Tag: Paris

Forget Paris! Visit North America’s Lesser Known Slice Of France – And No, It’s Not Montreal
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France took the world stage in recent months as the latest Olympics host.

Delivering mixed results, many enjoyed the experience while others, including locals, couldn’t wait to get out of dodge.

Those looking to escape the crowds without sacrificing France’s elegant culture probably didn’t know of a secret slice of France in North America.

Montreal is usually the go-to as one of the few primarily French-speaking cities this side of the world, but there’s another far lesser-known destination oozing French charm just off the coast of North America’s shores.

Split between 2 beautiful islands, a trip to Sainte Pierre and Miquelon is like visiting Europe without the long flights.

Easier to reach than you might suspect; rather than take the same regurgitated selfies at the Eiffel Tower, try a new adventure and brag to your friends about the secret French islands you’ve discovered close to home!

Our Overlooked French Neighbor

Ever keep to yourself in your community until you need something?

Maybe you’re short an egg or need someone to watch Scruffy.

Well, that’s what’s going on here with Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The reality is travelers are always on the prowl, seeking out new, exciting places.

With France one of the most popular places in the world, you need to come here to avoid the crowds without sacrificing the delights of France’s rich heritage.

You can say so long to Paris, Montreal, and even New Orleans and welcome our far-overlooked French neighbors as the perfect alternative to enjoy French cuisine, breathtaking nature, and intriguing history.

No, you can’t lounge along the gorgeous French Riviera or view the iconic Mona Lisa, but who wants to stand in line anyway?

Saint Pierre and Miquelon checks off all the boxes for the rest of your French cravings from charming villages, stunning landscapes, and of course, phenomenal food and wine like the islands’ locally sourced seafood visitors rave about!

Saint Pierre Or Miquelon: 2 Awesome Islands With Different Vibes

North America’s last remaining French territories are indubitably France, just set in an entirely different landscape than you envision France to be.

Saint Pierre is a small, vibrant island beaming various colors, exuding a Reykjavik-esque vibe.

Equally tranquil as it is lively, it may be small, but there’s enough room to escape the action-packed town center and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding scenery.

While many Americans are unaware this enchanting slice of France is so close, many Canadians visit throughout the year as it’s a stone’s throw from Newfoundland.

As such, neither Saint Pierre nor Miquelon are strangers to tourists, and there are plenty of guided tours to enjoy.

But most of all, the bar scene is something out of a movie, where locals and tourists alike share in a common accustom known as Le verre de l’amitié, essentially translating to “a toast to friendship”, proving we can all indeed get along if we so choose.

Miquelon, on the other hand, is more for nature enthusiasts to explore and where the island’s incredible local cuisine derives from, in many cases – lobsters, scallops, and yes, even controversial foie gras (banned in some U.S. states).

Guided tours are offered here as well, but unlike Saint Pierre, a majority of tours are nature-related, such as scenic hikes like The Cormorandière Valley walk for about $25.

Getting Here And Where To Stay

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the U.S. However, an easy one-stop flight through Canada is doable.

Saint Pierre And Miquelon has direct flights from its own airline, Air Saint Pierre, from the following Canadian cities:
- Montreal (definitely the easiest connection!)
- Halifax
- St. John’s
Some Americans can enjoy a cheap travel loophole right now if you time it right! Canada’s lesser-known Flair Airlines is offering nonstop flights from the U.S. from just $1!

One destination being the above St. John’s, where you can score an insanely affordable flight to connect to Saint Pierre.

Once here, the islands both offer some really unique, homey stays away from corporate brands. Boutique hotels and guesthouses are quite common, where Complexe Hôtelier Les Terrasses du Port is the top rated.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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September 3, 2024
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit The Paris Of The Baltics On Your Next Trip To Europe

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Paris is having a moment this year, for better or worse.

Better as they are hosting the Summer Olympics where hordes of tourists will flock to their city for a bucket list event, and worse as Paris will surely take on a new identity shoving authentic cultural experiences to the side.

