round trip travel and lifestyle blog

blog

My Weekend Trip to Bordeaux, France

March 1, 2021

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 itching to return to this delightful city in southwestern France. Heading there, too? Here are 17 things to do in Bordeaux.

Where We Stayed

I can confidently say I’ve never had a better Airbnb experience. Not only was this apartment darling, but the host was also so kind and hospitable. Super host Vincent truly thought of everything! It was located steps away from a cute square with shops and restaurants, but the apartment itself was plenty quiet. Here’s $65 off your first Airbnb booking.

Café Kokomo

The name of this American food joint made me want to croon The Beach Boys. Located in a bubbly square, Café Kokomo serves up burgers, fries, lemonade and more of your American favorites. After a 6-hour train ride, Tori and I were famished. And this hit just the spot after a long journey. The best part of all (okay, close) is that they handed out those gummy hamburger patty candies with our order. You know, the Krabby Patty ones you used to snack on as a kid? Tori and I were obsessed!

Église Notre Dame de Bordeaux

If I had a dime for every church in France with the name “Notre Dame” — oh là là ! Église Notre Dame de Bordeaux dates back to the 1600s and boasts beautiful stained glass and paintings inside. It was truly one of the quietest cathedrals I’ve visited. It’s also near plenty of shops and restaurants, so it’s worth a stop.

Charcuterie night à Bordeaux

Sure, France offers some of the most renowned cuisine in the world, but sometimes you just want a night in while on vacation. Snacking on a charcuterie board for dinner is one of my favorite meals, and in Bordeaux, you have ample local shops where you can select the best cheese, meats and wine.

On your list of things to do in Bordeaux, be sure to add wine tasting because that’s this city’s claim to fame. Due to restrictions, we couldn’t find any wine tastings, so we made our own. We started at L’Oenothèque right across from Église Notre Dame de Bordeaux. We wandered in, and our eyes met rows and rows of Bordeaux wine. The kind shopkeeper helped us pick out a selection of regional wines for our charcuterie night, and she even pointed to where they came from on her map of Bordeaux. Full of character, the wine shop is attached to a small antiques shop. The shop doesn’t have an Instagram and appears to be pretty under the radar. The address is 1 Place du Chapelet. Although there’s not a fuss on the internet, Tori and I were entirely thrilled with our purchases and service.

We asked the lady at the wineshop where we should buy cheese, and she directed us just a couple streets over to Fromagerie Beillevaire. This small but mighty shop is well-equipped for all your cheese needs, to say the least. The woman at the shop helped us find a variety of cheeses, including one that had dried flowers on its rind. And next to the fromagerie, La Boucherie de Paris is where we found our meats to complement our cheese and wine. As far as the best things to do in Bordeaux goes, having your own wine and charcuterie night is an authentic and scrumptious way to travel.

Rue Sainte Catherine

If you’re looking to shop till you drop, Rue Sainte Catherine is the place to be. This long, bustling street has plenty of big name stores to browse and is a must for any shopaholics heading to Bordeaux.

Place de la Bourse and Miroir d’Eau

This famous Bordeaux square sports beautiful architecture and a classic fountain just steps away from the Garonne River. Although it wasn’t in operation when we visited, Miroir d’Eau is another popular site in this square as it reflects the buildings.

Les Quais de Bordeaux

This path lines the Garonne River and is the perfect place for a pleasant walk or bike ride. The scattered gardens along Les Quais de Bordeaux also make it a great spot for picnicking, reading or catching up with a pal. Tori and I had the most pleasant stroll and outdoor lunch along the Garonne River as rollerbladers, bikers and runners whizzed past.

Rue Saint James

While Rue Sainte Catherine is all the hustle and bustle, Rue Saint James is a muted kind of cool. This street is lined with darling boutiques with fun knickknacks, especially at Bon Endroi. It’s all under the watchful eye of La Grosse Cloche, a darling bell tower gracing the street. This was one of my favorite things to do in Bordeaux for its fun shops and under-the-radar vibes.

Only a few steps away from Rue Saint James is a pretty and pink boutique called Panache. Tori and I met the owner of this recently opened storefront and enjoyed looking at all the fun books, trinkets and artsy things along with the studio upstairs. It reminded me of a boutique I’d see in America for its feminine yet irreverent vibes.

Place Fernand-Lafargue

This small but mighty square was right around the corner from our Airbnb, and Tori and I loved sitting here to people watch and enjoy ice cream. Honestly, when I think of my time in Bordeaux, I think of Place Fernand-Lafargue. Not because it’s anything that out of the ordinary, but because it’s entirely lively and a peek into la vie quotidienne, or the French way of life. There’s plenty of cafés and shops about this area, and it connects to Rue Saint James.

Place des Quinonces

This beautiful spot in the city is the largest square in all of Europe and is the perfect place for a walk or a picnic. Tori and I briefly walked through it on our last night, and I wish we could’ve spent more time there.

Padang Padang

I am always in search of a good bowl of pad thai, and Padang Padang fit just the bill. It was steps away from our Airbnb, and we saw lots of people on the street munching on Asian food. We had no destination in mind for lunch, and we decided to join the bandwagon. Reasonably priced, my Padang Padang pad thai packed flavor, and I was so bummed that my tummy wasn’t big enough to finish the whole bowl.

Glacerie Dumas

Tori and I stayed in Bordeaux for two nights, and we visited Glacerie Dumas twice. So if that doesn’t paint a picture, I’m telling you it was delightful. The first night I ordered ice cream macaron sandwiches, which pack flavor in such small bites. And the second night I ordered their chocolate ice cream topped with chantilly. They also sell pastries and other sugary sweets, so your sweet tooth will be satisfied.

Les Comptoirs du Magellan

I’m picky when it comes to postcards, and I also have an unhealthy obsession with more wall art than can humanly fit into my room. And Les Comptoirs du Magellan was the perfect store to poke around in. This store has plenty of fun knickknacks and some beautifully designed postcards and wall art. I love finding artwork that portrays the places I visit, and Les Comptoirs du Magellan had so much to pick from.

Arcachon and La Dune du Pilat

Since, when does France have sand dunes? I mean, we know they’ve got a cool tower in Paris, snowy mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. But few realize that the oh-so geographically diverse France is home to the largest sand dune in Europe. And it’s an hour and a half away from Bordeaux.

Gare Saint Jean in Bordeaux has trains running to and from Arcachon throughout the day. It’s a one-hour train ride to the beach village of Arcachon. From the Arcachon train station, take Bus 1 to La Dune du Pilat stop. The bus ride takes another 30 minutes, but I savored every second as the commute is filled with tree-lined streets and expensive homes. It gave me Florida-meets-Beverly Hills-meets-France vibes. Boujee but make it nature and French.

After your commute, you arrive at the park. Follow the trail, and then you will see la dune in all her sandy glory. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes, and check the weather before you go. Tori and I did not do our homework nor take into account how incredibly windy it would be at the top. All that to say, we were pretty darn cold. Wear long pants and long sleeves to protect yourself from blowing sand.

It is no secret that I fell in love with Bordeaux. And I can’t wait to return to find even more things to do in Bordeaux. Happy exploring and wandering!

Craving more French destinations? Here are my favorite villages near Nice to explore.

2 Comments

3 Easy Ideas to Decorate with Maps

January 25, 2021

Sometimes I get overwhelmed but in the most awestruck type of way. Travel never fails to remind me what a big world we live in. And maps show me how much more exploring I need to add to my bucket list. And it can really overwhelm me with how small I am and how vast this world is. Like, wow. I’ve long been fascinated by maps and love buying new ones when I travel to a new destination. For years, they’ve become a home design staple for me, and often I’m getting compliments and long pauses at the wall to admire. I’m a sucker for a beautiful piece of artwork, but truth be told, maps are some of the most fascinating creations I’ve laid eyes on. But sometimes designing and styling them the best way can be tricky. Here’s three ideas to decorate with maps.

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Trip Map World and includes affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Get a pushpin map

I could literally stare at my map from Trip Map World for hours. (Honestly, I probably already have!) I am entirely impressed with how detailed it is, especially because my hometown of St. Louis is on the map. Trip Map World goes beyond the basic labeling of Paris and Sydney. I love being able to show my French friends exactly where I live because most maps aren’t big enough to show my mid-sized hometown of St. Louis. Although the map is plenty big – and I ordered the smallest size – it’s not excessively heavy, which makes it easy to move and install. Although their small team is based in Lithuania, they ship worldwide. They have a crazy big selection of colors and styles, and naturally, I picked the pink one. Are we surprised?

As much as I love maps, a map is a map. But with Trip Map World, I can make it mine. The whole point of their maps is to personalize them, and I love that I can showcase my postcards. I get a postcard almost everywhere I go. And although I love collecting them, it’s hard to know how to showcase them in a clean, sophisticated way aka not just taping them on the wall with Scotch tape. I love that I can grow into my Trip Map World board for years to come.

