These France travel guides cover the trips I keep coming back to: champagne country around Reims and Épernay, the cathedral city of Metz on the German border, the Christmas market circuit through Alsace, and easy day trips out of Paris. Most of these are manageable in a long weekend, no need to build an entire vacation around a single stop. I’ve included what to see, where to eat, and where to stay in each one, based on what actually worked when I went.
French City Guides
10 Best Things to Do in Reims, France
Walk in the footsteps of French kings, taste champagne in ancient chalk cellars, and stand in the room where WWII ended in Europe.
12 Incredible Things to See in Metz, France
A cathedral city on the German border with centuries of contested history and architecture to match.
The 12 Best Things to Do in Epernay, France
The capital of Champagne, home to Moët & Chandon and some of the world’s most storied cellars.
One Day in Metz, France: Best Day Trip Itinerary
A tight, efficient itinerary for seeing Metz’s highlights when you only have a single day to give it.
Best 2 Day Dordogne Prehistory Itinerary
Cave paintings tens of thousands of years old, in the region where prehistoric art was first discovered.
France Travel Guides: Christmas Markets
Christmas in Alsace: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Nine markets, three itineraries, and everything you need to plan a full Christmas road trip through Alsace.
Strasbourg Christmas Market: Best of the Best
The Capital of Christmas, and one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in the world.
Christmas in Colmar: Guide to France’s Magical Market
A medieval town with canals that looks like it was built specifically to be photographed at Christmas.
Metz Christmas Market: One of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems
Consistently rated among Europe’s best, and still far less crowded than its famous neighbors.
Obernai Christmas Market: Best Guide to a Hidden Gem in Alsace
A gorgeous medieval core that makes an ideal home base for exploring the wider Alsace Christmas market circuit.
Eguisheim Christmas Market: The Most Beautiful in Alsace
Widely considered the prettiest village in Alsace, and its Christmas market lives up to the reputation.
Paris Day Trips
Hack the Louvre! How to Visit the Louvre in 3 Hours
A practical plan for seeing the Louvre’s essential pieces without losing a full day to the world’s largest museum.
Is Versailles Worth It?
An honest look at whether the crowds and cost of the Palace of Versailles are worth your time in Paris.
Napoleon’s Tomb in Paris: What to See at Les Invalides
Napoleon’s final resting place is far more elaborate than most visitors expect, and easy to pair with the Rodin Museum next door.
Bitche: A Strategic History Stop
Citadelle de Bitche: The Fortress That Wouldn’t Fall
Visit the fortress of a commander who refused to give up, even after his country lost the war.
The Sons of Bitche (France) and an Epic ‘Then and Now’ Photo Op
The story of the US troops who liberated Bitche in 1945, told through a striking historical photo comparison.
What to Expect at the New Museum of Urban and Street Art in Bitche
A contemporary art museum paired naturally with the imposing Bitche Citadel and its Franco-Prussian War history next door.
Practical Guides & Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Strasbourg: Best Hotels for Every Budget
Hotel picks for every budget, useful for Christmas market season or any time of year.
Waldorf Astoria Versailles Review
The most dog-friendly luxury hotel near the palace, reviewed in full.
Costco in Mulhouse, France: Best Expat Guide
Everything KMC-area expats need to know before making the drive to the Mulhouse Costco.
Other Great Sites to Visit in France
Fort de Schoenenbourg: The Maginot Line Fortress That Never Broke
Visit the most heavily bombed Maginot Line fortress and its massive network of underground tunnels.