Plus, France and the U.S. Embassy issued a new travel alert in tandem where all tourists visiting the mega popular country are asked to keep their head on a swivel during their trip.

Riga, Latvia on the other hand, has been dubbed ‘The Paris of The Baltics‘ and has no such concerns for tourists visiting this beautiful, underrated city in Eastern Europe.

Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the Paris of The Baltics on your next trip to Europe:

1) A Cheaper Alternative For Paris Vibes

British author Graham Greene has been credited with dubbing Latvia’s capital city ‘The Paris of the North’, given its delightful sidewalk cafes, nouveau architecture, and booming arts scene.

A visit to Riga isn’t to take selfies with a dupe of the Eiffel Tower like Paris, Texas. Riga does have the unmissable Freedom Monument, but tourists find this city offers its own unique charm and attractions, which just so happen to rival France’s iconic city.

Of course, Riga is shrunken down compared to the vast ‘City of Light’ and will probably never host any Olympic events.

That being said, Riga is one of the most intriguing cities in the beautiful Baltics and can be enjoyed on a tight budget.

While perusing the cobbled streets, it’s hard to resist the temptation to stop at a cafe and visit a museum, which is often at least 30% cheaper than Paris.

Riga has also seen more connectivity as over 1.2 million tourists visited this city in 2023. Budget airlines like RyanAir and airBaltic can save travelers lots of money from dozens of airports.

2) A Historic City Dating Back To 1201

While we all remember partying like it’s 1999, Riga has been going at it since 1201, and it shows in the best of ways.

Riga is very well-kept and fun to explore on foot, taking in the gorgeous architecture and historical sites like the Town Hall Square, the 14th-century House of the Black Heads, and a handful of beautiful cathedrals.

The largest market and bazaar in all of Europe, Riga Central Market, is a must-stop on your trip and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourists can find handmade crafts and delicious food, but what tourists love is the authentic feel this massive market has. It doesn’t seem touristy.

3) Perfect For Digital Nomads

Given Riga’s affordability and cultural richness, these 2 aspects are what digital nomads commonly seek.

Factor in how small Riga is compared to other major cities, and you will feel a sense of community rather than just becoming another face in the crowd.

For long-term stays, apartments can easily be found under $500 and even cheaper away from the city center.

Transit passes and internet bills are also super cheap, but if we’re being honest, you’ll find yourself using one of the many lovely sidewalk cafes as your office.

Plus, Latvia’s digital nomad visas are one of the easiest to obtain without stringent requirements.

4) Tourists Surprised By How Much They Love Riga

Riga conducted a survey with exiting foreign tourists and the results were better than expected.

Over half of foreign tourists felt they had a much better impression of the city after visiting than before they arrived and were delighted with the city’s offerings.

Overall, 98% of survey participants left glowing reviews as Riga met or exceeded all expectations on their trip.

5) Riga Is a Beach Destination?!

Riga is still gaining steam as more tourists are adding this beautiful city to their wishlist.

What may not be known is Latvia’s capital lies along the Gulf of Riga in the Baltic Sea.

We’re not going to overhype Riga as a beachfront paradise among the likes of the Maldives or Los Cabos, but it’s definitely worth a visit as an underrated beach destination.

The city offers a variety of scenic beaches, with the most popular being Jurmala Beach, Vecaki Beach, and Vakarbuļļu Peldvieta.

Riga is also a cruise port with multiple name-brand cruise lines to choose from.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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April 3, 2024
This Is The Top Digital Nomad Destination In France – And It’s Not Paris

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France may be the number one tourist destination globally, hosting over 100 million annual visitors and being the proud home of the landmark Eiffel Tower, the world’s gastronomic capital and a cultural hub of the first order, but it’s far from being a popular ‘workcation’ spot for digital nomads.

If their preference for Southeast Asia or Latin America is any indication, they actively avoid expensive destinations, and to put it simply, France isn’t exactly known for being the budget alternative, especially when rent alone in Paris can set you back by $1,730 per month.

