Go Off the Beaten Path in France

Posted on May 24, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

I recently joined several other Frenchly writers for a webinar where we shared some of our favorite things to see and do in France, those that might not be on the usual tourist agenda. We discussed Paris, Provence, the Dordogne, and other beautiful parts of this beautiful country.

The webinar is about an hour long, and things get going at about the four-minute mark (after various commercial announcements.) It might give you some good ideas for your next trip here!

You can watch the webinar here.

Great Olive Oil in Les Baux-de-Provence

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

If you’d like to taste some of the best olive oil in Provence, look no further than the Moulin Castelas, situated just below the famous fortress of Les Baux-de-Provence.

Castelas is owned by Catherine and Jean-Benoît Hugues, a French couple who lived in Arizona before returning to their native country when they “fell in love with some old olive trees.” The Hugues make their olive oil much like a winemaker makes wine, with great care at each step of the process. And the results are spectacular: Moulin Castelas has won top awards in national and international competitions.

In addition to pure olive oils, Castelas produces oils infused with different flavors, like rosemary, basil, and citrus. And unlike some producers, they don’t just add chemical flavorings to their oils. Instead, they macerate them with ingredients, for example adding fresh rosemary to their olives before milling them together.

The Castelas staff is friendly and English-speaking, and welcomes you to taste all the olive oils you like. You can also tour the olive mill itself if they are not too busy.

Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!

Liberty, Equality, Maternity? “Childfree” in France

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

A few months ago, headlines ricocheted across France: “30% of French Women Don’t Want Children” and “Nearly One Woman in Three Doesn’t Want Kids.” They were the result of a survey for Elle Magazine by France’s leading pollster.

If a third of French women is not having kids, the media surmised, then this is a demographic earthquake!

So, what’s actually going on and what will it mean for France’s future? I spoke to one of France’s leading demographic researchers and learned some surprising things about the survey (hint: the devil is in the details.)

Read all about it in Frenchly!

Learning French in a Surprising Place

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

Thousands of young Americans are speaking French daily, in a place you wouldn’t expect: Utah. In a state better known for its vast open spaces and beautiful national parks, kids are chattering away in a multitude of foreign languages. It is part of Utah’s “dual language immersion” program, offered in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian.

The program was launched in 2009 to help students integrate into the international economy. Today, over 65,000 students are enrolled in the language program, nearly 10% of all students in the state!

Read all about it in My French Life!

The French Pharmacy is the Traveler’s Best Friend

Posted on April 19, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

Let’s say you’re vacationing in France and have a medical problem—not a serious one like a broken leg, but still something that needs attention. Maybe you’ve fallen and scraped your leg. Or maybe you’ve got a scary-looking rash, or a headache that won’t go away. Your dream vacation is ruined! Where can you turn for help?

You might think of finding a doctor, but that’s hard to do on short notice. Instead, go to a pharmacy, the first line of defense in the French healthcare system. The staff there will be able to help you with many of the problems that might occur during your vacation.

French pharmacies can be a traveler’s best friend, but they are different from American pharmacies, and it’s important to know the differences.

Read all about it in Frenchly!

No Cooking Required!

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

Last year, Val and I discovered a great new place in St-Rémy called Chez les Frangins (“at the brothers’ place” because it’s run by two brothers). It’s a rotisserie with fabulous takeout food. They specialize in roast meats like chickens, lamb, and sausages but also have a wide variety of side dishes–roast potatoes, salads, and more. They also do complete meals that you just pick up and take out.

We’ve hosted several dinner parties where most of the meal came from Chez les Frangins. Dinner for eight? No problem!

The next time you are in St-Rémy and want a simple meal at home, or a memorable picnic, drop by and see what goodies the brothers have for you.

Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!

7 Reasons to Visit Provence this Spring

Posted on April 5, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

Provence is a highlight of any vacation. This magical corner of France, with its charming hilltop villages, magnificent beaches, and delicious foods, is a must-see for the discerning traveler.

While Provence is wonderful year-round, it is especially nice in the springtime. I’ve put together a list of my top reasons why you should visit…though there are certainly more than 7!

Read all about it in Frenchly!

Secrets of St-Rémy #5: Favorite Hiking and Biking

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

Val and I live part of the year in St-Rèmy-de-Provence, a charming town between Marseille and Avignon. I’ve written a guidebook about the area, An Insider’s Guide to Provence, where I share some of our favorite things to see and do. Now I’ve put together a series of articles I call Secrets of St-Rémy, based on that book.

St-Rémy sits at the foot of a small mountain range called the Alpilles. They are criss-crossed with hiking trails and quiet country roads, perfect for hiking and biking. And the surrounding countryside is nice and flat, ideal for easier walks and rides. Val and I have favorite routes that we look forward to every year.

Want a cool, easy walk on a hot day? Or one with fabulous views that will get your blood pumping? Or how about a bike ride to an airport where you can watch gliders take off and land? I’ve got all these and more!

Read all about it in My French Life!

See Prehistoric Art by Torchlight

Posted on March 15, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

The Grotte Chauvet 2 is one of the wonders of France. Called “the cave of forgotten dreams,” it is the near-perfect replica of a grotto filled with paintings made more than 30,000 years ago—the oldest ever discovered. Not only is the art recreated, but the entire cave is replicated down to the smallest detail, with stalagmites and stalactites, and bear skulls scattered on the ground. Walking through it, and seeing paintings of lions and rhinos, is like stepping back in time.

And now there’s something new—tours by torchlight. Small groups are led by guides armed with torches, viewing the stunning artwork in their flickering light. Visitors can see the paintings as our ancestors did, with the works coming to life as the shadows play on the walls’ nooks and crannies.

Read all about it in Perfectly Provence!

8 Fabulous One-Day Jaunts from Paris

Posted on March 8, 2023 by Keith Van Sickle

Let’s say you are planning a trip to Paris because—as the saying goes—Paris is always a good idea. You’d like to include some day trips from the city, ideally to places you can get to without renting a car. (Have you ever driven in Paris? Not advised.)

I’m here to help! I’ve got eight great day trips for you, full of history, art, beauty…and a few bubbles.

Read all about it in Frenchly!