France

Our Winter Wonderland Experience in Paris

Visiting Paris in winter, with its enchanting Christmas markets and festive atmosphere, was an experience we will never forget. We arrived by bus (Using FlixBus from London) at 6.30am with no internet and not able to say anything more than Bonjour and Merci! We jumped on the Metro to our accommodation (having done a bit of research before we got to Paris helped!) We stayed in the charming 9th arrondissement, a central location near Moulin Rouge that made exploring the city very easy. The hotel let us leave our bags and off we went for espresso and croissants! Our apartment was just a 20-minute metro ride from the heart of Paris, perfect for the first look around the city.

We started our Paris trip with a leisurely walk along the Seine River, a wonderful way to get acquainted with the city on our first day. The scenic views and historic bridges set the tone for the rest of our trip. Of course, no visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. We visited during the day to admire its grandeur (plus mulled wine and Croque Monsieur) and returned at night to see it illuminated against the dark sky—a truly magical sight that left us pretty stunned to be honest. We visited the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris but this was under repair after the big fire a few years ago. A highlight of our trip was visiting the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. We chose to go to the Louvre later in the afternoon, which we had researched to be a quieter time, allowing us to enjoy the masterpieces without the long queues. The Mona Lisa and the vast collection of art were simply mesmerizing (although it is so big we got lost on more than a few occasions).

Our days in Paris were filled with searching for the best croissant, stops at cafes, where we indulged in espressos, bottles of red wine, fresh croissants, and baguettes with creamy Camembert cheese. These moments of chilling and people-watching added to the charm of our Parisian adventure. We also explored the Pantheon and the stunning Sainte-Chapelle. The intricate stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle were a highlight, flooding the chapel with colorful light and leaving us speechless. Booking our tickets online from the official websites made visiting these iconic sites hassle-free, and we highly recommend this to anyone planning their trip.

Navigating Paris was very easy thanks to the metro system. We purchased our metro tickets from machines at each station, which was quite straightforward once we got the hang of where we were and what direction we needed to go in. Despite the metro’s convenience, we found the city very walkable and often preferred to explore on foot, discovering hidden gems and taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Our five days in Paris flew by, but each moment was filled with unforgettable experiences. From the bustling Christmas markets to the tranquil beauty of the Seine River, from the towering Eiffel Tower to the serene Sainte-Chapelle, every part of the city captivated us. The combination of historic landmarks, delicious food, and the festive winter ambiance made our Parisian adventure truly special. We can’t wait to return and create even more memories in this enchanting city.

Exploring the Sunny South of France

Our trip to the South of France was a sun-soaked adventure filled with some unforgettable moments. We flew into Nice and based ourselves in the charming coastal town of Antibes. Known for its central location, Antibes made it easy to explore the stunning towns along the French Riviera. With the efficient train system, we visited Cannes, Eze, Nice and even Monaco, making the most of our time in this beautiful region. We were really struck by how beautiful the weather was even in late Winter/early Spring.

Antibes is a quiet, picturesque town with a relaxed vibe. The locals are friendly and welcoming, embodying the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. The town is perfect for leisurely strolls along the coastline, with beautiful beaches and a historic old town to explore. Being just a half-hour train ride from Nice, it served as a perfect base for our travels.

Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera, was vibrant and lively. We loved visiting the local markets, where the colorful displays of fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies were a feast for the senses. A highlight of our visit was the walk to the top lookout around Colline du Château, offering breathtaking views over the city and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The sunny climate made every day delightful, and the relaxed pace of life was contagious.

Cannes, famous for its prestigious film festival, was a blend of glamour and natural beauty. We wandered around the town, admiring the luxurious yachts in the harbor and the chic boutiques along La Croisette. Visiting the film festival location was a must, and we could almost feel the excitement of the red carpet events. Despite its glamorous reputation, Cannes retains a laid-back vibe that we found very appealing.

Eze was perhaps the most breathtaking of all the towns we visited. This medieval village perched high on a hill offered incredible views of the coastline. We made the 1 hour, steep walk to the top from the train station, which was both challenging and, in the end, rewarding. The narrow, winding streets and ancient stone buildings made us feel like we had stepped back in time. The view from the top was simply spectacular, making the climb well worth it. We paid the entry fee to the Le Jardin Exotique which you simply have to do for the best views and what is left of the medieval fortress.

Monaco, the epitome of luxury and opulence, was fascinating. From the famous Monte Carlo Casino to the impressive marina filled with some of the world’s most extravagant yachts, everything about Monaco exudes wealth and glamour. Despite its small size, there was plenty to see and do, and we spent a day exploring its many attractions. We talk a little more about Monaco on the country page.

Traveling along the French Riviera by train was a breeze, thanks to the Trainline app, which made buying tickets easy and convenient. The train station in Antibes was just a short walk from our accommodation, and the trains were punctual and comfortable. Even getting from the airport in Nice to Antibes was straightforward with the excellent train service.

Overall, our trip to the South of France was so surprising as we didn’t have a clue about what to expect. It really was a wonderful blend of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. The sunny climate made every day perfect for exploring, and the friendly locals made us feel right at home even though the language barrier made it a bit tough. While the region can be pricey, the beauty and charm of the French Riviera make it worth every penny.