On the other hand, there is nothing quite like waking up to freshly-baked baguettes from the local boulangerie every day, strolling verdant city parks, and working from a traditional French cafe with views of remarkable architectural feats: if anything, it’s soul-elevating.

But is it possible to work remotely from France, partake in that unrivaled joie de vivre, and still not break the bank?

If it’s the charming Montpellier where you’re headed, instead of the overtouristed City of Lights, then you might just get away with it:

Montpellier Is The Digital Nomad Capital Of France

According to Nomad List, the number one platform for tracking nomad trends worldwide, Montpellier is the top-ranking nomad destination in France, beating Lyon, Nice, and even Paris, with a total score of 3.36/5. For comparison, Paris scores 2.95/5.

Unless you’re a Francophile, however, or you’ve happened to have traveled overland from Spain into France, with a stopover in Montpellier, you might not have been properly introduced to this charming city of Occitania (we must add, mainland France’s southernmost region).

So what is it about this lesser-known city that’s so special, and most importantly, what has it got to offer nomads not only on the cultural front but also in terms of infrastructure?

Also, how actually affordable is it to live in Montpellier, as opposed to visiting for a short period?

One Of The Cultural Centers Of Southern France

National borders are a relatively new concept, and in order to fully grasp the essence of Montpellier, we must first take a look at its ancient History but don’t worry, we’ll keep it light and fun for you: prior to France existing as a state, it belonged to the Crown of Aragon.

Aragon was a kingdom that existed in the Middle Ages, which evolved to become a territory in Spain.

So yes, throughout much of its early development, Montpellier was more closely associated with the neighboring sunny country than the French-speaking world proper.

It is where numerous important events took place, from the birth of James I, a Spanish king, to the establishment of one of the world’s first universities (as a matter of fact, it is still home to the oldest medical school in operation).

If you’re considering a temporary relocation to France as a remote worker, culture is likely to be in your scope of interest, and you’ll be glad to know that Montpellier is a culture-loving nomad’s playground with a wealth of historical monuments.

These include a majestic Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, the Tours des Pins et de la Babotte, two perfectly preserved examples of medieval fortifications, the beautiful Place de la Comédie, a car-free square flanked by stately buildings, and an Ancient Citadel.

Montpellier Is A Lot Warmer Than Paris

Remember how Montpellier was historically a Spanish city? It might have been purchased by France at the turn of the 14th century, but it still feels a lot more ‘Southern European’ than it does ‘French’: winters are pretty mild – it’s currently 60°F – and summers are scalding hot.

Montpellier is not exactly coastal, but it is only a 6.2-mile drive from the beach, and it definitely has a traditional Mediterranean climate. Other than the landmark-packed city itself, major attractions in the area include La Grand Motte, a seaside town, and the Palavas and Carnon beaches.

Motte is a bustling development zone distinguished for its pyramidal resorts and extended miles of thin, golden sand bordered by the azure Mediterranean, and it’s every Montpelliérain‘s go-to beach getaway at the weekends.

We get it, Montpellier has a lot going for it on the culture front, and it’s one of those Med – or marginally-Med – sunny hotspots Europeans love escaping to in the colder months, but why would nomads come here in the first place?

Why Do Nomads Love Montpellier?

The answer is simple: this is a youthful, diverse city, with one-fourth of its 277,000 residents being young students – Montpellier University is one of the oldest and most renowned, right? – and the environment is a lot livelier than in other historical French cities with aging populations.

Cities with a younger demographic tend to be naturally more open to foreigners, as students are likely to speak English as a second language, unlike older generations in France, and the social scene is considerably more active.

Additionally, the high quality of life is a huge draw for nomads, particularly Americans who live in sprawling cities made for cars: in Montpellier, you most certainly don’t need one, as it is the largest pedestrian zone in Europe.

