France

Lunching with a Spectacular View of Mont Blanc in Chamonix

On our first trip to the French Alps in Chamonix, France, having lunch at La Bergerie de Planpraz one afternoon was a dream come true. Chamonix had always been on my must-visit list, and as a food lover, getting to dine at this mountain restaurant is beyond words.   I stumbled upon La Bergerie de Planpraz when researching places to eat in…

Travel Back in Time and Dine at Le Train Bleu, Paris

The Baroque architecture, gilded sculptures, classical paintings, ornate chandeliers, parquet floors, leather chairs, gold coat racks and railings. Discover what it’s like to dine during the heyday of train travel in Belle Epoque Paris at lavish Le Train Bleu restaurant at Gare de Lyon.  The restaurant was built in 1900 for the Universal Exhibition and…

Taking Baking & Drawing Classes in Paris

There are so many things to see and do in Paris, but after hitting all the top spots, you may be wondering what else you can do in the City of Light. If you love cooking or just love food in general, a cooking class is a good option. For art lovers or those wanting…

Travel Guide: Exploring France’s Loire Valley in 3 Days

So you’ve been to Paris, Provence, and possibly the French Riviera. Where else in France should you explore next? May I suggest the Loire Valley where you can admire the grandeur and charm of its glorious château and gardens? The Loire Valley is only about 2 hours by train from Paris, making it a great…

Where to stay in the Loire Valley: Le Clos d’Amboise

Have you ever fallen in love with a hotel? This small hotel in the French town of Amboise is not only comfortable and peaceful, but also has that French charm that exudes both elegance and relaxation. Le Clos d’Amboise stole my heart the first time I stayed there, and every time I look at photos…

Where to Stay in Paris: Hotel de l’Abbaye

Going to Paris but don’t know where to stay? Check out Hotel de l’Abbaye, a small boutique hotel in the charming neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the heart of Paris.  Beautiful property with an interesting past We stayed at this hotel when we were in Paris right before Covid and it felt like being in a…

Breakfast at One of the Most Elegant Restaurants in Paris

If you love breakfast food, opulent décor, and Paris, head over to Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse inside Le Meurice Hotel on Rue de Rivoli. Its stunning dining room is out of this world as it’s inspired by Salon de la Paix at the Château de Versailles. I saw the restaurant for the first time…

Travel Guide: 7 Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence, France

What comes to mind when you think of Provence, France? I think of the lavender fields, the hill-top villages, the century-old stone houses, the cute little cafes, the hand-made baskets, the terracotta pots, the stone fountains, and the colorful farmers’ markets. They conjure up the rustic, romantic images of Provence and its laid-back way of…

Dining Alfresco in One of The Most Beautiful Courtyards in Paris

I’ve been to Paris many times, and one of the challenges besides trying to survive a jetlag is trying to decide where to eat. That’s because there are so many options you don’t know what to choose, and when you’ve finally decided – usually at the last minute – the restaurant is fully booked, and…

Eating Lunch on a French Riviera Beach

One of the most memorable meals we had during our last trip to the French Riviera was on the beach. It wouldn’t be extraordinary if it weren’t for the fact that we had that meal in early March when it was still technically winter in the U.S. and most of France and Europe was still…