Unsure about your French table manners? Click Here >> to avoid these 10 food etiquette mistakes !
Nov 11, 2021
7 Non-Touristy Things To Do In Paris
If you've already seen the highlights, perhaps it's time to explore some fun non-touristy things to do in Paris. Here are seven that might surprise you.
Oct 26, 2021
The Best Books About France You'll Ever Read
If you want to get to know this country beyond Paris, the next best thing to visiting is to read these best books about France.
Continue reading "The Best Books About France You'll Ever Read"
Oct 24, 2021
The 101 Departments In France (and what makes them so interesting)
There are 101 departments in France: here's the list, the map, and some stories to introduce you to them.
Continue reading "The 101 Departments In France (and what makes them so interesting)"
Oct 03, 2021
The Magnificent Comeback Of The Paris Bouillon Restaurants
The bouillon restaurants of Paris and their divine Art Nouveau were popular a century ago - and they're making a comeback after years of decline.
Continue reading "The Magnificent Comeback Of The Paris Bouillon Restaurants"
Oct 01, 2021
The Quirkiest Dijon Museum: A Peek at 19th-Century Burgundian Life
The Dijon museum with the quirkiest collection has got to be the Museum of Burgundian Life, which portrays life during the 19th century.
Continue reading "The Quirkiest Dijon Museum: A Peek at 19th-Century Burgundian Life"
Sep 15, 2021
Visiting Bordeaux France (Even If You're Not A Wine Drinker!)
Visiting Bordeaux often revolves around wine - here's what to do in Bordeaux if your trip isn't about wine.
Continue reading "Visiting Bordeaux France (Even If You're Not A Wine Drinker!)"
Sep 10, 2021
When is the best time to visit France? (it may not be when you think)
The best time to visit France is anytime - but there are a few exceptions. Here they are.
Continue reading "When is the best time to visit France? (it may not be when you think)"
Sep 05, 2021
This List Of Regions In France Will Help You Plan Your French Trip
Curious about the list of regions in France? Here you go, all 18 of them.
Continue reading "This List Of Regions In France Will Help You Plan Your French Trip"
Aug 31, 2021
25+ Irresistible French Pastry, Desserts And Sweets: Insider's Guide
Can't resist French pastry desserts and sweets? Discover how and when they were invented.
Continue reading "25+ Irresistible French Pastry, Desserts And Sweets: Insider's Guide"
Aug 13, 2021
The Dijon Owl Trail (A Bit Like The Yellow Brick Road, No?)
The Dijon Owl Trail has 22 stops: follow in its footsteps and you'll see the best Dijon has to offer. Here's how!
Continue reading "The Dijon Owl Trail (A Bit Like The Yellow Brick Road, No?)"
Aug 08, 2021
A Day Trip From Dijon To The Auxois, The Heart Of Burgundy
If you're in Burgundy, here's an itinerary for a great day trip from Dijon that combines history, food, and irresistible villages.
Continue reading "A Day Trip From Dijon To The Auxois, The Heart Of Burgundy"
Aug 08, 2021
Meet Vercingetorix, The Chieftain Whose Gallic Warriors Beat Caesar
Gallic warriors achieved something few others could: they defeated Julius Caesar. Next time they met, the Gauls lost. Here's where it happened.
Continue reading "Meet Vercingetorix, The Chieftain Whose Gallic Warriors Beat Caesar"
Jul 25, 2021
Chateau Bussy Rabutin And The Salacious Stories Of Its Count
Chateau Bussy Rabutin isn't like any other French château: it tells the tale of its inhabitant and of why he was kicked out of Versailles and sent home.
Continue reading "Chateau Bussy Rabutin And The Salacious Stories Of Its Count"
Jun 11, 2021
Weird, Whimsical And Wonderful Facts About Lyon, France
These fun facts about Lyon, France, will show just how diverse the city is - more than you ever thought possible.
Continue reading "Weird, Whimsical And Wonderful Facts About Lyon, France"
May 26, 2021
Famous Landmarks in France and Some of Their Startling Backstories
Of the dozens of famous landmarks in France, these are the must-see French landmarks you absolutely have to visit.
Continue reading "Famous Landmarks in France and Some of Their Startling Backstories"
May 18, 2021
Getting Around France: How to Travel France by Train
Find out how to travel france by train - a complete guide to getting around France, even if it's your first time.