Styling tip

Compile your favorite postcards, and print your best travel photos. Collect other itty bittys from your trip like metro tickets to pin up onto your board. The best part about the Trip Map World option is that you can grow into it and edit the map as you go.

Make a map collage

One of the easiest ways to style your map is to make a collage. Because I moved so many times throughout college and had little space, I often decorated my bedroom with a collage of maps. Over the years, I’ve accrued a heap of random itty bittys from postcards to photos, maps to wall art. (Just ask my mom how she feels about our storage room — sorry, Mom.)

And I never really knew how to make them all work together until I started experimenting with collaging. If you’re looking for the best ways to style world maps and postcards, this is a great option. Ask friends and families for old magazines and start digging for pages you might want to hang up. My senior year of college, I created this massive collage, and I still remember how bummed I was when I had to take it down because I loved it so much.

Styling tip

Flip through magazines and tear out pages that fit your aesthetic. After laying out a basic outline of what your wall collage will look like, pick one or two maps to be the focal point. Then decorate around those so as to draw attention to it. Use sticky tack, push pins or tape.

Use the map as a backdrop

When I traveled to Nice, I picked up a map of my French department, and it just sat in my armoire for months. I just didn’t know what to do with it, until I got my shelf. I had this inkling of an idea to put the map behind the open shelf. And I immediately fell in love with its muted yet classy touch to my shelf. I simply taped my map to the back of the shelf; consider layering another if it’s not long enough. As far as for ideas to decorate with maps, this is one of the more subtle options.

Styling tip

Pick a road map, any road map. And simply use clear tape to create a backdrop for your open bookshelf.

Implementing the best ideas to decorate with maps takes time and patience. But what I love about decorating with maps is I can make my home truly my own and showcase my travels. For more decorating tips to showcase your travels affordably, read this post. Happy decorating!

0 Leave a Comment

What to do During Your First Months of TAPIF

January 11, 2021

Taking a trip abroad is complicated enough, but moving abroad has its own set of challenges. If you’ve been accepted to the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF), you’ve probably already received multiple handbooks and links with all sorts of information. It’s overwhelming, no doubt. The months leading up to TAPIF are stressful when it comes to visas, flights and such. But what should you do once you arrive to teach English in France? In this post, I’ll explain what you need to do during your first months of TAPIF. Stick around to grab my 101 TAPIF + TEFL Classroom Ideas freebie.

This post may include affiliate links, which means I may earn a kickback from included links. These come at no extra cost to you and help me run my blog. All opinions are my own.

But first, a deep breath

You’ve heard the rumors about France’s notoriously slow bureaucracy and inefficiency. And they’re absolutely true. Things are slow and take forever. Take a deep breath and buckle up. The process of finding housing, setting up a bank account and validating your visa can get exhausting and annoying. But what helped me most was going into these processes with low expectations. Start early because the word “hurry” doesn’t exist in French culture. And take heart! So many other expats have been in your shoes and are there to cheer you on. (I sure am!)

Bank Account

This should be at the top of your to-do list because for Americans, getting a French bank account has a lot of red tape. When it comes to TAPIF, the tough thing is it really depends on your town and area. I can’t tell you one bank that accepts assistants in every region. In terms of what you need to do during your first months of TAPIF, this step is crucial.

My story

For me, it took over a month between having my first bank appointment and having a fully functional debit card. Yikes. I came to my first appointment with all the necessary documents, including a handwritten note from my French guarantor along with his carte d’identité. But BNP Paribas didn’t accept it; he had to fill out the bank’s specific form and sign on their dotted line.

I told the banker I could email it to him that night. Nope, I had to hand it to the banker in person and had to schedule another appointment to do so. So, two days later, I returned with the signed form, and we continued the process. The United States makes it a pain in the rear for all involved parties. There’s a lot of paperwork. The bank will ask you for your American social security number and may ask you to fill out a W-9. This is normal!

Then I had to wait to be approved to open the account. This approval took about a week. After they approved my application, I eventually received a debit card in the mail. But then I had to wait for the code to come in the mail in order to use it. And that took maybe another week. GAH. So, all in all, it took over a month to have a fully functional checking account.

When you receive your RIB, IBAN and BIC, send this info to the person who handles payroll for your académie immediately. These numbers are essentially routing numbers to allow for direct deposit.

My TAPIF pro tips

Ask other assistants from past years what banks they used; it really depends on your town. You can find former assistants easily through the Facebook pages. If you have a prof référent or a French friend in the area, ask them if they can go to your appointment with you. I’ve heard that assistants can get a free guarantor through Visale, but I can’t speak of its efficacy from experience. Be sure to ask your banker how you’ll access your RIB, and stress that it’s urgent. Make sure you save up enough money to live through the first two months without salary. Because I didn’t get a dime from the Académie till the end of November.

I also recommend you get a free TransferWise account. I still have recurring subscriptions on my American credit card, but all my income was in euros. TransferWise allowed me to send money from my French account to my American checking account for mega low fees.

Housing

Ah, another doozy. Finding housing in a foreign country and in a foreign language can be sticky. But take heart! Thousands of other assistants have been in your exact shoes. Once you get your arrêté, reach out to your prof référent (if you have one) or your conseiller to introduce yourself and ask about housing. Sometimes the school offers dormitory-like housing at a very cheap rate. You’re more likely to find this at the secondary level, not the primary level.

My story

I teach in elementary schools and therefore don’t have a prof référent nor did I have school housing options. Once I knew for sure that I was placed in Marseille proper, I started searching for foyers (similar to a dormitory but not only for students) and listings on leboncoin.fr and bienici.fr.

I stayed pretty active on the TAPIF/Assistants de Langue Facebook page over the summer before the program began. I started messaging with another girl who was going to do the program. We FaceTimed and discussed rooming together. In the end, it didn’t work out, but keep your eyes peeled for potential roommates.

One former American assistant posted about her experience in Marseille, and I started messaging with her. She was able to help me find housing. Moral of the story: don’t be afraid to ask former assistants for help.

Most former assistants suggest renting an Airbnb for the first week or two so that they can look for apartments once they arrive. I also have a friend who decided to keep renting her Airbnb as an apartment. This is usually on the more expensive side, but you don’t know until you ask. As stressful as all this is, this allows you to look for apartments once you arrive and make sure the photos are real.

My TAPIF pro tips

The best advice I can give is to ask for help. Even if your school doesn’t have housing, ask if they know of any good places to look for apartments. I also strongly recommend keeping active on the Facebook page prior to departure. I don’t check it as much now that I’m in the program, but before the program, I received some extremely helpful information. Look for other people in your city who you might want to room with or at least share an Airbnb with for the first week or so. Get $65 off your first Airbnb stay with my link.

Transportation

One amazing thing France has going for it is its public transportation system. The United States could take some notes! Once you get to France, be sure to look into transportation plans (metro, bus, boat, etc). I arrived to my city with about a week or so to spare before my contract began. I practiced taking my route to school several times, which helped me big time. Depending on how big your town is, it may be a great idea to practice several times to get the hang of it.

The program also offers partial reimbursement of your transportation costs, but the process varies by Académie. When you go to orientation, be sure to ask about this reimbursement process. If you forget or aren’t able to attend orientation, email your Académie, who should be able to help.

My story

In Marseille, I have a pass that gives me unlimited rides on the metro, bus and several boats. And it costs 49,50 euros. I can get really anywhere I need with my pass, and I’m even able to take the boat to school. I mean, how cool is that?! To get reimbursed from my Académie, I have to fill out a form every single month and mail it in with a receipt. The reimbursement is supposed to be added to my salary the following month.

The city of Marseille also has public bikes, which are ridiculously inexpensive. It costs about 5 euros per year to be a part of the bike program, and the first 30 minutes are always free. There are kiosks all over the city, and if you need a bike for longer than 30 minutes, you can simply switch bikes at another kiosk before time is up. So, then it’s still free!

My TAPIF pro tips

Depending on how big your city is, public transportation may be free. Check to see if your city has a public bike share program or if you’re able to rent a bike, if necessary. Download your town’s public transportation app. This comes in handy, especially in Marseille because there are always strikes interfering with the routes. And the app lets me know when buses are coming and if the routes change. To find the best route to your school from your apartment, I recommend Google Maps.

Validate your TAPIF visa

Depending on your citizenship, you may need to apply for a visa to do the program. I wrote a post on how I applied for my TAPIF visa. If you have a visa for the program, you need to validate it within three months of your arrival in France. You must have permanent housing before you begin this process. It sounds a lot more complicated than it is: Simply visit this website and follow along the handbook’s instructions. They now charge around 200 euros for this validation process. At the conclusion of your online instructions, you’ll be given a PDF saying your visa is now validated. Save this somewhere safe!

