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
While Chambord and Versailles attract millions of visitors every year, many more discreet French castles are also worth a visit. Moving witnesses to French history, often perched on hills or hidden in the heart of peaceful villages, these places are home to architectural treasures, gardens, and anecdotes. Here are five little-known but fascinating castles that offer an unforgettable immersion in France's heritage.
On June 18, 1940, as France was in disarray and Pétain announced the end of the fighting, an unknown general issued a message of hope from London. Charles de Gaulle's appeal marked the beginning of the French Resistance. A lone voice for freedom.
In 1790, a priest in Saint-Gaudent planted a Tree of Liberty. This gesture, which became a republican ritual in 1792, has endured through the centuries, and a few Trees of Liberty remain in France today. From the revolutions of 1830 to the tragedy of Oradour-sur-Glane, these trees have witnessed French history. They bear witness to a commitment, a memory, and a symbolism that are deeply French.
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.
When people say that France is a country of fine cuisine, they are absolutely right. In France, people take their time to eat and make meals a special occasion, not just because they enjoy good food, but also because they like to get together and spend time with each other. From the three “official” meals and what they consist of to how they are prepared, discover how people eat in France.
Immerse yourself in the private lives of France's greatest writers through their homes. From Montaigne to Zola, Hugo, Sand, Rabelais, and Chateaubriand, discover the places where masterpieces were born and where literature continues to thrive.
From the roses of the Loire Valley châteaux to the hydrangeas of Brittany, from the lavender of Provence to the daffodils of the Vosges, here are 15 iconic flowers that tell the story of metropolitan France and its overseas territories. Where to see them and when to go: everything you need to know to plan your trips at the right time.
In many countries around the world, tipping is not included. It's added as a thank-you for the service. In France, all service is included, so there's no obligation to add a tip when you've been served. That said, you can always make someone happy. It's even welcome.
If you're an American looking to discover culinary France, here are 10 must-try dishes for your stay. Don't worry, I've removed the weird stuff like snails, frogs, seafood platters etc... Dishes you can also make at home, and for which you'll find the recipes. Enjoy your meal!
As you prepare to come and stay in France, you may be wondering how you're going to make yourself understood. The French are notoriously bad at foreign languages. That's a bit unfair. 60% of them speak English more or less well, and above all: the French, contrary to what people say about them, will always do their utmost to help you, whatever your language.
