France
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.
Introducing Paris for Art Lovers: My New Guide to the City’s Best-Kept Secrets
Explore The Ochre Museum in Colorful Roussillon
Arles, France: Best 3 Museums for Art and History Lovers
The Ardèche Gorge in France: Best One-Day Stay
10 Best Loire Valley Castles (Châteaux): Fairytale Magic
H1: Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris: My Visit Since the Reopening (Skip the Line)
Arles for Art Lovers: Van Gogh’s Legacy Lives On
Should You Go Up the Eiffel Tower in Paris?
How to Spend a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Paris
Visiting Lascaux IV in the Stunning Dordogne
Savoring Life in Pont-Aven—The City of Artists
How to Spend Six Days in Paris for an Artsy Traveler
Discover the Best of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris
Guest Post: Author Zoe Disigny Buys a House in France
Where To Go in France: Best 10-day Itinerary
Six Favorite Regions in France: What to See & Do
The Best Novels Set in France for the Arts-loving Traveler
Love Among the Recipes: Paris Sights & Bistro Dishes
17 Off-the-Beaten-Path Places in France That Will Capture Your Heart
Where to Stay in France: My Best Picks
Discover Lyon–Friendly, Vibrant & Very French
9 Best Small Museums in Paris: Personal Picks for Art Lovers
Top Normandy Sights to Excite Art & History Lovers
Take a Cooking Class in Paris
Carol M. Cram is the author of five award-winning novels inspired by art and the women who shaped it, the creator of Artsy Traveler, an arts-focused travel blog, the founder of Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,500+ novels inspired by the arts, and the host of The Art In Fiction Podcast. She also authored 60+ textbooks on computer applications and taught at Capilano University for over two decades. She lives with her husband, artist Gregg Simpson, on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, BC.