Some time after validating your visa online, you will be required to go to a medical visit at the OFII (Office Français Immigration et Intégration) in your préfecture. This notice may be mailed or emailed to you. The important thing is that you don’t miss it. If it’s during your teaching time, ask your school if you can change your hours. Because you cannot reschedule this appointment.

My story

Once I arrived in France and my housing was set, I started the online process, which took very little time. Several weeks later, I received an email from my conseillère with an appointment letter for my medical visit. It was, of course, during a school day, so I alerted my principal. I lucked out because the office is in Marseille and maybe 30 minutes from my house. However, other assistants from the Académie had to travel for hours to get to this appointment.

The actual appointment didn’t take too terribly long. You arrive to the office and check in. They first take an X-ray of your chest. Ladies, I didn’t see this on any TAPIF blog before departure and it’s a little awkward. But wear a wireless bra. Otherwise, you have to go topless for the X-ray. Okay end awkward paragraph.

After your X-ray, you meet with the nurse and tell him or her any medications you’re on. They may give you a mental health questionnaire. I certainly didn’t bring my medical records with me to France, but before my appointment, I asked my mom to send me a photo of my vaccinations. And I showed them to the nurse. This isn’t required, but it’s nice to have. Then you meet with the doctor, who may ask you a couple questions. It was a fairly painless experience, and it’s nothing to be afraid of. They will give you a piece of paper at the end of the appointment that is signed by the doctor. This proves you successfully completed your appointment; don’t lose this!

My TAPIF pro tips

Be sure to validate your visa very soon after solidifying your housing. Yes, you have three months to do so, but do it soon so you don’t forget. Make sure you’ve budgeted enough for the 200 euro charge. If you’re able, get copies or even just photos of your vaccinations prior to your medical visit. And don’t lose the papers confirming your validated visa and medical appointment. As for what to do during your first months of TAPIF, definitely do not wait till the last minute for validating your visa.

Plan a Lesson

Ah, finally we’re getting to the reason you came: teaching. Some teachers might have everything prepped for you line by line, but there’s a good chance they will want your ideas, too. Before I came, I started a Google Doc of different themes, songs, game ideas, etc. So that when teachers and I brainstormed what to cover, I could look back to see what I’d found.

Students love to see real photos of you and your culture, so start digging. I made a PowerPoint slide of how I celebrate winter holidays and another about me and my family. Bring little trinkets like American candy or stickers as incentives. I also recommend getting a small bean bag or plastic ball to use for classroom games.

I created a freebie with 101 Classroom Ideas for TAPIF or TEFL. In this 14-page free guide, I shared my favorite game, activity, subject and resource ideas.

Sign up to get your free 101 Classroom Ideas for TAPIF and TEFL

* indicates required

My story

Across my three schools, I’m in 14 different classrooms and ages range from 4 to 10 — yikes! It was a stressful start, but I feel like I have a better rhythm now. For my first lesson, I made a PowerPoint slide about me and my hometown. And the kids loved it! I started out the year by doing the same theme for every grade level (colors, animals, etc.) but changed the difficulty. As the year progressed, topics were more staggered. The lower levels were following the same themes while the older grades obviously progressed faster.

As far as resources, my schools have chalkboards, whiteboards and a couple projectors. Even though they have projectors, they are so few, that it’s a pain to do lessons mainly through PowerPoints. Be sure to ask your schools about their resources because that definitely affects how you plan.

My TAPIF pro tips

Talk with the teachers and ask them their goals. Is there an English curriculum the school follows? Do they have a list of objectives for their students by grade level? What do the teachers want to accomplish this semester? During my 2-hour lunch break, I talked with the teachers about next week’s lesson. And I brought my laptop to plan and research during this break.

Bon courage, les TAPIFers

(Oh, and British Council-ers!) Whew, that was a LOT of information. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back. There is an awful lot of paperwork and technicalities, but keep pushing. It has been worth all the hassle for me, and I am loving living in France. You’re most definitely not alone in this process, and there’s a bounty of assistants who have been in your shoes and are happy to help you on what to do during your first months of TAPIF.

Looking for more tips on how to be an expat in France? Here are the six things every expat needs.

2 Comments

6 Things Every Expat Needs

January 4, 2021

There’s a club for everything, I’m convinced. From knitting to Quidditch, pickle ball to coffee, there’s truly a club for everyone. One massive group I’ve discovered by moving to France is the expat community. It takes a lot of grit, patience and strength to be an expat, or someone living outside her native country. To willingly remove yourself from all familiarity can seem odd at first, but after living as an expat for sometime, you develop a type of daring endurance. With several months of life in Marseille, France, under my belt, I want to share some of the best things every expat needs while abroad.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from links clicked in this post. These come at no extra cost to you and help me run my blog. All opinions are my own.

Express VPN

There was life before Express VPN, and there was life after Express VPN. When I moved to France, I could still access some of my streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. But the options weren’t the same, and YouTube TV didn’t work at all. Most importantly, I couldn’t watch The Bachelorette. Priorities, people!

I’m also obsessed with my cash-back app Rakuten, which doesn’t work in France. But with a VPN, it does work. Get $20 in cash back for signing up today.

Here’s how a VPN works: Download the app, pick a location, click the ‘on’ button and you’re golden. And it works with my Roku, too!

After a few clicks of getting my ExpressVPN account set up, I was good to go with my favorite shows and movies. And my regular scheduled programming was back on track. And I haven’t had any problems with slow speed. It’s only $8 per month and is super simple to use.

TransferWise

When people think of the expat life, they think glamorous weekend trips and baguette for breakfast. But the hard truth is that life abroad comes with complicated processes and excessive paperwork. And one of these is bank accounts. With all the paperwork and red tape, it took me over a month to get a working French bank account. Woof.

Having bank accounts across continents and currencies can be tricky. I still had recurring subscriptions on my American credit card, but all of my income was in euros through my French bank account. But I also still want to continue accruing credit card points on my American travel card and grow my savings.

I tried sending money directly from my French bank account to my American credit card bill. There was obviously a fee, but it worked. However, now that I’ve found TransferWise, I am set because I can easily transfer between my different checking accounts. Best of all, I’m able to continue building my American savings and investment accounts.

TransferWise is a third-party site that transfers money between accounts from all over the world. They price compare their rates with other companies. Their site is super easy to use and explains the whole process. And the rates were crazy low and not as high as the transfer I made directly through my banks. I had zero problems transferring money from my French account to my American one. Sign up for a free account.

Quality luggage

Living out of a suitcase can feel like a drag at times, but there’s an excitement that comes with always being on the go. If you’re an expat, you probably have the travel bug. Or at least, you’ll want to travel back to your home country every so often. That means quality, sturdy luggage is imperative. For my graduation gift, I asked for luggage from Away, and I love my large pink hard-shelled bag.

I can lock the bag with a three-digit code, and it comes with all sorts of organization tools inside. Here’s the exact bag I have. Get $20 off your first bag here. Don’t think that any bag will do: I learned this the hard way. Because my Away bag didn’t arrive in time for my move to France, I ran out and bought a Samsonite bag at Marshall’s. This bag could not deal with all my belongings, and the wheels did not roll in a straight line. Lugging this bag all around Charles de Gaulle Airport was an absolute pain in the butt. And it reminded me that saving a penny here and there is not worth a subpar product.

Journal

Some of my most prized possessions are journals. I love looking back through old journals to see what I was thinking and feeling one, two, maybe even three years ago. It’s hard to see personal growth because humans are forgetful creatures. We forget where we came from. We forget how far we’ve come and how much we’ve grown. Especially as expats, we need to be conscious about recognizing victories and newfound strengths.

Y’all, living abroad is not easy. It’s hard when everything familiar has been stripped from you. It’s frustrating when you know with your whole heart that you’re following your dream, yet there’s a lingering sadness or loneliness. When I lived in Toulouse, I committed to journaling once a day. And it’s so precious to look back at those scribbles to relive wonderful times and to remember how far I’ve come.

Not sure how to begin? Here’s three tips on how to travel journal like a pro.

Travel rewards credit card

If you’re going to be spending money, you might as well get some back for fun things, right? Before I moved to Toulouse, I applied for a Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card. And although there are plenty of credit cards out there, I’m very satisfied with mine. It has zero foreign transaction fees, which has easily saved me hundreds, maybe thousands of dollars. With my introductory offer, I used my points to get a round-trip flight to New York City from St. Louis.

What I like about this card is that it’s not tied to one specific hotel brand or airline. I can use it on just about any travel expense, and it comes back on my credit statement as a reimbursement. Just through this credit card, I’ve earned $700 in travel credit. And this is by doing the spending that I normally do any way. And there’s no annual fee.

