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
Born in Strasbourg during the French Revolution, La Marseillaise is far more than an anthem. It is a call for freedom, a symbol of the Republic, and one of the most powerful patriotic songs in the world—still moving millions today.
France is one of the world’s most visited countries, yet what exactly sets French travel, food and culture apart from everywhere else? It’s not only the iconic landmarks or the landscapes — it’s the deeply rooted traditions, the daily rituals around food, and a sense of cultural identity that infuses every region. From centuries-old markets and local culinary specialties to festive customs and unique ways of life, France offers experiences that are as varied as they are rich. Understanding how French food, culture and traditions influence travel here means getting beyond guidebook checklists and seeing how everyday life, gastronomy and heritage shape unforgettable journeys. This article explores the elements that make travel in France distinct — and why visitors from around the world are drawn back again and again.
French cuisine is considered one of the most influential and refined in the world, but what recipes are really part of its traditional cuisine? Beyond gastronomic stereotypes or restaurant menus, there are ancestral dishes that have fed generations and reflect the country's regional diversity. From rich veal blanquette to classic coq au vin, quiches, cassoulet, and soufflés, each traditional recipe tells a story of local ingredients, passed-down techniques, and family celebrations. Understanding these recipes means not only knowing the ingredients and steps, but also discovering how French cuisine has evolved and become an essential cultural pillar. Below, we present the most iconic traditional recipes, with their characteristics and tips for preparing them properly.
Christmas in France
France
Christmas in France: lights, traditions, and magical markets
Jérôme Prod'homme
Every winter, France lights up and celebrates the magic of Christmas. From the markets of Alsace to the nativity scenes of Provence, from the shop windows of Paris to the villages of Brittany, the whole country becomes a setting of light and sharing. Stroll among wooden chalets, the scent of mulled wine, Christmas carols and regional delicacies. Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims, Lyon and Laval compete in splendor, while the mountains and snow-covered villages offer a more intimate and authentic Christmas. It is also a time for gastronomy: foie gras, Yule logs, truffles and thirteen Provençal desserts showcase the richness of French cuisine. Between art de vivre, beauty, and emotion, Christmas in France remains a celebration unique in the world, a journey to the heart of traditions and lights.
Christmas in France
France
Christmas in France: magical cities, villages, and markets
Jérôme Prod'homme
Every winter, France lights up. From Alsatian villages to nativity scenes in Provence, from Parisian shop windows to the quays of the Mayenne in Laval, the whole country is covered in garlands and music. Sparkling Christmas markets, decorated facades, and regional traditions transform each region into an enchanted world. And while it's true that the most famous markets are concentrated in the east, every corner of the country offers lights, festivities, and human warmth that remind us that Christmas is above all a story of the heart.
The Gallic rooster has become a universal symbol of France. Featured on athletes' jerseys, coins, and churches, it embodies French pride and vigilance. Here's why the rooster is now one of France's most recognizable emblems around the world.
Want to taste France without leaving the United States? The good news is that many classic French comfort dishes are surprisingly easy to cook at home with ingredients you can find locally. This page brings together 10 generous, “gourmet” French recipes—from tartiflette and raclette to aligot, onion soup, beef bourguignon, quiche Lorraine and crème brûlée—each with simple steps and practical tips. When a key French ingredient is hard to find, you’ll also get smart U.S.-friendly substitutions so you can keep the spirit of the recipe without hunting specialty shops. In short: real French flavor, accessible shopping, and dishes that feel festive without being complicated.
article updated on December 18, 2025
French cuisine elevates simple ingredients like potatoes and cheese into unforgettable comfort dishes. From Alpine classics to creamy bakes, this selection brings French flavor to your table with recipes that are approachable and satisfying for home cooks everywhere.
article updated on December 18, 2025
The French baguette, a universal symbol of France, is not just a loaf of bread: it is a veritable institution, listed as part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage. But with so many bakeries to choose from, how can you tell a good baguette from a mediocre one? Here is a simple, practical, and typically French guide to choosing a baguette in France.
France is rich in legends of hidden treasures: lost gold, buried loot and vanished objects. Some stories are supported by historical sources, others by local tradition. Here are seven treasures believed to be hidden in France, and why these mysteries endure.
Article updated on December 15, 2025
