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Tourism in France
Visit Paris 2026: Ultimate Guide to Monuments & Secrets
Planning a trip to Paris in 2026 requires the right balance between iconic landmarks and authentic local experiences. As the world’s most visited city, the "City of Light" continues to reinvent itself while preserving its timeless prestige. This ultimate guide is designed for international travelers looking to explore the top 15 monuments, from the Eiffel Tower to hidden gems in the Marais. Whether you are looking for practical transportation tips, historical deep dives, or budget-friendly hacks, our expert insights will help you navigate the 20 arrondissements with ease. Discover the best of Parisian culture, architecture, and lifestyle to make your 2026 journey truly unforgettable.
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by Jérôme
French cooking
French oysters: full guide, history & how to eat them
or centuries, oysters have been the crown jewel of French coastal gastronomy. More than just seafood, they represent a way of life, a delicate balance between the raw power of the Atlantic and the refined palate of the French terroir. In France, the oyster is a cultural icon, essential to any festive table and a must-try for every traveler seeking the authentic French experience. Whether you are strolling through a market in Brittany or dining in a Parisian brasserie, understanding the oyster is your key to unlocking one of France's most cherished traditions. article updated on December 22, 2025
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by Jérôme
French culture
Why do the French always wear striped shirts (marinières)
The marinière — the classic striped shirt — is often thought of as an essential part of French style, but do real French people still wear it today, or is it just a stereotype? This iconic garment has a long history, born on the coasts and adopted by sailors before becoming a symbol of French fashion in the 20th century. While artists, designers and tourists have helped cement its image, the truth of its everyday use is more nuanced. In some regions, among certain generations and on specific occasions, the marinière remains present; in others, it’s more of a cultural emblem than everyday wear. Understanding whether the marinière is still part of the wardrobe of French people today means looking at history, trends, and real usage — beyond clichés. Here’s what the evidence shows about its place in modern French life.
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by Jérôme
French history
Jeanne Barret: the first woman to sail around the world
Jeanne Barret was the first woman to sail around the world in the 18th century, posing as a man. Passionate about botany, she made her mark on the history of science despite being forgotten for many years. Here is the portrait of an extraordinary adventurer.
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by Jérôme
Made in France
How to taste Champagne: pro tips + easy guide
Champagne is more than bubbles — it’s the French art of celebration. But how do you choose the right one? Brut, rosé, vintage or blanc de blancs — here’s how to understand labels, dosages and flavors to enjoy Champagne like the French do. Article updated on December 19, 2025
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by Jérôme
How to travel in France
Tipping in France: how much to tip? Simple rules
Is tipping mandatory in France? I’ll explain the "service compris" system, how much to tip at restaurants or hotels, and the common mistakes US travelers make. Article updated on December 15, 2025
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by Jérôme
Continue your tour of France
The 10 Most Beautiful French Chateau Gardens to Visit
In France, gardens are much more than just green spaces: they are botanical architecture, political manifestos, and a way of life. Few countries in the world have taken the art of gardening as far as France. France has also been able to take the best of what was happening in the gardens of other nations. Castles are the places that best showcase this art of gardening in France. A castle without its green setting is like a sentence without punctuation, a table of contents without the sentences of the chapters. From the flowerbeds of the Renaissance to the straight lines of the gardens of Versailles, from the romantic follies of the 19th century to the vegetable gardens rediscovered in the 21st century, castle gardens tell the story of our relationship with nature: a desire to tame it, idealize it, or lose ourselves in it.
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by Jérôme