In the 1670s, Louis XIV built the Palace of Versailles on the site of his father’s hunting lodge. Louis was fed up with the scheming nobility and relocated the entire French court from Paris to a remote location where he could monitor them more closely. Versailles was designed to show off Louis’s absolute power as […]
France
10 Highlights of the Louvre
I have a love/hate relationship with the Louvre. The famous museum in Paris has one of the finest collections of art in the world, with nearly 35,000 artifacts on display. It is a living, breathing humanities lesson. But fame comes with a price – the Louvre welcomes nearly 10 million visitors annually from around the globe, […]
15 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Paris
When visiting Paris, you probably have all the iconic attractions and museums on your itinerary. But a big part of the city’s charm lies in its exceptional activities . Where else can you track down Jim Morrison’s grave or watch the cancan performed in the dance hall where it was born? This guide features some […]
Why You Should Visit the Chateau de Fontainebleau
Before planning my week-long trip to Paris, I was only generally aware of the Chateau de Fontainebleau. It wasn’t an included stop on either of the two group tours of France I took as a teenager – we went to Versailles both times instead. But with the UNESCO-listed palace located a mere 56 kilometers from Paris, […]
Where to Eat in Paris – 20 Restaurants to Try Now
Paris is known as one of the world’s best food cities for good reason. It has over 400 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, and 20 of those have two or more stars. Of course, some require reservations six months in advance and you might have to sell a kidney to afford the bill. But […]