The perfect complement to a visit to the Loire Valley to see the incredible châteaux is a stay in one of the region’s fabulous castle hotels. The region, known as the Garden of France, was a retreat for French royalty during the 15th and 16th centuries. Read on to discover French Side Travel’s guide to château-inspired stays in the Loire Valley to live out the experience of your dreams.
It’s no secret that Americans have long had a love affair with Paris. Over the years, artists and intellectuals have flocked to France’s capital city to be inspired. From dancers to writers, editors to painters, Paris has long been a haven for American expats. And decades, even centuries, later, they’ve left their mark on the City of Light. From the Lost Generation to the Jazz Age, we’re sharing the stories of several famous Americans who lived in Paris as well as how you can follow in their footsteps.
From baguettes to macarons, cheeses to pastries, the French are known for their creations in the kitchen. As you wander France, it’s certain that bakery aromas will tempt you at each corner. France boasts more than 600 Michelin-starred restaurants, which will lure you in with its gastronomic menus. But what makes these classic French foods emblematic? For the French, food isn’t simply a means of survival; it’s a reflection of its culture, history and heritage. From croissants to escargots, we’re revisiting four classic French foods and their origins as well as sharing our best culinary experiences.
They say home is where the heart is, but sometimes it’s somewhere far away that tugs at our heart strings. France has long attracted tourists, artists and intellectuals over the centuries with one notable resident being Vincent Van Gogh. Born in the Netherlands, this renowned painter spent considerable time in France during his career. We don’t blame Van Gogh for being inspired by France’s magnificent landscapes, idyllic villages and rich culture. For those enchanted by this post-Impressionist painter’s work, we’ve compiled our best Van Gogh activities in France.
When visiting France during the holidays, taking in Christmas markets is a not to be missed highlight. Throughout France, markets bring together the best of holiday traditions, local artisans, festive illuminations, gourmet specialties and entertainment for the whole family, yet each is unique. Read on to discover French Side Travel’s guide to the best Christmas markets in France.
Gastronomy, arts, museums. We often think of France for its world-class cuisine, well-reputed artists and its vast choice of museums. But France also has a rich cinema history, which has made a name for itself in global cinema. One of the most noteworthy movements in French cinema remains the Nouvelle Vague, or New Wave, movement during the 1950s and 60s. This movement inspired filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee among many. At French Side Travel, we’ve rounded up our best New Wave Cinema-Inspired itinerary for our film aficionado travelers.
The holiday season in France is something that every traveller should experience at least once. Starting in mid-November there is an unrivaled festive atmosphere that overtakes the country. Whether you’re coming to get some shopping done in Paris, visit the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, or to see the Loire Valley châteaux decorated, there’s truly something extraordinary almost anywhere you go. We’re breaking down the Christmas in France must-see highlights down by region.
From the little black dress to her tweed blazers, Coco Chanel defines luxury. But long before she launched her eponymous label, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s beginnings were anything but glamorous. However, these modest roots contributed to her grit and skill. Although Chanel passed decades ago, her legacy lives on in Paris and beyond. We’re revisiting Chanel’s origins and have rounded up our favorite Chanel-inspired activities in Paris for our fashion-minded travelers.
Although the French don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, visiting over the holiday is always popular for Americans. It’s a great time to see a mix of fall colors and the festive holiday decorations. If having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is important, we recommend staying in Paris as that is where you will find the most restaurants offering a dinner. We’ve put together a list of where to have Thanksgiving dinner in Paris in 2023.
For insiders in the know, a visit to Paris during the holiday season is a must. It’s the perfect time to indulge in the finest luxury experiences the City of Light has to offer. From VIP shopping opportunities and bespoke behind-the-scenes experiences to personalized Christmas tours, the holiday season in Paris is truly the most wonderful time of year to treat yourself to luxury, glitz and glamour.
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