That being said, there are plenty of other great travel credit cards out there. My family has had great luck with the Southwest Airlines and Chase United credit cards. Out of all the things every expat needs, this is an important one, for sure.

Flexibility

Never have I ever described myself as flexible — in both senses. But becoming an expat, I have grown in this trait more than I ever desired. When you’re in a new culture, there’s more room for misunderstandings or differences. What’s rude back home might not be rude here. What’s polite at home isn’t polite everywhere. In France, you absolutely must say hello every time you enter a store or honestly speak to any human. One time I was asking a security guard which line to stand in and began with « pardon. » He began shouting at me and telling me how rude I am because I did not begin with the word « bonjour. »

Stores are never open in France. They close for two hours here and there. Some close on Sundays, others on Mondays. Just about everything is closed on Sunday, which means that can’t be my dedicated grocery shopping day.

Being flexible and rolling with the punches is huge. Because when I first moved to Toulouse, I let every little error get to me and I’d beat myself up. Inconvenience is France’s middle name, and I used to get extremely frustrated.

Sometimes I still do. But living abroad is one of the most refining experiences a human can have, in my humble opinion. It’s so important to be flexible and remind yourself that your home culture isn’t the only way to live. In America, I drove my car everywhere and went grocery shopping on Sundays. In France, I adjust my life to bus schedules and pick up my groceries on Monday afternoons.

Flexibility is also one of the big things every expat needs due to time differences. France is 7 hours ahead of my town in Missouri. The only time I can safely carve out for calling family and friends back home is later at night. Normally, I’d love to wind down for the night with a TV show or a book. But many nights of the week, I’m chatting with friends till 10 or 11 p.m. Of course, I want to talk with my pals back home, but I’ve had to readjust the way I schedule my days. And I simply just have to stay up later to be able to fit it all in.

Take heart

It takes a very strong person to willingly leave all familiarity. So go ahead and pat yourself on the back. The expat life is certainly not for everyone, but those who embark on this journey have ample reward awaiting them. With these 6 things every expat needs, you’ll be on your way to be an expat expert.

Not sure how to pack for your move abroad? Here’s how I packed for a year in France.

0 Leave a Comment

Best Day Trips from Nice

December 4, 2020

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 schedule, too. There are an abundance of beautiful day trips in southern France, and today I’m sharing the best day trips from Nice, France.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

This darling coastal town promises sea views and an escape from the hustle and bustle. And out of our entire trip through the Riviera from St. Tropez to Cannes and beyond, this village takes the cake for best meal. By far. Hands down. No ifs, ands or buts.

Mal and I stopped here for lunch on our way from Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild to Nice. We dined at Lou Bantry just two feet from the waterfront. I mean, we threw our leftover baguette to the ducks from our table. You cannot beat this location or views. And it wasn’t too ridiculously priced either.

I ordered the Niçoise Burger, which included basil, coppa, mozzarella and tapenade. Good lands! Rich flavor, exquisite taste. My mouth is still watering as I think about this meal. The restaurant also had the Nissarde Cuisine logo, which means it’s authentic Niçoise cuisine. (I explain what this means in more detail here.)

Distance: 4 miles, or 7 kilometers

It’s about a 20-minute drive. And there are 3-minute trains from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Menton and Roquebrune Cap Martin

Mal and I really only had time to drive through Menton and Roquebrune Cap Martin, but they were both stunning as ever. In Menton, we walked along the beach and watched the windsurfers in this quaint town.

This spot is known for its lemons as is commemorated every February by Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival. This event attracted more than 200,000 attendees and boasts 180 tons of citrus fruits.

We drove through Roquebrune Cap Martin and only stopped the car to take a photo along the road. But wow. It was absolutely stunning. Both Menton and Roquebrune Cap Martin offer delightful views.

Distance: 12 miles, or 20 kilometers

Driving from Nice to Menton takes about 30 minutes. The train from Nice to Menton takes about 36 minutes. Taking the train from Nice directly to Roquebrune Cap Martin takes about 30 minutes. It takes about 7 minutes to take the train or drive from Menton to Roquebrune Cap Martin. However, because Roquebrune Cap Martin is a peninsula, I’d recommend driving over trains. But you certainly could walk along the coast, too.

Monte Carlo

If you’re in Nice, you simply cannot forego a trip to nearby Monaco, which is technically another country. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or roll the dice, Monte Carlo’s glitz and glam is unbelievably close. Here’s a post with everything to do in Monte Carlo.

Distance: 8 miles, or 13 kilometers

It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Nice to Monte Carlo. And the trains from Nice to Monte Carlo are about 20 minutes.

Èze

This medieval village enchanted me so much so I almost teared up as we left because I just didn’t want to go. If there are castles, sea views and charm, I’m so there. And Èze checks all these boxes. When we arrived at this darling village, we parked our Peugeot and started walking up toward the castle ruins.

This medieval village is a labyrinth of cobblestone and windy paths, but the steps are worth it. There are shops and restaurants along the way to the top where you get sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea. Once you make it to the top, you have to pay to enter the Jardin Exotique d’Èze. Be sure to ask about the deal that includes both the garden in Èze and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild nearby.

The castle ruins and exotic gardens transport you back to an idyllic, ancient France. Inhabitants first reached the area around 220 B.C., but the fortress wasn’t built until the 1100s. All that to say, this place is packed with history and views that will give you butterflies. I will 100% make it back to Èze for its charm and history. If you have to pick one of the best day trips from Nice, this one should be at the top of your list.

Distance: about 8 miles, or 12 kilometers

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Nice to Èze. The train from Nice to Èze take about 15 minutes.

Grasse

Ever wondered about the history of perfume? And what makes France such a holy grail for perfume makers? Mal and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at Musée International de la Parfumerie. This museum walks you through the history of scent from thousands of years ago with the Egyptians all the way to today. It’s filled with perfume bottles, old and new, along with advertisements and even gardens. After reading a book about Coco Chanel, I found this museum even more fascinating as I knew the story and major success behind Chanel No. 5.

While the International Parfumerie Museum has an entrance fee, Fragonard does not. (I still wholeheartedly recommend the former as it’s much more in depth.) But when in Grasse, definitely take a stroll through Fragonard’s store and small museum nearby.

Mal and I chuckled when we arrived. Because the moment we got out of our car in a parking garage blocks away, we could smell perfume. Even with masks on. If you’re headed to Grasse, get ready to experience the world’s perfume capital in the truest sense.

And having the sweet tooth that I do, naturally, gelato was in order. I ordered some flavorful raspberry gelato from a recently opened tea room called Camélia.

Distance: 28 miles, or 45 kilometers

Both the drive and the train from Nice to Grasse take about an hour.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

French history fascinates me, and one major name to know is the Rothschilds. This Jewish family established a successful bank, enduring hundreds of years. And Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild was created in the early 1900s and belonged to Baroness Béatrice de Rothschild. This woman loved gardens, and you could spend hours wandering through her many gardens with ocean views and flora from all over the world.

Béatrice collected a bounty of art including one of Marie Antionette’s tables and a rug of Louis XIV. After she received a large sum of inheritance following her father’s death, Béatrice began building her villa in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. She also casually beat out Léopold II, king of Belgium, for buying this land, according to the website.

And yes, she had a room for her pet monkeys, if you were wondering. And that room was nicer than any room of mine: past, present or future. The craziest part is that this was her winter home. She had other lavish abodes in Paris, Monaco and Deauville.

All that to say, you could easily spend a day here wandering the many rooms and gardens. Be sure to stop by the salon de thé, or the tea room, for a bite. Mal and I had a delightful spot of ice cream with even better views and the utmost class. As for best day trips from Nice, this was one of my favorites.

Distance: 6 miles, or 9 kilometers

It’s about a 30-minute drive from Nice to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Getting to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild by public transportation is a bit more complicated. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat’s tourism website recommends taking the Lignes d’Azur bus to Port de Saint-Jean. From Nice, it also recommends taking the TER train to Monaco-Menton and stopping at Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Then you’d need to take a bus to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This would take about 35 to 40 minutes.

Southeastern France, especially near Nice, is teeming with idyllic day trips. As fabulous as the big French cities, do not miss the quaint villages and medieval fortresses with these best day trips from Nice.

Discover the best spots in Nice, France, and Monte Carlo.

0 Leave a Comment

Best Black Friday Deals for Travel Lovers

November 22, 2020

It is that time of year again! If you don’t usually start your holiday shopping early, this is the year to begin. Because the early bird gets the worm called sales and better prices. Although this year hasn’t included travel for most, it’s still on our minds. And if you have a travel lover in your life (or maybe it’s you!), I’m rounding up some of the best travel-themed gifts. And best of all, most are on sale or offer coupons. And if they’re not on sale, they partner with Rakuten, meaning you get a percentage cash back with your purchase. Here are some great Black Friday deals for travel lovers.

