The six-headed dragon appears just opposite the entrance to the Château de Blois and it's a favorite spot to visit when I’m in this...

Troglodyte. When I first moved to the Loire Valley beside the Cher River, the word "troglodyte" popped out of nowhere, generating...

To me, the Loire Valley is authentic France for its tranquil way of life, its local vineyards, farm-fresh produce, historic villages, and...

For years, when friends said they’d just done a home exchange in some exotic place, I’d respond that I’d love to go there but… “I...

If you're an occasional traveler who wants to stay connected overseas without racking up massive phone charges—and, especially if you are...

The coffee at the sidewalk café was bittersweet in more ways than one. As my husband and I savored that last, relaxing taste of Paris, it...

It’s cold outside and I’m day-dreaming of something delicious to snack on, but gourmet treats are even better when enjoyed in a dream...

From Normandy's beaches to Burgundy’s enduring vineyards to the ancient fortifications of Carcassonne, the enduring beauty of France...

As a member of HomeExchange.com I've been a happy 'camper' (figuratively speaking, of course, my lodgings did not require sleeping bags!)...

In France tradition and food are a winning combination. In January, it results in the Galette des Rois (King Cake”) which is historically...

As our first year living in France wound down, French friends, Christiane and Pierre suggested we celebrate Le Réveillon—the dusk to dawn...

Tis the season and just have to share this article about contemporary takes on the traditional "Yule Log" from the New York Times....

I prefer chocolate truffles to the dirt-encrusted ones dug up with pigs. That said, the winter truffles found in France are still prized,...

Lists galore rate countries according to issues ranging from happiness (Finland according to Forbes), most educated (Luxembourg according...

The beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things. Michel de Montaigne Vacations are nice but a long-term...

Most people have heard of Beaujolais Nouveau, the freshly-harvested red wine from Gamay grapes in France’s Beaujolais region. The...

When I lived in France, it was tempting to apply for a passport from a European Union country to add to my American one. One grandfather...

So many parks in Paris are a joy to visit: The massive Jardin des Tuileries leading to the Louvre. Sprawling Bois de Boulogne with...

Besides airfare, the major expense in travel is accommodation. Once you’ve coughed up a healthy sum for the ticket, endured security...

[Part II] As you may know if you read the prior post, my dog failed his first dining out test. Big time. However, in a country that loves...