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)
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
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
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
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.
4 Local Specialities from Provence
Whether it’s strolling down the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence or hiking through Marseille’s calanques, southern France offers much to do. The region of Provence is a treasure chest for stunning hikes, village strolls and important monuments. But much of Provence’s charm stems from enjoying its local specialities. From its fragrant lavender fields to tranquil olive groves, the region of Provence offers delights for all five senses. From lavender to wine, we’re rounding up several of the best local specialities from Provence and how you can make sure they’re authentic.
Uncovering Roman History in Provence
From Marie Antoinette to Napoleon Bonaparte, you may have brushed up on French history. Perhaps you’ve watched Les Misérables and even celebrated Bastille Day. But what happened in France long before Louis XIV ruled, before the Enlightenment took place or before the Eiffel Tower was built? The country we know as France today has been inhabited for thousands of years. And the country is still filled with relics from these ancient periods, particularly from the Roman era. In the region of Provence, many Roman ruins can be explored today. We’re uncovering Roman history in Provence and sharing the best sites you can still visit today.
From Tire to Table: How the Michelin Star was Born
The name Michelin often evokes swanky restaurants, excellent cuisine and star counts. But the history of the Michelin stars goes back more than a century to a pair of brothers who sold tires. So how does a tire company go on to create one of the most prestigious restaurant rating systems? From the tire to the table, we’re explaining the history of Michelin stars as well as our favorite Michelin experiences in France.
Unique Places to Visit in France in 2024
With the arrival of 2024 getting closer, now is the time to start thinking about and planning a trip to France. For those who have already visited France before and have seen the classic sights, now is the perfect time to experience a different side of the country. We’re sharing some unique France travel destinations in 2024 that we hope will inspire you. Read on to discover more about places like Saint Malo, Calvi, Biarritz and more.
Haute Couture-Inspired Itinerary in Paris
Not only has France made a name for itself in cultural sites and culinary arts but also on the runway. Over the years, the French have decorated the global haute couture industry. From Yves Saint Laurent to Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton to Coco Chanel, French designers sprinkle runways and closets across the globe. The legacy of these haute couture designers can be found across France, but much of their influence and presence remains in Paris. We’re rounding up some of the top French designers as well as the perfect haute-couture inspired itinerary in Paris.