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8 Things to Do in Annecy, France

June 29, 2021

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 said sure, let’s go. And friends, I fell in love with this lake-mountain town with the bluest water and amazing bikeability. With these 8 things to do in Annecy, you’re sure to swoon over this destination, too.

Transportation

If you even remotely enjoy biking, Annecy aims to please. I like biking but am not terribly confident when it’s on busy, car-jammed roads. In Annecy, there are plenty of biking only paths, and Tori and I made use of the free bikes that came with our Airbnb rental, which was delightful as well. You can bike along the lake’s edge and throughout the town.

There were zero Uber options, and the taxi service we called was outrageously expxensive. You definitely can do Annecy without a car as the town isn’t terribly large, but we were bummed that we couldn’t explore the mountains and gorges more. Consider renting a car, but it’s also entirely possible to enjoy Annecy by foot and bike.

Musée-Château d’Annecy

If you know me, you know I’m a big castle girl. Heck, my French friend invited me to stay in his castle for a weekend, so I know a thing or two. Lucky for me and other castle aficianados, Annecy is home to a castle-museum combo. Musée-Château Annecy served as a home for the Counts of Geneva until the end of the 14th century. Today, you can wander the castle halls that have since been filled with artwork and artifacts. Unfortunately, Tori and I had only an hour to explore before it closed, but it was worth the walk up the hill. Because we were under age 26, our tickets were only 3 euros. Pas mal. The village and lake views from the castle are splendid.

Boutiques

Annecy is also home to some darling boutiques worth browsing. Tori and I spent quite some time at a boutique called Le Grenier, where we both left with pieces we loved. I found a leopard maxi skirt and had to immediately wear it out that night. This boutique is located on Rue de l’Ile along with many other fun shops to peruse.

Paddle boarding

What’s better than looking at the bluest lake on a sunny day? Getting out on it. Tori and I rented paddle boards for 15 euros an hour right along the shore, and it was magnificent. Photos cannot describe how awe-inspiring this nook of France is, sincerely. If paddle boarding isn’t your thing, there are a plethora of options and shops right along the shore that will be happy to offer you their services.

Le Pont des Amours

I feel like every major French city has some type of bridge devoted to lovers, and Annecy is no exception with its Pont des Amours. Head on over to Le Pont des Amours to peek at the locks and get a beautiful lake view.

The markets

In love with La France profonde and its classic touches reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast? Take a stroll through Annecy’s markets of fresh produce, cheese, clothes, olives, tapenades, jewelry, antiques — there is truly something for everyone to browse. Head over to Old Town near Église Saint François and follow the canal. Here’s what markets are open when.

Brasserie Saint Maurice

Tori and I strolled in all casual and asked for a table for 2 at Brasserie Saint Maurice. The host told us we were lucky because that’s all they had left since we hadn’t made reservations. And what a luck of the draw because not only was the ambience so summery and tranquil but also the food was fantastic. Tori and I planned to do a fancy dinner of drinks, apéro and meals, but after ordering the charcuterie and cheese board — which was an art form itself — we didn’t have room for a meal. I’ve had some meh charcuterie, but this one will reign at the top of my list as one of the best planches I’ve ever tasted.

Le Palais des Glaces

If you know me, you know I’m always down for ice cream. I have a lot of ice cream experience under my belt and have high standards. I tried multiple ice cream shops in Annecy, but I’m only sharing Le Palais des Glaces because it truly blew me out of the park. Their homemade Snickers flavor made me drool, and the ice cream presentation is top-notch.

I still cannot get over Annecy. As much as I love France, I’ve visited places where I’ve said to myself, Meh, I don’t need to come back. But Annecy enchanted me and beckons for another visit. Save this post for the best things to do in Annecy, France.

Craving more French lake vibes? Here’s my guide to Les Gorges du Verdon.

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How to Spend a Weekend in Albi, France

June 3, 2021

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 my favorite things to do in Albi along with stops in nearby Cordes-sur-Ciel and Laguépie.

Le Pontié

Word of advice: listen to the locals. When my friend’s French boyfriend recommended the magret de canard with potatoes at Le Pontié, I obliged. And friends, this duck dish is truly one of the best meals I have ever consumed in France. This regional specialty was cooked the perfection: crusty exterior with a juicy inside. I woke up the next morning still thinking and drooling over this duck. Additionally, the service was impeccable, and this restaurant sits on a lively square and is the essence of French dining culture.

Au 14.80

Located just steps from the cathedral, this spot had the perfect ambience for evening drinks with friends. I love trying new cocktails, and Au 14.80 had plenty of creative ones to pick from. Kelly and I enjoyed our fruity sips, which were also totally ‘grammable.

