France

Christmas market in front of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris

9 Christmas Markets in Paris to Visit This Holiday Season

9 Christmas Markets in Paris to Visit This Holiday Season Read More

Paris is known as the City of Lights — and no time is that nickname more alive than during the sparkling holiday season when the Christmas markets in Paris are in full swing.

Known to Parisians as Marchés de Noël, there are so many Christmas markets in Paris to choose from. Depending on what you want to experience, you can pick and choose the ones that are right for you.

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Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris

Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris Read More

It’s common for first-time (or even returning) visitors to Paris to pick a hotel based on name recognition or proximity to a particular famous landmark. And of course, in a city of more than 2 million an ocean away, it can be hard to know the best arrondissements to stay in Paris.

I am a big proponent of not making accommodations an afterthought, because where you stay can have a huge impact on the quality of your trip.

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Visit the Champagne region to tour the vineyards and taste the wines.

Paris to Champagne: A Day Trip Worth Toasting!  

Paris to Champagne: A Day Trip Worth Toasting!   Read More

A day trip from Paris to Champagne is a fascinating and relaxing way to spend a day — a breath of fresh air in picturesque villages surrounded by sweeping green hillsides.

The Champagne region of France is rightly famous for its amazing bubbly — it exports over 300 million bottles a year. But it’s well worth the trip to see firsthand the places where this beloved beverage is made. And, as a certified travel expert who specializes in custom-designed itineraries, I know that a day trip from Paris to Champagne can seamlessly fit into any Paris itinerary.

Paris to Champagne: A Day Trip Worth Toasting!   Read More

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Top Food in Paris: Famous French Dishes You Can’t Miss

Top Food in Paris: Famous French Dishes You Can’t Miss Read More

Many travelers to France have heard the names of certain dishes — but they aren’t exactly sure what they are, what’s in them, or when and where to order them.

I’ve compiled a virtual tasting menu of all the top types of food in Paris, so that when you peruse the menu, you’ll know exactly what you’re ordering.

Top Food in Paris: Famous French Dishes You Can’t Miss Read More

Bridges and canals in Strasbourg, France.

Unforgettable Day Trips From Paris (Some Will Surprise You!)

Unforgettable Day Trips From Paris (Some Will Surprise You!) Read More

It’s no secret that a person could spend weeks in Paris and not run out of fascinating, beautiful, and delicious things to experience. It’s one of the reasons I love the city so much and why I chose to become a certified Paris Travel Expert specializing in crafting custom itineraries for travelers.

But here’s something that many travelers don’t consider: the areas surrounding Paris hold so many treasures, as well, and they are surprisingly easy to access. With the right planning, you can enjoy all kinds of adventures — and return to the City of Lights as your home base.

Unforgettable Day Trips From Paris (Some Will Surprise You!) Read More

Fountain at Chateau de Versailles

The Best Way to Visit Versailles (9 Great Options!)

The Best Way to Visit Versailles (9 Great Options!) Read More

The palace, breathtaking gardens, and surrounding grounds can offer so much to visitors of all ages and interests. Based on your needs, your fascinations, and time availability, I want to propose choosing the best way to visit Versailles for you.

Read on for 9 ways to get the most out of this extraordinary site.

The Best Way to Visit Versailles (9 Great Options!) Read More

Arrondissements map showing options for where to stay in Paris

Insider Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Paris

Insider Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Paris Read More

Paris is a huge city and one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Finding the right place to stay — whether you’re traveling solo, on a romantic getaway, or with your friends or family — can be a daunting task, to say the least.

Many first-time travelers hastily pick hotels based on name recognition or a price point, without realizing that that particular hotel may or may not serve the overall needs or desires of their trip.

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Christmas tree in front of the Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Best Places to Enjoy the Holiday Season in Europe

Best Places to Enjoy the Holiday Season in Europe Read More

Traveling during the holiday season is something I think everyone should do at least once. In cities and towns of various sizes, you’ll see the local people spilling out into the streets each night, shopping, eating, drinking, singing, dancing, and socializing. And as a visitor, you’re warmly invited to mix with the locals and join the party.

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Red Metro street sign in Paris

Types of Tickets and Metro Passes in Paris: Which Will You Need?

Types of Tickets and Metro Passes in Paris: Which Will You Need? Read More

So, you’ve decided to travel to Paris. How exciting! As a part of your planning, you’re researching how to get around the city and which tickets or metro passes in Paris are the best for your needs. My goal in this blog is to reveal the different options, the differences between them, and which logistics you should consider that will help you make your choice.

Types of Tickets and Metro Passes in Paris: Which Will You Need? Read More

Two kids in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris holding balloons and a suitcase

Paris With Kids: Family-Friendly Ways to See the City

Paris With Kids: Family-Friendly Ways to See the City Read More

It’s easy to think of Paris as a playground for grown-ups — fine dining, high fashion, romantic strolls, miles of art galleries, engagement photos.

But the City of Light can also be a playground for young kids and teens, with many beautiful parks, fun foods, delightful entertainment, and ways to see galleries and museums that will engage their senses and make the city feel like it was made for them, too.

Paris With Kids: Family-Friendly Ways to See the City Read More

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