France Archives - French Side Travel

Category : France

Top 10 Festivals to Attend in France this Summer

20 April 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Summer in France is a time when culture spills out into the streets, historic landmarks become performance venues, and entire cities transform into open-air stages. From world-famous theater festivals to lively music celebrations and centuries-old traditions influenced by cultures around the world, there’s something exciting happening in nearly every corner of France.

Below, we highlight some of the top festivals to attend in summer 2026, along with key details and hotel recommendations to help you plan your trip.

18th Century-Inspired Paris Itinerary

Versailles view of palace and fountain
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. 

12 Best Picnic Spots in Paris

6 April 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Imagine stopping by a local market to pick up some cheese, a fresh baguette, charcuterie, and maybe even a bottle of wine. The only question left: where to enjoy it? You could choose a nicely manicured garden featuring an ornate palace, spread out in a large park, or settle in alongside the Seine or a canal. Paris has no shortage of lovely picnic spots.

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.

Five Ways to Fall in Love with Normandy

24 March 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Gorgeous coastlines, local culinary delights, layered history, and postcard-perfect villages await you in Normandy. Just a couple of hours north of Paris, this quietly captivating region may not top every tourist checklist, but that’s precisely its charm. 

Here, France feels intimate and authentic. Fishing boats sway gently in harbors, farmhouses rest among apple orchards, and the countryside rolls on in soft shades of green framed by narrow lanes that seem untouched by time. The weather may be brisk, but the welcome is warm. Life in Normandy moves at a slower, more deliberate pace shaped by the sea, the land, and centuries of tradition.

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.

Your Guide to Paris’ 4th Arrondissement

9 March 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Moving right along in our Paris arrondissements series, after exploring the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, we arrive at the 4th arrondissement: the true historic heart of Paris. This is where the city was born. From medieval streets and royal squares to Gothic cathedrals, much of the famous Marais neighborhood, river islands, and plenty of modern art, the 4th packs centuries of Parisian history into a compact, walkable neighborhood.

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.

Retracing the Footsteps of Claude Monet, 100 Years Later

22 February 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Claude Monet’s death, commemorating one of France’s most influential artists and a founding figure of Impressionism. From the coastal towns of Normandy to the sunlit shores of the Mediterranean, Monet’s life unfolded across many regions of France, each leaving a distinct mark on his work.

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.

Your Guide to Paris’ 3rd Arrondissement

9 February 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Paris’ 3rd arrondissement is one of the capital’s most quietly captivating neighborhoods. Known for its creative energy and understated elegance, it offers a lived-in, authentic side of the city that feels both historic and refreshingly current. Independent boutiques, café terraces, and cultural institutions are all common. And they’re woven into streets lined with centuries-old architecture, creating an atmosphere that invites exploration.

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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