This makes the city a lot greener and more pleasant to live in, and we can’t think of anything better than to swap Paris’ gritty, crime-ridden metro or Marseille’s intricate bus networks for Montpellier’s walkable, cafe-filled Old Quarter.

Speaking of cafes – us nomads always gravitate towards them in the end – Smartscrapers counts at least 80 such establishments in this conurbation, from your mainstream work-friendly Starbucks, to more authentic, local-owned spots.

Montpellier Is Not As Expensive As Paris

Montpellier can be less expensive to live in than other cities in France, as it is not on every tourist’s radar, miles away from other tourist hotspots (it’s a whole 464 miles from the capital, and 202 miles from Nice and its adjacent French Riviera).

Unless they are headed for Occtania specifically, they are unlikely to add sunny Montpellier to their itinerary. If anything, it makes it less crowded and not nearly as costly in Paris: according to Nomad List, it costs $3,715 per month to live in Montpellier.

That’s still pricey, considering living expenses in your average nomad hub are between $1,000 and $2,000. Still, if you’re keen on moving to France, you should know that, in general, it is not an affordable destination.

That being said, Montpellier is a far better deal than Paris, France’s number one city, or the traditional Azure Coast near the Italian border, where nomads set themselves back between $4,582 and $5,151 per month.

Finally, Montpellier is well-connected to other parts of France and other European countries. There are high-speed ‘TGV’ train connections to Paris, Marseille, and Nice, as well as cross-border service leaving from Montpellier towards Spain.

As for the local Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport, it hosts a number of low-cost flights from European, North African, and Middle Eastern hubs, such as Rome in Italy, Heraklion in Greece, and Istanbul in Turkiye.

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March 6, 2024
5 Reasons Why You Should Not Visit Paris This Summer

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Climbing the Eiffel Tower. Strolling down the Champs Elysees. Drinking wine and eating croissants in picturesque street cafes.

It’s easy to see why so many people dream of Paris. It is Europe’s cultural capital and is frequently described as the most romantic city in the world.

But Paris in the summer of 2023? It just might not be worth visiting!

Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t visit Paris this summer:

Paris Is Full

Paris is set to be one of the biggest European victims of over-tourism this summer. In fact, Paris is so crowded that the French Tourism Minister, Olivia Gregoire, has asked tourists to stay away from the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

Ms. Gregoire believes that this approach is for the benefit of “the environment, the quality of life for locals, and the experiences for its visitors”.

According to Ms. Gregoire, 80% of tourists in France visit just 20% of the country. And the most popular tourist destinations in France? They’re all in or around Paris!

Statista research shows that the five most visited attractions in France are Disneyland Paris, the Louvre Museum, the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, and the Pompidou Centre.

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Unless your dream vacation involves standing in line or jostling through crowds, you might want to avoid Paris this year. The city is full.

Why not follow Ms. Gregoire’s advice and explore a lesser-known part of France instead?

Demand Is High

If you do make it to Paris, you might be disappointed to find that some of the city’s major attractions are hard for you to access. This is because demand is high, but the number of tickets available is low.

To improve the visitor experience, for example, in February, the Lourve limited the number of visitors who can enter the gallery to just 30,000 people per day.

Visitors have often complained that the overcrowding in the famous gallery has made it difficult to explore the art in a meaningful way. But now tourists face a different problem: it’s hard to secure tickets!

In a similar vein, tickets to climb the Eiffel Tower are released just six weeks in advance. But at the time of writing, high demand means that e-tickets to ascend to the top and second floors of the Eiffel Tower by elevator are already sold out until the end of July.

If you visit Paris in the low season, however, it is possible to buy a ticket at the gate and ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower on the same day.

Travel Traumas

Workers across France have been walking out throughout 2023 to protest low pay and poor working conditions. Unions in France have been engaged in an ongoing protest against the Government’s plans to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64.

Strikes have been ongoing since January and have been heavily impacting travel both to and around France. The last strike, on June 6, saw more than 400 flights canceled.

