City Guides Archives

Day Trip to Avignon, France

In my AP European History class, I first learned about Avignon, France, a town in southern France that once served as the papal residence. But I closed my history book, passed the AP exam (with a 4!) and moved on with my life. But last year, I moved to Marseille and have been itching to explore more of France. With an impressive train system, France is easily traveled by rail, and I was curious about this town that I had learned about in my history book 7 years ago. So I took the 1-hour train from Marseille to Avignon...

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8 Things to Do in Annecy, France

Where should we go? One of the amazing things about living in France is having the world at your fingertips. C’mon, thousands of noteworthy destinations within a stone’s throw. And add in having your college pal living in France with you? That means many girls’ weekends to be had. So when my friend Tori and I decided we wanted to take another weekend trip, we started spitballing ideas and landed on Annecy, a town of 125,000 in eastern France. Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with any destination in France, so when Tori made this suggestion, I...

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How to Spend a Weekend in Albi, France

Listen, I love all the hustle and bustle that French cities have to offer. But hear me out: French villages make my heart flutter. I moved to Marseille last year and fell madly in love with this Mediterranean port city. However, it’s when I’m in small town France that I feel like I’m truly in France. La France profonde. One of my good friends lives in the most darling village of Albi. Thanks to her, I discovered this village with a population hovering around 50,000 and have been able to explore Albi and its surroundings with her. Here are...

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26 Things to Do in Marseille

When I received my teaching placement in Marseille, I didn’t know I would fall in love with this city in southern France. Like pure serotonin. We’re talking 300 days of sunshine each year, Mediterranean Sea views and a vibrant city with an attitude. I can’t tell you the number of times I thought to myself, I hope no one pinches me because I still can’t believe I get to live here. I am overwhelmed with the beauty of this city and endless new corners to explore. Here’s my humble to attempt to share the best things to do in...

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My Weekend Trip to Bordeaux, France

Butterflies in your stomach, your heart racing? Ah yes, the feeling of being smitten. I recently visited Bordeaux for the first time, and this is exactly how I felt: undeniably enchanted by this vibrant city. My college friend Tori and I did a girls’ weekend during our vacances scolaires, and it was just the break I needed. We ate well, we drank well, we laughed well in Bordeaux. You know those destinations that you visit and you say to yourself, One and done, no need to return. Well, my trip to Bordeaux was not one of those. I am...

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Best Day Trips from Nice

Taking a road trip through southern France comes with its challenges. The roads are narrow and windy. You have to pay for the rental car, which is astronomically more expensive if you’re under age 25. You have to figure out paying for parking or finding free options — way harder than it sounds. But as much stress as the rental car brought Mal and I on our French Riviera trip, we still say it was worth it. So many places on our itinerary cannot be reached by train. And having a car made it easier to go by our...

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Top Things to Do in Nice and Monte Carlo

What is a trip to the French Riviera without a stay in Nice and Monte Carlo? These two gems on the Côte d’Azur boast deep blue ocean views, city hustle and bustle, and old France charm. Mallory and I took a week-long vacation through the Riviera, including stops in St. Tropez and Cannes. And Nice stands out in my mind for its labyrinth of Vieille Ville and Monte Carlo for its glitz and glam. I’d love to share the top things to do in Nice and Monte Carlo for your upcoming French Riviera adventure. This post includes affiliate links,...

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Top Things to do Near Gorges du Verdon + Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Social media can introduce us to the most beautiful places. Years ago, I pinned a post from The Blonde Abroad about her trip to Gorges du Verdon. And when I saw the awe-inspiring blue water in her photos, I knew I had to see it for myself. So when Mal and I were planning our vacation throughout southern France, we knew we had to add this stop to our vacation. Here are the top things to do near Gorges du Verdon, including Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. About the Area The Gorges du Verdon touch both the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var départments — the...

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12 Things to Do in St. Tropez

I’d heard about the glitz and the glamour of St. Tropez, but I had to see it for myself. This ritzy vacation town is nestled on the Côte d’Azur and is known for its exclusivity. I don’t know if I was “just like Leo in St. Tropez,” as Taylor Swift croons on her Lover album, but I sure enjoyed my visit, especially the views. Here are 12 things to do in St. Tropez. Or as the cool kids call it “St. Trop.” How to Get to St. Tropez France’s public transportation system astounds me. It’s wild how many places...

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