All Entries in the "France" Category
I left my heart in … Paris
Last weekend I fell in love with a new city, Paris. For three euphoric days I ran around the City of Lights and, like most first time visitors, I tried to see all the tourist attractions. We climbed the Eiffel Tower in the teeth-chattering winter weather, fell into a trance listening to the boys’ choir [...]
Best Travel Books for France, Paris
What can I read to help plan a trip? Here’s a selection of books we love for travel inspiration or escapism. Selections are from the GutsyTraveler and readers. These fiction and non-fiction books will transport you to the destination through the setting, the way the author uses words and immerses you into a different culture. [...]
Paris where the summer solstice is a night of music
I went to Paris, thinking I’d visit museums and historic sites. Jazz in St. German des Pres. Instead I happened upon the summer solstice on June 21st, the “Fete de la Musique” – one of the best free, street-music festivals in Europe. The mood was electric and I got a taste of authentic Paris culture [...]
Paris Free Street-Music Festival on the Summer Solstice
Best Free Street-Music Festival in Europe Don’t miss the “Fete de la Musique” on the summer solstice (June 21st) in Paris. The mood is electric and you get a taste of authentic Paris culture and performances of everything from opera, jazz and rock to hip-hop and electronic music. The music starts early afternoon in some [...]
The French Coast in Normandy as painted by the Impressionists
Like a beret perched askew on a Frenchman’s head, the 360-mile Normand coast curls along the north and northwest of France. After visiting Rouen, I headed for the coast to soak in the beaches and soft-green landscapes bathed in shifting light. Etretat “I count on doing a large canvas of the cliffs of Etretat, although [...]
France. Impressionist Painters in Normandy.
What exactly is a Francophile? Someone who appreciates French history, culture, fashion, art and cuisine, and that describes me. Ever since I lived in Paris, for four years when I was in my 20′s, I jump at every opportunity to go to France. Last month I jumped at a chance to go to Normandy to follow [...]
Packing for Paris
Let’s face it, Parisian women are, at least by American standards, always stylish in unusual ways. So when visiting Paris, plan to “dress up” more than you would in other destinations. Packing takes more effort to select neat and fashionable clothes that are also comfortable. How? Pack stylish jeans, which Parisians wear everywhere. If you [...]
Relaxing on the River
I took my maiden voyage on a European river cruise aboard the beautiful Viking Burgundy, motoring along France’s scenic Saone and Rhone Rivers past some of the most beautiful vineyards and vistas in the French countryside. It’s a smaller (but beautiful) boat, carrying just 154 guests; you won’t need a pager to find your family [...]
