France: a country of diversity and emotion
France is not one destination — it’s many.
Each region has its soul: Alsace with its half-timbered houses, Brittany with its wild coast, Burgundy with its wines, and Paris with its light.
Our guides take you from famous landmarks to hidden gems, from villages to vineyards, to experience the real France.
What You’ll Find Here
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Weekend trips and itineraries across France
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Regional guides: Brittany, Alsace, Provence, Corsica, Vendée...
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Cultural walks through castles, villages, and UNESCO sites
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French gastronomy: recipes, local markets, wines, and traditions
Homemade French fries may look simple, but great fries require precision. Written by a French food writer, this guide explains how fries are traditionally made in France, using techniques perfectly suited to potatoes commonly available in the United States and Canada. You will learn how to make crispy fries with a soft, fluffy center.
Where does the tradition of April Fool's Day come from? While "pranking" is a global phenomenon, its historical heart beats in France. From the calendar reforms of King Charles IX to a legendary 1634 escape in Nancy, discover how French history shaped this day of mischief.
France is one of the world’s top destinations for heritage lovers, with historic monuments, art cities, ancient villages and cultural landscapes. This guide helps you discover the most beautiful heritage sites in France and choose what to visit during your trip.
The French beret is one of those cultural images instantly recognized around the world, yet few people truly understand its origins and how it became such a powerful symbol. Is it simply a stereotypical hat, or does it carry a richer story rooted in history, identity, and society? In fact, the beret’s journey began in the rural valleys and shepherd communities of southwestern France, long before painters, soldiers, and revolutionaries adopted it. Over centuries it evolved from practical headgear into a cultural emblem worn by artists, soldiers and intellectuals alike, reflecting changing ideas about identity, class, and fashion. Understanding the true history of the French beret means looking beyond caricature and exploring why this humble hat resonates across generations and borders. Here’s what really shaped the beret’s origin and iconic status in French culture and global perception.
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.
Blanquette de veau is one of the most traditional dishes in French family cooking. More than a recipe, it is a cultural classic: a slow-cooked veal stew with a creamy white sauce, deeply rooted in everyday French life and shared moments around the table.
French perfume is now a global benchmark, but how did it become such a powerful cultural symbol? More than just a cosmetic product, perfume has forged a unique identity over the centuries, at the crossroads of art, science, fashion, and craftsmanship. From the royal court of the Renaissance to the great houses of Grasse and Paris, olfactory creation has helped shape France's image far beyond its borders. Understanding the history and culture of French perfume means grasping how a passion for scents has transformed into an industry of excellence that still influences tastes and imaginations today. Here's why this link between France and perfume continues to fascinate and how it has evolved to become a global cultural marker.
One of the first puzzles any learner of French encounters is the difference between “tu” and “vous” — two ways of saying “you” that don’t exist in the same way in English. But when should you use each form? Is it just about formality, or are deeper rules and cultural meanings at play? In everyday life in France, the choice between tu and vous depends on age, social context, hierarchy, familiarity and even regional habits. Mistakes can lead to awkwardness or unintended rudeness, which is why mastering this distinction is essential for anyone serious about speaking French naturally. This guide explains clearly when each form is used, why the distinction matters, and the unwritten social code that governs it — not just the grammar rulebook.
The Kings of France played a central role in shaping European history, but who were they and how did their dynasties succeed one another? Rather than a simple list of monarchs, French royal history is defined by powerful families whose reigns transformed the kingdom politically, culturally, and territorially. From the early Merovingian rulers to the long dominance of the Capetians, followed by the Valois and Bourbon dynasties, each ruling house reflects a distinct phase in the construction of France as a major European power. Understanding the kings of France means understanding how dynasties rose, declined, and passed authority across generations. This article explains the main royal dynasties, their succession, and how monarchy evolved in France over the centuries.
This is the traditional French pot-au-feu recipe, a slow-simmered classic that brings together tender beef, aromatic broth, and vegetables cooked to perfection. It is one of France’s oldest and most comforting dishes, prepared for winter weekends and family gatherings across the country.