Unless an agreement is reached between the Unions and the Government, further strikes are expected across the country throughout the summer, but the dates of these are yet to be announced.

The combination of the impact of strike action with the already crowded airports due to the increased number of passengers visiting France this summer means that, for many people, flying to France this summer will be nothing short of a nightmare.

High Prices

Demand drives prices upwards. And because the demand for flights, accommodation, and attractions is so high this summer, visiting Paris will be expensive.

Hotel prices are always higher in the City of Lights than in many other European capitals, thanks to a combination of high demand, limited supply, and the city’s popularity with tourists. But the problem will be much worse this summer.

According to a Bloomberg report, average hotel prices in Paris are being bumped up by free-spending American tourists with deep pockets and a desire to explore Europe no matter the cost. This is good news for the French economy but bad news for travelers hoping to see the world on a smaller budget.

For this reason, consider traveling to a French destination with a less iconic reputation, and you’ll see your dollar stretch further.

The Smell

During the summer months, Paris has a very unpleasant odor.

National Geographic even completed a study about why Paris smells so bad and what the Parisian authorities are doing to counteract it.

When the weather is cooler, the smell diminishes, and you can barely notice it, but during the heat of the summer, it is unavoidable in some parts of the city.

By contrast, if you visit Provence in the summer, then you will be greeted by the overwhelming smell of fresh lavender. A much more pleasant olfactory proposition if you want to spend the summer in France.

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June 27, 2023
The Top Five Things I Both Love And Hate About Visiting Paris

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People often say that Paris is the kind of city you either love or you hate. But it is possible to do both!

More than 44 million travelers visited Paris in 2022, and anecdotal reviews of the city vary wildly.

Paris is my favorite city in the world, and the short hop across The English Channel means that I’m able to visit regularly. But no city is perfect, and it’s easy to see why a visit to Paris leaves some travelers with a bitter taste in their mouths.

You can love the view from the Eiffel Tower but hate the queues to get in. Love the quaint cafes, but hate the surly waiters.

Here are the top five things I both love and hate about visiting Paris:

The Crowds

Paris is a busy and bustling city, and it can be particularly crowded with tourists during the peak Spring and Summer months.

On the one hand, the crowds make for great people-watching, particularly when you’re sat outside a boulevard café with a coffee. People watching feels like a national sport in Paris, and the more people there are, the better!

On the other hand, visiting Paris attractions when they are crowded can be frustrating and time-consuming.

The elevators to ascend to the top of the Eiffel Tower will leave you crammed in like sardines in a tin, and while I’ve been to the Louvre, I’ve only ever seen segments of the famous Mona Lisa from behind someone else’s head.

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If you can, I recommend traveling to Paris during the quiet season: it may be bitterly cold in the winter, but at least you’ll have room to breathe in the city’s main attractions. You can also ice skate on the first deck of the Eiffel Tower during the winter months. And the Champs-Elysees looks so pretty when it’s lit up for Christmas.

The Cost

Paris is ranked as the second-most expensive city in the world. And while it is possible to visit Paris on a budget, you should plan for it to cost more than you think.

It is possible to buy a baguette or croissant to take out and eat while sitting along the River Seine for just a couple of euros. This is one of my favorite ways to eat on a budget in Paris.

And walking around the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens or the famous Montmartre district doesn’t have a cost at all.

But accommodation and restaurant-standard food are expensive, particularly during peak periods. And while many European cities open their museums and art galleries to the public for free, it costs 17 euros to visit the Louvre in Paris.

In my experience, the cost of food and activities in particular can be more expensive than in many other European cities if you aren’t prepared to shop around or only enjoy activities that are free of charge.

The Size of the City

Paris is a large city, and many of its most famous attractions are not located close to each other.

The 300-meter-tall Eiffel Tower dominates the city skyline, while churches such as Notre Dame and the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur attract millions of visitors each year. But the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are just over 5km apart from each other. You will travel almost 7km from the Eiffel Tower to reach the Basilica de Sacre-Coeur.

