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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.
Continue reading "Chinon Castle: Tales Of Heresy, Betrayal And Liberation"
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.
Continue reading "9 Things To Know Before Visiting Chateau de Cheverny"
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.
Continue reading "Experience Christmas Magic At These 7 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles"
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.
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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.
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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 17, 2024
The Best Giverny Day Trip From Paris (+ Orsay)
If you need to immerse yourself in Impressionism, this Giverny day trip from Paris includes the Orsay Museum and a private guide.
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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.
Continue reading "7 Thematic Ways to Explore Rouen Cathedral, A Gothic Masterpiece"
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"
Mar 04, 2024
France Enshrines Abortion Rights in Constitution
It's official, the right to abortion is now in the French constitution, the first country to do so.
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Mar 03, 2024
Is Marseille Safe? Or Is The City As Dangerous As They Say?
Is Marseille safe? It's a fair question, given the city's reputation. Find out what to visit, what to avoid, and how to enjoy your Marseille visit.
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Feb 29, 2024
5 unrivaled marseille museums that are worth your visit
Here are at least 5 major Marseille museums you need to visit during your trip.
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Feb 26, 2024
The Fascinating "True" Story Of The Legendary Chateau D'if
The legendary Chateau d'If was made famous by the novel the Count of Monte Cristo - which itself may have been inspired by a true story.
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Feb 23, 2024
Paris Booksellers Along The Seine Get To Stay Put
The booksellers who have populated the Paris riverside for centuries have won their battle to stay. They had been ordered to move because of "security concerns" around the upcoming Olympics.
Continue reading "Paris Booksellers Along The Seine Get To Stay Put"
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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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Chinon Castle: Tales Of Heresy, Betrayal And Liberation
Dec 18, 24 12:51 AM
Chinon Castle has accommodated such diverse personalities as Henry II, the Knights Templar, and Joan of Arc. -
All my Lyon secrets, revealed!
Dec 15, 24 04:07 AM
In this podcast interview with Local Perspectives in Australia I delve into my deepest thoughts and secrets about Lyon, my favorite city! -
9 Things To Know Before Visiting Chateau de Cheverny
Dec 15, 24 02:26 AM
Cheverny, where Tintin, hunting hounds and LEGO meet - and it all makes sense. -
Experience Christmas Magic At These 7 Enchanting Loire Valley Castles
Dec 15, 24 02:25 AM
Spend a Loire Valley Christmas by visiting one of these 7 magical fairy-tale castles. -
How Do You Celebrate Halloween In France? Here's What You Need To Know
Oct 23, 24 12:07 PM
Do you celebrate Halloween in France? Yes, we do, but it's a bit different. Here's how.