Pont Vieux

Take a stroll along the red brick bridge that straddles the Tarn River. This medieval bridge was first built in the 11th century and has UNESCO accolades.

Albi Sign

I mean, did you even go to Albi if you didn’t get your obligatory tourist picture by the city sign? This red #Albi sign is located near 2 Place du Château and gives you a beautiful backdrop of the Cathédrale in your ‘gram.

Cathédrale Saint-Cécile d’Albi

Also something to add to your list of things to do in Albi is Cathédrale Saint-Cécile d’Albi, which is the largest brick cathedral in existence. This spot is also Europe’s biggest painted cathedral with nearly 200,000 square feet of frescos and illustrations. I mean, talk about bragging rights.

When I visited my friend Kelly this winter, we watched an amazing lightshow displayed on the cathedral. If you’re in Albi near Christmastime, be sure to add this to your itinerary.

Musée Toulouse-Lautrec

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was born in Albi during the 19th century, yet his mark on the modernism movement with his posters and paintings continues to today. I remember studying his work in my high school graphic design class and was fascinated by his simple yet provactive work. (I even got to see his work that made it all the way to Kansas City, Missouri!) I haven’t been able to visit this museum yet, but it’s on my list for my next trip to Albi.

Piece by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec in Kansas City, MO

Berbie Palace

Maybe the romance of southwestern France and the princess-medieval vibes were getting to me. But all I could think when I visited the Berbie Palace was, This would be the perfect place for a wedding. In any case, these perfectly manicured gardens and red brick buildings made me swoon. This UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 1200s once served as the bishops’ palace.

Cordes-sur-Ciel

With a population of about 1,000, Cordes-sur-Ciel is sure to charm you with its cobblestone paths and medieval architecture — even the French agree! In 2014, Cordes-sur-Ciel was named Le Village Préféré des Français, or the French’s favorite village.

This village is a short 30-minute drive from Albi, making it an easy day trip. Head up to Les Halles to explore the restaurants around this covered, medieval square. We enjoyed strolling along the streets and poking around the boutiques with handmade jewelry.

Get the best views near Place Saint-Michel, where there’s a square that overlooks the sweeping valley. And satisfy your sweet tooth at chocolatier Yves Thuriès.

Laguépie

When I lived in Toulouse for a summer several years ago, my friend invited me to stay at his family castle for Bastille Day weekend with our friends. We road tripped around Occitanie, where I was first introduced to the village of Laguépie. And it was love at first sight.

At first glance, Laguépie appears to be a drive-through village with just 600 inhabitants. But this quaint village exudes French village life in the most tranquil way. On that summer day several years ago, we explored Château Lou Viel Castel, whose history goes all the way back to before the 10th century. And we soaked up the sun and splashed around in the Viaur River.

Nearly four years later, I came back to Laguépie with Kelly and her boyfriend, who grew up in Laguépie. Truly the smallest world!

One of the reasons I love living in France so much is that I’m constantly exploring. When people think of France, they often think of the big glittering spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, which are indeed fantastic. But I find that the heart of the French culture lies in the quieter, under-the-radar spots like Albi. Tuck away these things to do in Albi and nearby day trips to Cordes-sur-Ciel and Laguépie.

Craving even more southwestern French village charm? Here’s a post on the road trip we took through Occitanie.

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How to Teach English Abroad in France

May 9, 2021

My first trip to France was intoxicating. I was 15 and traveled to Paris for a few days on a high school trip. And I couldn’t bear the thought of being away from France for too long. After studying abroad and working for a summer in France, I still wanted more of my beloved France. But how? My French teacher had told me about a teaching assistant program in France, and I was delighted when I was accepted to teach English in France for a year. Oh, and I have zero teaching credentials! Perhaps you’re dreaming of moving to France but aren’t quite sure how. Even if you have no desire to become a teacher or teaching experience, it’s still possible. Here’s how to teach English abroad in France.

This post may include affiliate links, which means I may earn a kickback from included links. All opinions are my own.

My story

Wrapping up my senior year of college, I was burnt out and wanted to take a gap year. I had spent the last four years working toward my journalism and French degrees and had long planned to go into magazine editing. But I needed to recollect myself after a very rigorous program. I started looking into this teaching program in France that my professor had told me about, and my interest was piqued. A 7-month contract to teach English in French public schools for 12 hours per week? Sign me up!

I looked into the Fulbright program to teach English in France, but this program is highly competitive with only 10 spots. On the other hand, the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) accepts over 1,500 Americans to do virtually the same thing. And the application process for TAPIF is but a fraction of the Fulbright one. The bulk of this post will focus on my teaching experience through TAPIF, but I will touch on other ways to teach English abroad in France, too.