This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a kickback through items purchased through these links. These come at no extra cost to you and help me run my blog. All opinions are my own.

First things first: Rakuten

If you don’t have a Rakuten account, the holiday season is truly the time to change that. It’s 100% free to open an account, and you get cash back at thousands of stores online. Getting money back for doing the shopping you already do? Heck yeah!

Best of all? They’re doing a promotion now that if you sign up with my link, you get $40 when you make your first purchase. I’ve gotten more than $100 in cash back from Rakuten — and that was from online shopping only with a college student budget. If you’re wanting to profit from the best Black Friday deals for travel lovers, this is step one.

Wall art

My walls are always plastered with postcards, maps and other travel wall art. And Rifle Paper Co. is one of my favorite places to find these items. I have this wall print of France and absolutely love it. They have plenty of other cities, countries and states, too. Everything at Rifle Paper Co. is 30% for Black Friday with the code VIP30.

I also purchased a darling New Yorker cover on Etsy, if you’re looking to shop small.

Phone cases + trinkets

This Rifle Paper Co. phone case is currently 50%, and the globe keychain is also on sale. Everything at Rifle Paper Co. is 30% for Black Friday with the code VIP30.

Calendars

For the past two years, I’ve had Rifle Paper Co. calendars and am astounded at the quality of paper and ink. At the end of the year, I couldn’t bear to part with the illustrations, so I cut them out to hang up. And everything at Rifle Paper Co. is 30% for Black Friday with the code VIP30.

Backpacks

You cannot travel successfully without a reliable bag. It’s just the facts. I’ve tried travel backpacks over the years, but one of my favorites is the classic NorthFace backpack, which I used at school for years. But its quality is unbeatable and the compartments are handy.

My friend Riley also recommended this Dakine backpack, which I received for Christmas last year. I also highly recommend this bag for its sturdy, waterproof quality. And I like that you can roll it over to the size you need. Even more, as a traveler, I worry about pickpocketers and don’t like having my belongings on my back, out of sight. But with this backpack, I feel better because it would be extremely hard to sneak something out of this one.

Blanket scarves

Blanket scarves are one of my travel staples through and through. Not only do they keep you warm, but they also spice up your outfits. When I studied abroad for three weeks during the winter, I *lived* in my leopard blanket scarf from Old Navy. Especially in Prague! And blanket scarves are 40% at Old Navy right now.

Luggage

When you’re on the go, you need to make sure your luggage can keep up. I had bought a Samsonite bag on sale at Marshall’s because my Away luggage hadn’t arrived in time. And the Samsonite bag was a pain to roll around. The wheels could not support what I had inside my bag, and it was not a pleasant experience at all. I’m so glad Away’s large blush suitcase is waiting for me back in America. I will gladly swap out my current Samsonite for my cute, sturdy Away luggage when I return from France. Get $20 off your first Away bag.

Passport cover

What is a passport without an adorable cover? I own both the I’m Outta Here and I’ve Been to Paris passport covers — the second of which is half off currently along with other discounted patterns. And I am obsessed with both patterns and quality. Get $10 off any $20 purchase at ban.do with my link.

Travel planner

Sometimes planning and anticipating your trip can be just as fun as the actual adventure. I have the “I’m Outta Here” ban.do travel planner, which is complete with stickers and tear-out postcards. Select styles are on sale. Get $10 off any $20 purchase at ban.do with my link.

Toiletries bag

I am in love with my ban.do toiletries bag and like its compartment pockets and overall size. Also, the pink floral design is one of my favorites. It’s currently on sale, too. Get $10 off any $20 purchase at ban.do with my link.

Blogging ebook

Does your travel-loving pal want to start a blog or grow the one they’ve already started? Maybe you’ve been telling them they need to start one. My 30-page ebook Become a Pro Blogger in 2 Weeks walks through the essential steps on setting up and exploding your blog’s growth. And it’s broken down into 14 daily tasks. And it’s currently 25% off with the code blackfriday

Shoes

Travelers cannot survive without comfy, sturdy shoes. But you also don’t want to look like a doofus in your photos. Good news: I am love with how comfy and cute my Sperry duck boots and Naturalizer sneakers are. Multiple Sperry styles are on sale. Plus, Rakuten cash back for these two stores range from 3.5% to 5%.

Tech

What did humans do before portable chargers? Because my Anker portable charger has saved my life on multiple occasions. This is a practical gift that will be used for many years to come. I also love my Beats because they block out the noise on airplanes and are easy to work out with.

This year has been a wild one, but I hope that your holiday season is filled with special memories and sweet moments. And with these Black Friday deals for travel lovers!

0 Leave a Comment

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, which means I may earn a kickback from links clicked. These come at no extra cost to you and help me run my blog. All opinions are my own.

Where We Stayed

Our Airbnb was a step into yesteryear because we stayed in the labyrinth known as Vieille Ville. Getting to the Airbnb was a problem because it was in a pedestrian-only zone. (And somehow we made it through the road barriers, and then our Peugeot got stuck in these ancient streets made only for feet.) Alas, once we found out that we had to park several blocks away and discovered where our cozy apartment was, it was smooth sailing.

This small yet practical apartment sits perched on the fourth floor, no elevator. But walking down the ancient streets, you’ll feel transported back hundreds of years. From the Airbnb window, you can see the dome of Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice. The very best thing about this apartment is its location: it’s legitimately steps away from the best shops and restaurants. If you’re not afraid of a few stairs and want to be close to the action, this is a great Airbnb. Get $50 off your first Airbnb stay.

Walk along Promenade des Anglais

This paved path straddles the Mediterranean Sea and a strip of shops and restaurants. The Promenade des Anglais spans about 7 kilometers, or a bit over 4 miles. And during our several days in Nice, I took multiple walks on this gorgeous stretch. It’s also been scientifically proved that sunsets are more beautiful on the Mediterranean — or something like that.

Climb La Colline du Château

The Promenade des Anglais is stunning, but the prize for best views goes to La Colline du Château, which translates to castle hill. Climb the stairs or take the elevator up to this park spanning nearly 50 acres. And take a peek at the castle ruins, too. At the top, walking paths, snacks, playgrounds and epic views await you. Out of all the things to do in Nice, this one definitely should be on your list.

Angea Macarons

On our first afternoon there, Mal and I decided to split up to do some solo exploring. I walked past this darling macaron shop but didn’t feel like I had room for another sweet, which is a rarity for me. I took a photo in hopes of coming back. The following day, I found my way back and sat down at a table for one at Angea.

My hopes were high because I’d gone out of my way to return to this ‘grammable spot. And I’m here to tell you: it did not disappoint. My purse dons a Ladurée macaron keychain, and it’s been my pastry of choice for years. All to say, I have expectations for these treats, and my salted caramel ice cream macaron sandwich took me to another world. Sincerely one of the best macaron sandwiches I’ve had: flaky yet chewy macaron cookies and sweet, flavorful ice cream. If you have a sweet tooth, Angea must be on your list for things to do in Nice.

Old Sport Club

Several days before we arrived in Nice, we explored St. Tropez. There we dined at a phenomenal Thai restaurant and struck up a conversation with the couple at the table nearby. Mal and I told them about our grand adventure through the Riviera, including our stop in Nice. Quelle chance, we live in Nice, they told us before inviting us to hang out.

We made good on that offer, and several days later, Julien told us he’d be taking us to a secret bar. He wouldn’t tell us where it was, only where to meet him several blocks away.

The average pedestrian easily walks past this Gatsby-themed bar without even noticing it exists. I sure did! The outside suggests it’s a photo booth, but with Julien’s know-how, he led us to this hidden bar called Old Sport Club. The sliding door to get in wears the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg and the phrase “Les rendez-vous memorables sont clandestins.” This translates the memorable meetings are secret.

Inside, the bar is dark with tea lights scattered across the alcohol shelves, and the clientele lounge at high-top tables and couches. The eyes of T.J. Eckleberg shrouded in greenery grace the walls, and jazzy rap music pulses. The bar’s soundtrack honestly reminded me of that of The Great Gatsby (2013).

This speakeasy’s menu changes often, Julien told me. Yet all oozed personality and spunk. I ordered the fig milk punch, a gin cocktail with coconut water and a fig for a garnish. Other drinks’ ingredients ranged from kumquat to rhubarb, white chocolate to truffle.

Although the address isn’t available online, this speakeasy ranks highly for Nice nightlife. One review on TripAdvisor says you must call for the address. If you email me at roundtriptravelblog@gmail(dot)com, I am happy to share the address with you.

