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Category: Travel

Sens & Villenueve-sur-Yonne, A Day Out Exploring in Bourgogne

Posted on March 6, 2023February 27, 2023 by Rose Joly

Just after confinement lifted in France back in May of 2020, my husband and I began looking for things to do in the region(s) close to Troyes. Being the nerd that I am, and never having had the opportunity to visit, I suggested we go to Sens because I wanted to see the cathedral. After…

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A Long Weekend in Étretat

Posted on August 8, 2021August 8, 2021 by Rose Joly

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Étretat, the first thing that comes to mind are the gorgeous impressionist paintings of Monet. Maybe it’s just the art historian in me, but I have longed to visit ever since I became aware of its existence. After living in France for nearly two years,…

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city gateway

Noyers, A Medieval French Village Where History Lies in Every Stone

Posted on June 13, 2021September 16, 2022 by Rose Joly

Noyers, also called Noyers-sur-Serein, is a charmingly small medieval village located in the Burgundian countryside. Classified as one of The Most Beautiful Villages of France, Noyers is sure to transport you back in time! Ideal for a day walking about or a visit to the local artisans, Noyers is the perfect day trip! History of…

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modern photograph of the chateau de vaux facade

Château de Vaux, Château de Jeux

Posted on December 2, 2020May 22, 2021 by Rose Joly

Now I know what you’re thinking: “ugh another French château to visit? No thanks!” because, let’s be honest, after a while they all start to look the same! I assure you, though, this is no typical château. Don’t expect any perfectly curated and maintained interiors or gardens, nor a walkthrough that leaves all the rooms…

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photograph of modern construction of a medieval castle in france

Guédelon, A Rare Glimpse into the Building of a Medieval Château

Posted on November 19, 2020May 22, 2021 by Rose Joly

I already know what you’re thinking, what the hell is Guédelon?! I had no idea what it was or that it even existed until recently! I found it while looking for some fun post-confinement activities to do in the region of Bourgogne (Burgundy). What is Guédelon? Prepare to be greeted by the “clink clink” of…

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countryside church, loire valley

An Atypical Weekend in the Valley of the Loire

Posted on October 19, 2020May 22, 2021 by Rose Joly

This is a trip I took with my husband who decided to book us a romantic and relaxing weekend getaway. I was visiting him briefly from the UK in June of 2019 and I thought it would be apropos to share this experience here, even though it took place some time ago. I kept nagging…

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Clairvaux prison with retaining bars and door

The Shockingly Dark History of the Abbey of Clairvaux

Posted on October 18, 2020August 23, 2021 by Rose Joly

Last night as I watched The Green Mile with my husband, I was reminded of a particularly moving visit we had taken to the Abbey of Clairvaux in July. What could a 12th century abbey and The Green Mile have in common? You’re about to find out. Expectation VS Reality To be honest, I had…

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Salut! I’m Rose.
I’m an American married to a Frenchman living in the countryside of France. I’m here to fill you in on life here, from administrative paperwork to weird customs to underrated places to visit.

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This is why I haven’t been very active here on F This is why I haven’t been very active here on FCG… I’m super busy building this dream! 🌈 Hope you all don’t mind. I will be back with more content very soon, I swear! @jolyvitrail
New post on the blog about the oh-so-charming Vill New post on the blog about the oh-so-charming Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. The Tour Bonneville was one of my favorite little parts of the trip! So cute and cozy, wish I could take a peek inside!

#travelblog #expatblog #Francetravel #france #frenchcountrysideguide #americaninfrance #liveinfrance #lifeinfrance #cultureblogger #expatinfrance #travel #travelinfrance #expatlife #Bourgogne #Bourgognetourisme #bourgognetourism #burgundytourism #burgundy #tourisminfrance #francetravel #daytripsinfrance #villeneuvesuryonne #villeneuve #blog #americanexpat #expatlife #frenchcountryliving #countryside #frenchcountryside
It snowed last month here (a rarity)... But what d It snowed last month here (a rarity)... But what does this month have in store for us? 🌧❄️☔️💨☀️

#blog #americanexpat #expatlife #frenchcountryliving #countryside #frenchcountryside #travelblog #expatblog #Francetravel #france #frenchcountrysideguide #americaninfrance #liveinfrance #lifeinfrance #cultureblogger #expatinfrance #travel #travelinfrance #expatlife #winter #snow
I'm baaaack! 💥 New post on the blog about the o I'm baaaack! 💥
New post on the blog about the oh-so-charming Villeneuve-sur-Yonne. 

