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Mar 17, 2025
The Best 5-Day Luberon Itinerary For Exploring Its Hilltop Villages
This 5-day Luberon itinerary includes the area's most beautiful hilltop villages, historic sites and markets, with tips on where to stay and eat.
Continue reading "The Best 5-Day Luberon Itinerary For Exploring Its Hilltop Villages"
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.”
Continue reading "The Nîmes Arena And Its Forgotten Roman Treasures"
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.
Continue reading "9 Famous French Love Stories That Rattled History"
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.
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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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Jul 30, 2024
The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: What Did It All Mean?
Like it or not, from floating parades to iconic French culture, each performance of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony had a meaning.
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Jul 29, 2024
The Fearless Corsairs And Legendary Basque Legacy Of Saint Jean de Luz
The Basque town of Saint Jean de Luz punches way above its size, known for its fabulous surf, culinary excellence, spa waters and fascinating history.
Continue reading "The Fearless Corsairs And Legendary Basque Legacy Of Saint Jean de Luz"
Jul 09, 2024
10 Startling Facts You Need To Know About The French Revolution
Use these facts about the French Revolution to deepen your understanding when you visit France.
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Jul 02, 2024
Lacoste Village: Scandal, Style, And A Steamy History
Discover the extraordinary history of the classic cobblestoned Lacoste village in the Luberon region of Provence.
Continue reading "Lacoste Village: Scandal, Style, And A Steamy History"
Jun 17, 2024
Affordable Michelin-Starred Dishes At The Lyon Street Food Festival
The Lyon Street Food Festival, an exciting yearly event with street food, of course, plus affordable creations by famous chefs.
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Jun 15, 2024
Chateau D'Anet: The Love Nest Of Diane And Henri II Of France
This is where the love story of King Henri II and Diane de Poitiers played itself out, a fascinating slice of French history.
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May 21, 2024
Visiting The D Day Beaches? This Is The Only Guide You'll Need
This is an uncomplicated guide to visiting the D Day beaches in Normandy, especially for the first time.
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May 19, 2024
3 Fascinating Castles Near Paris That Are Way Under The Radar
Looking for uncrowded castles near Paris? I have three glorious yet utterly underrated ones for you.
Continue reading "3 Fascinating Castles Near Paris That Are Way Under The Radar"
May 12, 2024
La Maison Picassiette In Chartres: The House Of A Million Pieces
How a single man created the Maison Picassiette out of broken bits of glass and ceramics.
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May 02, 2024
How To Get To Mont Saint-Michel: The Ultimate Hassle-Free Guide
Learn how to get to Mont Saint-Michel in 5 different ways - and even better, how to beat the crowds.
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Apr 06, 2024
12 Things To Do In Rouen, Normandy, That Will Enrich Your Culture
These 12 things to do in Rouen are high in culture, from art and architecture to history and gastronomy.
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Apr 06, 2024
7 Thematic Ways to Explore Rouen Cathedral, A Gothic Masterpiece
Rouen Cathedral is so rich in history and art that you'll be hard-pressed to leave, even if you're not a fan of religious architecture.
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Apr 06, 2024
Rouen, Capital of Impressionism? Light, Shadow, and the River Seine
Rouen, capital of Impressionism, has been a magnet for artists since the 19th century. Find out why.
Continue reading "Rouen, Capital of Impressionism? Light, Shadow, and the River Seine"
Mar 08, 2024
How Marseille Soap Is Making A Comeback - and why it's a problem
Marseille soap is popular again, but the resurgence is facing growing pains: there's no agreement on which is the REAL Marseille soap.
Continue reading "How Marseille Soap Is Making A Comeback - and why it's a problem"
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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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The Best 5-Day Luberon Itinerary For Exploring Its Hilltop Villages
Mar 17, 25 04:41 PM
This 5-day Luberon itinerary includes the area's most beautiful hilltop villages, historic sites and markets, with tips on where to stay and eat. -
The Nîmes Arena And Its Forgotten Roman Treasures
Mar 17, 25 04:40 PM
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.” -
Bayeux, France: Vikings, Conquerors And The Roar Of Tanks
Feb 25, 25 05:38 AM
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. -
9 Famous French Love Stories That Rattled History
Feb 10, 25 06:32 AM
Discover 9 famous French love stories that shaped history—from royal affairs to revolutionary romances, these passionate tales changed France forever. -
How To Make The Best Of One Day In Marseille
Jan 14, 25 07:46 AM
Only have one day in Marseille? No matter - here's my guide to your perfect day in the Phocaean City.