Kristin Blake, Author at French Side Travel

The Beginner’s Guide to Champagne: Grandes Maisons or Grower Champagnes?

6 July 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. It’s on these special occasions that we pull out a bottle of champagne to celebrate a milestone. You may know that champagne is a highly regulated industry, and not just any bubbly wine can bear this label. Step aside, Prosecco, Crémant and Vouvray! From grape varieties to vineyard locations, champagne is clear, cut and dry. However, even with the AOC label, there remains a wide range of diversity between vine and bottle. For those looking to understand the champagne industry and simply how to better read wine labels, we’ve created a beginner’s guide to this bubbly beverage. We’re breaking down the differences between Grandes Maisons and Grower Champagnes as well as dishing our best secrets for reading bottle labels. And naturally, we’re sharing the best activities in Champagne for your next trip.

14 Best “Coolcation” Trip Ideas in France

22 June 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

When we think of summer in France, both Provence and the French Riviera pop to mind. The fragrant lavender fields, the crisp Mediterranean waves and sun-soaked terraces. But these spots can also mean throngs of tourists and hot temperatures. With French Side Travel, you certainly can enjoy a luxurious trip to southern France during the summer, but perhaps consider other parts of France for a cooler vacation. Beat the heat with these best “coolcation” trip ideas, and save Provence and the Riviera for shoulder season. From the French Alps to Normandy, here are our favorite “coolcation” trip ideas in France.

3 Best Regions to Bike in France for Travelers

8 June 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

His newspaper was failing, and Henri Desgranges needed a solution. In 1903, he organized the first Tour de France in the hopes of “revitaliz(ing) his struggling publication, L’Auto, through the spectacle of a long-distance race,” per Ebsco. What he didn’t realize was that the event itself would be a whopping success – much more than his publication. Today this cross-country cycling race remains a household name and has put France on the map for its cycling appeal. You might not be Lance Armstrong, but perhaps you enjoy biking. If you’re looking for an active trip to France with biking, there is a wealth of regions to explore. From quaint villages to rolling vineyards, majestic castles to lush forests, France is the ideal backdrop for your cycle. No matter your fitness level, France promises beautiful landscapes and trails for each traveler. From the Loire Valley to Burgundy, here are our favorite regions to bike in France.

The Perfect Multigenerational Trip Itinerary to Paris

25 May 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

A romantic honeymoon to Paris? Easy. A fun girls’ trip marked by wine tastings and Eiffel Tower photo shoots? Piece of cake. But a trip to the capital that caters to the whole family from Grandma to little Tommy is no easy feat. If you’re dreaming of a trip to the French capital but are struggling to make it a delight for your entire crew, let us be of service. True, France gets plenty of publicity for couples’ or friend trips, but its capital has a wealth of activities, whether you’re in elementary school or retired. Employing a travel agency like French Side Travel for your multigenerational trip is a fabulous way to focus more on sipping coffee with Grandpa and less on finding activities to please everyone. From teens to kids, parents to grandparents, here is our perfect multigenerational trip itinerary to Paris.

The Lost Generation-Inspired Itinerary to France

11 May 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

It’s not always the locals who make history and shape culture. Sometimes it’s the expats. And the Lost Generation is a prime example of how a group of expats, namely American, made their mark on Paris. From F. Scott Fitzgerald to Gertrude Stein, these writers migrated to Paris and developed this decorated literary era during the Roaring 20s. From Paris to the French Riviera, there’s a historical treasure hunt waiting for those wanting to trace the steps of the Lost Generation.

7 Best Culinary Workshops in Paris

27 April 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

It’s virtually impossible to visit France and not eat well. Acclaimed for its world-class gastronomy and restaurants, France overflows with culinary delights. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, it’s a guarantee that you’ll find your flavor. From scrumptious 5-course meals to rich pastries, France won’t disappoint, but Paris in particular has a wealth of cuisine. And one of the best ways to travel is to eat your way through the trip. But even better? Learn how to cook and bake some of the country’s finest delicacies. On your trip to France’s capital, there are endless options for cooking and baking classes. Whether you’re a Martha Stewart-level pro or just a beginner with a hefty appetite, these 7 best culinary workshops in Paris are sure to satisfy.

18th Century-Inspired Paris Itinerary

12 April 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Skyscrapers, metro lines slinking back and forth, sports stadiums and concert arenas. Paris remains a modern icon for fashion, culture and gastronomy. But what was Paris like in the era of royalty? If you’re on the hunt to uncover the tracks of French culture during the 18th century, you’re in for a treat. Paris boasts modernization, but its historical roots and riches remain sprinkled throughout the city. Dig up a time capsule of the 1700s on your next trip to France. From Marie Antoinette to Versailles, we’ve rounded up our favorite 18th century-themed activities for your next visit to France.

9 Best Cooking Workshops in France

30 March 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

There’s cooking to feed oneself; and then there’s gastronomy to delight oneself. And France is king of gastronomy. For the French, eating isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about flavor, experience and presentation. In a 2024 survey, four out of five French people viewed gastronomy as an art and chefs as a type of artist, per Statista. And during your trip to France, no doubt, you will fall in love with France’s profound relationship with the kitchen. Best of all, you too can roll up your sleeves and hone your cooking skills while traveling. From Normandy to Provence, the Loire Valley to Bordeaux, here are some of the best cooking workshops in France. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned pro in the kitchen, these culinary workshops are sure to satisfy.

From Ajaccio to Bonifacio: Best Things to Do in Southern Corsica

white cliffs sea and bonifacio up top corscia

16 March 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

At first glance, travelers on the hunt for a sun-kissed trip to France think of Provence and the French Riviera. But these destinations, albeit fabulous, aren’t the only choices to soak up the best of the French Mediterranean. Also part of France, Corsica promises a raw island escape only a short flight from Nice or Marseille. This under-the-radar destination enchants with its unobstructed sea views, Napoleonic history and astonishing nature trails. The entire island boasts thrilling experiences, but Southern Corsica is particularly well-loved for its hiking trails, spectacular scenery, and sea activities. From wine to hikes, food tours to boat excursions, here are some of the best things to do in southern Corsica.

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.

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