This means that if you want to see all of the main attractions in Paris in a relatively short period of time, you need to think ahead and plan your route to do so. It might look like you can wander from Montmartre to the Louvre in the movies, but it’s just not possible in the real world.

While this can mean that Paris isn’t as easy to navigate as other, smaller cities, the good news is that Paris has a very efficient and affordable Metro system. It’s also easy to use and operates until around 1 am.

My favorite way to explore the city’s main attractions is by Batobus: This convenient hop-on, hop-off boat will take you down the River Seine, allowing you to see and stop at all the main attractions you’ll pass on the way.

The size of the city can be both a hindrance and a help: It would be near-impossible to cram so many incredible attractions into a smaller space, and getting lost as you travel from A to B, discovering new side streets and hidden gems, is part of Paris’ charm.

The Food

French food has a reputation for being some of the best in the world. And there are some dishes that the French do better than anyone else.

If you’re looking for decadent fine dining, full-bodied red wines, crusty baguettes and pastries from tiny boulangeries, and delicate macarons and cakes, then there is nowhere better to be. You can even grab Laduree macarons whilst passing through certain train stations in Paris.

But if you’re looking for something a little less, well, French, then you’re going to be disappointed. In the mood for sushi or tacos? This is not the place for you.

While of course, world cuisine is available, there is less diversity in the food in Paris than in most other European capital cities. The comparison to London is a great example of this.

This might not be a problem if you’re only in Paris for a couple of days, but if you’re spending weeks in the city, you might find you start craving dishes that are a little more plain and simple than the traditional cuisine on offer.

The Je Ne Sais Quoi

Je ne sais quoi is a quality that cannot be described or named easily, and Paris just has it. It is a city that feels effortlessly cool.

Whether you’re admiring the fashion choices of the French ‘it girls’ or watching school children walking to the park, French people ooze style and confidence.

Even watching a middle-aged woman cycling home with a baguette for dinner feels exciting when you’re in Paris.

But if you arrive in Paris expecting perfection, you might be disappointed.

Paris has a reputation for being the most romantic city in the world, and it doesn’t always live up to that reputation. Some travelers arrive expecting love and romance and are shocked when they find Paris is a dirty, noisy city like any other.

The Eiffel Tower may be beautiful. But it also has a children’s carousel underneath it, and the surrounding streets are packed with hawkers selling low-quality souvenirs to tourists.

While for me, the chaos and the bustle add to the je ne sais quoi, it’s easy to see why this might put off other travelers, especially those expecting hearts and flowers at every turn.

It’s also worth mentioning that Paris smells. And not like flowers. This is particularly true in the heat of the summer when urine and garbage leave a lingering stench in parts of the city. It could either ruin the city for you or just add to its je ne sais quoi.

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May 19, 2023
Top 5 Affordable Destinations In France To Visit Instead Of Paris
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Paris is a bucket list destination for many travelers, but between exorbitant prices, high crowds, and recent strikes and civil unrest across the city, it may not be the best place to go right now.

Luckily, there’s much more to see in France than just Paris.

A recent report has highlighted the best destinations in France that are cheaper than Paris that offer an underrated alternative for your visit to France.

Here are the best affordable destinations in France to visit instead of Paris:

1. Lyon

Lyon is one of the most underrated cities in France that is a great alternative to Paris. Located about 2.5 hours south of Paris by train, this city was founded 2,000 years ago by the Romans and is packed with history and culture.

Some of the best things to do in Lyon include exploring Vieux Lyon, the historic quarter of the city, wandering through the traboules (covered passageways), and taking a tram up to visit the magnificent Fourvière Basilica.

For history buffs, you won’t want to miss the ruins of the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière or the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière.

2. Marseille

The second-largest city in France after Paris, Marseille is a great place to base yourself for a trip around the South of France if you want to save money.

You’ll find that this city is much more affordable than Paris or popular tourist destinations along the French Riviera, like Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez.

