Many have explored the cultural peculiarities of the two cities. I get it, they’re different. But now that I’m back in Paris, I never thought I’d miss so many things about London, things that make it different from Paris beyond the clichés. The great London experiment has left me seeing Paris in a whole new… …read more
From spectacular rose quartz shores, Celtic ruins, and emerald blue waters, you could easily spend a holiday away in Brittany. Here are our favorite Breton sights and the artisanal gastronomic flavors that accompany them. …read more
As someone who had been living for the past decade in Paris apartment buildings with several story walk ups and with bolted doors, I was not used to having people randomly knock on the door or stop by. But now, in a small village where no one locks their doors (and everyone is up by… …read more
Florence is being introduced to the culture of slow coffee. New trendy caffès are opening that encourage customers to sit, relax and enjoy their coffees. Not only is the coffee culture changing, but the food culture is too. I never thought I would see so many vegetarian, vegan, raw, and gluten free restaurants in a… …read more
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
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
