Kristin Blake, Author at French Side Travel

Best Baking Workshops in France

2 March 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Millefeuille, tarte aux framboises, Paris-Brest. From elaborately decorated pastries to mouth-watering classics, baking in France is an institution. On your next trip to France, perhaps you’re craving more than just a bite of an iconic croissant. You want to step inside the kitchen and discover the step-by-step process of these world-famous pastries. The history, the technique, the craftsmanship. At French Side Travel, we curate luxurious experiences catered to your tastes, and no, that’s not just a metaphor. No matter where you visit in France, you’re sure to discover the wonders of French baking and pastries. From crêpes to croissants, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite baking workshops in France.

From Louis I to Louis XIX, A Guide to the Many King Louis

15 February 2026 - Reading Time: 6 minutes

Who was the King Louis who was sent to the guillotine? Which King Louis had the Château de Versailles built? Which king was named Saint Louis? With so many different King Louis, it’s hard to keep them all straight. But each ruler has his impact on the French people and their history. Here’s a brief guide to the many different King Louis and how you can trace their footsteps on your next trip to France.

The Perfect French Riviera Honeymoon Itinerary

2 February 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Dress fitting? Check. Vows written? Yes. Rehearsal dinner organized? Bingo. You might have all the logistics nailed down for your wedding, but planning your honeymoon has been on the back burner. At French Side Travel, we’re experts at crafting luxury travel suited to your honeymoon wishlist. France is full of honeymoon-worthy destinations, but one of our coups de coeur is the French Riviera. Year-long sunshine and crystal blue sea, vibrant cities and paradisal villages – need we say more? Whether you and your spouse plan to relax in a beach chair seaside or lose count of your steps in a medieval village, the perfect honeymoon awaits. We’re sharing some of our favorite destinations and activities to help you choose a romantic French Riviera honeymoon itinerary.

Our Clients’ Favorite Experiences in 2025

19 January 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

From Paris to Provence, Bordeaux to the Alps, our clients discovered the beauty of France this past year. In 2025, French Side Travel organized hundreds of trips across France, but some experiences rose to the top as guest favorites. We wanted to look back on our client trips from the past year and share some of the top experiences. At French Side Travel, each trip is unique and adapted to your needs and wishes. We’ve rounded up our clients’ favorite visits, experiences, private tours and hotels. And perhaps these past trips will inspire your future adventures with us in 2026.

13 Best Adventurous Activities in France

group of skiers in french alps on a sunny day

5 January 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

For many, vacation equates to laying low and relaxing. But for others, it means embarking on exhilarating adventures. And in France, both easygoing and active travelers will find something suited to their tastes. If you’re an adrenaline seeker on the hunt to move and groove during your trip to France, we’re here to help. Have your breath stolen on a hike in the Pyrénées. Kayak through the blue waters off the coast of Corsica. Hold on tight as you zipline through the forest near Annecy. No matter your pick, you’re sure to get your heart rate up. From hiking to surfing, snow shoeing to skiing, we compiled the best adventurous activities in France.

Where to Spend Christmas in France

19 December 2025 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Snuggled up under the blankets in front of the Christmas tree at home is a great way to spend Christmas. But an even better way to experience the holiday season is discovering yuletide magic in France. Each region has its own special traditions and events, and no matter your interests, Christmas in France is a fantasy. From sipping hot chocolate at the Christmas markets or admiring the lights adorning historic castles, France transforms into an even more magical destination during the winter season. Both Paris and the French Alps are popular choices for the Christmas season, but these destinations are only the beginning. From the Loire Valley to Alsace, here are our favorite places to spend Christmas in France as well as festive activities to liven your stay.

11 French Holiday Traditions You Haven’t Heard Of

8 December 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

The calendar flips to December, and in many countries, families are putting up the tree, sipping hot chocolate and bundling up. There are a wealth of similarities of Christmas traditions between different countries. But there’s no doubt that each country has its own set of customs and specialities — and France is no different. From its traditional desserts to its decorations, each of France’s regions comes alive for this time of year. Here are 11 French holiday traditions you may not have heard of, including our staff’s favorite ones.

14 Best Family-Friendly Activities in France

24 November 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

True, France may be a top destination for honeymoons or girls’ trips. But with its vast history and geography, France abounds with activities and destinations for all ages. Whether you have little ones or teens, there are activities for every age category. If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly trip to France, let us help. From rafting to horseback riding, cooking classes to boat rides, France is full of thrilling activities fit for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for activities ideal for kids or teens in your crew, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly activities in France.

French Wine Region Highlights and Itinerary Ideas

9 November 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

The full-bodied reds of Bordeaux, the tangy rosés of Provence, the crisp whites of Alsace. Recognized across the globe, France’s wine inventory is highly decorated. But to be fair, the term “French wine” is an oversimplification because each wine region bears unique flavor, terroir and character. Each wine region promises its own story and experience. With a country as geographically diverse as France, it’s hard to fit everything into one itinerary: museums, nature, gastronomy, wine, and much more. So, whether you’re wanting to add several wine-themed days to your trip or desiring a trip devoted to discovering the different wine regions, we’re here for you. We’re sharing an overview of France’s main wine regions with their specialities as well as itinerary ideas.

French Culinary Specialities by Region

27 October 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Croissants, escargots and cheese — this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to French cuisine. With 18 regions in France, each one has its own specialities and traditions. There’s no doubt that you can find wines, cheese and pastries across the country. But each corner of France has its own flair. From Bordeaux’s canelés to Alsace’s stollen, Lyon’s quenelles to Marseille’s bouillabaisse, French cuisine abounds with a flavor for each traveler. With French Side Travel, you can not only discover the best spots to taste these delicacies but also enjoy cooking classes and unique gastronomic experiences. We’ve rounded up some of the best French culinary specialities by region.

Our Little Black Book of Intimate Hotels in France

13 October 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Sometimes bigger isn’t better. And it’s no different when it comes to hotels during your stay in France. If you’re on the hunt for an exclusive stay for your trip, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite intimate hotel addresses in France. When referring to intimate hotels, we’re referring to establishments with few rooms or a particular boutique approach. Think confidential and reserved experiences from staying in a private floating lodge to having private beach access. Listed by region, here’s our little black book of the most intimate hotels in France.

5 Best Day Trips from Paris

29 September 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

From ornate châteaux to quaint villages, there’s so much to see just outside of Paris. Of course, the French capital remains timeless for its wealth of art museums, esteemed gastronomy and historical sites. But there’s a trove of fabulous destinations surrounding the City of Light. Lucky for you, it’s not an either/or situation. We’re happy to share the good news that you can do both: enjoy the best of Paris and discover another corner of France easily. Thanks to the high-speed TGV train, round trips to these destinations are feasible within a day. From the blossoming gardens of Giverny to the Champagne vineyards, delve into France’s many colors during your trip to France by adding a day trip to your itinerary. Here are some of the best day trips from Paris.

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