France

Paris

Paris is layered, romantic, and best enjoyed slowly. Balance museums with wandering, pastries with long walks, and iconic sights with local neighborhoods.

To Do

  • The Louvre – It’s massive. Budget your time wisely and choose a few sections in advance rather than trying to see everything.

  • Musée d’Orsay – My favorite museum in Paris. Impressionists, stunning light, and far less overwhelming than the Louvre.

  • Eiffel Tower at Night – The tower sparkles for 5 minutes at the start of every hour after sunset. Stay nearby and catch it from the Seine or Trocadéro.

  • Walk Along the Seine – Especially magical at golden hour and after dark.

  • Bike the Champs-Élysées – A surprisingly fun way to experience one of Paris’s most iconic avenues.

  • Montmartre – Hilly, artistic, and full of character. Wander the side streets, not just the main square.

  • Montparnasse Stroll – Classic cafés, quieter streets, and a more local Parisian feel.

  • The Catacombs – Dark, fascinating, and very Paris. Book ahead.

  • Moulin Rouge – Truly authentic and not commercialized at all. An incredible show and absolutely worth it.

  • Luxury Consignment Shopping – Paris is one of the best cities in the world for secondhand designer finds.

  • Day Trip to Giverny – Monet’s gardens are dreamy and peaceful, especially in spring and summer.

  • Day Trip to the Palace of Versailles – A must, but with a twist (see Versailles section below).

To Eat

  • Ladurée – Classic for a reason. Macarons, tea, and a very Parisian experience.

  • Liberté Pâtisserie – Incredible French pastries done right. Go early.

  • Breakfast at the Four Seasons George V – Elegant, indulgent, and unforgettable.

  • Try Escargot - A French delicacy

Skip This

  • Café Angelina – A major tourist trap. Overpriced and not very good.

Palace of Versailles

Versailles is famous for the Hall of Mirrors, but the real magic is outside.

To Do

  • Gardens of Versailles – This was the highlight for me. Rent bikes and explore the grounds instead of spending hours inside.

  • Hall of Mirrors – Beautiful, but extremely crowded.

Good to Know

  • The palace interior is often packed and mostly empty of furnishings, which makes it less interesting than expected.

  • Getting There:

    • Take the RER C train to Versailles Château – Rive Gauche (easy and direct from Paris).

    • Or simply book an Uber, which is what I did and was very straightforward.

Provence

Provence is slower, sun-soaked, and all about atmosphere. Think lavender fields, hilltop villages, markets, and long lunches.

To Do

  • Explore Hilltop Villages – Wander places like Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux for postcard views.

  • Lavender Fields (Seasonal) – Best in late June through July.

  • Local Markets – Fresh fruit, olive oil, bread, flowers, and the best people-watching.

  • Pont du Gard Aqueduct – Swim in the river, lay out a picnic, and spend a slow afternoon under this ancient Roman aqueduct. One of the most special, relaxed experiences in Provence.

  • Countryside Drives – Provence is made for scenic drives and spontaneous stops.

To Eat

  • Local Boulangeries – Croissants, pain au chocolat, and fresh bread daily.

  • Farm-to-Table Restaurants – Seasonal menus with Provençal flavors like herbs, olive oil, and tomatoes.

  • Rosé Everywhere – Light, crisp, and perfect in the heat.