I’m Jan, an avid runner from Toronto, Canada (running in French races, of course) and recently retired Principal with careers in advertising and education. I have always enjoyed learning, researching, helping people, and writing and have now discovered a way to combine all of these passions with my love of France.

I’ve travelled to France more than 24 times and my friends and family would often ask me to help them plan their trips. So I’ve been able to save them time and money travelling there. And, as I had done so many of the things mentioned in tour books I love to share my  unique experiences with them because today, the best memories of trips are not from one’s purchases, but from their experiences.

AParis: Best places to stay and things to do in Paris

The left bank, 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements (neighborhoods) are the best. Lots of restaurants and more reasonably-priced hotels. The advantage of staying in the centre of Paris is that you can walk everywhere---Notre Dame, La Conciergerie, the Louvre, etc. While it... See More

AFrance: Round trip Nice to Nice

In 2019 I spent 2 months in France. I began with French immersion classes near Lyon, headed south to Provence and then west to the Occitanie, Dordogne, SW, and then up the coast before heading to Paris. Check out my itinerary here:  Two Months In France.  I also... See More

AAvignon to Paris: What is the best 3-4 day road trips

When I did the reverse (north to south), I really enjoyed stopping in the Ardeche (2 days in the Ardeche).  There are caves, kayaking, and the gorge...kind of like the Grand Canyon. I stayed in a B and B near Vallon Pont d'Arc (where there is the famous arc that... See More

ABarcelona: Can I rent a car in Barcelona and drive to France and Italy with it

I actually wanted to do that a few years ago, but discovered the cost to pick up in Barcelona and drop off in France was over $500, so instead, I took the train from Paris to Barcelona, spent time there, took the train from Barcelona to Perpignan, France and picked up a... See More

AFrance: Self drive itinerary Lyon - Menton

As you'll have a car, you really should visit the hilltop villages in Provence​. My favourite is Gordes​. There are so many beautiful towns to visit​, such as Saint-Remy-de-Provence​ and L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue​.... See More

AParis: A month in Paris

Hi Jeffery: You mention that you want to have a month in Paris​where you can meet people. I don't think Paris is the best choice. I love it and travel there often, but Paris is a big city and very impersonal. You may have more difficulty getting... See More

AParis: Can we see Paris in a day?

Yes, technically you could see Paris in a day; however, if it's your first time, you'll be missing SO much. If you could, then DO stay for a day and a half. I recently wrote a post on what to do for 3 days. It might help. Also check out the Top sites in Paris and... See More

QBordeaux: New Year's Eve Ideas

Any suggestions for how/where to spend New Year's Eve in Bordeaux, France? Even a good restaurant? See More

AAnnecy to Bilbao: Annecy to Bilbao: Where to stop on the way?

Depending on your route, I really liked Lyon​, Avignon​, and Montpellier​. I visited Bordeaux and Carcassonne and especially liked Carcassonne. Guess it all depends on your route. Just south of Bordeaux is Biarritz​.... See More

QFrance: Looking for suggestions for 2 nights before I fly home from Lyon

Looking for suggestions: I'm off to France and Switzerland in July. I'll be staying in the French Alps and then Switzerland. I'm looking for somewhere new to visit IN FRANCE based on this: I have 2 nights after Switzerland (just south of Montreux) before I fly... See More