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.
Category : France
Your Guide to Paris’ 5th Arrondissement
Nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, Paris’ 5th arrondissement is an especially captivating district. Also known as the Latin Quarter, this neighborhood blends centuries of intellectual, cultural, and architectural heritage with a lively student atmosphere shaped by nearby universities. This guide will take you through some of the district’s must-see attractions, cultural highlights, and places to eat and stay, helping you make the most of your visit.
7 Best Culinary Workshops in Paris
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.
Top 10 Festivals to Attend in France this Summer
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.