Le Banthai

Mal’s family friend recommended Le Banthai to us. And after our out-of-this-world Thai experience in St. Tropez, we were hungry for more pad thai. We told the hostess we’d like a table, and she immediately asked if we had a reservation. Mal and I told her no, and she said it was up to the kitchen if there would be space. They gifted us with a small table, and we’re glad they did.

Not only was the pad thai superb, but the prices were also not crazy high. And normally, I don’t love live music at restaurants, but the Brits playing that Thursday night had me singing along. Lesson learned: make a reservation.

St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral

When in France, it’s inevitable that you’ll see some type of cathedral, basilica or church. And after a while, they all start to look about the same. (My apologies to any historical architecture buffs out there.) But in all of my travels throughout France, I’ve never seen a church like this one.

On our last day in Nice, we stopped by this church, but unfortunately, it wasn’t open yet. We simply drove by, but if I return to Nice, I’d love to go inside to see all of its glory.

Matisse Museum

Having a museum filled almost entirely with your own artwork: talk about goals, y’all. Musée Matisse houses the works of its namesake from paintings to sculptures. I knew who Matisse was prior to my visit, but wow, I did not realize the vast span of his mediums. If you enjoy classic French art, this is a must.

Another cool tidbit about visiting Musée Matisse and other Nice spots: With my 10 euro ticket to the Matisse Museum, I also received access to all municipal museums and galleries for 24 hours. For 20 euros, you can have access to these museums and galleries for 7 days. Talk about a good deal!

As part of the deal, we were able to visit the nearby Archaeological Museum of Cimiez. There we were able to look at ancient Roman baths and pieces from hundreds of years ago. We didn’t spend too much time here, but it was a nice touch to be able to visit several museums with one ticket.

Other museums included in Le Pass Musée: Musée des Beaux-Arts, MAMAC, Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre and Palais Lascaris, among others.

La Gare du Sud

With 30 restaurants and shops to choose from, this gourmet food hall is sure to please everyone in your entourage. Mal and I were starving and loved how many options we had. I opted for “Tex-Mex” (please see quotation marks) at El Kitchen. And although it wasn’t as authentic as this once-Texas resident would’ve hoped, it was still plenty delicious and filling.

Old Nice

One of the things that attracts so many to France is its rich history. And a great way to experience this rich patrimoine is in Old Nice, or Vieille Ville. These narrow streets wind and cluster to create a labyrinth of shops, boutiques and restaurants. This part of Nice is quaint and authentic France, and if you’re looking for the top things to do in Nice, this must be a part of your itinerary.

In Old Nice, I stumbled upon Papeterie Rontani, a paper shop stuffed to the brim with journals, maps, craft supplies and paper gifts. I love getting lost in shops like these, and I bought a regional map of France. This girl can always use a new map!

Lu Fran Calin

When people imagine French cuisine, they may conjure images of croissants and snails. And although those aren’t incorrect ideas, they don’t tell the full story of French cuisine. Each corner of France has its own local specialities, and when in Nice, Mal and I engorged ourselves with the Niçoise recipes.

Our new friend Pauline whom we met in St. Tropez suggested Lu Fran Calin, a restaurant serving the best of Nice’s cuisine. It’s a type of food with a heavy Mediterranean influence. Mal and I split the assiette dégustation appetizer with a smattering of all the classic Niçoise recipes. Think: cooked mushrooms, tapenade, chickpeas, seasoned red peppers and socca (basically chickpea fries). The food and atmosphere were both delightful.

Pro tip: Lu Fran Calin had a sign in its window with the Cuisine Nissarde logo. This means that it’s authentic, approved Niçoise cuisine. You can find a list of other Cuisine Nissarde-marked restaurants here. And later that week, we visited Villefranche-sur-Mer, where we ate at another Cuisine Nissarde-marked restaurants, and it was also incredible.

So if you see this logo of a woman holding a basket of produce with the words Cuisine Nissarde, you are in good hands.

Monte Carlo

In eighth grade, I saw the movie Monte Carlo with Selena Gomez, and I was never the same. The glitz and glam of Monaco with its classical architecture and luxe attitude allured me. And since then, I’ve watched that movie more times than I can count, and each viewing only augmented my dream of visiting Monte Carlo. This city is technically in another country — that of Monaco. But Monaco is less a square mile and is extremely easy to access.

Mal and I made the 30-minute drive from Nice to Monte Carlo very easily. Even though it’s technically a different country, there’s no border control between France and Monaco. No car? No problem: there are trains from Nice to Monaco. Here’s what Mal and I did in Monte Carlo:

Casino Café de Paris

When in Monaco, you gotta roll the dice, right? I’m happy to report that we left Casino Café de Paris richer women than we came, even in the 15 minutes we spent there. When you see pictures of Monaco, it’s probably the Casino de Monte Carlo. And this building is absolutely gorgeous and is impossible to miss. Unfortunately, on the day and time we were in Monaco, this casino was temporarily closed.

Café de Paris

Connected to the Casino Café de Paris is a darling French café on the square. I enjoyed an affogato on their gorgeous patio and can’t recommend a visit to the Café de Paris enough. Next door to this café, there’s a gift shop where I added another postcard to my collection.

Hôtel de Paris

Although I didn’t win enough at the casino to book a stay at the Hôtel de Paris, you must get a look. This hotel boasts more than 150 years of history and even hosted the wedding meal of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. The Hôtel de Paris has the world’s largest wine cellar and is home to a 3-starred Michelin restaurant. And most importantly, Selena Gomez’s character stayed there in Monte Carlo!

If you’re in search of a trip with rich cuisine, history-filled streets and lavish luxury, look no further than Nice and Monaco. It had been a long-time dream to visit these French Riviera spots, and my hopes were not dashed. Allez-viens !

Did I miss any top things to do in Nice or Monte Carlo? Tell me in the comments.

1 Comment

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

November 13, 2020

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 first of which is one of the least populated areas in France. After Mal and I had made our way through the bustling French Riviera, this quiet nook of France was a great way to end our trip. Because it’s not in a highly populated area, getting here isn’t as simple as bigger cities like Paris or Marseille.

We rented a car in Marseille and took a road trip throughout the Riviera. It takes about two hours to drive from Marseille to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which is near the Gorges du Verdon. Here’s how to get to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie either by car or bus. Mal and I stayed in an Airbnb in Montagnac, which was a 30-minute drive to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Although we weren’t crazy about the Airbnb, it ended up being a good location.

The Gorges du Verdon are part of Lac de Sainte Croix, and I’m here to tell you it really does live up to its hype. The water truly is that blue.

Snap photos at Pont du Galetas

To get the best views of the Gorges, put Pont du Galetas into your GPS. There’s gravel where you can park your car and walk along the bridge to take in the gorge’s sweeping views. And there’s a boat rental spot nearby — more on that later.

Paddle boat in the Gorges du Verdon

Let me tell you: the water truly is this blue. The whole time Mal and I were kayaking, we were ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the color. You can’t go wrong visiting southern France during summer, but it’s also stunning in autumn, too. The reds and oranges of the trees contrasted the deep blue of the water, and it is totally worth the hype. If you’re looking for the top things to do near Gorges du Verdon, nothing beats actually going on the water.

Mal and I had our heart set on kayaking on this blue water, and we drove all the way to a boat rental place. We got out of the car and said, this water is not blue enough for us — ha! It was another part of the Lac de Sainte Croix, and it honestly wasn’t as pretty.

So we drove back to a place we’d passed near Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Mal and I rented a paddle boat at the Base Nautique l’Etoile, and it was fabulous. I’m so glad we didn’t settle because these prices were competitive and the views were much better.

Visit the markets in Riez

On Saturday morning, we drove to Riez to see its markets. The moment I stepped out of the car, I smelled fall. You know, that faint smell of changing leaves, bonfire and crisp air? I can still imagine this halcyon scent. As I mentioned, this area of France isn’t densely populated, so you’ll get a peek into French village life. Even with Covid, the town was bustling that Saturday morning with vendors offering fresh produce, sweet honey and little trinkets.

Mal and I stopped for a quick coffee at Café de France, and the atmosphere brought me back to a small diner my friends and I frequented in Missouri. The café patrons were clearly repeat customers: same orders, same newspaper in hand. Whenever I tell people about my love for France, they think the entire country is hoity-toity. But that just ain’t the truth. I love big bustling cities, but it’s small villages like these that reflect the heart of French culture.

Dine in Cotignac

For lunch, we stopped in Cotignac, whose population is about double that of Moustiers’. (But that doesn’t say much considering Moustiers has fewer than 1,000 inhabitants.) This small town has a beautiful square and sits nestled in the mountains. We dined at La Table de Marie Alice, and it was one of the best meals of this trip.

