, and bustling street cafes, looks like it has been plucked right out of a fairy tale. With one day in Colmar, you have just enough time to explore the scenic streets, dine […]

10 Fairytale Towns to Visit on the Alsace Wine Route

When I first saw photos of the town of Colmar, it immediately got added to our travel wish list. With its colorful buildings, bouquets of flowers, and scenic streets, it looked like it was plucked right out of a fairy tale. With a little more research, I was thrilled to learn that Colmar is just […]

Chamonix

Chamonix is a top-notch hiking destination in the summer and a superb skiing destination in the winter. It is also the starting point for two famous treks in the Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Walker’s Haute Route.

20 Best Things to Do in Chamonix, France in the Summer

Chamonix is a picturesque town tucked away in the French Alps. Mont Blanc dominates the skyline, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Europe. Explore the hiking trails, stroll through the streets of Chamonix, journey higher into the mountains by train and cable car, and view the waterfalls of ice that pour down from […]

Aiguille du Midi + Panoramic Mont-Blanc: The Ultimate Guide

One of the best things to do in Chamonix, France is to ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi. Once here, visit the viewpoints and exhibits at the mountain station, or continue the journey by riding the Panoramic Mont-Blanc to Italy. We have ridden cable cars to many mountain peaks in Europe and this […]

Grand Balcon Nord Hike: Best Direction, Hiking Stats, Photos & Tips

The Grand Balcon Nord is a scenic trail that overlooks Chamonix and its surrounding mountains. From one end of the trail, you can see the white peak of Mont Blanc emerging from the clouds. At the other end lies Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France. The Grand Balcon Nord hike is one of […]

How to Hike to Argentière Glacier | Chamonix, France

Hiking to the Argentière Glacier is a great hike to do if you are looking for an easy excursion with beautiful views of the French Alps. The trail leads to an active glacier, where you can stand in front its frigid wall and listen for chunks of ice breaking off in the summer sun. A […]

How to Hike to Lac Blanc, Chamonix (Photos, Stats & Map)

There are several reasons why the hike to Lac Blanc is one of the best in Chamonix. For one thing, this alpine lake is beautiful. A series of gondolas and chair lifts lop off the first big climb, making this hike doable for most ages and ability levels. But one of the best reasons to […]

The Walker’s Haute Route is a 14-day trek from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland. It’s a challenging walk through the Swiss Alps. Along the way, you visit Swiss towns and hamlets, cross 10 mountain passes, and have extraordinary views of this part of Europe. It’s a beautiful journey and one of our favorite travel experiences.

French Riviera

Visit the glitzy towns on the Mediterranean coast, go wine tasting in Provence, and explore the small towns southern France.

Vence, Our Favorite Town in the French Riviera

Vence, a town that charmed us immediately, was also a town we weren’t planning on visiting during our trip to the French Riviera. Prior to the trip, Tim and I researched the best towns to visit, such as Nice (our home base for three days), Antibes, Cannes, Villefranche su Mer, Eze, Cap Ferrat, and St. […]

Cycling Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence

Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous mountains in Europe. It is featured in many Tour de France races, appearing every several years as one of the great climbs of the race. The history and the drama that has unfolded on this mountain is legendary. For cyclists, both amateur and professional, Mont Ventoux is […]

10 Day French Riviera and Provence Itinerary

The south of France…the land of beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches, vineyards, lavender, and one of the world’s best cuisines.  This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in […]

Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info

10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip

Europe is a joy to explore. With world-class cities, medieval towns, historical sites, the snowcapped Alps, gorgeous beaches, and some of the world’s most delicious food, you have the perfect ingredients for your next vacation. If you want to spend 10 days in Europe, we have ten amazing itineraries to share with you.  In this […]

12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe

Having a car provides a lot of freedom and convenience when traveling through Europe. You can travel at your own pace, stop frequently to take in the view, and get to some places that are difficult to reach with public transportation. However, there are some things to know about renting a car in Europe. Knowing […]

30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)

It is no secret that Europe is filled with beautiful places to visit. With its grand cities, fairytale-like towns, soaring mountain ranges, and gorgeous beaches, there is a seemingly endless list of gorgeous places to explore. Whether you are planning your next trip to Europe, or just trying to figure out where to travel to […]

7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe

If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How much will it cost? How many places can you visit? Does this sound familiar? We get emails every day from people who want advice planning their first trip to Europe. And we see the same […]

Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes

Europe is one of our favorite places to go hiking. There’s no better way to explore the dramatic and varied landscapes here, from the snow-capped Alps to coastal trails to the remote, volcanic interior of Iceland. In this guide we list 20 of the best hikes in Europe, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful […]

Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag

Do you want to know how we capture the images that you see on our website? Here is our photography gear guide, with links and explanations of our photography gear and accessories. At the end of this post, we offer tips and tricks on how to take better photographs while traveling. Photography Gear Guide The […]

Top Experiences in France

Paris. Fall in love with Paris, one of Europe’s loveliest cities. Famed by poets and enchanted by artists, this city has become a hub for culture, art, and fashion. Stroll from Parisian cafes to historic streets to colorful gardens. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a view over the city, tour the world’s most famous art museum, and lookout over Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Versailles. Versailles is a royal chateau located on the outskirts of Paris. For a little more than 100 years, this was the seat of government for France. That ended in 1789 with the French Revolution.

The French Riviera and Provence. Explore the beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches and vineyards and indulge on one of the world’s best cuisines.

Explore fairytale towns along the Alsace Wine Route. Located in eastern France, the Alsace Wine Route
spans 170 km, starting near Strasbourg in the north and ending just south of Colmar. This area is a wonderful blend of French and German culture.

Colmar. Colmar is the heart of the Alsace wine route. And the heart of Colmar is “la Petite Venise,” also called Little Venice. Half-timbered buildings line the canals in central Colmar, creating a city center that feels similar to Venice, in more ways than one.

Normandy. If you are eager to visit a place rich in European history, Normandy is a must-visit for you. From Viking invasions to the Hundreds Year War to D-Day, Normandy has seen its share of war and conflict. And you won’t want to miss Normandy’s beautiful chalk-white cliffs and blue seas at the Alabaster Coast.

Mont St. Michel. Travel to the fairytale town of Mont St. Michel. This town is set on a small island in a shallow bay just off the coast of Normandy and Brittany. Fortified ramparts surround the town, and at the heart of the island lies an impressive Gothic abbey. Mont St. Michel makes a perfect day trip for those looking to explore a quaint medieval town and to learn some of France’s ancient history.

Bordeaux. World famous wineries, medieval architecture, cathedrals, delicious food, and beautiful beaches… Bordeaux is wonderful place to visit with much to do. Explore the old town, learn the city’s history, tour art museums, and visit the picturesque reflecting pool in front of Place de la Bourse.

The Loire Valley. As the home to the French royalty, the Loire Valley is filled with beautiful châteaus and lush vineyards. Touring these ancient castles and going wine tasting in this region makes for a great day trip from Paris.

Chamonix. The mountain town of Chamonix is a perfect base for venturing into the Alps. From the town you get a great view of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps. Cable cars will take you up into the mountains, there are many beautiful hikes to do, and the town is teeming with delicious food and adventure seekers.

Lake Annecy. Fall in love with the beauty of Annecy, a medieval town set amongst the Alps and a glittering blue lake. Rivers run through the town which make Annecy appear like a little French Venice. And towering over the old town is the Château d’Annecy, a glorious castle to explore.

Corsica. Explore France’s Mediterranean island, Corsica. This island is a land of beautiful beaches, coastal cities, and inland mountains. Come and see the colorful town of Bonifacio perched on top of rocky cliffs, learn the ancient history of Ajaccio, and explore the beautiful area of la Balagne.

Best Time to Visit France

France can be visited year-round and there will be different experiences offered depending on when you visit. The best weather is between April and October. Yet, some places such as Paris and the French Riviera get insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. 

If you are visiting the Alsace Wine Region, you can visit during one of its many festive seasons. From late March through early April, Colmar is decorated for Easter and you can go shopping at the Easter markets. In early July, classical musical artists perform at the Colmar International Festival. At the end of July into early August, Colmar hosts the Alsace Wine Fair. And finally, the streets in Colmar fill with smalls shops and decorations during the Christmas market season.

The busiest times to visit the Alsace are during the summer months and from late November through December, when it is the Christmas market season. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Alsace Wine Route in late winter and early spring, in between New Year’s and Easter.

Late spring and early fall are also nice times to visit France. This is the shoulder season so crowds and hotel prices are lower.