Every time we hoist a flute of Champagne to our lips, we drink bubbly nectar that comes from only one place in the world—the Champagne region in France. Now only 90 minutes east of Paris by fast train, Champagne makes a marvelous overnight excursion. But you’re better off spending several days in Champagne to do full justice to its miles of arid brown, vine stubble-covered chalky ... Read Full Article
The Centre Pompidou: Contemporary Art Comes to Metz, France
In my post The Incomparable Centre Pompidou – Paris, France, I extol the cultural virtues of one of the premier contemporary art centers in the world. In May 2010, the Pompidou opened a satellite facility in the northeast French city of Metz. The museum’s modern structure, which is frequently compared to a UFO, has energized Metz and inspired a citywide renovation as well as the opening ... Read Full Article
Art Nouveau and Cultured Cuisine in Nancy, France
Located in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France, Nancy has a layered history that is reflected in its culinary culture, art nouveau history and the interesting organization of the city itself. How to get to Nancy Since June 2007, it has been possible to take the TGV from Paris’ Gare de l’Est directly to Nancy. At 90 minutes each way, Nancy is a perfect day ... Read Full Article
Picturesque Honfleur, France
When I was teaching a course in Paris, I took my students on a day trip to Honfleur, a lovely commune in the Calvados département of France’s Normandy region. Part of my motivation for the excursion was selfish- I had never been to Honfleur and was curious to see why artists such as Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet and Eugène Boudin (early members of the Impressionist movement) had been so ... Read Full Article
Exploring Champagne and Burgundy in France
If you want to travel beyond Paris, be sure to consider the Champagne-Ardenne region and/or Burgundy. These two areas have so much to see and do that you will be very busy. And if you are a lover of champagne or fine wine, you will be in heaven. Champagne-Ardenne When you pop a bottle of "champagne", you can be sure it is produced right here in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. ... Read Full Article
Northeast France: a Blend of Cultures
Northeast France is an exciting blend of different cultures and history. Each of the four main regions of this area has a tale to tell. Alsace and Lorraine on the German border have changed hands so often that it has blended the French and German cultures into something quite unique. Nord-Pas de Calais and Picardy border both the sea and Belgium, with the Flemish culture having great influence ... Read Full Article