However, all of these destinations are still within day trip distance, along with other stunning places in the South of France like Calanques National Park and Aix-en-Provence, which is famous for its lavender blooms in the summer.

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3. Nantes

Nantes is a city located about 2.5 hours southwest of Paris by train. It’s much more affordable than Paris and offers visitors many things to do.

From exploring the beautiful Château des Ducs de Bretagne to cycling along the greenways on the banks of the Loire River, Nantes is a highly underrated destination in France that is worth a visit.

You can also take a day trip to the famous Mont St-Michel on the Normandy coast, less than 2.5 hours north of Nantes.

4. Corsica

Corsica has long been a popular summer getaway for the French, but it flies under the radar for most American travelers. This island has a unique French-Italian culture owing to its location between the two countries and close to the Italian island of Sardinia.

You can find more affordable prices than the French Riviera in Corsica but still enjoy beautiful beaches and quaint coastal towns.

Corsica is also a great vacation destination for those who love the outdoors and hiking, with a diverse landscape including many craggy peaks and dramatic coastal paths.

5. Brittany

Brittany is a region of France located to the west of Paris. It’s situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean and is home to resort towns like Saint-Malo and Dinard, which are popular summer vacation spots for Parisians.

Located three to four hours from Paris by train, Brittany is home to scenic coastlines, beautiful chateaus, and historic cities like Rennes and Quimper. You’ll find that prices are more affordable than you might expect, especially for fresh and delicious seafood.

More Affordable French Destinations

According to Euronews, these four other destinations are also great affordable options for your next vacation to France:
- Basque Country: Miles of stunning coastline close to Spain
- Annecy: Charming and colorful lakeside town
- Arles: A Mediterranean gem filled with ancient Roman ruins
- Strasbourg: German-influenced city famous for its Christmas markets
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March 27, 2023
French Bee Airline Announces $281 Nonstop Flights From Miami To Paris

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Last Updated 9 mins ago

French Bee Airline, France’s first budget long-haul carrier, will be launching new direct flights from Miami International Airport to Paris Orly Airport beginning this December. Fares will start at $281 each way for a basic economy ticket and $641 for a premium economy ticket. The flight will operate three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with plans to scale to four flights a week by the following April.

Travelers will leave Miami at 9 pm and arrive in Paris at 11:40 am, allowing those who can sleep on planes the opportunity to adjust to the new time zone quickly. There is no need to rush to the airport for the trip back as the return flight from Paris will leave at 2:30 pm and arrive in Miami at 6:45 pm. Total flight time from Miami to Paris will be 8 hours and 45 minutes, while the flight back to Miami from Paris will take 10 hours and 25 minutes.

Those who travel light will love the prices of French Bee‘s basic economy tickets, starting at $281 each way. If flying in basic economy, passengers are allowed to bring one 26lb carry-on bag. While this sounds very small, a 26lb bag can be more than enough for a quick getaway to Paris if packed correctly. For those who need more luggage, French Bee allows passengers to customize their ticket by upgrading to a ‘smart’ ticket which allows a 50lb checked bag and includes an in-flight meal. For those with even more luggage, upgrading to a ‘premium’ ticket allows for two 50lb checked bags and includes two in-flight meals, complimentary drinks, premium seats, and priority boarding.

The new flight addition comes after four years of success in the U.S. market, which began with a direct flight from San Francisco to Paris and Tahiti in 2018. After several years of successfully operating flights out of San Francisco, French Bee added two more routes to Paris, flying out of Los Angeles and New York. With the latest flight offering coming out of Miami, French Bee is gaining a better foothold in the U.S. market as a wonderful option for those seeking nonstop flights to Paris.

“Paris remains one of the most desired international destinations in the world for South Floridians and with the continued growth that Miami is witnessing, we are confident that this is the best market for our first Southeast route. We are excited about this expansion as we know that passengers will find value in booking competitive prices in the market,” said French Bee President Marc Rochet in a press release. And while the company may be excited about the new flight, travelers are sure to be even more eager for the new offering.

