A Timeless Gem in the Heart of Paris The Marais district, situated in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, is a captivating neighborhood with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene. A stroll through the Marais takes you on a journey back in time, as you meander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire medieval buildings, and explore charming courtyards. Historically, the area was home to Parisian nobility, whose presence is still felt today in the form of elegant mansions known as “hôtels particuliers.” One such example is the Hôtel de Sully, a well-preserved 17th-century residence that now houses the Center of National Monuments. Nearby, you’ll find the…

Two luxury 5-star small hotels in Paris that are sure to please. A comparison of the Hôtel Grand Powers and Le Damantin in Paris Luxury travel hotel reviews in Paris are often focused on the big hotels like the Bristol and the George V.  Those hotels are great, but we’ve found the best experience to be at Paris’ small luxury hotels. The value for money is just so much better with small luxury hotels in Paris. Today, we look at two of our favorites: Hôtel Grand Powers and Le Damantin. I’ll compare the hotels in 6 categories. Let’s go! Service: Hôtel Grand Powers wins when it comes to service. There…

Answers to some of the most common Normandy touring questions Can you tour Normandy on your own? If you are driving a car, you can certainly visit the local museums and drive the coastline.  If arrive via train at Caen or Bayeux station, you’ll want to join a tour or rent a car since you are at least 20 miles from any actual D-Day landing site. How many days are needed to visit Normandy? Normandy is a region that stretches 300 miles from Belgium to Brittany, but you can fit the American D-Day highlights into one busy and enjoyable day.  It’s ideal to add a second day to see Mont…

Embrace the charm and magic of the season with our selection of day trips from Paris in winter. Venture beyond the bustling city to explore picturesque villages, historic châteaux blanketed in snow, and other captivating destinations. Our carefully curated list ensures a variety of experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the French countryside during the colder months, and create memories that will warm your heart. The Day Trips from Paris in Winter List 1. Lyon Day Trip From Paris – Take a fast train ride to the birthplace of the beloved bouchon. Experience one of Europe’s best preserved medieval districts; discovering the secret passageways of…

by Laura Glendinning England has cheddar, Italy has Parmesan, Holland has Gouda, Greece has Feta and France has Roquefort, Camembert, Brie, Comte, Gruyere, and, well you get the idea.  As Charles de Gaulle once asked “how can you govern a country in which there are 246 kinds of cheese?”  Make that at least 1200 and some say 2000.  You won’t ever taste it all, but you can try! Cheesemaking goes back to the Egyptians, according to some archeologists, and spread throughout the ancient world via trade routes. In Europe, after the fall of the Romans and the descent of the Dark Ages, cheese was considered peasant food at best and…