The charm of this unique city can still be appreciated during a short visit provided you do your research and avoid tourist traps. Here are some suggestions for making the most of Venice in one weekend. …read more

There’s something particularly special about Paris over the holidays. Of course there’s the sparkling street lights, the enticing window displays, the abundance of heavenly holiday treats, but it’s something more than that. Spirits ride on this wave of joie and les parisiens can’t help but have a little extra joie de vivre. …read more

Since becoming à la mode among French and English nobility in the 18th century, Champagne has symbolized royalty, celebration, and the elite. Few are familiar with the other side to the unique, bubbly beverage. I jumped at the chance to join Sydney Krueger of Tasty Side to Life Tours, a certified champagne tasting expert, for a day of exploring… …read more

Apart from being romantic, Paris is also marvelously family-oriented. Despite this, it can be tiring traveling en famille. My son, Storsh, is far more tourist-tolerant if he knows some “kid time” is just around the corner. So instead of making the whole day about the kids, why not plan your days with several bursts of kid-time in between what… …read more

On a bright, clear day in October I took the early morning bus to Rouen, where you can spend the day exploring several of the most impressive gothic churches in France, antique and artisan shops, a 14th century astronomical clock tower, and restaurants serving buttery Norman indulgences and Calvados to warm up with. …read more

It had only been a few months since I moved to the French countryside, but my city life already seemed like a distant memory. In exchange for a Parisian apartment, I now have a house in the Loire Valley, complete with dwarf goat, giant, basketful of freshly harvested walnuts and vegetables, and 150 bottles worth… …read more

Vacation Rentals for Those Who Don’t just Travel, they Experience. they Experience.

Boutique rentals from our trusted partner Haven In

In late November, as a several-month stint in Paris was coming to a close, I was far from ready to leave. Perhaps it was due to the fact that fall had flown by, or that I had met a sweet Frenchman. Likely both. A weekend jaunt to Normandy’s Honfleur was exactly what I needed. …read more

It’s been a belle année in France and the annual grape harvests are upon us. Due to the beautiful summer weather and almost ideal conditions throughout the year, the harvest, or vendanges, are taking place much earlier than last year. Delve deeper into this time-honored French tradition. …read more

Just three hours by plane from Paris is the red city of Marrakech. There’s a reason the city has been a favorite of creative types and designers. The colors and the chaos are intoxicating. And because it’s a relatively quick flight you can feasibly tackle the city in a long weekend. …read more

Settled amongst the vines of the Rhone Valley, where the fresh air is perfumed with the scent of the surrounding fruit orchards and olive groves, you’ll find Nick and Sabine’s lovely villa. Visit the friendly couple for a wine tasting during the week or rent their home for a holiday. …read more

While Paris is incredible, some of my favorite days have been spent escaping the city. Many fascinating daytrips are reachable by an easy train or car ride and while Versailles is by far the most famous and popular, there are other great places to visit that are just as interesting without the crowds. …read more

Although the bright colors of Provence normally come to mind when thinking of the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, it was actually in Paris and nearby Auvers-sur-Oise that the passionate artist produced most of his work. As this year commemorates the 125th anniversary of his death, to pay homage to the artist, I’ve put together… …read more

On a clear day, the ghostly meringue swirl of Mont Saint Michel is just barely visible across the bay from Cancale. This plucky little seaside town has been famous for its oysters since the Roman occupation of Gaul, and continues to be a top destination for ostreaphiles the world over. …read more