France Archives - French Side Travel

Category : France

The Ideal Multigenerational Trip Itinerary to Provence

Family
8 September 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Fragrant rows of lavender, crisp blue waves and enchanting villages. Many dream of a trip to the land of Provence, lavished in sunshine and breathtaking landscapes. But is it possible to make the most of Provence with the whole family? Certainly not reserved only for honeymoons, Provence promises paradisal experiences for everyone from little ones to grandparents. If you’re dreaming of an exceptional family getaway to Provence but aren’t sure about finding activities to please every member, you’re in luck. At French Side Travel, we’re experts in handcrafted luxury experiences for the entire fam. We’re sharing some of our favorite family-friendly activities in Provence with a focus on younger kids as well as teens. From ceramics to cooking workshops, boat to bike rides, here are ideas for an ideal multigenerational trip itinerary to Provence.

Your Guide to Paris’ 9th Arrondissement

7 September 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

If you want to experience Paris beyond the typical postcard sights, then say bonjour to the 9th arrondissement. Set between the grand elegance of Opéra and the creative energy of South Pigalle, the 9th strikes a particularly Parisian balance. It’s charming without feeling overly polished and local enough to feel like somewhere you could actually live.

Here, 19th-century architecture meets trendy cafés, independent boutiques, excellent restaurants, and some of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks. You can admire the gilded grandeur of the Palais Garnier in the morning, browse shops and small museums in the afternoon, and end the day over an excellent dinner or cocktail.

The Inside Scoop on Palace Distinction Hotels

31 August 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

You’ve heard of five-starred hotels, but what comes after this distinction? It’s not just about the luxurious bedrooms or on-site spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant or exquisite pool. It’s about true excellence. And in France, the Palace distinction surpasses a simple five stars, and it’s not a label that just any hotel can add to its brochure. With clearly set criteria, the Palace distinction must be earned and maintained. Consider it a sixth star. In our guide to palace hotels, we’re explaining the meaning of this title as well as the six hotels that recently earned this recognition. 

The French Alps Beyond the Slopes: Unforgettable Winter Experiences

23 August 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Think French ski resorts are only for skiers? Think again.

In addition to plenty of chairlifts and places to ski lies another side of the French Alps. This region is also filled with wellness retreats, gourmet dining, adventurous activities, and breathtaking scenery. From building an igloo and scaling frozen waterfalls to unwinding with a mountain-view massage or warming up over a bubbling pot of fondue, these experiences prove you don’t need skis to have an unforgettable winter escape.

Best Gluten-Free Restaurants and Activities in Paris

17 August 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Baguettes, croissants, pastries… In other words? Gluten. France is renowned for its top-notch gastronomy, but many of its classics aren’t naturally gluten-free. But is it possible to experience a luxurious and delicious trip to France? Absolument. At French Side Travel, we’re experts in creating luxury experiences, no matter your dietary restrictions. If you have Celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant, no need to fret. We’re rounding up some of our favorite gluten-free restaurants and activities in Paris.

How to Choose the Perfect French Ski Resort for Your Winter Escape

10 August 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Snow settles quietly on chalet rooftops. The scent of melted cheese drifts from mountain restaurants. After a morning carving down perfectly groomed pistes, you warm your hands around a steaming mug of chocolat chaud as the sun dips behind the peaks… Sounds like an ideal winter holiday at a French ski resort.

While summer may still have you dreaming of the Riviera, winter in France has its own kind of magic. As soon as the first snowfall arrives in the French Alps, the mountain villages transform into postcard-worthy destinations where adventure and indulgence go hand in hand.

The only challenge? Choosing where to go.

Each French ski resort has its own personality. Some are all about glamour and Michelin-starred dining, while others are ideal for families or serious skiers. Whether you’re planning your first ski holiday or your fifth, here’s our guide to choosing a ski resort in France.

A Brief Guide to the French Renaissance

Chenonceau castle in France
2 August 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

From the French Revolution to La Belle Époque, the Resistance to the Enlightenment, France’s past is storied. Each era has left its unique mark on the country and culture, and the Renaissance is no different. The Renaissance may have been born in Italy, but it certainly spread to France and beyond. Perhaps it’s been awhile since you’ve cracked open a world history book. If you’re curious about the highlights of the French Renaissance as well as how you can experience this history firsthand, we’re here for you. This culturally rich and historically groundbreaking era shaped France. And one of the best regions to experience this period is the Loire Valley. From the Renaissance’s main characters to best Loire Valley visits, here’s our brief guide to the French Renaissance.

Your Guide to Paris’ 8th Arrondissement

27 July 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Picture glamorous boulevards lined with designer boutiques, grand palaces, world-class museums, and cafés where Parisians linger over coffee or a glass of wine. This is the Paris of fashion magazines, haute couture, classic films, and champagne celebrations. Welcome to the 8th arrondissement.

Whether you’re here for iconic landmarks, luxury shopping, or unforgettable dining, this elegant neighborhood delivers a little glamour at avery turn. Today, we’ll highlight the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in the 8th.

The Perfect Multigenerational Trip Itinerary to the French Riviera

20 July 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

From strolling the Promenade des Anglais with your little ones to shopping in style in Monaco with your in-laws, the French Riviera is for the whole family. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or grandparents, teens or in-laws, there are a wide variety of activities to tempt the entire crew. Foodies, adrenaline seeks, culture aficionados – the French Riviera has an activity designed especially for you. From cultural to outdoor activities, here is the perfect multigenerational itinerary to the French Riviera.

6 Ways the French Have Changed the World

13 July 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

France has never been interested in doing things the ordinary way. Instead, it has a long history of turning bold ideas into beautiful realities.

From the first hot air balloon lifting gently into the sky, to the invention of photography, modern retail, and scientific breakthroughs that shaped what we eat and how we travel, French innovators have spent centuries transforming imagination into everyday life.

As France celebrates its national holiday, there’s no better time to raise a glass to the dreamers, artists, scientists, and adventurers who changed the world. 

The best part? You can still experience these inventions for yourself today. Wander through the grand department stores that reinvented shopping, drift above vineyards in a hot air balloon, capture your own timeless photographs in Paris, and taste wines and cheeses shaped by scientific discovery. All during your next trip to France.

The Beginner’s Guide to Champagne: Grandes Maisons or Grower Champagnes?

wine harvest in a champagne vineyard
6 July 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings. It’s on these special occasions that we pull out a bottle of champagne to celebrate a milestone. You may know that champagne is a highly regulated industry, and not just any bubbly wine can bear this label. Step aside, Prosecco, Crémant and Vouvray! From grape varieties to vineyard locations, champagne is clear, cut and dry. However, even with the AOC label, there remains a wide range of diversity between vine and bottle. For those looking to understand the champagne industry and simply how to better read wine labels, we’ve created a beginner’s guide to this bubbly beverage. We’re breaking down the differences between Grandes Maisons and Grower Champagnes as well as dishing our best secrets for reading bottle labels. And naturally, we’re sharing the best activities in Champagne for your next trip.

Your Guide to Paris’ 7th Arrondissement

30 June 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

Home to the Eiffel Tower, elegant Haussmann buildings, flower-filled balconies, and some of the city’s finest museums, the 7th arrondissement is the Paris of daydreams. Mornings begin with a flaky croissant from the local boulangerie, afternoons are spent exploring world-class art and history museums, and evenings end with a glass of wine on a café terrace.

Ready to explore the 7th? Let’s go through all the top things to do, where to eat, and where to stay in this storybook neighborhood.

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