I moved to France and left my pet behind. “How could you do that?” I’ve been asked by friends and others, especially by animal lovers who believe in taking pets abroad. How could I do that? I keep saying to myself. Bentley, my Labradoodle, was the best friend […]
When you have an appointment at the prefecture to renew your French expat visa, you’d better show up. Rain, shine … or flu! Today was the day to update my 12-month French expat visa — or carte de séjour. The event seems to come around much faster each […]
A recent weekend in Marseille turned my perception of the city inside out. Now I can’t wait to return. I’ll admit, a weekend in Marseille was not at the top of my travel list. Even though it’s less than two hours away from Uzés. It’s surely because I’ve […]
How mould from rye bread found its way into the first Roquefort cheese
The Doors and Windows of Marseille Marseille doors and windows were the highlights of my first proper visit to Marseille. I want to share them with you. Marseille, the second-largest city in France, is where photographers must stop every few seconds to take a picture. Walking through the […]
How many times have you said to yourself: “Someday I’m going to visit the south of France.” If you’ve always wanted to visit the south of France, why are you putting it off? “I’m afraid to travel solo.” “I don’t know where to go.” “I’m too busy.” I […]
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to renew the French Expat Visa. It’s a gift from France that keeps on giving.
After touring the most popular Christmas Market in France — Strasbourg, Colmar, and Kaysersberg –, I have to say they were pretty spectacular. Yet there was nothing quite like the magical Christmas markets in the small towns we visited next in Alsace: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauville. 3 Magical […]
The best French Christmas Markets are in the Alsace region of France, or so I’m told. I had to see for myself. Ask anyone who’s scouted for the best Christmas Markets in Europe, and they’ll say Strasbourg, Colmar, and Kaysersberg in France are among the most famous. Since […]
Eleven Christmas Markets in one town … oh my! Strasbourg is a busy city during the Christmas Market. Not only is it home to approximately 300,000 full-time residents, but Strasbourg also bulges at the seams with holiday visitors during November and December. Best Christmas Markets in France Known […]
I’ve heard the very best Christmas Markets are right here in France so I had to check them out for myself. If it’s bright holiday lights and decorations, streaming holiday music, and festive foods that make a Christmas market rank at the top of the list, there’s no […]
Of all the places the Barefoot Blogger has wandered, a trip to a French thermal spa for a cure has to be the most relaxing… and French! I’m pretty sure I was the only person at the resort who was from outside France. I was certainly the only one […]
The second day of the French Spa Tour and Cure started with a drive through the Pyrenees to the “beaux village” of Saint-Bertrand-De-Comminges. French Spa Tour The journey from our overnight at L’hostellerie des Cédres to Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges was a brilliant plan, thanks to my trip guide extraordinaire, Nevenka. […]
A French thermal spa experience is an adventure this expat couldn’t resist.
As a frequent traveler, I’m always interested in ideas that can help make travel planning and sightseeing easier and more fun. So when I was asked to try out the new TripScout Travel app, I jumped at it. That is, after I found out TripScout is my travel guru […]
The third in the series of shore excursions for travelers on Mediterrean cruises, Nancy McGee of Absolutely Southern France is sharing ideas we all can use. Let’s see what she suggests for those who want to experience Languedoc-Roussillon. Languedoc-Roussillon is coming to be known by many as the […]
Now that I’ve seen the movie “Loving Van Gogh” — in French no less, with no subtitles — I’m remembering my first visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence I started my quest for Van Gogh’s trail in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence early on a beautiful, sunny morning. Temperatures were in the high 70’s and a light wind […]
There are hardly more historically significant towns in France than Aigues-Mortes. Within the walled city, legends and facts reveal a rich history of conquering heroes and suffering martyrs. Today, the place has become a popular destination for travelers, filled with souvenir shops and sidewalk cafes. Visit with me […]
So powerful that it has a name: “Le Mistral
Saint Jean du Gard I’ve never visited the Cevennes other than in Autumn, but it’s definitely the time and the place to go. Especially on a Tuesday. It’s market day in Saint Jean du Gard. The mountainous town of Saint Jean du Gard’s history dates back to the […]