Paris is a well-known destination that almost every traveler has on their bucket list. It is one of the most visited cities in Europe and is home to many famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame cathedral. French cuisine is some of the best in the world, and the café culture is a highlight of Paris for many visitors. No matter what sort of traveler, there is something for everyone in the beautiful French capital.

While it’s clear that a stay in Paris will be an unforgettable experience, what about the time spent aboard French Bee’s aircraft? Currently, French Bee only flies Airbus A350s, which are considered to be a very modern aircraft. To reduce jet lag, the plane is equipped with mood lighting that will simulate the sunrise and sunset. The A350s are also considered very quiet compared to other aircraft, which helps reduce fatigue from long flights. All seats include USB ports and electrical plugs, large screens for in-flight entertainment, and headphone jacks.

For travelers on a budget, or those looking for a direct flight to Paris, French Bee’s new route offering shouldn’t disappoint. Bookings are already being accepted for December 15^th and beyond, and rates are still low.

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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June 24, 2022
New Flights From New York To Paris Launched

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New flights have been announced that will further connect New York with the French capital, Paris. The City of Lights has long since been a popular destination for travelers from the United States, with millions jetting off to Paris each year to enjoy all that the fashion and romance capital has to offer. Thanks to the announcement of new flights services this week, getting there is set to get much easier for travelers.

It’s been a good few months for travelers with an eye on traveling further afield, with scores of new routes added between the United States and Europe, and this latest addition is bound to be a hit. Here’s everything you need to know about the new flight services between the two cities, including which airline it is, how frequent the flights will be plus a recap of France’s current entry requirements.

New York To Paris Flights – Information for Travelers

Prior to the pandemic, Paris was one of the most popular destinations in the world, coming third to Bangkok and London when analyzing which cities welcomed the most travelers. A significant proportion of Paris’ arrivals are from the United States, with 6.2 million Americans taking the short hop across the Atlantic to take in sights such as the Eiffel Tower, Nôtre-Dame Cathedral and Disneyland Paris.

Yet whilst the pandemic may have reduced traveler numbers, it has hardly dampened attitudes towards travel, with Paris once more seen as a top destination this summer. As a result, Air France are teaming up with their fellow SkyTeam alliance member Delta to provide 9 daily flights between New York and Paris, giving travelers a wealth of options when it comes to travel between the two travel hotspots.

The flights will be between New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) in Paris. Flights are set to leave Charles-de-Gaulle at 8:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30 and 19:30. Flights from JFK will take place in the afternoon onwards, with departures slated for 16:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:30, 21:00, 22:00, 23:00 and 23:55.

Both airlines are using widebody jetliners for the routes, which – if full – could see more than 2,500 passengers pass between the two cities in a single day. Whilst Delta will be utilizing its Airbus A330 aircraft for the flights to Paris, those heading back to New York with Air France will be on Boeing 777-300 jets. Each flight will be available in at least three different classes, such as economy, premium economy and business class.

In order to enter France at present, vaccinated travelers must provide proof of vaccination but do not need to take a test beforehand. Unvaccinated travelers must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours or an antigen test result taken within 48 hours pre-departure. Fortunately for travelers, France has removed its vaccine passport requirements, and has dropped its mask mandates in most situations – public transport and at a business’ discretion aside.

Whilst it may be more accessible now thanks to this increased connectivity, travel to Paris is set to cost travelers a fair chunk of change. Notorious for being an expensive destination to begin with, travelers will also have to contend with sky-high flight tickets and record hotel prices in Europe when booking their trips to the city. Fortunately for Americans, the strength of the dollar against the Euro should help to soften any financial outlay.

Read More:

Top 10 Destinations To Visit In The United States According To U.S. News

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

What Travelers Need To Know About The Monkeypox Virus Spreading In Europe

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 28, 2022