My gluten intolerance limits my options, and even more, I don’t love seafood. So, that can complicate things. I was a bit apprehensive about finding something I liked here and decided to order their chicken dish with lemon sauce. And my word, did I eat any and all pre-meal apprehension. Not only was the presentation sophisticated but the taste was also packed with rich flavor. And Mal and I ate outside in Cotignac’s idyllic square.

Stop by Gréoux-les-Bains

On our last night of vacation, we headed to Gréoux-les-Bains, a spa village known for its thermal baths. We planned to eat at one of the hotel restaurants there, but this spot and several others were fully booked on Saturday night. We ended up at La Terrasse des Marrionniers, which ended up being perfect. Since it was our final night, we balled out with dinner, drinks and dessert. The food was superb, and the atmosphere was lively.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Friends, this village of 700-ish inhabitants stole my heart. I bought cute sunglasses in Cannes earlier that week, but I did not want to wear them because I wanted to soak up every sight in full color. We visited in fall, and that meant rich reds, oranges and yellows permeated the landscape. I keep looking at photos from this day because it evokes a sweet nostalgia.

Flâner about the town

When you think of classic French village, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie fits the bill. One of my favorite French words is flâner, which means to wander, stroll or meander. And this is one of the best activities to do Moustiers-Sainte-Marie with its windy, cobblestone paths and quaint shops. The town is known for its faïence, or earthenware. And there are plenty of cute shops with, you guessed it, earthenware. Oh, and don’t forget to add gelato to your itinerary.

Hike up to La Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir

Get your steps in by visiting this church with its nave dating back to the 700s. Talk about old. The Gothic-style pews and chorale have been there since the 1500s. Stepping into a room rich with history reminds me why I love travel. I think about the hundreds of people who have sat in those pews over hundreds of years, and it gives me a glimpse of life so long ago. It also makes me wish I would’ve paid more attention in AP European History, oops.

I got a good laugh when I learned you had to pay to turn on the lights inside La Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir. When you combine the sheer old age and the village’s tourism bent, I guess it makes sense. All that to say, it still looked beautiful in the dark with its stained glass windows. And the views of the valley are phenomenal.

It pains me to think that when people think of France, they only think Paris. Believe me, I love Paris, too, but there is so much more to explore. (Also, southern France has much better weather, too.) From stunning views to quaint villages, here are the top things to do near Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.

0 Leave a Comment

12 Things to Do in St. Tropez

November 9, 2020

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 I can travel to via train with my Oui.SNCF card. But St. Tropez is not one of these places, hence its exclusivity. St. Tropez is where the celebs come to vacation, and it’s reflected in the prices and how out-of-the-way it is.

We rented a car in Marseille and took a road trip along the Côte d’Azur. Having a car allowed us to get to St. Tropez and navigate the city, but finding free parking is tough. (If you are looking for free parking, our Airbnb host told us about this small lot. We parked here overnight and had no problems.) Here are four ways to get to St. Tropez as there’s no train station.

Where to Stay in St. Tropez

Like I said, this is where the celebs come to relax. That means the prices are steep and everyone is impeccably dressed. My jaw dropped as I walked by people sipping on their coffees at Sénéquier because everyone is gorgeous. If you’re looking to penny pinch, this is not the destination for you. I’ve traveled extensively throughout France, and I can truly say St. Tropez is in its own category. Paris is expensive, but it’s so big that you can find ways to do it more affordably. St. Tropez is just all expensive, end of story. Parking cost nearly 30 euros for three hours of parking; I wish this were a joke.

That being said, St. Tropez was on my bucket list, and I’m glad I was able to explore another corner of France. Mallory and I found a studio apartment near downtown, and it was a great location. Out of all of our Riviera Airbnb rentals, this one was by far the most expensive and by far the smallest. But for two teaching assistants, it fit our budget. Although it lacked space, Aude was a phenomenal host and was quick to answer our questions. Get $50 off your first Airbnb stay.

Indie Beach House and Pampelonne Beach

On Sunday morning, we made our way to Indie Beach House nestled right on Pampelonne Beach. The restaurant oozes chic with its swanky furniture and humming French rap music. Mal and I came here for morning beverages, and it was very pleasant. But we wished we could’ve experienced Indie Beach House at night (and also pre-Covid). My frappuccino tasted more like a creamy latte of sorts, but nevertheless still tasty.

Le Sénéquier

When in St. Tropez, Le Sénéquier is a must. Not only is it oh-so ‘grammable, but its brand also boasts more than 130 years of business. And this bright red café — it’s awful hard to miss — has been serving diners since 1930. Its prestige and clientele match its menu prices. Mal and I went for dessert and split the gluten-free chocolate cake and ice cream. Splendidly divine.

The minute we mentioned we’d be splitting, our waiter’s countenance immediately changed. He was very sassy and delivered the check with our food — something extremely rude in French culture. I have never been rushed out of a restaurant in France, but Le Sénéquier is an exception. All that to say, Le Sénéquier has historical significance, so it’s worth a visit. That being said, I had the rudest French waiter of my life here, too. If you go, be willing to fork over some change and dress the part.

La Vieille Ville

Take a stroll through St. Tropez’s Vieille Ville (old city) for views of the port, pastel-colored buildings and shops and restaurants sitting on the water. Le Sénéquier is in the heart of Le Vieille Ville as is La Crêperie Bretonne.

La Crêperie Bretonne

After walking past lots of expensive lunch spots near Vieux Ville, we found a more affordable spot. And although less expensive than its neighbor restaurants, La Crêperie Bretonne did not lack in flavor or busyness. I ordered an andouille sausage, egg and cheese crêpe, and my mouth still waters thinking about this meal. The restaurant is mere steps away from the water and suits those looking for an authentic, affordable meal.

Take photos at Capitainerie du Port

The thing about St. Tropez is there’s a lot of boats. And by boats, I mean big boats. Yachts galore. I love fancy boats just as much as the next guy, but if you’re looking for an unobstructed view of the sea, walk over to Capitainerie du Port to get your glamour shots. You also can snap a photo of Vieux Ville in all its glory. Out of all the things to do in St. Tropez, I enjoyed this port area for its views best.

Koh Petrie

Just a few steps away from the Citadelle, Koh Petrie isn’t all that glitzy from the outside. We almost passed it by, but we were hungry. And my, are we glad we did. The inside of the restaurant is intricately decorated, and the food will have you salivating.

I am obsessed with pad thai, and I can honestly say this is the best bowl I’ve ever consumed. The next day, I was still drooling over this meal. I told the waiter how much I loved the meal, and he said the owner was from Thailand. So the recipes are the real deal!

Mal and I struck up a conversation with the couple sitting next to us. We told them about our grand adventure along the Côte d’Azur and mentioned we’d be stopping in Nice.

“Nice? We live in Nice! We should get dinner or drinks.”

The whole point of moving to a foreign country, especially during a pandemic, is about saying yes. We exchanged phone numbers and got all their Nice recommendations. After the rude waiter at Le Sénéquier, Pauline and Julien restored my faith in French humanity. (And a few days later, they invited us to sip cocktails at a secret Gatsby-themed speakeasy. Like, what is my life?!) Imagine what can happen when you start saying yes — I’ll wait.

St. Tropez Citadel

Being the patrimoine buff that I am, I was a bit disappointed that we weren’t able to squeeze in a visit to the Citadel. If I make it back to St. Tropez, I will definitely make a point to visit this structure from the 1600s that overlooks the city.

Although the museum part has already closed, Mal and I bought a bottle of Nicolas champagne and made our way up to the Citadel to watch the sunset. We were shocked to see peacocks milling about the citadel grounds. Who would’ve guessed?

Musée de l’Annonciade

Originally a chapel built in the 1500s, this art museum houses pieces by artists ranging from Henri Matisse to Georges Seurat. Musée de l’Annonciade is small but mighty: its impressionist paintings will introduce you to the artists’ renditions of St. Tropez and Marseille among other scenes. This museum can easily be done in an hour or two. Out of all the things to do in St. Tropez, this was one of my favorites.

Shopping

If you love big names like Jimmy Choo and Dior, you will love St. Tropez. Never have I ever seen so many luxury brands in such a small perimeter. After reading a book about the life of Coco Chanel, I had to see the store here. You may be thinking: what’s the difference between one location and another? The Chanel in St. Tropez isn’t just in a strip of stores. Chanel takes its residence at a mansion called La Mistralée in St. Tropez.

No photos are allowed in this not-so-humble abode, but Vogue France was able to get some exclusive glamour shots. The actual merchandise is sparse, but it’s styled in a way that makes you feel glamorous simply standing there.

Mal and I wandered by Dior and were so bummed to see that their café was closed. If I go back, café Dior Des Lices is on my list. Some streets to explore for shopping: Rue Georges Clemenceau and Rue François Sibilli.

