France is the most visited country in the world. A majority of those visitors are heading to Paris, the most visited city in the world, but there is much to discover for travellers who venture into the French countryside – which is defined as anywhere outside of Paris’ city limits, according to Parisians. French cuisine was the first cuisine to enter the UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a “world intangible heritage”, and French culture has been the fascination of the English speaking world since the English and French began sparring across the channel.
My student exchange program in Paris coincided with the Tour de France, and many of my classmates had got up at the crack of dawn to stake out a good spot near the finish line. Me? Not so interested. I My friend Meredith and I were on our way to the Musee de l’Orangerie when we clambered out of the Tuileries metro stop to find … Continue reading Stumbling across the final leg of the Tour de France, Paris
Charming Reims is a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of Paris. I felt myself relax and loosen my tight grip on my handbag as I slowed down to a leisurely stroll along wide, cobbled streets. Despite being the capital of the beautiful Champagne region, the streets were quiet and the town was cloaked in a soft silence that encouraged a slower … Continue reading Classic cars & Relaxing in Reims
With so many restaurants tucked away in charming but pokey side streets or crammed in bustling boulevards, sometimes in Paris you have to take matters (and food) into your own hands. Don’t miss Paris’ five best places to eat al fresco. On the banks of the Seine Doesn’t matter if you’re left or right, the Seine is beautiful from whichever bank you sit on. Watch … Continue reading Eating in Paris: A Chew with a View
There is more to Europe than meets the eye. There is a tale on every corner because history is embedded just beneath the surface in public art and landmarks. In Paris, it’s hard not to find an old building without its historical significance duly noted in a plaque, often small and fixed on the top floor, only sharing secrets with those who are looking. Some … Continue reading Frozen Stories: Tripping over history in Paris
Travel is about the moments when you have to pinch yourself because you can’t believe you’re wide awake and what you’re seeing is real. Sometimes its a first and other times its something you never expected. Sometimes they are big moments but so often they are the small ones. Here are some of my favourites 1.International Eiffel Tower picnic, Paris At the international summer academy, … Continue reading Top 5 Travel Experiences 2012
The Marche aux Fleurs ( Flower Markets) in Ile de Cite is the oldest and one of the largest flower markets in Paris. Between the Conciergerie and Hotel Dieu (City Hall) you’ll find the markets every day of the week – and on Sundays, they are joined by the Marche aux Oieseaux ( bird market). Visiting markets is something I try to do in every city … Continue reading Postcard from the Parisian Flower Markets
The crumbling chateau we stayed in when we went to Provence was as gorgeous as it was eerie. Despite it feeling like the perfect setting for a horror movie, it was my favourite accommodation during my trip. Each room was richly decorated with an eclectic combination of curtains, carpets, bedding and furniture that made it feel less like a hotel and more like a castle, … Continue reading Is it haunted? My night in the old chateau, Provence
Europeans overdose on the Christmas spirit and I love it. The Christmas Markets in Paris are delightfully festive all over town. My favourite was the the Marche de Noel du Mail Branly, underneath the Eiffel Tower. Such a gorgeous sight! We left Australia on Christmas Day but I didn’t miss out on any festivities because Europe clings on to the Christmas season and carries it all the … Continue reading A Visit to the Paris Christmas Markets
The simplest moments can sometimes be the most spectacular. It wasn’t the famous Moulin Rouge or the awe-inspiring Eiffel Tower. It cost all of about two Euro and we were sitting on the ground. Then again, when the ground you’re sitting on is the left bank of the Seine, you’re drinking wine and have spent the afternoon eating, drinking, wandering the streets of Paris and … Continue reading A Perfect Night in Paris for 2 Euro
Parisian boulangeries have ruined me for all other bread. Yes, Rome ruined me for all other pizza, but I was never a huge pizza lover and I got over it. But bread? Dead to me. I wish it wasn’t so, but there it is. This is one of the breakfasts my Dad made one dark, winter’s morning in Paris. The photo still brings back feelings … Continue reading Petit-déjeuner à Paris: an ode to French bread