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Latest Blogs

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Discover Paris through fresh perspectives—from historic streets to haute couture, French lifestyle secrets to hidden gems in the Dordogne and South of France.
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lifeinruralfrance.com
Rue Mouffetard: A Historic Street in Paris

Rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter in Paris is steeped in history. On my last trip to Paris to celebrate the New Year, I stayed at Hotel Monte Cristo, just across from rue Mouffetard, and couldn’t believe how much history this one street hidden away.

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7 French Lifestyle Books That Will Change Your Life

These 7 French lifestyle books give you the inside scoop on how French women eat, dress, age, parent, and generally navigate life. Discover insights that can transform your approach to everyday living without the need to relocate to Paris.

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7 Haute Couture Cafes and Restaurants in Paris

This page highlights seven exquisite cafes and restaurants in Paris that embody haute couture, perfect for celebrating Paris Fashion Week. Discover where to enjoy a luxurious pastry at Dior or a coffee at Ralph's, blending fashion and culinary excellence.

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Sarlat Truffle Festival: A Hidden Gem for Food Lovers

The Sarlat Truffle Festival is a highlight of the food calendar in France. The Dordogne region is famous for truffles & in January they celebrate.

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The Secret Behind Why French Women Age So Well Compared to Americans

Getting older as a woman is a minefield, but doing it in France, where every woman seems to age beautifully, takes it to a different level. This page explores the cultural and lifestyle factors that contribute to the graceful aging of French women compared to their American counterparts.

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White Lotus is Coming to the South of France

It's exciting news as we now have it confirmed that White Lotus is coming to the South of France in season four and the hotel is stunning.

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15 Mistakes You Don't Want To Make the Next Time You Go To Paris

This page highlights common mistakes travelers make when visiting Paris, offering insights based on personal experiences. It aims to help visitors enjoy their trip to the city by avoiding these pitfalls.

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Josephine Baker's Chateau des Milandes Overview

High above the Dordogne River in southwestern France sits a Renaissance chateau with soaring towers, intricate gargoyles, and brilliant stained glass windows that catch the light like jewels. Chateau des Milandes looks like something out of a fairy tale, which is exactly what Josephine Baker thought when she first saw it in the 1930s.

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Why the French Spend More Time Eating

Why do the French spend so much time eating, and why did they make it illegal to eat lunch at your desk? The answer may surprise you.

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Why Musée d’Orsay Is the Best Museum to Visit in Paris

There are plenty of reasons to visit Musée d’Orsay from the stunning belle epoque restaurant to the access to the artwork and fewer crowds.

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The Story of La Samaritaine, Paris and Art Deco Tour

La Samaritaine is a stunning example of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, and the epitome of experiential shopping in Paris. This page explores its rich history and architectural significance, inviting readers to discover the charm of this iconic department store.

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The Resistance Fighter Behind Miss Dior: Catherine Dior's War

Most people recognize the name Dior. They know the fashion house, the iconic perfumes, the elegance that Christian Dior brought to post-war Paris. Many have heard of Miss Dior, the fragrance that launched in 1947 and became one of the world’s most famous perfumes. But few know about the woman it was named for. Catherine Dior's story is one of bravery and resilience during a tumultuous time in history.

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28 Movies That Will Make You Want to Move To France

This page showcases a selection of 28 films that evoke the charm and beauty of France, encouraging viewers to consider relocating there. The list includes both popular and lesser-known movies that capture the essence of French culture and lifestyle.

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France in January: Festivals, Feasts, and Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Did you know that France in January is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered? From dog sledding races to truffles.

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Your Complete Guide To the 'Must See' Emily in Paris Locations

Ready to discover the best Emily in Paris locations? All the best places from season 1, 2 or 3 plus ten restaurants they've featured.

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What Americans Need to Know About Traveling to France in 2026

If you're traveling to France in 2026, you'll need to add a couple of new steps to your pre-travel checklist. Ignore this and things could get complicated.

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International Holocaust Remembrance Day: Five French Survivors

Today marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945. This page highlights the stories of five French survivors whose experiences must never be forgotten.

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The Best Spots To See The Chinese New Year Parade in Paris

February isn’t just about Valentine’s Day. It’s when some arrondissements go all out with the Chinese New Year Parade in Paris festivities.

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10 Beautiful and Historic Cafes in France (Outside Paris)

Traveling through France means finding places that make you stop and think about all the lives that came before yours. Few places do this better than the country’s historic cafes, where revolutionaries plotted, artists painted, and writers penned novels over endless cups of coffee.

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15 Beautiful Cities in France Beyond Paris

There are so many stunning cities in France if you look outside of the capital. France is more than one city and there is so much to explore.

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10 Stunning Medieval Villages in the Dordogne

These towns and villages in the Dordogne will take you back in time to the 12th and 13th centuries and beyond. Many of the buildings are original.

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The Menton Lemon Festival 2026: Your Complete Guide

With over 200,000 visitors annually, believe me when I say the Menton Lemon Festival on the Cote d’Azur packs a serious citrus punch. This guide provides all the essential information you need to enjoy this vibrant celebration of lemons and creativity.

