Kristin Blake, Author at French Side Travel - Page 4 of 12

Guide to Ajaccio: Home of Napoléon Bonaparte

2 May 2024 - Reading Time: 3 minutes

Military commander, short man with his hand folded across his chest, dictator riding on a magnificent horse. Napoleon Bonaparte has many images and titles that precede his name. But beyond the pages of history textbooks, who was this Frenchman? Napoleon I certainly left his mark on French history, including in his hometown of Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. Here’s a brief history of Napoleon Bonaparte as well as a guide to Ajaccio.

Louis Vuitton and His Rise to LVMH Luxury

20 April 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

LV: Two small letters pack a lot of weight. It was nearly two centuries ago that Louis Vuitton launched his luggage brand. Since then, the Louis Vuitton name has only grown in prestige and has also acquired a swath of other brands along the way. Today this luxury goods conglomerate has become one of the leaders in its industry. We’re tracing the path of Louis Vuitton, the brand’s evolution over the centuries and best Louis Vuitton-themed activities in France.

From Albi to Paris: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

6 April 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

From Claude Monet’s water lilies to the grandeur of Versailles, France is an icon in the world of art. This country has produced or heavily influenced some of the world’s biggest names: Edgar Degas, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Van Gogh and beyond. Even more, it’s home to the largest art museum in the world, the Louvre. Although lesser known, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec played an important role in French art history, namely the Art Nouveau and Post-Impressionist movements. From Albi to Paris, we’re exploring Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s roots and legacy, plus best activities inspired by this artist.

Your Guide to the Provence Wine Region

25 March 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Bright blue waves and year-round sunshine draw many to Provence. But there’s much more to be explored and enjoyed in this region in southern France. This sun-drenched region is also well-known for its breathtaking vineyards and wine selections. With nearly 90% of its wine production being rosé, Provence is rather pink. We’ve curated a guide […]

Your Guide to the Loire Valley Wine Region

12 March 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Somewhere in between bustling Paris and sun-drenched southern France lies the Loire Valley. This region of France is particularly known for its hundreds of castles. But its Renaissance architecture isn’t all this French region boasts. The Loire Valley is sprinkled with vineyards, which spread across 220 square miles, per Vins du Val de Loire. From Sauvignon Blanc to Muscadet, from Cabernet Franc to Vouvray, we’re exploring the best of the Loire Valley wine region.

Your Guide to the Bordeaux Wine Region

5 March 2024 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

The city of Bordeaux is known for its cannelé pastries and its regal Haussmanian-style architecture. But above all, Bordeaux is synonymous with wine. Named the wine capital of the world, this town is especially known for its red wines and boasts 53 appellations per Wine Folly. Bordeaux has long been tied to the wine industry. And we’re breaking down the Bordeaux wine region with its history and terroir, plus the best wine activities in Bordeaux.

The Beginner’s Guide to French Wine

the best of burgundy
27 February 2024 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Rouge, rosé ou blanc — if only it were that simple! With more than 3,000 wines crafted in France, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. From sunlight to temperature, barrel storage to grape variety, there’s so much that goes into the creation of what goes into a wine glass. And within a country as diverse as France, each of its dozen or so wine regions offers a unique taste and perspective on this timeless beverage. We’re going back to the basics of winemaking with our beginner’s guide to French wine and our favorite wine activities.

Marie Antoinette-Inspired Paris Itinerary

19 February 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Among a history marked by kings and generals, few women have made their mark on French history quite like Marie Antoinette. Born in Vienna, Marie Antoinette married Louis XVI with luxury and infamy to follow closely behind. Although she died in the 18th century, you can still follow in her footsteps in Paris today. If you’re curious about French Revolution history and French royalty, we’ve curated our best Marie Antoinette-inspired Paris itinerary. 

Best Museums in France (Other than the Louvre)

13 February 2024 - Reading Time: 6 minutes

From its rich gastronomy to its breathtaking landscapes, it’s no shock that France is one of the most visited countries in the world. Another big draw to France is also its vibrant museum selection. France’s capital is home to the Louvre, which is the most visited museum across the globe, according to Museums.eu. But the rest of France has much to offer in terms of art, culture and history. We certainly do recommend a visit to the Louvre, but beyond this classic, we wanted to share some of the best museums in all of France.

The Many Lives of the Louvre

5 February 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Mona Lisa, Venus di Milo, Liberty Leading the People. The Louvre is home to thousands of precious art pieces, and books and guides abound on all the treasures to be found inside the museum. But the history of the Louvre building itself is arguably as fascinating as the many canvases and statues it stores. Today, the Louvre is one of the most famous art museums in the world, but these buildings didn’t always serve this purpose. The history of this iconic museum has seen and survived multiple wars and républiques. Here’s a brief history of the Louvre with its different eras and how best to enjoy a visit today.

Epic France Bucket List: By Air, Land and Sea

30 January 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

From strolling the historic halls of the Louvre to marveling at its Renaissance castles, France offers endless dreamy experiences. But perhaps you’re craving even more adventure for your trip to France than the typical tourist experiences. If you’re pining for the most luxurious activities for your trip to France, look no further. From hot air balloon to helicopter rides, we’re sharing our epic France bucket list – by air, land and sea.

The Beginner’s Guide to French Crêpes

23 January 2024 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Do French people really do that? Whether it’s wearing berets or eating escargots, French stereotypes abound. Some of these assumptions have more merit than others. One classic “Frenchism” is their love for crêpes. And truth be told, crêpes are widely eaten in France. Nearly four out of every five French people enjoy sweet crêpes, per Statista. We’re sharing all about French crêpes: the different types; their history; and la Chandeleur, a holiday known for its crêpe consumption.

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