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Sep 12, 2025
Paris Sewer Museum: What You Need To Know Before You Visit
Discover the Paris Sewer Museum, a quirky underground attraction. It’s cleaner (and far less smelly) than you think, with fascinating Paris history inside.
Continue reading "Paris Sewer Museum: What You Need To Know Before You Visit"
Sep 10, 2025
7 Reasons France In November Might Be A Great Decision
Thinking of visiting France in November? Discover the pros and cons – cheaper travel, fewer crowds, and unique festivals despite cooler weather.
Continue reading "7 Reasons France In November Might Be A Great Decision"
Aug 28, 2025
10 Fascinating Monuments In Paris Not Enough People Visit
Discover 10 underrated monuments in Paris, from Roman arenas to hidden memorials, that most visitors overlook.
Continue reading "10 Fascinating Monuments In Paris Not Enough People Visit"
Aug 21, 2025
Things to Do in Biarritz If You Love Culture
Discover the best things to do in Biarritz, from historic landmarks and Basque food traditions to surf spots, viewpoints and elegant villas.
Continue reading "Things to Do in Biarritz If You Love Culture"
Aug 19, 2025
The Easy Way to See the Loire Valley from Paris by Train
Discover the easiest ways to visit the Loire Valley from Paris by train. Learn the best routes, travel times, and which châteaux you can reach without a car.
Continue reading "The Easy Way to See the Loire Valley from Paris by Train"
Aug 05, 2025
Explore 14 Of The Best-Preserved Walled Cities in France
Discover 14 of the best-preserved walled cities in France, perfect for history lovers and curious travelers.
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Jul 29, 2025
The Escoffier Museum: An Ode to the Master Chef
Visit the Escoffier Museum in Villeneuve-Loubet on the French Riviera, with original menus, utensils, and historic kitchen displays.
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Jul 23, 2025
The Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth (And Other Fascinating Details)
Discover the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth and the surprising relics, symbols and stories hidden inside this Gothic masterpiece.
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Jul 18, 2025
In the Footsteps of Napoleon III: A Walk Through Second Empire Paris
Explore Second Empire Paris through this one-day walking itinerary that traces Napoleon III’s urban redesign.
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Jul 13, 2025
17 Outstanding Day Trips From Annecy By Train Or Car
Discover the best day trips from Annecy, from lakeside villages to alpine hikes, all within easy reach of the city.
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Jun 02, 2025
30 Surprising Things You’ll See On A French Restaurant Menu
Navigate any French restaurant menu with confidence. Learn what to expect, from odd dishes to dining customs, and how to order like a local.
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May 26, 2025
How to Plan Your Trip To The Carnavalet Museum in Paris
Discover the Carnavalet Museum Paris, the city’s oldest museum, with tips on what to see and why it’s key to understanding Parisian history.
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May 19, 2025
France in June: 10 Delightful Destinations for Early Summer
Love art and culture or outdoor adventures? Here are some of the best places to visit in France in June for an unforgettable summer vacation.
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May 18, 2025
These 5 Paris Museums Are Rarely Crowded And Always Remarkable
Five lesser-known Paris museums that uncover the city’s hidden history—from revolution and sewers to medieval art and early technology.
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May 16, 2025
5 Unrivaled Marseille Museums That Are Worth Your Visit
Here are at least 5 major Marseille museums you need to visit during your trip.
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Mar 17, 2025
The Nîmes Arena And Its Forgotten Roman Treasures
The Nîmes Arena hides lost treasures, secret tunnels, and eerie legends—but beyond it you'll discover stunning Roman ruins that make Nîmes a true “French Rome.”
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Feb 25, 2025
Bayeux, France: Vikings, Conquerors And The Roar Of Tanks
Discover Bayeux’s rich history with its unique tapestry, medieval cathedral, WWII museums, and charming old town, plus easy access to the D-Day beaches.
Continue reading "Bayeux, France: Vikings, Conquerors And The Roar Of Tanks "
Feb 10, 2025
9 Famous French Love Stories That Rattled History
Discover 9 famous French love stories that shaped history—from royal affairs to revolutionary romances, these passionate tales changed France forever.
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Jan 14, 2025
How To Make The Best Of One Day In Marseille
Only have one day in Marseille? No matter - here's my guide to your perfect day in the Phocaean City.
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Dec 28, 2024
6 French New Year Traditions That Are Centuries Old
Discover six historical French New Year traditions that reveal how France once welcomed the New Year.
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Dec 18, 2024
Chinon Castle: Tales Of Heresy, Betrayal And Liberation
Chinon Castle has accommodated such diverse personalities as Henry II, the Knights Templar, and Joan of Arc.
Continue reading "Chinon Castle: Tales Of Heresy, Betrayal And Liberation"
Dec 15, 2024
All my Lyon secrets, revealed!
In this podcast interview with Local Perspectives in Australia I delve into my deepest thoughts and secrets about Lyon, my favorite city!
Dec 15, 2024
9 Things To Know Before Visiting Chateau de Cheverny
Cheverny, where Tintin, hunting hounds and LEGO meet - and it all makes sense.
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Dec 15, 2024
Experience Christmas Magic At These 7 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles
Spend a Loire Valley Christmas by visiting one of these 7 magical fairy-tale castles.
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Oct 23, 2024
How Do You Celebrate Halloween In France? Here's What You Need To Know
Do you celebrate Halloween in France? Yes, we do, but it's a bit different. Here's how.
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Oct 23, 2024
Bonnieux, France: Heart of the Luberon
Bonnieux, France, is a jewel of the Luberon, and I use it as my base whenever I visit that beautiful region.
Oct 19, 2024
The Best Way To Spend One Day In Lyon
The perfect itinerary on how to see Lyon in one day, if that's all the time you have. sights.
Aug 21, 2024
Fall In France: How To Enjoy France In Autumn To The Fullest
Fall in France is as good as it gets - but the weather can vary so choose your destination wisely.
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Aug 15, 2024
If You Love Antiques, Head For Isle Sur La Sorgue In Provence
Looking for endless antiques, colorful Provence markets and riverside charm? L'Isle sur la Sorgue is waiting.
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Aug 14, 2024
Don't Miss These 7 Spectacular Sights in Saint Remy de Provence
If you're visiting Provence and love Roman ruins and Van Gogh, Saint Remy de Provence is an essential stop.
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🇫🇷
Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy.
I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.
Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!
🇫🇷
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Paris Sewer Museum: What You Need To Know Before You Visit
Sep 12, 25 05:57 AM
Discover the Paris Sewer Museum, a quirky underground attraction. It’s cleaner (and far less smelly) than you think, with fascinating Paris history inside. -
7 Reasons France In November Might Be A Great Decision
Sep 10, 25 03:27 AM
Thinking of visiting France in November? Discover the pros and cons – cheaper travel, fewer crowds, and unique festivals despite cooler weather. -
10 Fascinating Monuments In Paris Not Enough People Visit
Aug 28, 25 01:59 PM
Discover 10 underrated monuments in Paris, from Roman arenas to hidden memorials, that most visitors overlook. -
Things to Do in Biarritz If You Love Culture
Aug 21, 25 07:43 AM
Discover the best things to do in Biarritz, from historic landmarks and Basque food traditions to surf spots, viewpoints and elegant villas. -
The Easy Way to See the Loire Valley from Paris by Train
Aug 19, 25 06:21 AM
Discover the easiest ways to visit the Loire Valley from Paris by train. Learn the best routes, travel times, and which châteaux you can reach without a car.