What is TAPIF?

The Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF) offers 7-month contracts to Americans to teach English in French public schools. TAPIF is just one branch of the Assistants de Langue program, which hires 4,500 assistants from 60 countries to teach their native languages. Applications are due in January with acceptance results starting to roll in around April. Then the program begins in October and ends the following April.

Once accepted to TAPIF, assistants are placed in either the primaire or secondaire level and teach 12 hours per week in up to three schools. Assistants earn about 785 euros per month (net) unless they teach in one of the overseas department and subsequently earn more.

Who can apply, and will I get accepted?

If you’re looking to teach English abroad in France through TAPIF, you have to meet a few benchmarks. First, you have to be a native English speaker between the ages of 20 and 35 and have completed at least three years of university or college. According to TAPIF’s website, you’re supposed to have a B1 level of French, or about three semesters of college French. However, I know multiple people who have applied with a lower level of French.

You don’t need any sort of teaching degree or TEFL certification. Most of the assistants I know don’t have any type of TEFL certification. The website says they prioritize people who have worked with or taught children or adults in the past. That is extremely broad, so be sure to touch on that in your application statement if you have any experience.

Out of the handful of people who applied from my university for the 2020-2021 school year, everyone was accepted. Some were originally waitlisted and then accepted, but none were ultimately rejected.

Okay, but will I get accepted? Per stats from the TAPIF website for the 2018-2019 school year, the acceptance rate was 95%. And that was when they only had 1,100 positions instead of the current 1,500.

My experience pre-departure

My first choice of académie, or basically a very large school district, was Aix-Marseille. I selected the preference of a large city and had no preference for academic level. I was placed in Marseille proper with two elementary schools and one maternelle, or preschool. So I ended up getting my biggest wishes, but I know people with similar applications who didn’t get their first choices. They don’t fully disclose how they place their assistants, but that doesn’t mean we don’t spend the entirety of the program wondering how they placed us where they did — ha!

My program timeline looked different because it was 2020. *Queue Jaws music* Although results were supposed to come in April, I didn’t get an official acceptance until the end of June. It was simply an email saying I’d been accepted to teach in Académie d’Aix-Marseille in primary schools. I didn’t receive my actual city placement until the end of April when I received my official arrêté, or work contract. Once I had my arrêté, I could apply for my visa, which was quite the adventure thanks to Covid.

And even once I had my arrêté and visa, getting to France during a pandemic was a saga to say the least, since airport employee Brian refused to give me my boarding passes because apparently Americans weren’t allowed in France. Ah, good times — read the full story here.

My experience during TAPIF

Despite the hoopla of actually arriving in France, I made it! And I was able to teach in-person, too. On Tuesdays, I spent the entirety of the day at one elementary school, and on Thursdays, I split my time between the other elementary school and the maternelle. Elementary schoolers in Marseille don’t go to school on Wednesdays, and I arranged my schedule so that I only worked two days a week. Quelle chance ! That being said, those were long, packed days, but because I lived so far away, it made sense to teach full days to fulfill my 12 hours.

As far as resources, I was given several curriculum books and some flashcards. But I had immense autonomy to plan my lessons. We spent a lot of time reading some Eric Carle classics like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and From Head to Toe. I created a free download, 101 Classroom Ideas for TAPIF or TEFL Teachers. In this 14-page free guide, I round up my favorite game, activity, subject and resource ideas. Allez-y !

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Other ways to teach English in France

My teaching abroad experience in France was through TAPIF, but there are definitely other ways to teach English in France. You can apply for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, which selects only 10 people per year. It’s virtually the same as TAPIF and even has similar requirements, but you get the prestige of the “Fulbright” label and earn more money.

If you’re a native English speaker, you’re already on high demand in France. There are plenty of international or bilingual schools looking for English teachers. It takes more work to research and find job listings and get a sponsored visa, but that’s also another option. I have a friend who simply googled English schools in Paris and found École M, who had a job listing for an English teacher. Do some digging!

You can also teach online through sites like VIPKid or Cambly. I follow Sara Plummer on Instagram, and she’s an American living in Paris who teaches English online via VIPKid. And she has a referral code in her link in bio.

Wrapping up

If you’re a native English speaker and want to teach English abroad in France, you definitely have options. My experience is through TAPIF, and this program truly is one of the simplest ways for Americans to get into France to teach English. If you’ve been accepted to TAPIF, be sure to brush up on what you need to do during your first few months. But there are definitely other ways to teach abroad in France whether online or at bilingual/language immersion schools.