Continue reading "Getting Around France: How to Travel France by Train"
May 05, 2021
Napoleon Bonaparte: The Man The French Love To Hate
Napoleon Bonaparte: two centuries after his death, the man remains controversial in France. Here's why.
Continue reading "Napoleon Bonaparte: The Man The French Love To Hate"
Apr 23, 2021
Mur De La Peste: When The Epidemic Struck, They Built A Wall
Have you heard of the Mur de la Peste in Provence? The wall they built to keep out the plague?
Continue reading "Mur De La Peste: When The Epidemic Struck, They Built A Wall"
Apr 15, 2021
Loire Pronunciation and Other Loire-Related Things to Confuse You
Loire pronunciation? A challenge (click through to solve it). But which Loire? There are many...
Continue reading "Loire Pronunciation and Other Loire-Related Things to Confuse You"
Apr 09, 2021
Five Breathtaking Hilltop Villages in Provence's Luberon
These five villages in Provence are listed among France's most beautiful villages - this article shows you why.
Continue reading "Five Breathtaking Hilltop Villages in Provence's Luberon"
Mar 27, 2021
Nostalgia In Evian-Les-Bains, Where The Belle Epoque Still Lives
Belle Epoque Evian was a much-loved resort for the wealthy - if you're a fan of nostalgia, that Belle Epoque vibe is still there.
Continue reading "Nostalgia In Evian-Les-Bains, Where The Belle Epoque Still Lives"
Mar 13, 2021
The Mysterious French Legends of the Luberon, Provence
Love the Luberon? Fascinated by French legends? These are the myths and mysteries behind the Luberon's "perched villages".
Continue reading "The Mysterious French Legends of the Luberon, Provence"
Mar 05, 2021
20 of the Most Beautiful Cities in France (with great urban buzz)
These 20 are among the most beautiful cities in France that pack a punch - urban vibe, energy buzz, cultural hotspots.
Continue reading "20 of the Most Beautiful Cities in France (with great urban buzz)"
Mar 04, 2021
A Road Trip In France During Covid (Assuming You Live Here, Of Course)
Are you in France right now? During Covid? Here's what it's like to travel here.
Continue reading "A Road Trip In France During Covid (Assuming You Live Here, Of Course)"
Feb 10, 2021
The Typical Breakfast In France (A REAL Traditional French Breakfast)
Do you know the REAL typical breakfast in France? Find out what French breakfasts are really made of.
Continue reading "The Typical Breakfast In France (A REAL Traditional French Breakfast)"
Jan 23, 2021
How To Organize Your Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris
Here's how to organize your Loire Valley day trip from Paris, whether by tour, by train or by car.
Continue reading "How To Organize Your Loire Valley Day Trip From Paris"
Jan 08, 2021
Destination: Department Loire (Not The Loire You Think!)
There are many Loires in France but department Loire 42 may surprise you: renaissance grottoes and unusual museums.
Continue reading "Destination: Department Loire (Not The Loire You Think!)"
Jan 02, 2021
The 3 Most Beautiful Cities in France (That Aren't Paris)
Paris is Paris but beyond, these are among the three most beautiful cities in France.
Continue reading "The 3 Most Beautiful Cities in France (That Aren't Paris)"
Dec 19, 2020
Ode To Croix-Rousse, Lyon's Bohemian Silk-Weaving Hill
Croix-Rousse, Lyon, is a neighbourhood that once housed the city's silk weavers and workshops. There's a different feel up here...
Continue reading "Ode To Croix-Rousse, Lyon's Bohemian Silk-Weaving Hill"
Dec 15, 2020
France Off The Beaten Path: 12 Unexpected Places You May Not Know
France off the beaten path is for those of you who want to visit places most of your friends won't know - here are 12 of them.
Continue reading "France Off The Beaten Path: 12 Unexpected Places You May Not Know"
Please note: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission and help Offbeat France buy its daily baguette.
🇫🇷
Bonjour - je m'appelle Leyla!
But don't be fooled by my name... My Turkish father may have won the naming battle but my mother, with 10 centuries of Frenchness behind her, won the education war.
And she passed on her fascination with France to me.
This Offbeat France travel blog goes beyond the baguette -– we explore curiosities, oddities and mysteries, searching for legends and backstories, all wrapped up in a passion for history. (Along with plenty of food stops and many castles – I am French, after all.)
