France Archives - French Side Travel

Category : France

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.

14 Best “Coolcation” Trip Ideas in France

hiker in the french alps summer trip
22 June 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

When we think of summer in France, both Provence and the French Riviera pop to mind. The fragrant lavender fields, the crisp Mediterranean waves and sun-soaked terraces. But these spots can also mean throngs of tourists and hot temperatures. With French Side Travel, you certainly can enjoy a luxurious trip to southern France during the summer, but perhaps consider other parts of France for a cooler vacation. Beat the heat with these best “coolcation” trip ideas, and save Provence and the Riviera for shoulder season. From the French Alps to Normandy, here are our favorite “coolcation” trip ideas in France.

7 Best Hiking Experiences in France

8 June 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of reaching a summit. Whether overlooking the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the dramatic peaks of Corsica, or the snow-capped Alps, every trail reveals a different side of France.

While France is celebrated for its cuisine, culture, and charming villages, it is also a remarkable destination for active travelers. Scenic hiking routes wind through vineyard-covered hills, rugged mountain ranges, coastal cliffs, and protected nature reserves, often revealing landscapes inaccessible by car. 

From gentle countryside walks to exhilarating mountain adventures, these experiences combine spectacular scenery with authentic discoveries. Lace up your boots and prepare to take the scenic route through some of France’s most beautiful regions!

3 Best Regions to Bike in France for Travelers

8 June 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

His newspaper was failing, and Henri Desgranges needed a solution. In 1903, he organized the first Tour de France in the hopes of “revitaliz(ing) his struggling publication, L’Auto, through the spectacle of a long-distance race,” per Ebsco. What he didn’t realize was that the event itself would be a whopping success – much more than his publication. Today this cross-country cycling race remains a household name and has put France on the map for its cycling appeal. You might not be Lance Armstrong, but perhaps you enjoy biking. If you’re looking for an active trip to France with biking, there is a wealth of regions to explore. From quaint villages to rolling vineyards, majestic castles to lush forests, France is the ideal backdrop for your cycle. No matter your fitness level, France promises beautiful landscapes and trails for each traveler. From the Loire Valley to Burgundy, here are our favorite regions to bike in France.

Your Guide to Paris’ 6th Arrondissement

1 June 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

The 6th arrondissement is the Paris people imagine before they arrive: café terraces spilling onto cobblestone streets, jazz drifting from open windows, and impeccably dressed locals walking with fresh baguettes tucked under their arms. Somehow, everyone here looks effortlessly chic, even when browsing the market or grabbing coffee.

This is where revolutionary thinkers debated philosophy over espresso, where artists and writers found endless inspiration, and where visitors today still come searching for that unmistakable Parisian atmosphere that somehow feels both glamorous and effortless at the same time.

Set on the Left Bank, the 6th is refined and romantic. From the literary soul of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the quiet beauty of the Luxembourg Gardens, this district embodies the timeless Paris travelers dream about long before they step foot in the city.

Read on for our full guide on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in the 6th. And while you’re at it, check out our other guides featuring the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th arrondissements.

The Perfect Multigenerational Trip Itinerary to Paris

25 May 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

A romantic honeymoon to Paris? Easy. A fun girls’ trip marked by wine tastings and Eiffel Tower photo shoots? Piece of cake. But a trip to the capital that caters to the whole family from Grandma to little Tommy is no easy feat. If you’re dreaming of a trip to the French capital but are struggling to make it a delight for your entire crew, let us be of service. True, France gets plenty of publicity for couples’ or friend trips, but its capital has a wealth of activities, whether you’re in elementary school or retired. Employing a travel agency like French Side Travel for your multigenerational trip is a fabulous way to focus more on sipping coffee with Grandpa and less on finding activities to please everyone. From teens to kids, parents to grandparents, here is our perfect multigenerational trip itinerary to Paris.

Seven Ways to Fall in Love with Burgundy

19 May 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

Few regions capture the romance of France quite like Burgundy. Set in the heart of eastern France, this region unfolds in a patchwork of vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages, and centuries-old estates. Burgundy is not just a wine region, though its vineyards are among the most famous in the world. It is also defined by a way of life shaped by terroir, tradition, and an unwavering respect for craftsmanship. 

From immersive wine tastings and intimate culinary moments to cultural discoveries and scenic explorations, there are plenty of unique things to do in the region. Here are seven unforgettable ways to experience the true essence of Burgundy.

The Lost Generation-Inspired Itinerary to France

11 May 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

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. 

Your Guide to Paris’ 5th Arrondissement

5 May 2026 - Reading Time: 5 minutes

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

27 April 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes

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.

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