#french-cities

#french-cities

In summer 1936, the French government passed a law that mandated paid holiday, a move that kickstarted the exodus of northerners to the Med every August, and it became a true emblem of the French vacances.

"A visit to the Palace of Versailles is truly a walk through history, not to mention one of the most beautifully preserved palaces one can visit."

Corentin Roudaut, who once felt overwhelmed by Paris's traffic, found renewed confidence in cycling after the establishment of a segregated bike lane on Boulevard Voltaire. He now actively participates in promoting cycling in the city, witnessing a remarkable transformation in urban mobility and safety over the last decade.

No introduction to Saint-Malo is complete without a stroll along the ramparts. These granite walls, rebuilt and reinforced over centuries, encircle the intra muros, the historic heart of the city by the port. The nearly two-kilometer circuit offers sweeping views of the Atlantic, the Fort National, and the distant Grand Bé. Walking the ramparts is like pacing the city's memory: narrow streets below hide cafés, boutique shops, and layers of architectural history.

For many in Marseille, the far right in France's second city will be for ever associated with the killing of Ibrahim Ali. In 1995, the teenager was leaving a rap band rehearsal with friends when they crossed paths with three National Front militants who were putting up posters in support of the Front's founder and then leader, Jean-Marie Le Pen. Ibrahim was shot in the back as he ran to catch his bus.

The Grand Pigalle Experimental hotel is situated in the heart of SoPi, with Montmartre and the Sacre Couer within walking distance, making it an ideal location for exploring Paris.

While neutral colors form the timeless base of most Parisian wardrobes, warmer weather calls for bolder pops of color-and on a recent two-week trip to France, I noticed a bright poppy red hue blooming all over the capital city in the form of cozy cardigans, woolly scarves, and chic ballet flats. I immediately sought out the sunny shade, and soon found it mirrored everywhere from brasserie booths to café terrace tables

The first round of local elections happens next Sunday (March 15th), with 34,000 communes, from tiny villages up to the major cities, heading out to elect the local mayors who play a huge part in shaping the life and infrastructure of each area.

In 2025 the University of Oregon concluded from their research that "... hot-water immersion produced measurable changes in inflammatory markers. These effects can persist beyond the session, suggesting a sustained health benefit." Long before this the Romans knew that a good soak in hot water had therapeutic benefits for the body and mind. Hot tubs, spas, aren't considered just a luxury anymore, they're great for wellbeing as well as for fun, family time and a lot of je ne sais quoi to life in France.

Photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson (19082004) travelled all over the world and extensively throughout Europe. After producing numerous series of photographs for magazines in Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Switzerland and France, Cartier-Bresson wanted to bring them together in a book and in 1955, he published Les Europeens (The Europeans). This book of photographs aims to show what makes each of the peoples of this geographical area unique while highlighting their similarities. This exhibition brings together some of the most important photographs from the book.

You can learn French in many ways - for instance from apps, cds, watching films and listening to the radio. But nothing fast‑tracks your learning like French immersion programs in France - especially when they're in the most amazing locations, with superb chateau accommodation and include the best wine and gastronomy and private tours... In an immersive programme, French becomes your language - not just for an hour a week, or even an hour a day if you're very disciplined, but of everyday life.

When it comes to visiting France, Paris gets most of the attention, but don't overlook the country's gorgeous small towns. In these quaint destinations, many accessible by train, you can exchange the bustle of the city for wide-open beaches, mountain trails, medieval castles, and sprawling vineyards. From the French-German border to the Mediterranean coast to the mountainous intersection of France, Italy, and Switzerland, these small towns and villages (all home to less than 15,000 people) offer a slower pace and warm French hospitality.

Since March 1st, 2026, an extra tax of €2 per item has applied to parcels imported from countries outside the European Union, in addition to standard customs duties. Here's how it works and who pays.

Whether you're thinking of moving for work, for political reasons - and the French are very sympathetic to Americans' situation - or for love (of a person or of croissants), here's our checklist of how to move to France as an American Checklist: How to move to France as an American Is there a legal way of avoiding inheritance tax in France by passing your property onto your children while you're still alive?

What you need to know about France's speeding laws, a checklist for the increasing number of Americans planning to move to France, whether children of British citizens born here need a UK passport - and Chandeleur traditions. Despite what you may think, French authorities actually do take speeding seriously, we reported this week that speed cameras on French roads will be modified throughout 2026 so that they bring back the 'flash' that lets drivers know they have been caught exceeding the speed limit.

Running a gîte in France is a fantastic way of generating income, whether you just want to top up your pension, make your second home pay its bills, or run a serious business to live from. Whilst there is a general description of what a gîte is, there are many variations and target groups to match. What choices are you going to make in creating a gîte? Rupert Springfield from Gîte Guru walks us through some of the choices in the

Visiting France is often associated with great food, beautiful cities, and a strong sense of style. But what many travelers discover quickly is that daily life in France is guided by a set of unwritten etiquette rules. These rules are not about being overly polite or friendly at all costs. They are about showing respect for others, for shared spaces, and for social boundaries.

British citizens need a visa to remain in Europe for more than 90 days out of 180 days, so if you're moving to France, the first mistake to avoid is to make sure you apply for the right visa - there are several types, and it's very hard to undo once you're in France says The French Property Show organiser Calum Harkiss. And second, don't go thinking you can leave the application until a few weeks before your move.