Even if you’re not a cycling buff, following the Tour de France race route can be both an exciting and a relaxing trip. These seven cities along the Tour are some of France’s gems and will... Read more >>

Often while talking with my friends in the United States, I have mentioned that I am learning to charm and be charmed here in France. I suppose that seems like an odd thing to say, but the fact... Read more >>

With no city lights in sight, I grew frightened as the night approached without the prospect of finding my way. A white van soon pulled over, the driver wondering if everything was all right. He... Read more >>

You simply have to love a place where a top local chef advises wine with breakfast. Thierry Marx, a Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, reported to the Aquitaine tourism magazine that one of his... Read more >>

I’m writing this blog drunk. It must be said. But when else am I going to speak my mind without any hint of remorse? Never, I tell you. Why? Because I’m from Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, you... Read more >>

I’m sorry. It’s the cheese! This is a public apology. And apology to all my visitors who have made the trip already, as well as to those who plan to come and visit me here in France in... Read more >>

Ok Frenchies, let’s start a list: No Thanksgiving. Ok, I get that. You don’t care about the **correction: NATIVE AMERICANS***, you never slaughtered them mercilessly to the point of... Read more >>

It may just be that the South of France actually is just as “southern” as the American “southern,” with the exception of one area, the beaches. I am a southerner, however, who... Read more >>

I guess many of you have already dreamed of living in a foreign country and since I am not different from anybody else, I’ve also had this idea in my mind. I always wanted to have the experience... Read more >>

Madame Legrange was seventy-six—an asparagus-like Parisienne, elegantly accessorized by a lanky yellow dog named Galantine. Madame Legrange had just bought my small village house in... Read more >>