Along with browsing haute couture — emphasis on browsing — I stopped in Ladurée. To be fair, there are Ladurée locations all over the world, even in New York City. But I had to right the wrongs of a trip to France six years ago.

During high school, I visited France for the first time, and the sights and language mesmerized me. When our class visited Versailles, I had a classmate who bought a macaron keychain at Ladurée. I thought it was so cute but wasn’t sure I wanted to pay the price. I decided not to buy it, and I regretted it. And six years later, I still wanted that keychain and made good on that high schooler’s wish.

Un Jour à Peyrassol

When in doubt, listen to your Airbnb host. They know the area and often have great recommendations. And Un Jour à Peyrassol was one of Aude’s recs, and it did the trick. Mal and I ate here on our first night, and this spot bleeds St. Tropez vibes. Think swanky music filling the room and model-worthy outfits on every patron. It only felt right to order a glass of Taittinger champagne, which did not disappoint — as if it ever did. If you’re looking for a fancier dinner during your stay in St. Tropez, add Un Jour à Peyrassol to your list.

Port Grimaud

On our way out of St. Tropez, we stopped at Port Grimaud, which is deemed the Venice of southern France for its canals. It’s even smaller than St. Tropez and radiates quaint charm. Mal and I were bummed that we went on a Monday morning when most everything was closed. It was still fun to walk through this small town and see all the boats.

More St. Tropez pro tips

A few more pro tips on planning a trip to St. Tropez: An easy way to save money is buying groceries for several meals. At the beginning of the week, Mal and I bought some pastries, bread, Nutella, yogurt and coffee. And we ate breakfast at our Airbnb each morning. Also, if you’re driving to St. Tropez, research parking options. Paying exorbitant amounts on parking is just a silly way to spend money. In retrospect, we wish we would’ve inquired about parking several days before from our Airbnb host.

Unless you’re planning a vacation to mainly relax (totally cool, too), you could easily do St. Tropez in one or two days. If you love to shop and sunbathe, this Côte d’Azur gem is for you. Personally, I like the patrimoine element of France: the history, museums, castles, etc. And St. Tropez is richer in the luxury and relaxation than patrimoine and exploration. With these 12 things to do in St. Tropez, there’s something for every traveler.

2 Comments

11 Things to Do in Cannes + Day Trip to Antibes

November 4, 2020

Known for its annual Cannes Film Festival, this southern France gem is more than this one event in May. Mallory and I embarked on a road trip along the Côte d’Azur, and Cannes ended up being one of my favorite spots. Its gorgeous Mediterranean Sea views and classic architecture are sure to make you swoon. Here are 11 things to do in Cannes, plus a day trip to Antibes nearby.

This post includes an affiliate link, which means I may earn a kickback from included links. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps me run my blog. All opinions are my own.

Where We Stayed

During our week-long vacation on the Côte d’Azur, Mal and I stayed in many different Airbnbs. But this one was, by far, our favorite. After staying in a shoebox-sized Airbnb in St. Tropez, we were thrilled to spread out in Cannes. This cozy one-bedroom apartment sits on a calm square and is near downtown. And hostess Kos went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable. Best of all, the apartment had French charm and was thoughtfully decorated. And you cannot beat this sunrise view snap. Get $50 off your first Airbnb booking.

Rue d’Antibes

In Cannes, I shopped till I dropped, and Rue d’Antibes is where it’s happening. We perused PULL&BEAR, Pimkie, Pylones and Bathroom Graffiti. Whether you’re looking for the latest trends or small knickknacks, Rue d’Antibes will suit your fancy. Not long before our trip, I found a hole in one of my favorite sweaters. So I justified the cutest black fur coat from Zara.

Eating gluten-free is tough in France, but with a bit of research, you can do it. I saw that Bridget Bakery was right off this main hub, and I munched on a gluten-free brownie. It wasn’t the most Instagrammable, but I enjoyed the gluten-free options.

Marché Forville

If you go anywhere in France, from the biggest city to the smallest village, there’s a great chance there’s a market. And personally, I think it’s one of the most authentic French experiences you can have. Cannes’ Marché Forville is worth a visit for its fresh meats, cheeses and flowers. Mallory and I stocked up on charcuterie fixings and made a delectable spread (if I do say so myself). It’s a great way to taste fresh French food, and you can do it very affordably, too.

La Piazza

Although the name’s Italian, La Piazza provides the quintessential French dining experience. Think large patio on a bustling street with ocean views. I ordered the parmesan risotto, which was cooked perfectly al dente and packed flavor.

Gelato Junkie

My friend Mackenzie studied abroad for a semester in Cannes, and naturally, I had to ask her for all her recommendations. She suggested Gelato Junkie, which was a must for this frozen treat-lovin’ gal. I downed the Snickers gelato, and it was superb. And you can’t beat this spot’s aesthetic.

Steak n’ Shake

Are you kidding me, Kristin? Steak n’ Shake? Throughout high school, this not-so fast food diner was a favorite hangout for my pals and me. But it’s not known for being the classiest of joints in America. So, when I saw its restaurant logo in France, I gasped. Antithetical, it seemed. Mal and I were curious and also craving a good burger and fries.

And let me tell you: it did not disappoint. In France, as one can assume, it’s much classier. The menu is slightly different, but the cheese sauce is the exact same recipe, I’m convinced. And my Nutella shake was divine. The American-sized portions were a welcome change, too.

Palais Des Festivals and La Croisette

When in Cannes, right? If you’re going to a major film festival hub, you must snap a photo on the red carpet. Naturally, I had to get a few glamour shots myself. You can also walk along the hand imprints on the sidewalk, including Catherine Deneuve’s. (If you haven’t seen her in Umbrellas of Cherbourg, you absolutely must change that!)

This massive building is located on La Croisette, which is one of the major streets in Cannes. Definitely stroll this street for its restaurants and views.

Musée de la Castre and Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance de Cannes

I love museums, and it’s one of my favorite parts of traveling. Although not terribly big, Musée de la Castre held my interest for its wide range of art. Along with the classic paintings, this museum showcases ancient warfare tools from thousands of years ago. And from all over the world, not just France. You probably don’t need more than one hour or so for this museum, but I’m glad I added it to my itinerary.

The museum exit drops you off to some epic views of the city and to the nearby church. Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance de Cannes isn’t too big, but I’m glad I poked my head inside. Right outside the front door of the church is a sort of rampart that you can climb and get more city views.

Villa Rothschild/Médiathèque Noailles

If you’ve done any travel in Europe, the Rothschild name is a good name to know. This Jewish family established a successful bank, enduring hundreds of years. And they have their mark throughout France and its history. When I surveyed the city from the rampart at the church, I saw this gorgeous building at a distance. And I had some time to kill and thought I might as well go find that building.

It ended up being one of the Rothschilds’ villas that’s now been turned into a library. Y’ALL. I don’t know about your hometown library, but this one will surpass all your expectations. I enjoyed poking around this beautiful library with its attached garden grounds.

Day trip to Antibes

Only a 20-minute drive from Cannes, Antibes is a great day trip to add into your Cannes itinerary. It’s a smaller town with gorgeous Mediterranean Sea views and French charm. Here’s what we did on our day trip to Antibes:

Rent bikes from Kaktus

On a sunny afternoon in Antibes, we decided to rent bikes from Kaktus Cycle to ride along the ocean. We had some incredible views and sea breeze. That being said, Mallory is a seasoned cyclist used to biking in the city. Me, not so much. There wasn’t a great bike path; it was mainly on the road. So, if you’re not a big cyclist or not comfortable biking on the road, I wouldn’t recommend. But otherwise, Kaktus offered a great price, and Antibes is chock full with views.

Picasso Museum

Our trip to Antibes unfortunately fell on a Monday, which meant that the Picasso Museum was closed. However, I would’ve loved to add this spot to our itinerary. Next time, for sure!

Tiffany’s Kitchen in Juan-les-Pins

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know, right? Mal had an American family friend, who happened to live in Juan-les-Pins, which is an 8-minute drive from Antibes. We met up at her place for wine, and then she took us to one of her favorite local spots called Tiffany’s Kitchen.

This cozy restaurant was nothing ritzy from the outside, but the food blew me away. I was tired of eating burgers sans bun (gluten-free life) and decided to order the duck. I had only ever tasted duck once in my life, but I needed to shake it up. And wow, did this duck and potatoes roasted in duck fat deliver!

If you’re heading to this film festival capital, you will want to add these 11 things to do in Cannes to your list, including a day trip to Antibes. Out of all the places we visited on the Riviera that week, Cannes holds a special place in my heart.

5 Comments

About

Hi, I'm Kristin. I'm a content creator teaching English in southern France. I'm all about exploring new places, practicing my French and sharing blogging tips. Allez-viens!
learn more about my story

Want free access to my 30-minute travel budgeting course?