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26 Things to Do in Marseille

April 22, 2021

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 Marseille, France.

Getting around

There was certainly a lifestyle change when I went from living in Missouri to Marseille. I drove everywhere back home in Missouri, but in Marseille, I don’t have a car. But the public transportation system in Marseille gets me about everywhere I need to go without any problems. And the few times that buses aren’t running, I’m able to Uber. For your visit to Marseille, I strongly recommend downloading the RTM app and getting some sort of unlimited pass for the duration of your stay. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it’s also entirely practical. With your RTM pass, you gain access to virtually all the buses, metro lines and even boats. How cool is that?

The RTM app is the public transportation app that gives you actual wait times for different stops, and I use it on the daily. However, I prefer Google Maps to recommend which specific bus or metro lines to take. And once Google Maps gives me the best route, I check the RTM app for actual wait times because Google isn’t always up to speed.

Don’t overlook the navettes, or boats, as they’re part of your public transportation pass. Quelle vie !

Mucem

The Mucem, or Musée des civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée, is a much newer museum as it opened in 2013. But this spot doesn’t lack for history. Although le J4 building is a modern-day build, the Mucem also includes Fort St. Jean, a 7th century military fortress. This museum sits right on the Mediterranean Sea and has beautiful gardens to stroll. Due to Covid, I haven’t been able to visit the museum yet, but I’ve walked the grounds and am already enchanted.

Palais Longchamp

As much as I love Marseille, its allure isn’t the typical French charm. The Marseillais are known for their rough and tough exterior, much like the rocky Calanques, the crazy strong Mistral wind and mighty Mediterranean waves. In the oldest city in France, Marseille dwellers sport a rugged strength, which is why Palais Longchamp is a discordant yet welcome moment in city architecture.

You think it’s just a beautiful park, but wait, there’s so much more. On your left, you have the Museum of Fine Arts. And on your right sits the Natural History Museum. Even more, Palais Longchamp boasts a botanical garden, which used to be a zoo.

La Corniche

When I learned about La Corniche not long after moving to Marseille, I was hooked. Whenever I think of Marseille, these splendid moments are what pop into my mind. You cannot beat the stunning sea views, expensive homes and lack of tourists. It’s not in the main hub of downtown Marseille, but it’s extremely accessible either by foot or bus from Vieux Port.

I have no reservations saying your trip to Marseille will not be complete without a trip to La Corniche. Because yes, I do feel that strongly. You can rent a city bike to take along the path or simply take a leisurely stroll.

L’Anse de la Fausse Monnaie

Nestled right along La Corniche sits L’Anse de la Fausse Monnaie, a cove perfect for picnicking and swimming. In my dozens of walks along La Corniche, I always seemed to stop at this cove because it truly just takes my breath away every time. And as for swimming, the waves aren’t as aggressive here as some other anses.

Vallon des Auffes

Another stop along La Corniche, Vallon des Auffes is the perfect cove for swimming or paddle boarding. Walk the path along this small fishing village with its colorful buildings and many boats.

Le Glacier de la Corniche

My best friend’s mom always said that a long line is a sure sign that the restaurant is good. And Le Glacier de la Corniche is no exception. I passed this seaside ice cream shop plenty of times before I braved the long line. And it was so worth it! During the weekends, there’s always a line out the door for this hole-in-the-wall ice cream spot, but the dozens of flavors and farm-fresh quality merit the hype. And this dive sits on La Corniche, which means your wait is breathtaking ocean views. If you really just can’t stand lines, go on a weekday to profiter bien.

La Pépite

Loving France and being gluten-intolerant sounds like an oxymoron. But La Pépite gave me the freedom to choose absolutely anything I wanted in the glass case. These pastries are all gluten- and dairy-free but full of rich flavor. On special occasions, I liked to treat myself to these goodies.

La Calanque de Sugiton

If there is anything that you absolutely must see when in Marseille, it’s Les Calanques. Forever and ever, this will stand as one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid eyes on. The rock formations jutting along the Mediterranean Sea, the deep blue hues and warm sunshine provide the most halcyon atmosphere. Les Calanques translate to “rocky inlets,” and Marseille isn’t the only place to enjoy these majestic sights.

But out of the several calanques I’ve visited, my favorite one is in Marseille. It takes about 45 minutes of transportation from Vieux Port to get to La Calanque de Sugiton. Here’s the best route from Vieux Port. Do dress for the part with sturdy shoes and a water bottle, as this hike is not for beginners.

