Category : 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.

A Tale of Two Winters: Paris and the French Alps

9 December 2025 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

In Paris, rainy, windswept days feel warmer with chocolat chaud in iconic cafés and chestnuts roasting at the marchés de Noël. Meanwhile, in the French Alps, vacationers trade their skis for vin chaud by the fire after a day on the slopes, settling into their cozy chalets. Across the country, countless French holiday traditions await!

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.

Your Guide to Paris’ 2nd Arrondissement

26 November 2025 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Tucked among long boulevards and lively market streets, Paris’ 2nd arrondissement can be easy to overlook, but it’s also one of the city’s most authentic and charming districts. Here, historic covered passages sit beside bustling café terraces, and beloved food shops and bakeries line pedestrian streets. Small, central, and full of personality, the 2nd arrondissement offers a true glimpse into classic Parisian life. Want to learn about some of its hidden gems? Read on for your guide to the 2nd arrondissement in Paris.

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.

Where to Feel the Holiday Spirit in Paris

17 November 2025 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

There’s something undeniably magical about Paris at Christmastime. The glow of twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts in the air, and the excitement of holiday markets make every street in the city feel alive. Whether you’re exploring historic neighborhoods or admiring decorated department stores, the holiday spirit is impossible to miss.

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.

Your Guide to Paris’ 1st Arrondissement

4 November 2025 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Centuries ago, royalty walked the cobblestone streets of Paris’ 1st arrondissement. Today, tourists and locals alike wander those same paths, where palaces have become museums and royal gardens have turned into the city’s favorite gathering spots. Timeless, elegant, and unmistakably Parisian, this neighborhood is where the city’s story begins. Ready to discover its charm? Here’s your guide to the 1st arrondissement in Paris.

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.

Best 2025 Fall Destinations in France

15 September 2025 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Flipping the calendar to September means one thing in France: la rentrée, or back to school. As summer winds down, tourists return home, the temperatures cool, and most head back to work and school. But truth be told, France begs to be explored in its shoulder seasons, especially fall. With fewer crowds and milder temperatures, autumn in France is just as ravishing as its other seasons. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots for the autumn season. From Bordeaux to Normandy, here are our top fall destinations in France for 2025.

1 2 3 … 14 Next »

Category : France

Meet the Team