#travelblog #expatblog #Francetravel #france #frenchcountrysideguide #americaninfrance #liveinfrance #lifeinfrance #cultureblogger #expatinfrance #travel #travelinfrance #expatlife #Bourgogne #Bourgognetourisme #bourgognetourism #burgundytourism #burgundy #tourisminfrance #francetravel #daytripsinfrance #villeneuvesuryonne #villeneuve #portedesens #sens #blog #americanexpat #expatlife #frenchcountryliving #countryside #frenchcountryside
New Year, don't care. 🎉💁‍♀️ #firework New Year, don't care. 🎉💁‍♀️

#fireworks #france #frenchcountrysideguide #frenchcountryside #travelblog #expatblog #frenchvillagelife #Francetravel #frenchvillage #lifeinfrance #expatinfrance #travelinfrance #frenchcountryliving #newyear #newyearseve #nouvelan #year2022 #HappyNewYear
Pre-fire photo (2019) of some lovely decorations o Pre-fire photo (2019) of some lovely decorations outside of the Hôtel de Ville with a view of Notre-Dame's towers in the background. 

#frenchcountrysideguide #travelblog #expatblog #Francetravel #Frencharchitecture #france #lifeinfrance #americaninfrance #cultureblogger #travelinfrance #notredamedeparis #Paris #ChristmasDeco #Christmastrees #festiveseason #Cathedral #CathedralenotredamedeParis #notredame #notredamedeparis #holidayseason #happyholidays #merrychristmas #joyeuxnoël #joyeusesfêtes
So close to a new year... Wonder what 2022 will b So close to a new year... 
Wonder what 2022 will bring? Maybe a visit to the states? Or perhaps next New Year's my family will be celebrating here with me in France?
What are you looking forward to in '22?

#fireworks #france #frenchcountrysideguide #frenchcountryside #travelblog #expatblog #frenchvillagelife #Francetravel #frenchvillage #lifeinfrance #expatinfrance #travelinfrance #frenchcountryliving #newyear #newyearseve #nouvelan #HappyNewYear
Ah, Chartres during the holiday season. 😍 Just Ah, Chartres during the holiday season. 😍 Just need a chocolat chaud from le Café Serpente and I am set! 

#frenchcountrysideguide #travelblog #expatblog #Francetravel #Frencharchitecture #france #frenchcountryside #medievalarchitecture #lifeinfrance #liveinfrance #cultureblogger #expatinfrance #travel #travelinfrance #frenchcountryliving #historicalmonument #architecture #MonumentHistorique #christmasinFrance #christmastree #Chartres #Chartrescathedral #CathedraledeChartres #NotredamedeChartres #ChartresFrance
Perhaps you are not celebrating tonight, nor tomor Perhaps you are not celebrating tonight, nor tomorrow, but I wanted to wish you all happy holidays!
Tonight, my husband and I celebrate with his family with a semi-traditional/non-traditional dinner. 
Each year I try to bring something a little bizarre (from their perspective) that they have never heard of or tried before. The first year I came (2019), I brought s'mores to make in the chimney, the following year I made Polish kruschiki and this year will be trifles (caramel apple cinnamon & chocolate with salted caramel). I always love making them discover something new and look forward to this year's reaction to my dessert!

#frenchcountrysideguide #travelblog #expatblog #frenchvillagelife #Francetravel #frenchvillage #france #countryside #frenchcountryside #lifeinfrance #frenchcountryliving #ChristmasinFrance #noël #Christmas  #christmaslights #christmastime #christmasdeco #happyholidays #merrychristmas #joyeuxnoël #joyeusesfêtes #christmaseve #réveillon #réveillondenoël #christmasdinner
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  • Sens & Villenueve-sur-Yonne, A Day Out Exploring in Bourgogne
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  • A Long Weekend in Étretat

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