Biarritz Guide: Beaches, Restaurants and Shopping in the ‘California of France’

Biarritz Guide: Beaches, Restaurants and Shopping in the ‘California of France’

When you think of France, you almost certainly don’t imagine a surfer chic lifestyle. But a little slice of California-style heaven does exist on the southwest coast and I experienced a coup de cœur the first time I visited Biarritz and the surrounding area.

La Vie de Château: A French Weekend in the Champagne Region

La Vie de Château: A French Weekend in the Champagne Region

My diary of a classic French weekend away in the Champagne region. A stay at Château de Courcelles, one of France’s many beautiful châteaux that have been transformed into world-class hotels.

Never Say These 12 Things to a French Person

Never Say These 12 Things to a French Person

Rosie (from Not Even French) and I have both put our “pieds” in our mouths at a few dinner parties, so take it from us and avoid these topics when speaking with French people!

Biking in Provence for Dummies

Biking in Provence for Dummies

I’m no Tour de France rider. I’m not even a bike-with-gears kind of rider. So when my sister (also an amateur) suggested we do a three-day, self-guided cycling trip through Provence, I balked.

French Favorites: Basque Espadrilles

French Favorites: Basque Espadrilles

Next up in my “French Favorites” series: handmade espadrilles from the French Basque region. This traditional shoe is chic and inexpensive and has become my go-to summer footwear. It’s a must-have souvenir from Biarritz — customizing your own and watching the ribbons being sewn-on really…

Your Perfect Champagne Region Itinerary — Two Days of Bubbly without a Car

Your Perfect Champagne Region Itinerary — Two Days of Bubbly without a Car

Just an hour from Paris lies a magical land where sparkling wine flows like rivers and the most pampered grapes in world fulfill their ultimate destiny. The Champagne region is one of France’s most famous and posh areas, and in two days you can enjoy…

Escape from Paris: Le Touquet

Escape from Paris: Le Touquet

Sometimes you just need to get out of the city, even a beautiful one like Paris. We were looking for a place with sun, great food, charm and a less than 3 hour drive: Bonjour Le Touquet!

The Best French Desserts You Haven’t Tried Yet


The Best French Desserts You Haven’t Tried Yet


We all know (and love) macarons, eclairs and pain au chocolat, but there’s a whole world of French pastries out there waiting for you to discover. An introduction to some lesser-known, but just as mind-blowing French desserts.

The Foreigner’s Guide to French Cheese Etiquette

The Foreigner’s Guide to French Cheese Etiquette

Cheese is so important in France, even the citizenship test includes a couple questions on fromage. French cheese etiquette involves correct times, orders and methods that as an American I never had to learn to operate in society. But cheese manners matter here, so if…

The Cliffs of Étretat

The Cliffs of Étretat

The Cliffs of Étretat (Les falaises d’Étretat), with their simple beauty, are a reminder of how elegant nature can be. The earlier in the day you arrive, the more solitude you will have to take in where the sea meets the sky.