Parc Borély

Sprawled out over 44 acres, Parc Borély is the place to get your steps in. The beautiful gardens and fountains are under the watchful eye of the 18th century bastide. I had a delightful morning riding a bike in this vast, tranquil park.

Jardin du Pharo

Another frequented spot, Jardin du Pharo offers sweeping views of Le Vieux Port, the Mucem and the Mediterranean Sea as well as a massive palace.

Parc Valmer

Situated right along La Corniche, Parc Valmer gives you some of my favorite views in Marseille. As far as parks go, this one is on the smaller side, but its perched position provided drool-worthy sea views. Pack a picnic or grab your favorite novel as you soak up the sun seaside.

Vieux Port

You cannot go to Marseille without seeing Le Vieux Port, or the old port. Not only is it one of Marseille’s biggest claims to fame, but it also sits at the heart of this city. Plenty of shops and restaurants surround this boat-filled port as well as street performers and fresh markets. Whenever I met up with friends downtown, we’d always meet up at Vieux Port because the location cannot be beat.

Abutting Le Vieux Port is La Canebière, one of the main shopping streets with a history dating back to the reign of Louis XIV in the 1600s.

Le Frioul

Marseille is the second largest city in France, but you’re just a stone’s throw away from escaping the hustle and bustle. Le Frioul is only a 20-minute boat ride from Vieux Port. These islands are sure to delight with its deep blue water and gorgeous landscape. These islands’ history dates as far back as 500 B.C., and its isolated location made it an ideal spot to build Caroline Hospital, where yellow fever patients were treated in the early 1800s. Be sure to wear comfy shoes as this island’s hikes will tempt you.

Buy tickets to the island here.

Les Terrasses du Port

You think you’ve seen a mall before, but you have not seen a mall until you’ve visited Les Terrasses du Port. This massive, new shopping center not only offers a variety of shops but also uninterrupted sea views from the top level. Plus, the dining options on the terrace offer the most magical sunset views.

Centre Bourse

Another major shopping mall, Centre Bourse sits steps away from Le Vieux Port and has something Les Terrasses du Port doesn’t have: Galeries Lafayette, a high-end department store. And right behind this modern shopping mall sits the History Museum of Marseille and Jardin des Vestiges, ruins dating back to 200 B.C.

Notre Dame de la Garde

Did you even go to France if you didn’t see some type of church, cathedral or basilica? Non. Marseille is a very hilly city, and Notre Dame de la Garde overlooks the city from her perch. Dating back to the 1200s, Notre Dame gives you some of the best views of the city. But be sure to tie your hair back because Le Mistral wind is a piece of work up there.

Cathédrale de la Major

Ben oui, another cathedral. This Byzantine cathedral is the only church to be built in France during the 1800s, and Napoleon III laid the first stone, according to Marseille Tourisme. Technically, La Major is composed of two churches: one built in the 6th century, another built in the 19th century. The former is the oldest church in Marseille with its roots reaching the 500s.

Cours Julien

This is the neighborhood where the hipsters come to play. You’ll know when you’ve arrived at Cours Julien because graffiti is everywhere and eclectic shops line the streets.

Bernie

As much as I love France and French culture, sometimes I miss home and pieces of America. One of the things I miss is the coffee, especially iced. When my friend Esther introduced me to Bernie, it was love at first sight. I hadn’t tasted genuine iced coffee in months, and my heart was full. You also can’t beat the indie vibes with all the greenery and allergy-friendly goodies.

La Préfecture neighborhood

One of my favorite areas to walk and browse shops is near La Préfecture. In front of these city administration buildings sits a grand fountain and a big square where people like to eat and catch some rays of sun. Just steps away from this square is Rue Paradis, a lively yet less trodden shopping street.

Oh Faon

Also mere steps away from La Préfecture is a tiny pâtisserie with the most beautiful pastries. Oh Faon serves up gluten-free, vegan treats. When my friend Kelly suggested we visit Oh Faon, I was a bit hesitant. Gluten-free and vegan? Surely, that can’t be any good. Oh, was I wrong! On Saturday morning, I tasted my first Oh Faon pastry, and we bought six more for our party that Sunday. Beautifully designed and packed with flavor.

Avenue du Prado

Another major shopping street, Avenue du Prado has been dubbed the Champs-Elysées of Marseille, per La Provence. These tree-lined, wide avenues will make you want to wander for hours.

Some people like to talk down on Marseille for its different accent and rough attitude, but let me tell you: I am proud to call Marseille home and honestly laugh when people say things like that. Pourquoi? Because this city has some of the most beautiful spots, and there is an abundance of things to do in Marseille.

Looking to explore more of southern France? Take a peek at my city guide to St. Tropez and best day trips from Nice.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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