Travel Experiences in France| Artsy Traveler

France is an endlessly rewarding destination for the Artsy Traveler. Even after more than a dozen trips over the years, I still haven’t run out of things to see and do, and that’s part of its magic.

For art and culture lovers, France deserves a place at the very top of any European travel list. From world-class art museums and extraordinary prehistoric sites to awe-inspiring cathedrals, literary landmarks, and unforgettable landscapes, France offers a richness of cultural experiences that rewards repeat visits. Whether you’re exploring Paris or venturing into the regions beyond, you’ll find inspiration at every turn.

Planning a trip to France? Start with my comprehensive guide to artsy & independent travel in France, covering literature, theater, historic cities, countryside destinations, and practical tips for exploring without a car.

Visiting France: My Best Tips for Artsy & Independent Travelers

Posts About France

Here are all my posts about France.

View of the Pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris

Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth It for Art Lovers? I Did the Math

I have been visiting Paris museums since 1970, when I was fourteen and saw the Mona Lisa in the dusty ...

Woman looking at a sculpture in the Musee Rodin in Paris

How to Plan a Paris Art Museum Trip Without Wasting a Single Day

Before every trip to Paris, whether it's for a day, a week or longer, I decide which museums I want ...

Inside the Paris for Art Lovers Guide: What You Get for $9.99

I've been going to Paris for decades, and somewhere along the way I noticed a pattern. The museums everyone tells ...

Colorful shelves of art supplies at the ochre museum in Roussillon

Explore The Ochre Museum in Colorful Roussillon

For a truly delightful—and delightfully colorful—museum experience far from the crowds, check out the ochre museum in Roussillon, AKA Ôkhra ...

Diorama of women in Arlesieene costumes form the 19th century featured at the Musee Arletan in Arles, France

Arles, France: Best 3 Museums for Art and History Lovers

Arles is one of those fascinating little cities that rewards lingering. Sure, you can tick off the Roman arena and ...

Pont d'arc in the Ardeche Gorge in France

The Ardèche Gorge in France: Best One-Day Stay

The Ardèche Gorge in France is famous for its rugged cliffs, its tranquil river dotted with sets of gentle rapids ...

Carol Cram in front of the formal gardens at Villandry in the Loire Valley with the chateaux in the background.

10 Best Loire Valley Castles (Châteaux): Fairytale Magic

The Loire Valley is where the kings and queens of France went to play, and looking at the châteaux they ...

Caorl Cram in front of the Seine with the Notre Dame in the evening light in the distance

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: My Visit Since the Reopening (Skip the Line)

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has, literally, risen from the ashes and is again open to the public. If you’re visiting ...

Arles for Art Lovers: Van Gogh’s Legacy Lives On

Guest Post by Jackie Lapin from The Historic Traveler When Vincent van Gogh left behind the bustling energy of Paris ...

Should You Go Up the Eiffel Tower in Paris?

I've gone up the Eiffel Tower at least five times over the years (starting way back in 1970), and each ...

How to Spend a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Paris

During a perfect Artsy Traveler day in Paris, you’ll balance cultural sightseeing with relaxed wandering and memorable meals. My itinerary ...

A detailed view of a prehistoric painting in Lascaux IV in the Dordogne. The painting depicts a spotted bull with black and red details, surrounded by abstract shapes and natural rock textures. The artwork demonstrates the expressive techniques used in ancient cave art.

Visiting Lascaux IV in the Stunning Dordogne

Visiting Lascaux IV in the Dordogne region of France is a must for the artsy traveler. Here you'll view the ...

Savoring Life in Pont-Aven—The City of Artists

If you're touring Brittany, make time in your itinerary to visit Pont-Aven, the city of artists. I recently stayed for ...

How to Spend Six Days in Paris for an Artsy Traveler

I recently spent six days in Paris while my husband, Gregg Simpson, mounted an exhibition of his paintings at a ...

Musée d’Orsay Famous Paintings: My Guide to the Must-See Masterpieces

Every time I walk into the Musée d'Orsay, I feel the same thing: relief. Relief that I'm back, that the ...

View of French village in southwest France

Guest Post: Author Zoe Disigny Buys a House in France

Author Zoe Disigny (The Art of Traveling Strangers) has made her dream of owning a house in France come true! ...

Where To Go in France: Best 10-day Itinerary

Ten days in France sounds generous until you're standing in the Louvre and realizing you've allocated forty-five minutes for the ...

Six Favorite Regions in France: What to See & Do

France is one of those countries where the hardest part of planning a trip is deciding what to leave out ...

Man sitting on a bench reading a book with the Eiffel Tower in the background

The Best Novels Set in France for the Arts-loving Traveler

Looking for novels set in France to read before your trip or to enjoy while traveling through Paris, Provence, and ...

Book cover of Love Among the Recipes, a novel by Carol M. Cram

Love Among the Recipes: Paris Sights & Bistro Dishes

When her husband cheats on her, cookbook author Genna McGraw does what any self-respecting food writer would do: she books ...

17 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in France That Will Capture Your Heart

I’ve been traveling around France since I was 14 when I toured Europe with my mother on a budget of ...

Where to Stay in France: My Best Picks

You're in luck when it comes to finding great places to stay in France. In fact, some of our most ...

Discover Lyon–Friendly, Vibrant & Very French

Discover the hidden gems of Lyon, France's third-largest city and the center of gastronomy in France. A few years ago, ...

9 Best Small Museums in Paris: Personal Picks for Art Lovers

Paris rewards the artsy traveler with more than its fair share of amazing art museums in addition to the Big ...

Top Normandy Sights to Excite Art & History Lovers

Normandy is one of those French regions that rewards the traveler who slows down and actually stays. I know this ...

Take a Cooking Class in Paris

Have you considered taking a cooking class while traveling in France? Paris is the place for cooking classes, but you'll ...

About Carol

Carol M. Cram writes novels inspired by the arts; runs Artsy Traveler, an arts-focused travel blog, and Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,700+ novels inspired by the arts; and hosts The Art In Fiction Podcast. She has also authored 60+ textbooks on computer applications and taught at Capilano University for over two decades. Carol lives with her husband, artist Gregg Simpson, on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, BC.

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Posts About France

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