November 1 on the Catholic calendar is All Saints’ Day. The French have blended the term, making November 1 “la Toussaint” in French parlance.
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In France, family tradition dictates when summer vacation happens, with great debates over which dates are better—and who is better, based on which dates they prefer.
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These are our favorite cafes, coffee shops, and patisseries in the center of town that we pop into as we wander between activities when we visit. (And we visit often!)
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Each year on the first official day of summer—June 21, the day after the summer solstice—France (and the rest of the world, so I hear) celebrate Make Music Day.
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The 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans, in French) takes place on a racetrack near Le Mans, France. It is the oldest active—and most internationally famous—endurance race.
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The history behind the famous medieval bridge in Avignon, France—still shrouded in mystery, after all these years!—and the song about it that every French child knows.
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A good winter fondue in the Alpine regions of Switzerland and France is a treat savored with friends and family, especially welcome after several hours in the snow.
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Who wouldn’t want a feast of crepes? La Chandeleur in France has a long history and a few fun traditions to go with the piles and piles of sweet crepes on everyone’s plates.
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You’ll have more than plenty to see in Strasbourg—and if you have enough time, I’d recommend you visit other cities and sites in the region as well!
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Seeking French and Swiss monsters? I went on a creature quest and uncovered one good mythical monster story from France and one from Switzerland. And I’m on the hunt for more!
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With a few days in Strasbourg—one of the can’t-miss cities in France—you can see the must-see sites I’ve listed plus at least one or two of the mix-and-match options I’ve shared as well.
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I’ve noticed an interesting confluence of holidays celebrating their nation’s founding over the three countries where I focus most of my energy these days: France, Switzerland, and the United States.
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You’ll find all types of people in France, as you will in all countries and cultures. As blanket stereotypes, though, these haven’t proven true in my experience.
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Many people get stuck when trying to plan a vacation to France that goes beyond Paris. Where else can you go in France? And what can you expect while there?
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I’ve just returned home from over half the month of February in Washington, D.C. But! Before I left, I did get quite a lot accomplished.
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If you have Europe in your sights for a vacation between, say, mid-November and mid-March, you’ll find plenty of places to delight you. Here are a few ideas from my own travels, to get your brain storming.
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Visiting Annecy? Here are our go-to the restaurants (and treats!) during our stays in this active and beautiful lakefront town in France.
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If you love history—especially ancient history—like I do, check out Marseilles, Nîmes, Arles, and the Pont du Gard. (Among other amazing sites!)
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