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The Secrets and Stories of Mont Saint Michel

Rising mysteriously from the sands of Normandy is the tidal island of Mont Saint Michel, which has fascinated travelers, historians, and legions of tourists. It’s a place where tide and time meet, and you can’t help but wonder about the people who lived here hundreds of years ago.

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13 Must-Watch TV Shows Set in France

I've rounded up 13 TV Shows set in France, 9 English-speaking & 4 French-speaking, from wartime dramas, and cozy mysteries to rom-coms. This list is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the charm and culture of France through television.

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The Complete Guide to Living in France as an Expat

Thinking of moving to France? Get insiders tips on what it's like living in France as an Expat, avoid costly mistakes & things to know beforehand.

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The 5 Best Paris Arrondissements to Stay In

Choosing where to stay in Paris can make or break your trip. Pick the wrong arrondissement, and you’ll spend half your vacation on the metro. Pick the right one, and you’ll step out your door into exactly the Paris you came to see.

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Discover the Magic of Aix-en-Provence

If ever there was a town that made you want to move to France, it’s Aix-en-Provence. Apart from the fact that it’s in one of the most talked about regions of France, Provence, with lavender fields and fabulous cafe life, there is more to this place than meets the eye.

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7 Stunning Places to Visit in the French Riviera

These places to visit in the French Riviera show you how much more there is to this region of France than what the influencers post on Instagram.

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20 Unique Places for Your Paris Bucket List

Looking for some more unusual places to add to your Paris bucket list that aren’t the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame or Louvre? This guide highlights 20 lesser-known attractions that will enhance your Paris experience.

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12 Best Hotels in Paris With Balcony and Views to Die For

Finding the best hotels in Paris with Balcony for an affordable price is hard. I’ve created five different categories that won't break the bank.

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10 Books Set on the French Riviera to Feed Your South of France Obsession

This page features a curated list of ten books that transport readers to the picturesque French Riviera, perfect for those dreaming of sunny escapes. Whether you live in France or are planning a visit, these literary selections will inspire your love for this stunning region.

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What Happened to the Mona Lisa in the War

This page explores the fate of the Mona Lisa and thousands of other artworks during the Second World War in France. It highlights the historical significance of these events and the lesser-known regions involved in the art preservation efforts.

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15 Underrated Romantic Places in France

There are so many romantic places in France to choose from and this list has some hidden gems as well as some old favourites. Discover unique destinations for a memorable Valentine's getaway beyond Paris.

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How Valentines Day in France Is So Different

If you've ever wondered how Valentines Day in France is different from other countries, this article will tell you everything you need to know. Discover the unique customs and traditions that make Valentine's Day in France special.

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Musée de Cluny: Medieval Paris in the Latin Quarter

Walking into Musée de Cluny, you’re stepping into two buildings with more history than most cities. One dates back to Roman Paris, when the city was called Lutetia. The other was built as a residence for some of the wealthiest abbots in medieval France. Between them, they hold one of the finest collections of medieval art and artifacts.

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The 5 Most Visited Cathedrals in France

Discover the most visited cathedrals in France and the intriguing stories behind them that guidebooks often overlook. This page explores the significance and beauty of these architectural marvels, inviting readers to appreciate France's rich religious heritage.

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The Thinker at Musée Rodin: The Story Behind the Sculpture

If there is one statue guaranteed to make you stop and think in Paris, it is, of course, The Thinker in the garden of the Musée Rodin. It sits on a high plinth surrounded by box trees in the sculpture garden, making it a showstopper that has been featured on book covers, classroom walls, and social media.

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The Basilique Saint-Denis: The Church That Invented Gothic Architecture

Most people who visit Paris spend their days ticking off the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre. But just 20 minutes north of the city on Metro Line 13, there’s a cathedral that changed the history of architecture, buried almost every French king for 900 years, and still holds a mummified heart.

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Knights Templar in France: Sites and Myths Explored

This page explores the existence of the Knights Templar in France, highlighting seven significant sites that support their historical presence. It aims to debunk myths and provide insights into the secrets surrounding this fascinating order.

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12 French Culture Shocks Americans Should Expect

France is a wonderful country to live in, but it’s not without its challenges. When I first moved here just over ten years ago, there were definitely a few culture shocks that took a bit of getting used to.

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5 Famous Brasseries in Paris Featured In the Movies

Paris is a favorite with movie directors, and it’s easy to see why. It has all the makings of the perfect romcom, and I’m a sucker for enjoying a virtual tour of my favorite city through the eyes of a Hollywood movie.

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The Pirate City of Saint Malo: A Timeless Adventure

This page explores the rich history and culture of Saint Malo, a fortified city known for its stunning ramparts and coastal views. The author shares personal experiences from a recent visit, highlighting key attractions and the charm of this historic destination.

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10 Day Trips From Paris That Are Less Than 90 Minutes Away

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and staying more than three or four days, then you will probably want to consider doing a couple of day trips. There is so much to see within 90 minutes of Paris, and depending on what you enjoy, plenty of choices.

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The Survival Guide for Vegans in France in 2026

If you're worried about options as a vegan in France this vegan survival guide will help you find what you need quickly and easily.

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The Best Food Festivals in France to Add to Your 2026 Vacation List

Discover the best food festivals in France to visit. Immerse yourself in French culture, indulge in great food & wine. France at its best.