“History is a lie!” — Robert Walpole, British Prime Minister For aficionados of true crime cold cases, the disappearance of the sons of King Edward IV, the “two princes in the tower” is truly epic stuff. The year is 1483. King Edward IV has just died and his sons, Edward V and Richard, are installed … Read more
Planning a trip to Paris? Welcome to one of my favorite cities and one of Europe’s most cultured and cosmopolitan spots! Paris is the star and the backdrop of so much great history, art, and literature. It’s a city that appeals to all different passions — museum lovers, history buffs, epicureans, devotees of royalty and … Read more
Here’s my guide to tacky tourist traps and overrated sites to skip in Paris. Sometimes, you have to gush over a lauded must see attraction. And sometimes you need to levy justified criticism, to give readers the real lowdown on a particular site. I’ve written a “what to skip” post for decoding Lisbon and London. … Read more
Here’s my guide to the most beautiful towns in the Occitanie region of sunny southern France. It lies in the warm and sensuous southwest corner, a merger of the former regions of Languedoc Rousillon and the Midi-Pyrenees. Occitanie is a secret out of the way land of wine and wonder — chock full of art, … Read more
Tired of the big city and looking for some small cities in Europe to put on your bucket list? I’ve got you covered. Europe is a top destination for tourists, but we tend to gravitate towards big cities like Paris, London, or Rome when planning a city break. While these cities are undoubtedly amazing, they … Read more
Are you in search of some unique experiences in Provence? Look no further than my guide to discovering over 17 hidden gem towns and villages in the region. While Provence is a beloved destination among travelers, there are still some captivating, lesser-known places waiting to be explored. These hidden gems are quintessentially Provençal, with enchanting … Read more
There’s not one great thing but many small, beautiful things that make our city and region special.” — Proprietor, N°5 Wine Bar, Toulouse Here’s my guide to visiting the beautiful and underrated city of Toulouse in southwest France. This Toulouse travel guide covers all the top attractions and best things to do and see in … Read more
Planning a vacation in France’s Loire Valley? This is the ultimate guide to taking a one week road trip in the Loire Valley. I give you must know tips for visiting the Loire. If you have extra time in France, I also give you tips for extending your stay in France’s Brittany or Normandy regions. … Read more
Beyond the famous Louvre and its glittering I.M. Pei Pyramid, Paris is home to a wealth of lesser-known yet equally enchanting museums. These hidden gems offer a chance to peek into artist studios, explore themed collections, and admire art in situ within grand palaces, all while avoiding the usual crowds. Most tourists in Paris tend … Read more
Need a break from the hurly burly of Paris? Claude Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny are the perfect bucolic destination. Just 50 miles northwest of Paris, Giverny is an easy day trip or weekend getaway from Paris. Giverny is a one-of-a-kind pastoral paradise, born from a great artist’s obsession. It’s a must see site … Read more